AUTOMOTIVE BRAND

Toyota Alphard 2009

2010-12-22T09:22:00.001+07:00

This is something that will make everyone turn their heads when it hits the road in Malaysia.

The new Toyota Alphard 2009. When Toyota says it’s new, they really mean it’s new. The design, the engine, and everything inside-out. Not some face-lift shit that Proton claimed as “new”, e.g. the Proton Waja and Proton Chancellor. A new car? Hell NO!

Introducing, the new Toyota Alphard 2009! You can literally feel the wind by looking at its design. Superbly designed for optimum aerodynamics!

The all new Toyota Alphard has been officially launched in Japan and now for the first time made available in two different series, the “Alphard” series which emphasizes “elegance” and “refinement” while the “Vellfire” accentuates “power” and “innovation,” thus creating two vehicles with individual identities.

It gets a new 3.5-liter Dual VVT-i V6 engine, coupled with 6 Super ECT and the dependable 2.4-liter VVT-i engine now comes with increased output, coupled with Super CVT-i which provide driving performance with power to spare.A six-speed Sequential Shiftmatic transmission on the 3.5-liter models and a seven-speed Sports Sequential Shiftmatic transmission on 2.4-liter models allow the driver to enjoy a manual transmission-like sensation.

Alright now, let’s drool!

The rear lights looked like wings.

Transformer like grilles.

Killer Eye.

The back-end.

The Interior. 1 LCD monitor for each passenger. Awesome stuff.

The side mirror.

Toyota Alphard 2009 Dashboard. Breath-taking illumination.

The cockpit.

Large LCD screen in the middle for GPS, status indicators, and entertainment.

Indirect LED lights and angelic neon light effects from the sides. Heaven-like!

LOTUS Evora S (2011)

2010-11-21T12:13:00.002+07:00

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Lotus has taken the award winning Evora and re-created it with a 350 PS 3.5l V6 engine to create the Lotus Evora S. Dany Bahar Lotus' Chief Executive Officer summed it up beautifully when he said: "You don't realise what you were missing from your driving experience until you get behind the wheel of the Evora S."

So apart from the obvious power difference, how is the Lotus Evora S different to the standard Evora? It's another question we put to the CEO (given that he's spent a little time behind the wheel, we thought he'd be best placed to answer questions). This is what he said: "It's the next level of Evora experience. It communicates with you better, the suspension setting has been fine tuned for added power and control so it responds even more to direction. It's an instinctual car, the experience is pure."

"We were proud of the Evora but we're even prouder of the Lotus Evora S, I feel like it does the true Lotus experience justice. The really great thing is that as we move forward the standard Evora should also benefit from some of these developments."

The Lotus Evora S comes with a sport pack as standard featuring a 'sport' button which allows the driver to control throttle response and activate the exhaust by-pass valve. The sport button also raises the instantaneous rev limit and changes the dynamic stability control settings resulting in a total experience change. There are cross-drilled brakes for improved cooling. And here's a heads up for those who buy into the old adage 'you can tell the men from the boys by the size of their toys': the external emotion of the Lotus Evora S has been improved with a completely new active exhaust which means that at the push of a button the car sounds just as dramatic as it feels.

Commenting on the Lotus Evora S, Lotus Chief Commercial Officer Andreas Prillmann said: "The Evora S is a natural progression for us but more than that, it's a taste of what people can come to expect from the next generation of Lotus cars. It retains core Lotus values such as performance through lightweight but it also gives more than that. It's the perfect combination of top performance, style and comfort. Form doesn't sacrifice function in the case of the Lotus Evora S."

So there you have it folks, the next generation of Lotus Evora, the Evora S, set to be unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Lotus Evora S Technical Specification

= Engine: Mid mounted, transverse 3.5 litre DOHC V6 VVT-I
= Transmission: 6 speed manual
= Chassis: Modular lightweight bonded aluminium structure
= Steering: Lotus tuned hydraulically-assisted power steering
= Suspension
o Forged aluminium double wishbone suspension
o Bilstein high performance gas dampers
o Eibach coaxial coil springs
= Fuel consumption (Standard wheel option)
o urban: 14.5 l/100km
o extra urban: 7.4 l/100km
o combined: 10.0l/100km
o CO2 Emissions: 235 g/km
= Fuel consumption (19/20" wheel option)
o urban: 14.6 I/100km
o extra urban: 7.6 I/100km
o combined: 10.2 I/100km
o CO2 Emissions: 239 g/km
= Max power: 350 PS / 257.5 kW @ 7000 rpm
= Max torque: 400 Nm / 295 lb ft @ 4500 rpm
= 0-60 mph: 4.6s
= 0-100 km/h: 4.8s
= Maximum speed: 172mph
= Vehicle mass (unladen): 1437kg.

LOTUS Elise (2011)

2010-11-21T12:12:00.000+07:00

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The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar market 14 years ago when the small lightweight agile 2-seat mid engine sportscar was introduced. By ensuring that the Lotus Elise stuck rigidly to Lotus' core values of performance through light weight, the Lotus Elise was able to produce supercar performance with city car economy.

Making its debut at the 80th International Geneva Motorshow, the 2011 model year Lotus Elise introduces a number of changes and improvements to maintain its class leading position.

The body - an evolution
The body of the new 2011 Lotus Elise is an evolution of the iconic Elise design, retaining the character and style, while offering a more planted, purposeful stance and a pure, contemporary look that links it to the Evora. As with all Lotus product the design is an exciting blend of dramatic style and functional efficiency

The new Lotus Elise body has a fresh sculptured front, including a new bumper, front clam and access panel that combine to give the Lotus Elise a wider look with more road presence.

At the rear of the car the new engine has been encased by a distinctive "twin-spine" engine cover whilst lower down a more aggressive diffuser is tightly wrapped by an elegant new bumper design that now includes the rear licence plate.

New headlamp units with distinctively sculptured LED lighting guides (incorporating daytime running lamps and direction indicators) give a contemporary twist to this classic design. Elsewhere, the signature, Lotus "mouth" and familiar sculptured forms have been sensitively refined to give a crisper, more dynamic look. The repositioning of lamp functions has enabled the creation of broad clean surface between the fenders which combines with sleek corner intakes and prominent splitter detail to give a broader more planted stance.

The theme of purity is carried through to the cooling apertures that are efficiently finished with a new lightweight aluminium mesh that gives the car a classically sporting character.

The rear boot is now opened from the cockpit rather than via a separate key operation. The high quality feel of the Lotus Elise is continued throughout the car with the Lotus Elise graphic incorporated into the new side LED direction indicators, like those on the Evora.

The driving position, from the perfectly positioned pedals and steering wheel, to the comfortable and supportive seats with ProBax technology means that, like all Lotus cars, the driver becomes part of the car rather than being just a passenger.

With the sleek new body the aerodynamics have improved giving a reduction in the coefficient of drag of 4%.

Finally, a choice of two beautiful, light weight wheel designs are available; an incredibly light forged wheel and a new cast wheel completes the picture for this sensitive update of a Lotus Icon.

Additional changes to the 2011 Lotus Elise
The new 2011 Lotus Elise has a number of additional changes and improvements, with the installation of a new advanced 1.6 litre Valvematic engine meeting EURO 5 regulations. This new engine is 200cc smaller than the outgoing Lotus Elise S model and produces similar power (136 PS, 100 kW, 134 hp at 6800 rpm) with maximum torque of 160 Nm, 118 lbft at 4400 rpm, but offers a significant improvement to fuel economy of over 23%, to 6.14 litres / 100km (46 mpg) and a reduction in CO2 emission by more than 13%. This provides the new Lotus Elise with the lowest CO2 per performance for any gasoline high performance sportscar in the world. This high technology engine is mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox, providing closer and more performance orientated ratios than the outgoing 5 speed box.

The 1.6 litre engine is controlled via the bespoke Lotus T6 engine management system. Cruise control is available on the Lotus Elise for the first time with the controls present on a stalk located to the left of the steering column.

New cast wheels have been designed specifically for the Lotus Elise and the new optional forged wheels weigh just 29.26 kg per set, 2.14 kg lighter than a set of lightweight cast versions. Both are available in silver or black colour.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive of Group Lotus said, "The Lotus Elise revolutionised the sportscar when it was launched 14 years ago and now the Lotus Elise has become greener, giving drivers access to class leading performance with less guilt."

Donato Coco, Director of Design said, "The Lotus Elise is an iconic sportscar and it was important that we did not complicate its design, so we made the car more pure in its look, improved the aerodynamics, and gave it a more contemporary look with high quality detailing."

Paul Newsome, Director of Lotus Product Engineering said, "We are always looking at ways of keeping the Lotus Elise ahead of its peers and for the 2011 model year we have improved efficiency without losing the innate fun that has made the Lotus Elise legendary."

Andreas Prillmann, Chief Commercial Officer for Lotus Cars said, "In its 14 years of production the Lotus Elise has accounted for 32% of all the 61 years of Lotus production, illustrating how significant to the brand and well loved it is. The 2011 Lotus Elise is greener, purer and more desirable, making it even more relevant to today's marketplace. The new Elise underlines Lotus' reputation as one of the most innovative sports car manufacturers in the world."

Engine
The Lotus Elise introduces the new 1598 cm3, 1ZR-FAE engine, provided by Toyota. The key to this engine's performance and efficiency is the Valvematic system (a variable valve lift mechanism), which is combined with the dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent). The engine continuously controls intake valve opening/closing timing and the intake valve lift to vary the volume of the intake airflow, giving significant improvements in efficiency and fuel economy. This ensures optimal performance based on the engines operational condition, thus helping the Lotus Elise achieve both high fuel efficiency and high performance.

First of all, the maximum power output is achieved at near maximum revs (engine speed) of 6800 rpm and maximum torque (a respectable 160 Nm, 118 lb.ft) is reached at 4400 rpm. This gives a good combination of mid range pull but also encourages the driver to rev the engine to the maximum permitted engine speed of 7000 rpm (transient rev limit). Like all Lotus Elise sportscars, there are three shift up lights, on the binnacle cumulatively lighting when the driver is getting closer to the rev limiter and when all three are illuminated, they flash to indicate that the driver is almost on the rev limiter so time to change up a gear!

The height of the engine cover has been raised by 34mm to accommodate the taller 1ZR engine compared to the previous 1ZZ engine from the outgoing model due, in part, to the additional Valvematic technology included on the new engine. This has given Lotus engineers an opportunity to subtly redesign the rear engine cover to match the design theme from the front and rear of the car.

Chassis
The Lotus Elise is built around the revolutionary and award winning extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis weighs 68 kg (150 lbs) and has a stiffness of 9,800 Nm per degree, giving a high level of control of the suspension. At the rear, and also acting as a rear energy absorbing crash structure, a lightweight steel subframe carries the engine and gearbox. At the front, the radiator and key ancillaries are mounted into a high tech composite energy absorbing crash structure that is both lightweight, compact and over three times more energy absorbing than the equivalent steel structure.

Ride and handling
The legendary Lotus ride and handling gives a superb high performance, sporty drive, combined with a compliant ride and progressive on limit handling, it makes the Lotus Elise a car that demands to be driven.

The entry level Lotus Elise weighs 876 kg, making it one of the lightest fully homologated sportscars in the world. This low weight translates into efficient performance with minimal environmental impact in terms of emissions and fuel consumption. The efficiency of the Lotus Elise structure means that the 136 PS (100 kW, 134 hp) delivers phenomenal performance.

Few cars can match the delicacy and accuracy of the steering, throttle and brakes of the Lotus Elise and all of these factors contribute to the excellent driving experience of the Lotus Elise.

Safety
The Lotus Elise has high performance AP Racing callipers at the front and Brembo callipers at the rear linked to 282 mm vented and cross-drilled cast iron discs to give excellent stopping power.

The Lotus Elise comes as standard with a track tuned ABS system that is designed to be unobtrusive under normal driving conditions. This system is designed to be used on track and has a high threshold, only intervening in emergencies.

The ABS system is linked to a lightweight pedal box with steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This unit also has an electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle for quick, smooth and more linear engine response.

The impressive braking coupled with excellent handling gives good primary safety and the composite front crash structure and rear crash protection offers efficient secondary safety. Driver and passenger airbags and pre-tensioning seatbelt are standard on all Lotus Elise models.

LOTUS Evora S (2011)

2010-11-21T12:11:00.000+07:00

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The Lotus Exige S Type 72 celebrates the most successful F1 car of all time, the Lotus Type 72 Formula One car, which achieved 20 Grand Prix victories between 1970 and 1975.

The Lotus Type 72 was driven by such Lotus greats as Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx and won three Formula One Constructors' Championships (1970, 1972 and 1973) and two Drivers' World Championships (the first being won by Jochen Rindt in 1970 and the second by Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972).

The colour scheme of the Lotus Exige S Type 72 commemorates the famous and easily recognisable black and gold Lotus Type 72 livery and is finished by the same sign writer who painted racing cars for Team Lotus.

Performance through light weight has long been a Lotus philosophy. The 935kg Lotus Exige S Type 72 sprints to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 145 mph, 233 km/h. The Lotus Exige S Type 72 also offers class leading fuel economy and emissions, with fuel economy of 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg) on the Extra Urban Cycle and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km.

The Lotus Exige S Type 72 is a powerful supercharged mid-engined sportscar that is equally at home on the racetrack or open road. The intercooled engine has VVTL-i technology ensuring impressive performance all the way to the rev limiter at 8500 rpm.

The Sport Pack comes as standard on the Lotus Exige S Type 72 which has a bespoke high quality interior, including black micro fibre ProBax sports seats with gold stitching. Each car comes with a special build plate commemorating one of the F1 car's 20 Grand Prix victories. The exterior of the Lotus Exige S Type 72 features unique black and gold light weight wheels and is finished with hand-painted gold Type 72 and Exige S logos, (the Sport Pack also includes a T45 steel main roll hoop, Lotus Traction Control, twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar).

All Lotus cars offer outstanding handling and performance, and the Exige is no exception offering excellent dynamics and great driver involvement. Lotus ride and handling gives an inspiring driving experience and the mid-engined layout of the Lotus Exige S Type 72 offers fantastic balance and agility.

Luke Bennett, Operations Director for Lotus Cars Limited stated, "The Lotus Exige S Type 72 is an evocative sportscar, combining cutting edge handling and performance with the iconic Type 72 colour scheme, one of the most famous racing liveries of all time. The Exige provides an intense driving experience either on road or track and this limited edition is a worthy car to celebrate such a legendary racing car."

Clive Chapman, Director of Classic Team Lotus said, "The Type 72 was a very significant car for Team Lotus and indeed for the world of F1. It was a revolutionary design that pioneered the use of side mounted radiators to achieve its distinctive 'wedge' profile, which delivered a significant aerodynamic advantage. Furthermore, by minimising unsprung weight and using a torsion bar, rising rate suspension, tyre performance was excellent. The Lotus Type 72 design was so advanced that it was competitive for an extraordinary six years."

The Lotus Exige S Type 72 options include: Air Conditioning, Limited Slip Differential and the Performance Pack, which includes a power increase to 240 PS, larger AP Racing brakes, enlarged roof scoop (compared to the standard Lotus Exige S) and Lotus variable traction control and Lotus launch control.

To commemorate the impressive number of Grand Prix wins the Type 72 achieved, Lotus will be producing 20 of this special edition for the UK, a further 20 cars for mainland Europe and there will be a limited run of cars in Japan and selected markets around the world.

PORSCHE 911 GT3 R (2010)

2010-11-21T12:08:00.001+07:00

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For the 2010 motor sport season, Porsche has prepared a further development of the 911 GT3 for racing; the Porsche 911 GT3 R. Created for racing in series based on the international FIA GT3 regulations, and succeeding the 911 GT3 Cup S, the main focus with this new car was to deliver even better driveability and even easier handling.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R is powered by a six-cylinder 'boxer' engine of four-litres capacity, which delivers a maximum output of 480 bhp (353 kW) transmitted to the rear axle by a sequential six-speed 'dog-type' gearbox.

The starting point in developing the Porsche 911 GT3 R, which weighs just 1,200 kg (2,646 lb), was the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, that was first presented at the Frankfurt Show in September and which will compete in the Porsche Supercup supporting selected Formula One races in 2010. However, thanks to its increase in engine size by 200 cc, the Porsche GT3 R offers 30 bhp more than the Cup model. Both cars are based on the 911 GT3 RS road car, which goes on sale in February next year.

An anti-lock braking system, traction control and an electronic throttle with 'blip' function on gearbox down-changes make it much easier for drivers to get used to this new GT3 race car than its predecessor, with the consequence that the new model is also more appropriate for the ambitious amateur racing driver rather than purely experienced professionals.

Additional flared wheel arches front and rear bear clear testimony to the wider track of the Porsche GT3 R than on the former model. And like all second generation versions of the 911, the new 911 GT3 R also comes with striking LED rear light clusters.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R is making its world debut on 14 January 2010 at the Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham. The car is built by the Porsche Motorsport Department at the Weissach Development Centre and will be delivered to customer teams around the world as of spring 2010. The base price of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is 279,000 Euros plus local sales tax/VAT.

PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS (2010)

2010-11-21T12:07:00.002+07:00

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Offering increased engine power, lower weight, shorter transmission ratios and a chassis optimised to an even higher standard, the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS sets the foundation for homologating the racing version of the 911 GT3.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS thus provides the key ingredients for extending the unparalleled racing record of Porsche and continues the series of absolute, uncompromised, motor sport-oriented editions of the 911 that are homologated for road use and which can trace their roots back to the classic Carrera RS 2.7 of 1973.

The heart of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the power unit, is based on the proven flat-six cylinder 'boxer' engine already featured in the 911 GT3. Like the latter, the RS power unit now displaces 3.8 instead of 3.6-litres, but in this new model is tuned to deliver even more power and rev even faster and more dynamically.

The engine in the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS delivers 15 hp more than its counterpart in the 911 GT3, providing a maximum output of 450 hp from the naturally-aspirated power unit. This is 35 hp more than the prior model Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and translates into a specific output of more than 118 hp per litre from the six-cylinder, an extremely high figure for a non-turbocharged engine. And unlike many other high-performance drivetrains, the power unit in the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS remains well suited to everyday use.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox - with a short-throw gear lever - which is also optimised for low weight and high efficiency. To enhance the level of performance throughout the entire range of engine and road speeds, the gears have a shorter transmission ratio than on the 911 GT3, deliberately making concessions in terms of even higher top speed.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) which, for the first time, has been purpose-built and specially set-up to further improve the sporting behaviour of the chassis. With a wider track not only at the rear but also on the front axle, the body of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS is widened accordingly. For the new car, the use of additional wheel arch covers increases the span across the nose. Beneath these pronounced front arches sit 9-inch wide wheels with 245/35 ZR 19 sports tyres, and 12-inch wide wheels with 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres sit at the rear.

Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts (PADM) are featured as standard and raise the driving dynamics of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS to an even higher level. Depending on driving conditions, the engine mounts change in their stiffness and damping effect to resist the movement of the drivetrain in the bodyshell; this provides dynamic advantages when driving quickly on a challenging course such as a race track or twisting road.

The qualities of the car on a race track further benefit from the fact the aerodynamics of the RS develop even more downforce than on the GT3. Racing qualities are also why Porsche is introducing another new option in 2010, a lithium-ion battery delivered with the car. Replacing the conventional lead battery, this innovation reduces weight by more than 10 kg (22 lb).

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS shows its close connection to motor sport also through the dynamic looks of the car and this is borne out in particular by the new, extra-large carbon-fibre rear wing with its specifically designed aluminium wing supports. Aside from the bold livery, other distinctive sporting motifs include the low ride height, the characteristic dual tailpipes of the extra-light titanium sports exhaust and special front and rear parts exclusive to this model.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS will go on sale in the UK and Ireland in February 2010 priced from £100,760. Standard equipment includes a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard. Further technical and specification details will be confirmed nearer the on-sale date.

Customers will also be able to explore the dynamic attributes of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson

2010-10-29T22:43:00.001+07:00

The 2010 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson delivers a new standard of custom cool, combining the smooth handling and legendary durability of America's best-selling truck with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson, the industry leader in motorcycles.

This marks the 14th Harley-Davidson edition of an F-Series truck and latest in a line of Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series models dating back to 2000, which aim to appeal to customers who appreciate quality and unique details only this kind of collaboration can bring.

Our successful co-branding, unmatched in the industry, offers customers true specialized truck luxury, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. Just like with our other associations, we've linked with an industry leader to offer the best of the best.

The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced eight F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250, F-350, and in 2009, the first Ford F-450 Harley-Davidson edition truck. The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is the first Harley-Davidson edition vehicle built off the award-winning new 2009 Ford F-150.

This truck builds on the legacy of toughness that's been the hallmark of the Ford F-Series brand, said Matt O'Leary, chief engineer. Now we're giving customers more of everything they love with the best F-150 and the boldest Harley-Davidson F-150 ever - featuring a fully differentiated design, all-wheel-drive capability, 22-inch wheels and a knock-out interior.

The exterior of the 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 offers a bold front fascia and six-bar shaped billet style grille and boasts specialized forged aluminum and Harley-Davidson® chrome badging. The truck will have a lowered appearance because of a fully integrated deployable running board.

Also standard are 22-inch low-profile performance tires - the largest in the F-Series lineup - and Euroflange forged wheels with a polished and painted center wheel cap. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson - Tuxedo Black and the first Ford application of Lava, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake.

The interior is customized to appeal to the truck buyer who appreciates the attention to detail for which both Ford and Harley-Davidson are renowned.

There's a real tie-in between the truck's interior and exterior designs, said Patrick Schiavone, Design director. It's very much like how some customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a prominent theme that runs through them. That's how we tie it in with custom bikes.
Also impressive are the seats and console lid, which features hand-made cloisonné badges; the console has a limited-edition serialization plate.

These handmade badges continue our theme of premium Harley-Davidson offerings, said Schiavone. Probably the only place that most people have seen hand-made cloisonné is on premium Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It's really high craftsmanship, and people will recognize it as another connection between the two brands.

Linkage is apparent even in the smallest details, such as adornments on the seats.
The theme of the seat was designed to resemble a Harley® biker jacket, Schiavone said. We even used authentic materials you'd find on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes® brand apparel.
The seat backs feature ribbed leather treatments, engraved Harley-Davidson button snaps and even zippered map pockets featuring zippers from Harley jackets.
It is important to the Ford Design team that the truck remain genuine to enthusiasts of Harley-Davidson, customers who traditionally are as loyal to their motorcycles as F-150 owners are to their trucks.
That's why the team meets regularly with Harley-Davidson designers and travels to motorcycle events throughout the year - including Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Harley-Davidson dealer meetings - to talk to current and potential customers. The team wants to be sure that when Harley-Davidson owners or enthusiasts need a truck, this is the truck they choose.

We talk to everyone we can; we find out what the customer values, O'Leary said. We look at what they like, what they want, and what they wish they had, and we go from there.
No one understands their customers better than Harley-Davidson and Ford, said Joanne Bischmann, vice president - Licensing, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. We're proud to share the spirit of Harley-Davidson authenticity in a unique interpretation of America's favorite truck, the F-Series.

Ford Explorer America Concept

2010-10-29T22:42:00.000+07:00

The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.

"Innovative technologies can transform people's favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles."

Technologies and engineering innovations help Ford Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company's systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating:

* A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today's V-6 Explorer
* Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
* A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
* A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized - yet superior performing - engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
* Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

the Ford Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people's adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today's consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible - but more intelligently executed.

The Ford Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today's active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head.

Inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

2010-10-29T22:40:00.001+07:00

Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford Mustang Cobra Jet has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph.

The 40th Anniversary 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet lived up to the legend of the original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating drag strips across the land.

Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind "SEMA Special" silver Ford Mustang Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.

The Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country.

The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.

Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don't have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option.

Ford Mustang Boss 302R

2010-10-29T22:39:00.000+07:00

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am championship in a Ford Mustang Boss 302 prepared by Bud Moore Engineering, Ford Racing is introducing the Ford Mustang Boss 302R, a factory-built race car ready for track days and road racing in a number of Grand-Am, SCCA and NASA classes.

"To keep pace with consumer demand, the Ford team has built modern versions of the most iconic performance Mustangs over the years," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "From Shelbys to Bullitt, Mach and Cobra Jet, it is now time for Boss to join the list of America's most coveted Mustangs. The original Boss 302 was a championship-winning legend and the new Ford Mustang Boss 302R will carry on the tradition. The Mustang was born to race from the start, and this new Mustang is bred to win."

The Ford Mustang Boss 302R is a serialized off-road-only vehicle ready to race.

With a special Grand-Am Homologation Package (M-FR500-Boss R1), it will also be ready to compete in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series (formerly known as KONI Challenge), starting with the season-opening race in Daytona on Jan. 29, 2010. Five Boss 302R race cars will be delivered to customers ready to race in Daytona.

The Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge-ready Ford Mustang Boss 302R will feature a sealed high-output race engine with an upgraded cooling system, a close-ratio six-speed transmission with integral shifter, a seam-welded body, race suspension/KONI dampers and ABS brake tuning, race performance exhaust and a high-speed balance one-piece driveshaft.

The Ford Mustang Boss 302R follows in the very successful footsteps of its most recent road racing predecessor - the Ford Mustang FR500C from Ford Racing. In 2005, when the Mustang FR500C debuted at Daytona, the first car was delivered on Wednesday of that week and won the KONI Challenge race on Friday.

In five years of competition since then, the Mustang FR500C has won three Triple Crown championships of driver, team and manufacturer's titles in KONI competition including back-to-back (2008 and 2009). The FR500C has also seen success in FIA GT4 competition winning the 2007 and 2008 driver's championships.

The FR500C and FR500S road racing Mustangs, and the Ford Mustang FR500CJ Cobra Jet for drag racing have proven to be great cars for our customers, helping teams win races and championships. We believe that the Boss 302R will provide that same sort of competitive product for our customers with the tradition you can only get from Ford Racing.

Each Ford Racing factory-built production-based turnkey race car has won its competition debut.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4Matic

2010-10-15T13:52:00.000+07:00

With snow, sleet, freezing fog, black ice, temperatures hovering around zero and severe frosts, the winter months hold some unpleasant road conditions in store for drivers. Despite these impediments, however, drivers of Mercedes models equipped with the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system can set off for the daily commute to work or savour the drive to the next winter wonderland with complete peace of mind. This is because the 4MATIC drive concept boasts formidable performance on snow-covered or icy roads. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4MATIC in particular stands out for its blend of high traction reserves, excellent directional stability, peerless safety and exceptional comfort levels. Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating the capa-bilities of the Saloon and Estate models by staging a 4MATIC Workshop in extreme winter conditions on the Timmelsjoch high alpine road in Austria.

The 4MATIC system's set-up on a dry or wet road, directional stability and, therefore, active safety are paramount at all times when wintry conditions prevail, too. The mechanical principle of the 4MATIC system, featuring a 45:55 torque split between the front and rear axles and a multi-disc limited-slip centre differential with a basic locking torque of 50 Nm, offers all the right ingredients. The basic design enables high levels of traction, as the dynamic shift in axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration is harnessed to deliver more drive torque to the rear wheels. However, the multi-disc differential lock is also able to shift the drive torque between the front and rear axles, varying the split between 30:70 and 70:30 as the road conditions dictate.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4MATIC: stable handling on snow and ice.
When pulling away in wintry conditions, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4MATIC models are designed to develop maximum traction. To this end, certain road conditions are automatically detected and the interventions of the 4ETS electronic traction control system adjusted so as to achieve the greatest possible acceleration while minimising wheel slip, ensuring optimum directional stability in the process. This strategy also allows the vehicle to pull away under the most adverse conditions, such as when one side of the vehicle is on an icy slope (µ-split) or both wheels on the front or rear axle have limited grip (µ-jump).

4MATIC: cutting-edge technology breaks new ground
The 4MATIC powertrain in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the best-performing permanent all-wheel-drive systems on the market. The basic design concept, with the engine installed longitudinally and the integral transmission and transfer case unit, produces a compact, lightweight arrangement that minimises frictional losses, heralding a number of benefits compared to other passenger car systems with a transverse power unit and selectable 4x4. Fuel consumption, for instance, is a mere between 0.2 and 0.6 litres more per hundred kilometres than on a com-parable model with conventional drive, while vibration and acoustic comfort meet the high standards expected of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class synonymous with supreme ride comfort in winter too.
Mercedes-Benz achieves the standard of ride comfort which all versions of the E-Class are renowned for courtesy of the highly sophisticated DIRECT CONTROL suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, an intelligent body design with excellent rigidity, plus enhanced seats which are also available with massage and climate control functions. The weight-optimised DIRECT CONTROL system, featuring a three-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension, automatically adapts to the changing driving situation by varying the damping forces, resulting in a substantial improvement in ride comfort. The air suspension system - optional for all 4MATIC models and standard on the E 500 4MATIC - is combined with a continuously variable, electronically controlled damping system that processes a series of sensor signals and controls each wheel individually. So, not only do Mercedes customers experience the best in ride comfort, they reap the benefits of excellent handling safety and sporty agility too.

Carefully balanced control of the interior climate is especially important in the winter. This is why Mercedes-Benz offers THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Apart from regulating the climate separately for the driver, front passenger and passengers in the rear, this system allows individual pre-settings to be programmed too. It furthermore includes a pollutant sensor which automatically switches to air recirculation mode if it detects any sudden increase in the carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxide levels in the outside air - when driving through a tunnel, for instance. Another highlight of the THERMOTRONIC system is the residual heat function: pressing the "Rest" button heats or ventilates the passenger compartment for around 30 minutes when the engine is switched off. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is equipped as standard with THERMATIC, a two-zone automatic climate control system. Here, the interior air is kept clean by a large, hermetically sealed fine-particle combination filter which is 96 to 98 percent effective. Thanks to the activated-charcoal coating, gaseous substances can also be filtered out by the fine-particle combination filter.

THERMATIC and THERMOTRONIC heat up the passenger compartment of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class extremely efficiently, even after a cold start on winter mornings. This is thanks to a heating output of eleven kilowatts, equivalent to the capacity of the central heating system in a modern family home. On the diesel models, a heat exchanger with six integral PTC heating elements (PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient) is also activated when the outside temperature falls below a certain level in order to boost the effect of the main heat exchanger with an electrical output of around 1200 watts. The assistance from the PTC heater is necessary due to the high thermal efficiency of today's CDI engines, which is precisely what makes them so economical and means that they dissipate considerably less heat to the coolant under partial load conditions than conventional engines.

All-wheel drive development expertise since 1903
There is a reason why Mercedes engineers are so skilled in the development of groundbreaking all-wheel-drive concepts. The history of all-wheel drive at Mercedes-Benz dates all the way back to 1903. Since then, the accepted maxim has been that all-wheel drive is the best technology for making quicker and safer progress under the most adverse conditions. Over the course of the years it has been successfully employed in a variety of Mercedes-Benz models. Some models, such as the G-Class and the Unimog, have attained legendary status all over the world. But all-wheel drive has its benefits in everyday operation on asphalt roads too, as demonstrated by the 4MATIC saloons from Mercedes-Benz. The innovative drive concept received its saloon premiere in the W 124 Mercedes-Benz E-Class model series back in 1987. The 4ETS system made its debut aboard the M-Class in 1997. Mercedes-Benz has therefore amassed a wealth of experience with these electronic control systems - more in fact than any other

car manufacturer

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

2010-10-15T13:48:00.002+07:00

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2010-10-15T13:48:00.000+07:00

Audi A1 e-tron Concept, 2010

2010-09-04T10:05:00.003+07:00

The new e-tron model series from Audi will gain another new member at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show: The Audi A1 e-tron Concept is a Mega City Vehicle (MCV) with an innovative drive technology. It comes equipped with a powerful electric motor for zero-emission driving in the city. There is also an internal combustion engine on board that recharges the battery in exceptional circumstances. The Audi A1 e-tron Concept is very agile thanks to the 75 kW (102 hp) peak power of its electric motor.

The technology of the Audi A1 e-tron
The e-tron model family from Audi is just a few months old, but it already has a number of members, for each of which Audi has chosen a different drive technology. The first e-tron, which debuted at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt/Main, is a near-series high-performance sports car with electric motors for all four wheels. The study shown at the Detroit Motor Show in 2010 is a lightweight, compact two-seater with two electric motors on the rear axle.

The Audi A1 e-tron Concept now presents another approach - a compact electric car in the premium class. The four-passenger, two-door MCV city car was designed specifically for use in the metropolitan areas of Europe and North America and in the rapidly growing megacities of Asia and South America. The Audi A1 e-tron always drives on electric power; its internal combustion engine is only used to recharge the battery in isolated cases.
Audi A1 e-tron Concept

The integration of the new technologies shows the holistic approach that Audi is pursuing with electric mobility. The objective is to use the energy with the lowest possible losses. The precise interaction of the components, their intelligent packaging, and the efficient management of the current flows are the product of the expertise that the company has developed in this area.

The electric motor: 75 kW (102 hp) peak power

The synchronous electric motor of the Audi A1 e-tron is mounted transversely at the front of the car. Its low mounting position has a positive effect on the vehicle's center of gravity. Continuous output is rated at 45 kW (61 hp), with peak power of 75 kW (102 hp) available in short bursts. 150 Nm (110.63 lb-ft) of torque is continuously available, and peak torque is 240 Nm (177.01 lb-ft).

The electric motor sends its power to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. The elegant, retractable selector lever on the console of the center tunnel used to choose between "Drive," "Reverse," and "Neutral" was taken from the first Audi e-tron.

The power electronics are mounted in the engine compartment above the electric motor. The most important components are the pulse-controlled inverter, which serves as the controller between the electric motor and the battery; the DC converter, which connects the high-voltage network with the 14 volt electrical system; a breaker unit to protect the high-voltage components; and the charging module. The socket for the standard charging plug is located behind the rings in the single-frame grille of the Audi A1 e-tron. A fully depleted battery can be recharged in approximately three hours from the 380 volt grid. A display immediately adjacent to the plug-in connection shows the current charge status and the charging time remaining.

The concept of the innovative Mega City Vehicle requires the electrification of key auxiliaries. The refrigerant compressor of the climate control system, for example, is electrically powered by a high-voltage electric motor that supplies only the amount of power needed at the time.

This increases system efficiency substantially compared to conventional concepts. Thanks to a special circuit, the climate control loop also functions as a heat pump that regulates the temperature of the cabin and the battery.

The power steering of the Audi A1 e-tron is electro-mechanical and thus particularly energy-efficient. An electronic brake system makes it possible to tap into the recuperation potential of the electric motors. A hydraulic fixed-caliper brake is mounted on the front axle, with two novel electrically-actuated floating-caliper brakes mounted on the rear axle. These floating calipers are actuated not by any mechanical or hydraulic transfer elements, but rather by wire ("brake by wire"). In addition, this eliminates frictional losses due to residual slip when the brakes are not being applied. In addition, the servo unit received a new, demand-controlled electric vacuum pump.

The large electric motor powering the Audi A1 e-tron Concept can convert braking energy into electric current and feed it back into the electrical system. The high degree of recuperation benefits overall efficiency. The electric control actions are imperceptible to the driver, who notices only the familiar, precise, and perfectly controllable pedal feel.

The battery pack: a compact T arranged below the floor

The energy storage unit is arranged below the floor, where it is ideal for the center of gravity and weight distribution. The battery pack is shaped like a T, with the short "transverse beam" filling the rear section of the center tunnel and the "cross-beam" filling that area in front of the rear axle where the fuel tank is otherwise located. The 380 volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery has a nominal energy content of 12 kilowatt hours. It comprises 96 prismatic cells and weighs less than 150 kilograms (330.69 lb).

The Audi A1 e-tron can drive 50 kilometers (31.07 miles) emission-free in city traffic on the powerful battery. On longer trips, the battery is recharged by a particularly compact internal combustion engine mounted below the luggage compartment.

The range extender
The Audi A1 e-tron Concept car has a Wankel engine as a range extender, but other compact concepts are also possible. The small single-rotor Wankel has a chamber volume of 254 cc and runs at a constant 5,000 rpm in its peak efficiency window. The electronics also consider navigation data such as the destination and route profile to automatically activate the range extender as needed. The driver can also turn the range extender on and off as necessary with the push of a button The fuel tank holds 12 liters (3.17 US gallons).

The great strengths of the Wankel engine are the nearly vibration-free and quiet operation, the small dimensions, and the extremely low weight. Together with the generator, which is powered by the Wankel engine and produces 15 kW of electric power, the complete assembly weighs only around 70 kilograms (154.32 lb). This weight also includes the special power electronics, the intake, exhaust, and cooling unit, plus the insulation and the subframe.

Driving experience
The first defining impression that the driver of the Audi A1 e-tron gets is that of nearly total silence. Even the Wankel engine in the back can barely be heard when it is running.

The second characteristic perception is the power of the electric motor, nearly all of which is available instantly and thrusts the Audi A1 e-tron forward with authority. The innovative Mega City Vehicle, which despite its complex drive technology weighs only 1,190 kilograms (2,623.50 lb) delivers zero-emission driving fun in a modern and sophisticated manner. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 10.2 seconds and has a top speed of more than 130 km/h (80.78 mph).

The Audi A1 e-tron can also cover longer distances if the range extender charges the battery. The extra range, which is intended primarily for interurban driving, is 200 kilometers (124.27 miles).

According to the draft standard, the two different operating modes yield a fuel consumption of only 1.9 l/100 km (123.80 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 45 g/km (72.42 g/mile). In electric mode, there are zero local CO2 emissions - the compact Audi A1 e-tron Concept is thus ecological and economical.

The third impression that the Audi A1 e-tron Concept makes is that of a larger car. The compact two-door boasts all of the strengths of the new A1 model series - the carefully tuned, sporty chassis with specially designed 18 inch alloy wheels and 215/35 R18 tires; the generous, "grown-up" interior; the excellent fit and finish; and a multitude of high-end equipment.
The dark shade "ebony" dominates the interior. The seats - with stone gray seams - and the headliner are in "Alabaster White".

Design
The concept car in Geneva has a special "Aqua Mint, pearl effect" paint finish; the contrasting roof arch is offset in "High Gloss Steel dark." As with the other two e-tron models, the 18-inch wheels with a 20-spoke turbine design convey the high-tech aspiration of the concept.
The rear diffuser with aluminum trim lacks tailpipes. This emphasizes the width of the vehicle and suggests the low emissions. The two front fenders are emblazoned with the "e-tron" logo.

The "Aqua Mint, pearl effect" exterior color carries over into the interior, where it adorns the door panels and the center console. The shift lever is a special leather-wrapped design; as is typical for the e-tron models, the start-stop button was placed in the front of the center console. A specially designed battery cover at the front of the car and the range extender engine with its cooling fins displayed under a sheet of glass in the luggage compartment also serve to visually underscore the clean technology of the Audi A1 e-tron Concept. And because an innovative drive concept also calls for innovative information management, the concept car features a freely programmable instrument cluster with a virtual display surface and innovative display and operating concept.

Audi R8 European first drive

2010-09-04T10:03:00.001+07:00

R8 generates plenty of lateral grip

The first chance to sample Audi’s supercar on European terrain, and the deserted D- and N-roads around Le Castellet are a pretty fair representation of what a British B would throw at the R8. There are bumps, broken asphalt, even Irish-style gravel at junctions.

This would normally pose a problem for Audi, because while it has a fair history of making belting engines, its chassis have frequently fallen short of their potential. The S-Line range, in particular, seems to be devoted to people with no liking for suspension whatsoever. So if the R8 is to succeed – if it is to stand any chance against Porsche’s 911 (at which it is squarely aimed, let’s face it) – then Audi has to prove that it can produce a chassis that’s both pliable and exploitable.

V8 is dry sumped - unlike RS4
It’s time to open the windows, then feel the noise. And it works. Somehow, a bit of exhaust reverb makes all the difference here. There’s no doubt that Audi has made the V8 a little peaky to extract that 414bhp, and the engine– aurally and in performance terms – feels a tad sleepy beneath 4000rpm.
Thereafter, however, it becomes visceral - a thudding, angry brute screaming for the red line with force, but never losing the oily smoothness its cutting edge technology affords it. It’s great, in other words.

And the handling? Think ‘safe’ and you won’t go far wrong. I guess that while the 911 has a history of being a bit of an animal, and therefore has to deliver at least part of that to live up to its reputation and to excite its core fans, the R8 can fall back on Audi’s motorsport history, which to most of us is based on Quattros running rings around two-wheel-drive cars. Accordingly, don’t expect to squeeze the throttle and bring the rear around to aid turn-in, because this is a car that prefers to grip solidly – mightily in fact - and simply go where it’s pointed.
The steering is direct and the R8 certainly finds apexes better than any front-engined Audi (perish the thought that it wouldn’t) but it doesn’t offer much in the way of genuine feel as to what’s happening down at road-level.
Overall, the interaction and sense of adjustability found in the most exploitable and rewarding sportscars is not quite there, but at the same time, what considerable fun there is to be had is easily accessible.

The other superb Audi interior
The whole process is helped by a decent manual ‘gate’ six-speed gearbox which is a little notchy, but quick enough.

When the thought of heeling and toeing fills you with dread (and a warning, the Audi’s brake pedal is so aggressively servo-ed that even a mid-eighties F1 driver would struggle), the R-tronic sequential automatic gearbox will make equally rapid (if slightly more brutal) upchanges, then blip for you on the way back down.

The R8 is a creation that successfully breaches the gap between head-turning, street-stopping supercar looks, and the usability and dependability of the 911. Which is no small achievement. Combine that with an exquisite interior which feels like it could survive an assault from the Brentford ASBO Society, and the case for the R8 gets ever stronger.

ABT Audi R8

2010-09-04T10:01:00.001+07:00

The Abt R8: Sports car in perfection

There are cars and dream cars. The latter includes Lamborghini's Gallardo, Ferrari's F430 or Porsche's 911 Turbo. These cars make your heart beat faster and show the perfected magic of speed on the roads. Abt Sportsline's R8 will also be among these outstanding super sports cars and is getting ready to overtake them in the prestige duel.

The design studies already show the first impressions of Abt's sportiest creation - and prove that the Kempten-based tuner manages to perfect an excellent serial model like the R8 to detail and accentuate its racing genes already in the drawing. The front of the Bavarian R8 shows the marked Abt face. Together with the unique and beautiful rear with its four inclined arranged exhaust end pipes, the rear diffuser and the extravagant rear wing, the front of the Abt R8 is part of an overall concept that brings about phenomenal roadholding. The add-on parts of the super sports cars from the Allgäu-region improve downforce and ensure perfect balance of the front and rear axis. This is especially notable in speed ranges reserved for only a few cars. The sideblades which were developed especially for the Abt R8 and the Abt side skirts give the Abt R8 a new and individual design besides aerodynamical advantages. The aerodynamically efficient Abt body kit, which also includes carbon-fibre parts, is a real eye catcher but also shows the state-of-the-art Bavarian precision work. With the ingenious construction, which also includes a carbon-fibre bonnet, not only a maximum reduction in weight is achieved but it also ensures optimized weight distribution of the Abt R8 - the pure presence of the model athlete already shows this.

The technology and the design milestones do not only come from Maranello or Sant'Agata-Bolognese but also from Kempten. The Abt R8 will be a gorgeous dream car with the genes of a top-class race car. This special automobile will belong to one of the fastest among the fastest; the Abt R8 will also challenge the Lamborghinis and Porsches. With regards to the anticipated performance data the Bavarians are traditionally discreet.
However the data already amazes sports car fans and makes them want to spur the hot-blooded Bavarian horses. 530 HP (390 kW) are to be drawn from the 4.2 litre-V8 thanks to the Abt supercharger. Compared with the serial model which already shows impressive performance data this means an increase of 110 HP (81 kW). The brand new Abt 20-inch BR wheels stylishly transfer this power onto the asphalt. The all-wheel-drive dream car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h. These values are synonymous with magic and this extraordinary super sports car desperately wants to be driven. By means of the Abt suspension which is adjustable in height, pressure and rebound, the performance and driving comfort of the super sports car can be adapted perfectly to the requirements of its driver.

ABT Audi TT-R

2010-09-04T10:00:00.001+07:00

The real racer from the exclusive Kempten-based tuning company bears the letter "R" in its name - of course the powerful version of the TT performing incredible 355 HP (262 kW) does, too. In a flash, namely 5.1 seconds, the sportscar reaches the 100 km/h threshold.
The cockpit of the TT-R has a lot to offer its ambitious driver.

With its dynamical design it harmonizes perfectly with the sporty vehicle character - steering wheel, gear shift knob and centre console are kept in exclusive carbon-leather optics.
The magical three letters that convert a beautiful Coupé into a race car can also be found in the car interior again, as everybody driving a TT-R cannot get enough of this exclusive model.

ABT Audi TT-Limited Wide Body

2010-09-04T09:59:00.001+07:00

Abt TT-limited wide body. From the race track to the road.

Two well-known Abt highlights played a role in the concept of the TT-limited wide-body: the TT-Sport and the TT-limited. In the past few month, both of them have attracted many customers and even more fans. With the limited wide body, the Abt team is now showing a spectacular synthesis of its two most extreme tuning versions of the TT. Thus, the successful company from Kempten demonstrates the state-of-the-art in TT-tuning.

The TT-limited wide-body has got lost from the race track directly on the open road. Responsible for this is the spectacular bodywork kit. As a result of extensive wind tunnel tests, the specialists from Kempten have established an aerodynamic kit, which results into more downforce and therefore a better road-holding. No matter if on local roads or on the motorway. And, of course, on the race track. For instance at the Nurburgring, where Laurent Aiello has scored two brilliant victories for the Team Abt Sportsline with the Hasseroder-yellow Abt-Audi TT-R. The limited wide body not only shares the front spoilers and the extended fenders with the race car, but also the side skirts, a rear wing and a complicated diffuser, which gives downforce at the rear. The several carbonfibre parts also add to the racy feeling.

Aerodynamics, suspension and the impressive sport braking system - all of this serves for controlling the fireworks, that the Abt-technicians are lighting underneath the bonnet. 228 kW (310 hp) are the result of a power boost, that turns the standard 165 kW (225 hp) strong engine into a racing machine. An Abt turbocharger with intercooler and exhaust system allow the standard power plant to breathe freely. A top speed of approx. 254 kph and an acceleration from 0-100 kph in approx. 5.6 seconds speak for themselves.

Audi S5 Cabriolet

2010-09-04T09:58:00.003+07:00

The engine in the Audi S5 Cabriolet is a newly developed, supercharged, three-liter V6. The pressure in the 3.0 TFSI is generated by a mechanical supercharger - with impressive results: The power output tops out at 245 kW (333 hp), the torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm remains constant at a generous 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft). The powerful thrust and the spontaneous, aggressive response make for a fascinating driving experience. The Audi S5 Cabriolet is catapulted in 5.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and accelerates up to a preset top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Yet at 9.6 liters per 100 km (24.5 US mpg), its fuel efficiency is highly impressive (preliminary values).
Standard equipment of the Audi S5 Cabriolet includes the servotronic, the seven-speed S tronic and the quattro drive system package. The sport differential is optional. A sport suspension keeps the body close to the road. The 18-inch cast aluminum wheels are equipped with 245/40 tires. The black brake calipers are emblazoned with S5 emblems. The acoustic top, xenon plus headlights, electrically adjustable sport seats with Alcantara leather upholstery, and a multifunction sport steering wheel are also standard equipment.
Diverse design features contribute to a distinctively sporty styling, including modifications at the lower front and back panels, at the air intakes and at the tailpipes. In the interior, special seat upholstery, door sill trims and inlays in matt brushed aluminum underscore the high-quality, dynamic style of the high-end model. The pointers of the instruments are illuminated white to contrast with the gray scales.

Audi A5 Cabriolet
Dynamic and wonderful to look at, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is a real Audi, and an especially exciting one at that. The four-seater with the fabric top combines a sporty character with the fascination of open-top driving, refined comfort, and great everyday utility. Seven powerful engines, an agile suspension and a wide range of high-end options make the new Audi model the most attractive mid-range convertible. The top-of-the-line model of Audi's new family of convertibles is the Audi S5 Cabriolet. The engine of the S5 Cabriolet is the newly developed, supercharged three-liter V6 with gasoline direct injection.

Like all open-top Audi models, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet too has a classic fabric top - which endows it with a striking silhouette of dynamic elegance. The lightweight softtop opens in 15 seconds - and closes in 17 seconds. The fully automatic open/close drive comes as standard. An acoustic top is optionally available, which reduces wind noise almost to the hardtop level.

When opened, the Audi A5 Cabriolet top folds down so effectively that very little trunk space is used up - leaving 320 liters (11.3 cu ft) of unused storage volume, clearly the best value in its field of competitors. The softtop compartment lowers itself automatically when the top is opened.
Equally useful is the fold-down rear seat backrest with the large pass-through between the luggage space and the interior, which increases the storage volume to a generous 750 liters (26.49 cu. ft.).
Automatic seat belt extenders round out the comfort in the interior. Neck-level heating is optionally available for the front seats. The optional leather seats are coated with a special layer to reduce solar heating. There is comfortable room for four persons. The refined ambiance combines with exemplary ergonomics to convey an atmosphere of sporty elegance. Ultra-high-strength steels and selective reinforcements of the body ensure maximal rigidity and crash safety.
Fascinating dynamics: Audi drive select
The perfect addition to this technology package is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system, which enables the driver to chose among three different engine maps controlling the characteristics of the fuel feed, the shifting points of the seven-speed S tronic and multitronic, and the mode of operation of the servotronic steering system.

The new Audi A5 Cabriolet features a rich array of equipment, including 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, and an audio system with a CD player. One of the highlights among the optional equipment is the third-generation MMI operating system, which provides many attractive navigation and entertainment functions.
As the dynamic top-of-the-line model of the new production series, the Audi S5 Cabriolet occupies a very special position. Its three-liter TFSI - a V6 with turbocharger - unfolds its 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque impressively: It responds tenaciously to the throttle and delivers excellent driving performance. The quattro drive, a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels and a number of special equipment details underscore the athletic power of the Audi S5 Cabriolet.

The exterior design
The Audi A5 Cabriolet combines Audi's progressive styling with the fascination of an open-top car. The long engine hood, the sharp lines, the sweep of the shoulder contour, the elegantly curved surfaces, the large wheels, the distinctive front end, and the expressive tail all interact to create a sculptural, sensuous whole. The Audi A5 Cabriolet is 4.63 meters (15.19 ft) long and 1.85 meters (6.07 ft) wide, but only 1.38 meters (4.53 ft) tall: the sportiest proportions in its class.
The styling of the front end is dominated by the single-frame grille, which is flanked by large air intakes. The exquisite design of the headlights makes them look like technical jewels. The daytime running lights of the optional xenon plus headlights consist of LEDs. An aluminum molding lends high gloss to the windshield frame.
The looks of the tail end are sharpened by horizontal lines, broad tail lights, straight tailpipes, and a distinctly colored diffuser insert. The trunk lid bears an unobtrusive spoiler lip. The xenon plus headlight option comes complete with LED taillights, which create a distinctive light pattern.

The convertible top
The fabric top with the large glass rear window fits smoothly into the design profile. This is one of several reasons why Audi preferred it to a folding steel roof. What's more, its construction is much lighter in weight, which reduces the overall weight of the Cabriolet and lowers its center of gravity. The outer skin of the top is available in a choice of four colors, the inside in three.
The softtop consists of three layers. The intermediate layer is a cushioning pad. In the optional acoustic top, which reduces wind noise almost to hardtop level, this is replaced by a foam layer up to 15 millimeters (0.59 in) in thickness. The acoustic top comes with a ceiling light for the rear seat - a solution usually only found in the topmost convertible luxury segment.
In both versions, a hydraulic pump and four operating cylinders that move the top are actuated when a pushbutton on the central console or on the optional remote access assistant is depressed. It takes 15 seconds to open the top, 17 seconds to close it. Both actions can also be actuated while driving at up to 50 km/h (31.07 mph) - which makes driving much more comfortable.

When opened, the top is retracted underneath a fixed cover, where it is folded down into an extremely compact shape. Its storage compartment, which automatically lowers itself into the trunk space, only takes up a few centimeters in height - and only 60 liters (2.12 cu ft) of the 380 liters (13.42 cu ft) of luggage space. The remaining 320 liters (11.3 cu ft) with the top open are by far the best value among comparable vehicles. What's more, the low position of the loading lip makes loading and unloading easier. The wind deflector, which is supplied as standard, can be stored in the spare-wheel well to save space.
A very convenient feature in the Audi A5 Cabriolet are the split folding rear seat backrests. They can be easily unlocked by actuating levers in the trunk and drop automatically onto the seat cushions. The standard pass-though is 70 centimeters (27.56 in) wide. The loading space behind the front seatback is 1.76 meters (69.29 in) long, providing a total storage volume of 750 liters (26.49 cu ft).

The body
As is typical of Audi models, the A5 Cabriolet has an extremely rigid body. This is a prime reason for its precise driving performance, its high comfort level, and its maximized crash safety.
In the construction of the body-in-white, several innovative technologies are used. A prime example are the ultra-high-strength steels with their extremely high tensile strength, which Audi manufactures in-house using hot forming. The front fenders of the Audi A5 Cabriolet are made of aluminum to lower the weight and to optimize axle load distribution. An enclosed underbody improves the airflow and thereby the fuel efficiency.
A whole array of additional reinforcement parts compensates for the absence of a solid roof. They are located in the front section, in the side skirts, in the windshield frame, and in the rear section. Located between the interior and the luggage section is the rollover protection. When a rollover threatens, spring-loaded aluminum braces are raised behind the rear seat headrests. Door-mounted head and chest sidebags provide protection in the event of a lateral impact.

The interior
With its generous wheelbase of 2.75 meters (9.02 ft) and the longest interior in its class, the Audi A5 Cabriolet has plenty of room for longer trips. That's also true for the rear seats, which can be optionally divided by a center console with two cup holders.
Elegance in flowing lines, functional ergonomics, and top-quality craftsmanship are the principal characteristics of the interior - and this too is typically Audi. The teardrop-shaped settings of the instruments have already become modern classics. The centrally mounted onboard monitor is standard equipment. The formed-plastic console focuses on the driver. Flowing lines link it to the central tunnel and the door linings. If the customer has ordered either one of the two navigation systems it comes with the highly convenient MMI operating system - the best solution on the market.
The low standard seats provide excellent control and support. Using seatbelts is facilitated by electric seat belt extenders. Special solutions are available as alternatives: firm sport seats, electric seat adjustment and heating - as a separate option also for the back seats.
In the climate-controlled comfort seats, small fans and an automatic auxiliary heater ensure luxurious comfort. This option provides neck-level heating - ducts on the topside of the seatback emit warm air that keeps the back of the head and neck warm. With its three-level control, the headroom heater is also available for sport seats. It prolongs the open-air season in the Audi A5 Cabriolet.
Another special feature is provided in the optional leather upholstery: a special coating inhibits solar heating while the Cabriolet is parked in the sun with the top down. This coating reflects infrared radiation and thus lowers the surface temperature by up to 20 degrees Celsius. Audi offers a choice of several seat coverings up to and including Fine Nappa leather. Inlays come as standard in Micrometallic platinum; aluminum and three different kinds of wood are available as options.

The engines
In the propulsion system of the A5 Cabriolet too Audi has consistently relied on innovative technologies: All five engines - the two TDIs and the three gasoline engines - use direct injection. They are impressive evidence that, at Audi, efficiency and dynamics go together and are interdependent.
The most powerful gasoline engine in the Audi A5 Cabriolet is the 3.2-liter FSI. It operates with the innovative Audi valvelift system, which varies the lift of the intake valves in two stages. As a result, the gas exchange improves and the throttle can be left open more often, minimizing throttling losses - which in turn boosts the torque and the power output while reducing fuel consumption. The V6 delivers up to 195 kW (265 hp) as well as 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. With front-wheel drive and multitronic it accelerates the Audi A5 Cabriolet in 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) - and up to a top speed of 246 km/h (152.86 mph). Its average fuel efficiency is an impressive 8.6 liters/100 km (27.35 US mpg). An optional alternative is quattro all-wheel drive, combined with the new seven-speed S tronic.
The 2.0 TFSI likewise attests to Audi's leadership position in engine design. This four-cylinder engine also uses the Audi valvelift system - but here it acts on the exhaust valves, with similar advantages as in the V6. Audi sells the two-liter turbo in two versions.

The transmission
Audi provides a choice of three different transmissions for the Audi A5 Cabriolet. The 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp) comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, which excels in its short shifting travels and high operating precision. Both the two-liter engine and the 3.2 FSI are available with the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission as an option, which combines smooth operation with high efficiency and a fuel-saving transmission ratio. For a dynamic driving style the multitronic is available with a sport program and a manual mode with eight fixed speeds.
For the more powerful version of the 2.0 TFSI and for the 3.2 FSI, the seven-speed S tronic is available as an option; in the 3.0 TDI it is standard equipment. This new high-tech dual-clutch transmission changes gears in a few hundredths of a second, and so smoothly that the driver hardly notices it. What's more, it is highly efficient and fuel-saving. The driver can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or interact, if desired, via rocker switches on the steering wheel.
The seven-speed S tronic has been designed for use with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive. It is optionally available for the high-end diesel series and for the two powerful gasoline engines. The quattro drive system is dynamically designed - during normal driving it distributes the forces in a 40:60 ratio between the front and the rear. If one wheel skids, a center differential that operates purely mechanically transfers most of the power to the axle with the better traction.

The chassis
The Audi A5 Cabriolet leads its class in all relevant sporty criteria - steering response, stability and agility - yet it provides a very smooth ride. The reason for these strengths is the perfect distribution of axle loads. The front axle is located far forward in the front section - a configuration made possible by an unusual solution: the differential is mounted in front of the clutch or torque converter.
The chassis design too is technologically advanced: The front wheels are mounted on a five-link axle. The front axle support is firmly bolted to the body in order to maximize rigidity. The steering forces are transmitted to the wheels directly via the steering box, which is mounted very low within the chassis. The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides a very responsive and highly precise connection to the road. Optionally available is the servotronic, which adjusts its support level to the driving speed.
The rear-wheel suspension of the Audi A5 Cabriolet is supported by a trapezoidal-link axle, which combines a smooth ride and maximum driving stability. The essential parts of both the front and the rear suspension are made of aluminum. The large brakes ensure powerful deceleration and react very precisely to the degree of pedal pressure. 16-inch or 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard, depending on the engine version. Optionally available from Audi and quattro GmbH are 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels.
Another high-tech feature in the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is the Audi drive select vehicle dynamics system. It influences the characteristics of the fuel feed, the speed change points of the seven-speed S tronic, and the operating mode of the servotronic steering system. The driver presses a key to select a comfortable, intermediate, or dynamic operating mode for these subsystems. If the vehicle is equipped with a navigation system - and the MMI operator control that comes with it - a fourth engine map is provided, which the driver can program to suit.
Audi drive select is only available in combination with one or more of three additional technologies - the differential, the adaptive shock absorber control, and dynamic steering. Its superposition gear varies the gear ratio by nearly 100 percent as a function of the driving speed. The dynamic steering operates directly in city traffic. In highway driving it uses a more indirect ratio. To maximize driving safety, it cooperates closely with the ESP stabilization program - at the handling limits it keeps the Audi A5 Cabriolet on course by lightning-fast small interactions.

The equipment
The Audi A5 Cabriolet comes with an impressive array of standard equipment. This includes a fully automatic convertible top, 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels, a fold-down rear seatback with a large pass-through, and automatic air conditioning; the chorus audio system comes with integral CD player. Electric seat belt extenders and an electromagnetic parking brake are also standard.
Further luxury is available in the options: The adaptive light option combines xenon plus headlights with dynamic cornering lights; the high-beam assistant changes automatically between low beam and high beam. The advanced key provides keyless access and allows starting the car as well as opening and closing the top remotely. The deluxe automatic air conditioning manages the temperature separately in three zones in the vehicle. The acoustic top further lowers the wind noise level. And the climate-controlled comfort seat in combination with the neck-level heating creates a perfectly tempered environment.
When it comes to the chassis, the program is complemented by the Audi drive select system, the sport differential, and two conventional sport suspensions. The S line sport package plus combines the stiff set-up with performance features such as 10 millimeters less body height, 18-inch wheels and 245/40 tires with a package of special details for the interior. The S line exterior package, on the other hand, endows the vehicle with an especially dynamic look.
Further highlights are the two infotainment systems MMI navigation and MMI navigation plus - members of an entirely new equipment generation. Even the lesser model includes navigation imaging featuring 3D color graphics, a versatile reader for memory cards, and a DVD drive. Optionally available from Audi is a module for digital radio reception, a Bluetooth interface for the mobile phone, and an interface for full integration of the iPod.

The top version comes with exclusive technologies: an especially high-definition monitor, a big hard drive for music files and addresses, plus a special joystick function for the MMI control unit. With refinements such as a Bang & Olufsen sound system or a digital TV tuner, the MMI navigation plus can be turned into a high-end media center.
Innovative assistant systems from the luxury class make driving in the Audi A5 Cabriolet even more supremely relaxed. Audi optionally equips its open-top four-seater with high-tech solutions including adaptive cruise control, Audi side assist and Audi lane assist. They control the distance from the vehicle in front and assist in staying in lane or in changing lanes. The luxury-class Audi parking system advanced uses a rearview camera to display the area behind the vehicle on the onboard monitor.

Audi RSQ Concept

2010-09-04T09:56:00.001+07:00

The Audi RSQ is a mid-engined concept car developed for use as a product placement in the 2004 sci-fi movie I Robot. It is meant to depict a technologically advanced automobile from the year 2035.

The sports coupé is a visionary interpretation of Audi's typical automobile design. An important challenge presented to the designers was that despite its extreme character the car still had to be recognized by the audience as an Audi. To accommodate this demand, the engineers implemented a current Audi front-end design that includes a single-frame grille and the company's trademark overlapping rings.

The RSQ also includes special features suggested by movie director Alex Proyas. It utilizes spheres instead of wheels and its two butterfly doors are hinged to the C-posts of the body.

Though this kind of collaboration was a first for Audi, a similar project was developed by Lexus for use in the 2002 film Minority Report

ABT Q7 - a special version of the performance SUV

2010-09-04T09:55:00.001+07:00

The Combined experience: For 25 years Audi has been manufacturing all-wheel driven cars and the successful Kempten-based company Abt Sportsline has been upgrading vehicles for just as long. In the Abt Q7 the know-how of both companies is combined in a car that meets highest demands.

It is more than a mere successor of the legendary Quattro: The Audi Q7 is the perfect car for every opportunity, as it not only is suitable for all terrains, but a convincingly comfortable car for travelling long journeys at the same time. Since the Q7 innately is a true all-rounder, it proves to be a perfect tuning model. Once again Audi supplies the perfect basis for Abt Sportsline's experts. The vehicle was optically and technically upgraded without changing its characteristic features.

At first glance the Abt Q7 looks brawnier than its original counterpart which is mainly due to the fender extensions lending the vehicle a more powerful appearance. You can tell that it easily masters difficult terrains. The rear wing completes its harmonious look and ensures that the Abt Q7 never loses wheel grip. By means of a two-coloured contrasting paint in white aluminium on the marked front skirt, the elegant rear skirt and side skirts, the Abt SUV reveals itself as an exclusive cruiser. The vehicle sides are eye-catching as a result of the lateral white aluminium insets which give the Abt Q7 unmistakeable features and dignified and agile looks at the same time. The sporting impression is highlighted by the double twin-pipe exhaust system with a pipe diameter of 84 millimetres and the one-piece wheels. Abt Sportsline's wheels type AR with diamond-machined surface and exclusive exchange system are already available in the sizes 20 or 22 inch with tyres 275/45 R20 or 295/30 R22 Conti CrossContact. Another wheel option is the 22-inch SP-wheel.

The Abt Sportsline's modifications meet all the Q7's demands, no matter whether off-road, on motor ways or in front of a luxury hotel - the Abt Q7 is the perfect car for every opportunity. Looks and technology form a unified whole; the Abt Q7 does not only look husky, it really is. Abt Sportsline's engineers succeeded in clearly enhancing the innately powerful 3.0 TDI power unit. The modified six cylinders V-engine now provides 272 HP instead of the standard 233 and an explosive torque of 580 Nm (standard: 500 Nm).

The Audi has been manufacturing vehicles with permanent all-wheel drive for a quarter of a century and the Abt Q7 crowns this development.

Mercury Milan, 2010

2010-08-15T11:02:00.001+07:00

The Mercury Milan builds on a strong foundation of quality and reliability, adding to the mix for the 2010 model year an all-new hybrid model, more fuel-efficient gasoline power train options, class-exclusive technologies and a more refined, sophisticated design.

The changes to the exterior design were focused on the grille, fenders, hood, and front and rear fascias. The chin was pulled forward and the fascia was pulled down to give the 2010 Mercury Milan a wider, sportier look. Those changes as well as substantial under body work made for a cleaner, more aerodynamic car.

With all models, the interior design team created a more contemporary, technical look with metallic new finishes on the instrument panel that carry through on the center console, doors and steering wheel. The all new instrument panel is finished with a soft upper and lower skin and has much less hard plastic than Japanese competitors. A redesigned leather wrapped steering wheel with form fitting palm swells, and new shifter, and wrapped and padded armrests have been added, increasing the Milan's sportiness and comfort at all key driver touch points.

The seats received a makeover, as well. The seat contour has been revised, with more side support and overall a more comfortable seat with smoother bolsters and more-textural inserts. The seats also feature contrasting stitching and leather inserts to give the Mercury Milan even more attitude, befitting this mid-size sedan.

The gauge cluster has been designed with day time back lighting, a black lens, and 3-D elements to create a high tech jewel-like appearance, similar to a fine watch. Drivers will be greeted by a new "welcome" sequence that makes the Mercury Milan seem as if it's coming to life.

Gauge needles sweep back and forth as the lighting and new chimes come on. The ambient lighting system offers the option of illuminating the front and rear foot wells and front cup holders.

The two-tone look on the interior continues as a Mercury Milan signature, with satin-aluminum accents and a wood finish around the center stack. The Milan features Dark Charcoal Black, Medium Light Stone and Camel as interior choices through the Premier Series, which includes embossed leather.

All-new hybrid model
For the 2010 model year, the Mercury Milan adds an all-new hybrid model. The Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid join the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, doubling both the size and volume of Ford's hybrid lineup.

The Ford Hybrid team has developed a power train system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy.

Additionally, the propulsion system for the Mercury Milan Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid transitions between gas and electric power and back more efficiently and seamlessly.

The overall system upgrade allows the Mercury Milan Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid to operate longer at higher speeds in electric mode. The hybrid vehicles can operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.

The next-generation hybrid system features:
* New 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (155 horsepower/136 lb.-ft. of torque) running the proven Atkinson cycle mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission or e-CVT.
* Intake Variable Cam Timing (iVCT), which allows the vehicle to more seamlessly transition from gas to electric mode and vice-versa. The spark and cam timing are varied according to the engine load to optimize efficiency and emissions.
* Enhanced electronic throttle control reduces airflow on shutdowns, reducing fueling needs on restarts.
* A wide-band lambda sensor analyzes the air-fuel ratio and adjusts the lean/rich mixture accordingly to keep the system in balance and to minimize emissions.
* A new smaller, lighter nickel-metal hydride battery has been optimized to produce 20 percent more power. Improved chemistry allows the battery to be run at a higher temperature and it is cooled using cabin air.
* An added variable voltage converter boosts the voltage to the traction battery to operate the motor and generator more efficiently.
* A new high-efficiency converter provides 14 percent increased output to accommodate a wider array of vehicle features.
* Smarter climate control system monitors cabin temperature and only runs the gas engine as needed to heat the cabin; it also includes an electric air conditioning compressor to further minimize engine use and maximize comfort.
* The regenerative brake system captures the energy normally lost through friction in braking and stores it. Nearly 94 percent energy recovery is achieved by first delivering full regenerative braking followed by friction brakes during city driving.
* A simulator brake actuation system dictates brake actuation and delivers improved brake pedal feel compared to the previous generation braking system.

The Mercury Milan Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford's Smart Gauge with Eco Guide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

Smart Gauge with Eco Guide features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon. Growing leaves and vines track and reward the driver's efficiency.

Eco Guide uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower.

For instance, drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives:
* Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
* Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
* Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
* Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down.

Several other elements help differentiate the Mercury Milan Hybrid from its gas-powered sibling, including unique hybrid "road and leaf" badging on both sides and the rear of the vehicle; unique 17-inch, eight-spoke wheels; eco-friendly seat fabric made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials; and a standard 110-volt power outlet.

More horsepower, better fuel economy
Both the inline four-cylinder and V-6 engines are upgraded, with the four-cylinder engine increased to 2.5 liters and the 3-liter V-6 increasing its horsepower rating from 221 to 240. Each engine improves fuel economy as well, up to 4 or 5 mpg depending on the model.

The 2.5-liter I-4 engine, which improved its 0-60 mph time by more than 1 second to achieve best-in-class performance, is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, up from five speeds.

Better handling in a quieter, more-comfortable ride
Bringing a premium driving experience to the Mercury Milan was one of the goals for the team. For the 2010 model, strides were made in steering and handling, turning circle (better by about 1 foot) and an improved brake pedal feel. Upgraded 17-inch painted aluminum wheels are another performance and appearance enhancement standard on the Premier.

In addition, improved body and door sealing defends and improves upon Milan's best-in-class standing in wind noise. Reductions in wind noise and road noise gives Mercury Milan drivers the level of quiet luxury they demand.

With design refinements to the exterior creating a sportier look as well as upgraded technology and materials inside, the 2010 Mercury Milan expands on the value package that makes it a leader in the mid-size car segment.

Staying connected

New technology on the 2010 Mercury Milan:
* Blind Spot Information System (BLISTM) with Cross Traffic Alert, which can help provide extra confidence to drivers in parking lots by alerting drivers sooner of nearby traffic while backing out. It uses two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels. The radar detects moving objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the vehicle. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding side-view mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching. An audible alert is sounded as well.
* SYNC: The voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities - plus new 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report provided with no monthly fees.
o 911 Assist: When a phone is properly paired, turned on and connected to SYNC, the system is ready to assist in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator in the event of an air bag-deploying accident. The key advantage of SYNC 911 Assist is speed, as calls are placed directly to local 911 operators.
o Vehicle Health Report (VHR): SYNC gathers relevant information from the major vehicle control modules and packages diagnostic data into a usable format in a matter of minutes. That data packet is sent to Ford via an 800-number automatically dialed using the customer's paired and operable mobile phone.
* Voice-Activated Navigation, which integrates several functions including voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch-screen display. The navigation system's text-to-speech function calls out street names while in route to a destination and reads incoming text messages when the system is linked to SYNC. The integrated DVD player is capable of reading CD-Audio, MP3 CDs, DVD, DVD-Audio and DVD-ROM (for digital map updates). A music jukebox function stores more than 150 hours of music. The screen even can be customized with personal photos.
* SIRIUS Travel Link, an industry-leading technology that, when combined with the voice-activated navigation system will provide users with real-time traffic data with accident and incident information, coast-to-coast weather data including current conditions and five-day forecasts, and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations. Travel Link also offers sports scores and schedules and a listing of more than 4,500 movie theaters with movie times, theater addresses, movie synopses and more.
* Reverse Camera System, which mounts a small camera on the spoiler that is activated when Mercury Milan is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle.
* The video image is displayed in the optional navigation screen on Milans equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rear view mirror vehicles without navigation

Mercury Mariner, 2008

2010-08-15T11:01:00.003+07:00

Introduced in 2005 as Mercury's entry-level, small SUV, Mariner built on the style and success of the mid-size four-door Mountaineer. The original Mariner was designed for customers who wanted a little more than a standard, small SUV, as it delivered a high level of design sophistication, more standard features, premium interior materials and unique content in a smartly packaged, fuel-efficient model.

The 2008 Mariner hits dealer showrooms in early 2007 and is completely redesigned inside and out. In addition to fresh sheet metal with new Mercury design cues and a remade interior, Mariner is updated with a comprehensive safety package, a quieter ride and more refined driving dynamics. What has not changed is the overall package: Mariner retains the fuel-efficiency, maneuverability and the fun-to-drive nature that is a core characteristic of the small SUV package.

The 2008 Mariner enters the market at a time when customers are looking for smaller SUVs that still deliver on the attributes demanded of a traditional SUV, such as four-wheel drive, a commanding seating position, towing capability and good cargo capacity. The new Mariner continues to balance all these demands, wrapping it all in a sophisticated and stylish package that can only be found on a Mercury.

Clean, Modern and Sophisticated Exterior Design Sets Mariner Apart
On the outside, the 2008 Mariner's all-new sheet metal includes significant design changes to the front/rear fascias, lift gate, headlamps and tai lamps, a raised belt line, new hood and B-pillar blackout molding. There's also a unique satin signature waterfall grille.

One striking visual statement on the 2008 Mariner is the new grille that's larger, with bigger openings between the bars. The Mercury badge in the middle of the waterfall grille is larger, too. More bright work front and rear gives 2008 Mariner an unmistakable Mercury presence on the road. The previous model's body-color molding and lower body cladding are removed, giving Mariner a cleaner, more seamless profile. Mercury-exclusive integrated side repeater lamps is another Mercury's design cue and adds an element of safety.

Head and tail lamps have a unique "eyebrow" design running around the lenses, bringing together the front and rear ends of the vehicle.
Look closely: The headlamps are accentuated with a Mercury badge subtly integrated inside the housing. The tail lamps have four inner lenses and a clear lamp with a red inner lens. The "power dome" hood has a unique reverse crease that draws the eye from the grille toward the windshield.

Horizontal ribs in the roof also strengthen body structure and help reduce boom from wind noise while larger mirrors that improve rear visibility have been carefully tailored to reduce wind noise.

Mariner is available in two trim levels: the well-equipped Mariner and the up-level Mariner Premier that adds bright machined 16-inch aluminum wheels (with optional chrome-clad 17-inch wheels), available satin inserts on the roof rack, leather seats, a power driver's seat, dual automatic temperature control and body-color mirrors.

Three new 2008 Mariner colors include Kiwi, Light Ice Blue and Black Pearl Slate. In all, eight exterior colors will be offered on the new Mariner.

Mariner's Stylish, Sophisticated and Refined Interior Moves Further Upscale

Inside, Satin Pewter finishes and chrome accents give the 2008 Mariner an upscale look. There are new seats, door trim panels, A- and B-pillar trims, center console and a new floor-mounted shifter. The seats are monochromatic or two-tone with Alcantara Suede inserts.

The 2008 Mariner is the first Mercury vehicle to debut three innovative interior features:

* A "top of dash" display positioned at eye level on the dashboard shows inside and outside temperature, radio functions and climate control readouts. When the driver or front passenger adjusts a knob or button on the instrument panel, the change is reflected in the eye-level display instead of lower down on the dashboard where information is typically located. This simple, efficient design puts much of the vehicle's information in one place at the top of the dashboard, making it easier to read while driving.

* Ice Blue Lighting replaces green on the instrument cluster, on the center console, on the door lock and window switches and on the steering wheel. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall quality feel of the interior.

* Replacing the traditional "brick" design for the radio and heating/air conditioning controls, Mariner features dials and buttons that "poke-through" the center console. The instrument panel houses audio and climate controls, a standard MP3/iPod jack, controls for the heated seats and an available in-dash Navigation system. The result is a more integrated, more finished look.

In addition to these features, Mariner's center console has innovative space and storage solutions. The console features best-in-class volume and two removable bins with dovetail mounting points on the front passenger side or rear of the console. The medium-sized bins can be used as a trash receptacle, an extra place to put a music player, or an additional storage space for keys, sunglasses, etc.

The center console in the new Mariner is large enough to hold a laptop computer, and there are three levels of storage space. The bottom storage level features a secret compartment that goes nearly to the floor of the vehicle so Mariner owners can hide valuables like a digital camera or purse. The rear part of the console has molded-in rear-seat cup holders that are higher, sturdier and easier to reach than in the previous model.

The storage area behind the second row of seats has a newly available rear cargo management system. Lifting the rear cargo area carpet reveals a hidden, lockable place to store items - it's a second "wet" trunk to keep snorkeling gear or wet beach towels away from dry bags or clothes. The rear cargo area carpet is also reversible - flip it over and there's an easy-to-clean rubber surface.

The air conditioner has been improved for more comfort in hot weather conditions. A larger air conditioner compressor improves overall performance, and new rectangular air vents near the top of the dashboard efficiently direct air to passengers in the back seat and do not blow directly on the driver's hands.

A host of other features elevate the level of sophistication inside Mariner. A new floor-mounted shifter, for example, let engineers remove the emergency brake handle from the center console, freeing up room between the seats; the emergency brake is now engaged with a floor-mounted pedal and released with a handle on the dashboard. Thoughtfully sculpted door panels create more elbow room; audio speakers sit higher in the front doors for better sound clarity; and the rear doors have new storage bins.

Mariner is also one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to feature One-Touch Integrated Start. This feature lets the driver put the key in the ignition, turn it once and then let go - like electronic "start" buttons that are becoming common on luxury cars.

Mercury Sable, 2008

2010-08-15T11:00:00.003+07:00

Unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, the new 2008 Mercury Sable offers customers a sophisticated new look inside and out, a significantly quieter cabin, a more plush ride and a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6.

Sophisticated style brings the exterior to life
Sable's modern, distinctive look builds on the clean, modern design themes first introduced on the Mercury Mountaineer and that were further refined on the Milan and new Mariner.

Sable's clean, integrated front-end design centers on Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille flanked by exquisitely detailed, jeweled projector beam headlamps that sweep up over the front fenders. Additional visual highlights at the front of vehicle include new chrome surrounds for the fog lamps and bright, satin aluminum caps on the side mirrors.

Sable's distinctive LED taillamps feature a predominantly white lens with red accent stripes. The new rear fascia has a cutout for the chrome-tips on the dual exhaust system, a visual cue that suggests more power under the hood. A chrome strip on the bottom edge of the deck lid provides a finishing touch.

Cool and expressive accents sharpen the interior
Complementing the clean exterior, a core attribute of Mercury design is a modern, airy interior. With Sable, this design direction comes to life in two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a more technical appearance, for example, can opt for Cyber Carbon, a deep, high-gloss accent that resembles carbon fiber. Alternatively, two modern wood grain accents - Guitar Maple or San Macassar - are available.

Standard cloth seats wear an updated and modern graphic design while the Premier Series offers supple two-tone leather seats detailed with contrast stitching and featuring a new, more modern, perforated pattern. The rectangular shapes of the perforations are placed farther apart for a more progressive, contemporary look. The same pattern is repeated on the door panels.

Customers attracted to clean, contemporary Mercury design are also very sophisticated in their technology needs. The 2008 Sable offers the right connection for driver and passenger alike.

A comfortable, quiet driving experience
A completely revised sound package gives the new Sable interior quietness that rivals many luxury cars. Technologies like expandable foam pellets in the A-Pillars and improved sound-deadening material in the doors, headliner and pillars help reduce interior noise levels

Sable's quiet and confident ride is delivered in part by a revised Mac Pherson-strut front suspension with 10 percent more travel, new dampers and spring rates, and a retuned independent coil-over rear suspension. A new power steering system uses an intelligent electric pump to provide extra steering assist for such tasks as parking, and dials down the assist when it's not needed, for example, when cruising on the freeway.

Sable features an award-winner, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a sharp, six-speed transmission. The Duratec 35 engine makes an estimated 260 horsepower, a nearly 30 percent increase over the outgoing Duratec 30, and 245 pound-feet of torque.

The available all-wheel-drive system - similar to the system used on the new Mercury Mariner - features an electronically-controlled center coupling that can distribute exact amounts of torque from front to rear, up to 100 percent to either axle.

The 2008 Mercury Sable's real-world fuel economy, even with the additional power and performance, is expected to be similar to the outgoing Montego model - thanks mainly to advancements in power train technology.

A clever, safe choice
The new Sable is expected to be a segment leader in safety, capable of achieving five stars in all four categories for the U.S. government's crash tests.

Advance Trac electronic stability control system is available on all Sable models. Additional standard safety features includes dual-stage driver and passenger front air bags, seat-deployed side air bags for driver and front passenger, and Ford's Safety Canopy side curtain air bags for both rows of seats. A new steering wheel design recesses the airbag 15 millimeters farther away from the driver, for an added measure of safety.

Buick Riviera Concept Coupe

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The Riviera has been engineered to accommodate a new hybrid system.

The fuel-efficient car, which will feature several technological and manufacturing advances.

Exterior Design - A Sense Of Existence, Not Anonymity
The Riviera design is structured around the Buick tri-shield logo, sitting proudly on a trihedral waterfall grille. This takes the traditional Buick treatment to a new level of sophisticated boldness.

The gullwing doors, selected for their exotic appeal, achieve an expansive entrance to the two-plus-two seating configuration. Measuring 1938 millimeters at their widest point, they add to the coupe's sleek sideline. At night, fully opened doors gently shine the "Buick" name on the ground.

The use of carbon fiber in all body panels allowed the designers greater flexibility through reduced mass and added strength. This made the gullwing engineering demands easier to realize and sharp, tight radius curves possible across the body surface.

The Riviera sits on 21-inch 10-spoke forged aluminum wheels, combining polished and satin finishes, with low-profile tires. Taking their cue from Formula One cars, the side mirrors are sweeping yet unobtrusive.

Interior Design : All About Relaxation
In a word - sanctuary. The use of rich blue and subtle creams, representing earth and water themes, are conveyed through high-quality leather bucket seats, plush carpet and a luxurious padded steering wheel. Completing the organic feel, the roof comprises two shaded glass windows offering increased headroom and a celestial connection for occupants.

The interior has no discernable start and finish point for the front and sides, creating a comfortable lounge feel. It is immediately futuristic yet somehow familiar.
The three-dimensional speedometer, inspired by past classics but utterly modern in design, compliments the touchpad styled central console loosely modeled on a computer mouse. An LCD display screen crowns the central console.

Interior designers were encouraged to consider people's personal belongings to enhance their feeling of familiarity and comfort in the vehicle. Continuing the theme of calm simplicity, electronic shifter pads replace the traditional transmission shifter. Controls are kept to a minimum to avoid driver distraction.

The ambient light strips are applied from across the console and inserted on the door liner, stretching to the front seats. Deliberately imitating precious Chinese jade stone, the lights are tinted a subtle icy green, which also offers tribute to a favored color of Buicks in days gone by.

Interior trim treatments befitting the Buick prestige abound - miniature aluminum tri-shields in the front seat headrests, a wooden floor mat in the rear and a rear central armrest which can move sideways left and right to accommodate passengers of different sizes.