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Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, 2008

2013-01-08T20:11:00.003-08:00

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, 2008

Having earned critical acclaim, industry awards and brisk sales, Cadillac CTS has moved into the vanguard of contemporary design. In doing so, Cadillac designers faced the question of what to do next. Their answer celebrates that design legacy with the exhilarating Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept, which premiered at the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe takes Cadillac's acclaimed Art and Science design language and adds more of both. More expressive, more technical and very personal, the Cadillac CTS Coupe extends the dramatic design of its sedan predecessor with all-new sculpted bodywork aft of the front fenders.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept has a classic 2+2 interior layout, highlighted by black leather and Alcantara microfiber trim that is complemented by yellow ochre-colored seat inserts and leather stitching. It is designed to accommodate a range of engines for the global luxury market, including Cadillac's popular 3.6L Direct Injection V-6, as well as a new 2.9L turbo-diesel currently in development.

Generated from the spark of the CTS design team's imagination, the Cadillac CTS Coupe casts a profile unlike anything else on the road. Its fast-rake styling - it has the same wheelbase as the CTS, but an overall height that is approximately four inches (101 mm) shorter - blends with hand-sculpted bodywork that bulges around the wheels, giving the vehicle a ready-to-pounce stance that is dramatic, powerful and sleek.

A design gem
Among the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept's signature design cues are a number of elements that suggest the look of a carefully cut diamond - particularly at the rear. These elements are seen in everything from the chrome header above the rear license plate holder to the indents that comprise the basic form of the rear fascia.
Although based on the sedan, the Cadillac CTS Coupe shares only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille with the production model.

Unique elements:

    * Classic hardtop styling, with no B-pillar
    * CTS production windshield laid at a faster angle to create a sleeker profile
    * Chrome, split seven-spoke wheel design; 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear wheels
    * Sculpted lower front fascia with unique brake-cooling vents
    * Slim-profile outside mirrors
    * XLR-type hidden door handles with proximity remote opening
    * Unique front fender vents
    * Diamond-cut rear fascia with mesh lower grilles and center-outlet exhaust
    * Taillamps with a subtle fin profile and are highlighted with LED lighting technology with light pipes
    * Rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp
    * Sculpted roof-mounted antenna for OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, etc.

The surfaces of Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept are complex, inviting careful inspection. The rear fenders, for example, were sculpted by hand in the design studio until they provided a perfect, muscular form that wrapped tightly over the wheels. At the top, the rear fenders are beveled - owing to the diamond-cut theme - and become part of a horizontal plane that runs from the leading edge of the taillamps and merges into the roof.

Personal passenger environment
A classic 2+2 interior environment enhances the Cadillac CTS Coupe's personal feel. It shares the hand cut-and-sewn instrument panel and center console with the CTS, but features unique front and rear seats, a continuous console running between the front and rear seats, and custom door panels.
Custom-trimmed sport seats from Recaro are located in all four positions. They support the grand-touring nature of the car and are covered in rich, black and suede-like microfiber material, with yellow ochre-colored inserts. The yellow ochre color provides dramatic contrast with the black surrounding trim, but is a subdued hue consistent with the interior's overall feeling of refinement. Yellow ochre stitching also is used throughout, including the seats, instrument panel, shifter knob and more.

Black microfiber fabric covers the front armrest, as well as an armrest located between the rear seats. The armrests are part of a continuous console that stretches from the instrument panel to rear seats. Carbon-fiber trim accents the console. The interior also features ambient lighting throughout, creating a distinctive environment at night.

Like the sedan, the CTS Coupe Concept's interior is home to a host of technologies, including a premium Bose audio system, 40-gigabyte hard drive and XM Satellite Radio. OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation enhances the vehicle's onboard navigation system, which - like the CTS - features a screen that rises out of the center of the instrument panel.

Performance-bred powertrain and suspension systems

As is the case with its design, the Cadillac CTS Coupe extends the acclaimed capabilities of the sedan in terms of performance technology. This includes the capability to support a broad engine range of gasoline and diesel engines.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe, of course, ascertains the sedan's 3.6L V-6 engines, including the 304-horsepower (227 kW) Direct Injection power plant. The Coupe Concept also is designed for a new 2.9L turbo-diesel being developed for international markets. This new engine, tailored for use in the CTS, will deliver an estimated 250 horsepower (184 kW) and 406 lb.-ft. of torque (550 Nm).

A six-speed manual transmission backs the engine, sending torque to an independently sprung rear axle. The CTS Coupe's sport-tuned suspension gives it a slightly lower ride height than a production CTS - a look enhanced by the car's rakish shape and large, 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.

Behind the chrome, split-spoke, aluminum alloy wheels is a set of high-performance brakes, featuring cross-drilled rotors. Six-piston calipers clamp down on the front rotors, while four-piston calipers grab the rear rotors. All of the rotors have a distinctive, yellow-painted finish.

CADILLAC CTS Coupe CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS

* Vehicle type: two-door, four-passenger rear-wheel-drive coupe
* Wheelbase (in / mm): 113.4 / 2880
* Length (in / mm): 187 / 4750
* Width (in / mm): 73.6 / 1870
* Height (in / mm): 54.7 / 1390
* Track (in / mm): 61.8 / 1570 (front); 62 / 1575 (rear)
* Powertrain: 2.9L turbo-diesel; six-speed manual transmission
* Suspension: four-wheel independent: MacPherson strut front; multilink rear, progressive rate coil springs, monotube shock absorbers
* Brakes: four-wheel disc; crossed-drilled rotors
* Wheels: cast aluminum; 20-in front, 21-in rear

Buick Park Avenue Ultra, 2003

2013-01-08T20:10:00.000-08:00

Buick Park Avenue Ultra, 2003

The Park Avenue was Buick's flagship sedan. A luxury trim level, the Ultra (1991), was also available throughout the Park Avenue's run. The Buick Park Avenue Ultra luxury sedan featured a more powerful 205-240 hp supercharged V6 that became standard in 1992 versus the regular 170-205 hp V6. Prices for the Park Avenue ranged from $34,705 for the regular Park Avenue and $39,225 for the Ultra luxury trim.

1997-2005

An updated Park Avenue was released in 1997. Riding on the Buick Riviera's G-body, it was stronger and more substantial than its predecessor. New generations of the 3800 engine continued as the only powerplant, and the Park Avenue continued with minor updates since this date. The Park Avenue was discontinued for 2006 and replaced by the Buick Lucerne. The Lucerne also replaces the nearly identical but smaller Buick LeSabre.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, 2011

2013-01-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, 2011

On a beautiful sunny day at 25 degrees the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport achieved a new landspeed world record for production cars, on the proving grounds of the Volkswagen Group at Ehra-Lessien (nearby its headquarters at Wolfsburg). In the presence of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV) and a representative of Guinness Book of Records the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport achieved an average top speed of 431 km/h.

Saturday, 2 pm - Bugatti's Pilote Officiel Pierre Henri Raphanel puts his helmet and gloves on, pulls the safety belts tight whilst the engineers check the car a very last time: tyre pressure, temperature, all systems go. Then the orange black Bugatti Veyron Super Sport crosses the light barrier, from now on the time will be taken, within one hour the car has to drive from South to North and then in the opposite direction. No one but the driver is allowed to touch the car during this time. The tension rises. A few minutes later we can hear from the left side the sound of a starting jumbo jet coming closer towards us. First we perceive the headlights of the Veyron, then we can recognize the shape of the car, a loud wooosh…. and Raphanel dashes in top speed past us. The GPS-tachometer stops at 427, 933 km/h. Now the same procedure from the opposite direction. This time the car reaches 434, 211 km/h. As average top speed the representatives of the "TÜV"and Guinness generate a value of 431, 072 km/h (268 mph). This even hit Bugatti's engineering team by surprise.

The climax of the Veyron series: the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Had a model been especially popular or highly successful in races, Ettore Bugatti's customers often pushed the master to tease out of the engine a few horsepower more for their future car. Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. had been in a similar situation when their existing customers asked the company to not only design their second model optically differently but to also create a version with a sportier and more extreme driving experience. The result is a car with a uniquely high performance of 1,200-hp (882 kW) offering experienced drivers a whole new dimension of excitement, with a maximum torque of 1,500 Newton metres and a limited top speed of 415 km/h (to protect the tyres) but, the technique of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is identical to the record car. The first five Bugatti Veyron Super Sports to come off the production line will constitute a special series of their own, with the same configuration as the landspeed record car.

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is a consequent of the further development of the classic exclusive 1,001-hp Bugatti Veyron 16.4, launched in 2005. This model offers a stunning set of specifications, such as the twin clutch gearbox with seven speeds, the extraordinarily precise driving performance in bends and excellent stability when braking and accelerating.

Continuous work in extreme performance ranges lead to constantly new conclusions, which enabled the engineers at Bugatti to develop the Veyron into a direction in which the driver can reach new dimensions. Every modification is designed to produce an even more powerful car for an agile ride. Four enlarged turbochargers and bigger intercoolers have been used to boost the power of the 16-cylinder engine, and the chassis has been extensively redesigned to maintain safety at extreme speed - thanks to slightly raised main-spring travel, stronger stabilisers, and new shock absorbers with a complex architecture originally developed for racing cars. This gives noticeably more precise control of the wheels and the car as a whole. With lateral acceleration of up to 1.4 G and improved interaction between the tyres and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport offers perfect handling and even more powerful acceleration of 1,500 Newton metres on corner exits.

The body has been fine-tuned to improve aerodynamic efficiency and maintain perfect balance in every situation, while the new fibre structure of the all-carbon monocoque ensures maximum torsion rigidity and passive safety - at reduced weight. The skin is made entirely of carbon-fibre composites, and the new Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is available in 100 per-cent clearlacquered exposed carbon on request.

Dynamic exterior
Every detail of this car, and not just its use of advanced motorsport technology, harks back to the pioneering spirit of company founder Ettore Bugatti. This brilliant designer came from a family of artists, and his philosophy was always to combine mechanical perfection and exterior beauty. This ethos remains alive and well at the company, and the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is wholly unmistakeable, with every external modification serving to coax greater performance from the car.

The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport's flat, elongated silhouette is immediately recognisable. The 16-cylinder engine gets its air from two NACA ducts integrated into the roof, rather than from scoops above the engine. The front air intakes have been expanded and reshaped, with the lower one extending elegantly around the sides to the wheel arch. The revised back looks sportier due to the double diffuser and a centrally arranged exhaust system.

Bugatti has a tradition of making super-sport versions of successful models, usually with racing chassis and supercharged engines. These cars were considered as true racing machines for diehard Bugatti devotees. The most successful were the type 55 and type 57S; only around forty of each were built.

Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has sold 260 Veyrons and 35 Grand Sports by now, of which 249 Veyrons and 22 Grand Sports had been delivered. The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport will begin production in the autumn of 2010 at Molsheim along with the Veyron and the Grand Sport. The first five cars - known as the World Record Edition - are in a special black exposed carbon and orange finish and have already been sold.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport will appear for the first time in public in California at the Pebble Beach Concours weekend in mid-August and will be featured at The Quail, Monterey Historic Races at Laguna Seca and on the concept lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

BMW EfficientDynamics Concept, 2009

2012-12-26T03:54:00.003-08:00

BMW EfficientDynamics Concept, 2009

The BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, the unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. The outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.

BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is the result of a "clean-sheet" development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design. BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is the most comprehensive implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car's emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer.
BMW EfficientDynamics Concept

The power and performance are made possible by combining a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder turbodiesel with one electric motor on each axle. The intelligent combination of these units, together with precisely controlled energy management, simultaneously enhances the dynamic performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system output is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is 590 lb-ft. The special arrangement of the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive when driving in all-electric mode. The result is minimum power loss and a harmonious transmission of the power available under all conditions.

BMW EfficientDynamics Concept for the first time conveys the dynamic look of a BMW sports car to a hybrid vehicle. Developed with decades of experience in Motorsport, the body of this unique sports car is a result of intelligent lightweight technology and aerodynamic efficiency. In the design of the interior, the focus was likewise on both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight.

Turbodiesel engine with unprecedented specific output.
The combustion engine is a cutting-edge turbodiesel featured for the first time in the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car. Displacing 1.5 liters on three cylinders, the engine consistently follows the downsizing principle of using a relatively small engine combined with a turbocharger to reduce fuel consumption.

Through its compact dimensions, the 3-cylinder fits conveniently in front of the rear axle like in an agile mid-engine sports car, despite the two seats at the rear. Fuel is injected by the latest generation of High Precision Direct Injection, and the turbocharger features variable intake geometry for maximum efficiency. Engine output is 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft.

The specific output of 109 hp per liter sets a new benchmark in diesel technology. The power delivered by the turbodiesel is conveyed to the rear axle by means of a double-clutch transmission (DCT). This advanced transmission technology, which already offers a particularly dynamic driving experience in BMW's M3 and Z4 Roadster, allows the driver to shift gears without the slightest interruption of power. BMW EfficientDynamics Concept features a newly-developed version of BMW's DCT with six speeds for maximum efficiency and flexibility.

Two electric motors for full-hybrid drive.
The combustion engine is supplemented by two electric motors. Consistently applying the BMW ActiveHybrid philosophy, development engineers followed the principle of "Best of Hybrid," choosing the optimum combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a full-hybrid system at the rear.

The driver benefits from the efficiency of the electric motors over a far wider speed range than with a conventional hybrid car. The rear axle comes with a second-generation full-hybrid system corresponding to the technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 production model. The compact electric motor positioned between the diesel engine and the DCT outputs a consistent 33 horsepower and is able to reach a peak of up to 51 hp. Maximum torque for the rear electric motor is 214 lb-ft, the power, either supporting the diesel engine or in all-electric motoring.

The engine, a hybrid synchronous motor, offers continuous output of 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 112 horsepower is available for a period of up to 30 seconds, and, for a 10-second "burst," the electric motor is able to develop 139 horsepower. The power is transmitted through a 2-stage, single-speed reduction gearbox.

BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is able to run completely under electric power, with the power of the turbodiesel engine alone, or through an infinite combination of the three power sources. Depending on driving conditions, the two electric motors may be used both for accelerating and for regenerating energy when applying the brakes and while coasting. This principle ensures efficient energy management, with the charge status of the lithium-polymer battery constantly remaining within the optimum range. When accelerating, the electric motors help to boost the car for even greater performance, ensuring immediate response and a significant reduction in fuel consumption. For a short time, such as in passing maneuvers, the cumulative maximum output of all three engines increases to 356 hp, with maximum torque generated by the three engines reaching 590 lb-ft.

The lithium-polymer battery for electrical energy.
The energy cells featured in BMW EfficientDynamics Concept are housed in a chassis element running from front to rear through the middle of the car. The front unit is the lithium-polymer complex, an ongoing development of the lithium-ion battery. Overall, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept comes with a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells, each offering a capacity of 30 amp/hours and developing continuous output of 600 Amps at a voltage of 3.7 V. For a period of 30 seconds, each cell is even able to develop maximum output of 1,200 Amps.

The serial arrangement of the lithium-polymer cells serves to generate nominal voltage of 364 volts, the gross storage capacity of the battery is 10.8 kW/h. With an unusually high discharge capacity of 80 percent, the battery delivers 8.6 kW/h for driving the car. This superior performance comes on overall weight of the entire energy storage system of just 187 lb. A further advantage is that through their optimum dimensions tailored to the specific qualities and features of the car, the lithium-polymer cells, together with the operating strategy chosen with a concept of "forward looking" energy management, reduces the thermal load acting on the battery to such an extent that there is no need for active cooling.

The Plug-in solution: convenient charging of the electric power system from a conventional power socket.
Brake Energy Regeneration captures electric power generated while driving without additional fuel consumption, which is subsequently used to supply power to the electric motors and on-board network. A further option is to connect the lithium-polymer cells to a conventional power socket for a simple and efficient charge process, using a plug-in connector in the front-right wing of the car. Connected to a standard EU power outlet (220 V, 16 Amps), the system requires a maximum of 2 ½ hours to fully charge the lithium-polymer cells. And wherever a power source with higher voltage and amperage (380 V, 32 Amps) is available, the charge time is an even shorter 44 minutes.

The Fuel efficiency and emission management opening new dimensions in hybrid technology.
The power delivered by the two electric motors and single diesel 3-cylinder engine gives the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept a level of performance superior to anything provided so far by a hybrid vehicle. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h, for example, comes in just 4.8 seconds and the car could exceed its electronically-limited 155 mph top speed.

The fuel efficiency and emission management now reach a standard only achieved, if at all, by far less powerful small cars conceived for city traffic and short distances. Applying the criteria of the EU test cycle, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept offers average fuel consumption equal to 62.6 mpg. CO2 emissions, in turn, are 99 grams per kilometer. These consumption and emission figures are measured on a consistent internal power balance, meaning that the batteries and storage media for electrical energy maintain the same charge level throughout the entire test cycle (with the same level at the beginning and end) and are charged while driving only by the car's on-board systems.

As a plug-in hybrid, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is able to cover the entire drive cycle for measuring fuel consumption also with its combustion engine completely switched off. Then, to subsequently charge the lithium-polymer cells to the same status as when setting off, all the driver has to do is connect the car to an external power grid. To determine the consumption of electric power, the only requirement is to compare the charge level of the battery before and after the test cycle. Applying this measurement process, the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car consumes 17.5 kW/h per 100 kilometers, equal to a CO2 emission rating of just 50 grams per kilometer in the EU test cycle.

To determine the total volume of CO2 emissions when driving in the all-electric mode, new legal standards for measuring the level of fuel consumption are currently being prepared for hybrid and electric cars with a plug-in power supply. Applying this calculation method, the CO2 emission ratings generated by BMW EfficientDynamics Concept are reduced further to just one-third of the original figure of 99 grams per kilometer. Clearly, this significant reduction of emissions opens up a new dimension in BMW's EfficientDynamics development strategy in this unique concept car.

Aerodynamic qualities reflecting BMW's Motorsport experience.
BMW EfficientDynamics Concept also takes a new approach in its design and streamlining, the body and the interior clearly expressing the unique combination of supreme efficiency and the sporting performance of the brand. Following BMW's design language, this concept car visualizes both highly efficient aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight construction.

In its design, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept differs from the usual low-emission car concepts. The principle of "form follows function" is not just for the overall look of the car, but embraces each and every detail. Measuring 48.8" in height and boasting a sweeping, arch-like roofline, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept offers the slender silhouette of a classic Gran Turismo. With the combustion engine fitted in front of the rear axle, the designers have succeeded in giving the car a very low front end, with the flow of air being further smoothened by active louvers in front of the radiator, which close completely when the need for cooling air is low. This efficient function follows in the footsteps of the active air flap control already used as a feature of BMW EfficientDynamics in some of BMW's current production models. As a further highlight, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept guides air smoothly and exactly as required into the car through an active air intake at the front.

Numerous details in the design of the body are based on the know-how BMW has gained in Motorsport, a number of body elements serving as air deflectors and guide vanes. Designed as ducts, for example, the A-pillars serve to channel the flow of air in the same way as the rear lights with their wing profile. The floor of the car is fully covered from front to rear and from one side to the other, thus maintaining a smooth surface to avoid any air swirl liable to increase fuel consumption. Slender openings around the front air dam guide the air flowing specifically into two closed ducts leading inside the front air dam to the wheel arches where the air comes out again through a very slim aperture at high speed, flowing just next to the outer wheel flanks. This air jet rests on the front wheels like a curtain and is therefore referred to most appropriately as the "air curtain." It provides a highly stabilizing effect.

Overall vehicle concept for a drag coefficient of just 0.22.
To further optimize the aerodynamic qualities of the entire vehicle and keep rolling resistance to a minimum, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept comes with tires and wheels of quite unusual size on a sports car. The tires measure 195/55, while large 21-inch wheels provide a contact surface on the road otherwise offered only by a much wider tire. In combination with the sophisticated axle geometry, this ensures agile driving behavior.

The extra-large wheel covers extending over part of the tire flanks add to the unique, very different look of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept from the side. The blade profile integrated in the wheels serves furthermore to reduce the negative effect of the turning wheels on the overall aerodynamics of the car. In all, these features optimizing the aerodynamic qualities of the car give the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car a very low drag factor (CX) of just 0.22.

Technological look as a strong impression of intelligent lightweight construction.
In both exterior and interior design, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept stands out clearly as a strong spearhead in technology. Many components of the vehicle are presented in full view expressing the "transparent" character of the car as a powerful visual feature of lightweight technology. The chassis and suspension of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept are made completely of aluminum; the roof and the outer skin on the doors are made almost completely of a special polycarbonate glass automatically darkening as a function of the light shining on the car.

Measuring 181.1" in length, 74.8" in width and 48.8" in height, this unique concept car offers ample space for up to four passengers and their luggage. Thanks to the consistent lightweight construction strategy applied on the car, curb weight is 3,076 lb, with the center of gravity remaining very low. In its power-to-weight ratio, the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car is far superior to all other hybrid cars, achieving the same standard as extremely dynamic sports cars with a conventional combustion engine.

Carrying a maximum payload of 981 lb, this unique 2+2-seater is fully suited for everyday traffic. Luggage capacity of 5.3 cu ft, in turn, allows the driver and passengers to conveniently take along two golf bags. And to meet additional loading requirements the backrests of the two rear seats may be tilted down individually to provide extra storage space.

Emotional design through sculptural shapes and layering technology.
Reflecting the innovative drive concept of this unique car, the design of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept likewise takes a new approach in combining functional progress with a most powerful emotional impact.

This has been achieved through the close cooperation of BMW's Design and Technical Development Divisions starting at an early point and continuing consistently throughout the entire development process. The result is a brand-new vehicle architecture with the drive components as well as the body and interior elements perfectly coordinated and matched to one another with maximum flexibility and individual style.

A fully integrated design philosophy also provided new options in using harmonized design principles connecting the exterior and the interior and providing an interacting effect between the two areas.

Sculptural design language giving BMW EfficientDynamics Concept a fully harmonized, complete look ensures the proportions typical of a BMW sports car. The front, side, rear and roof areas, for example, flow smoothly into one another. Dynamically contoured surfaces and shapes, in turn, create highly attractive light and shade effects accentuating the light and sporting character of the car in an emotional manner.

Layering technology developed by the BMW Group Design Division acts as the fundamental guideline in designing the exterior and interior. Applied for the first time in exterior design, this technology layers one surface on top of the other, creating very smooth seams and joints to reduce the number of components and, accordingly, the weight of the car. As a result, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept meets the most demanding aerodynamic requirements without using any additional body elements, simply through the structure of the surfaces optimized for a smooth flow of air.

Interior: innovative lightweight construction and unprecedented orientation to the driver.
Innovative layering technology provides an unprecedented symbiosis of function and stylish shapes intentionally reduced to a minimum, consistently implementing and visualizing the lightweight principle also inside the car.

Specific components such as the central air vent not only serving to enhance motoring comfort but also acting as part of the cockpit, perform several functions in one. This multi-functionality is then presented visibly within the car, the use of particularly sophisticated materials providing a highly attractive combination of innovation in technology and quality clear to the eye and the touch of the surface.

This interaction of lightweight construction and individual well-being also comes out clearly in the design of the controls and switches, with a leather band, for example, running round the aluminum gear selector lever on the center console. Materials combining lightweight technology and all the qualities required are also to be admired all round the cockpit of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept, giving the car an unusually generous feeling of space for a 2+2-seater. The body-contoured seats, for example, are made up of a kevlar shell, a backbone structure, and seat padding with personalized fillings. Clearly, this combination alone ensures comfort at a minimum weight. The driver's and front passenger's seats are connected firmly to the center console to form a joint interior "landscape", while the rear seats anchored on the floor would appear to be hovering in space. Natural materials and light colors on the seat upholstery and all interior linings underline the light, sophisticated and sustainability-oriented atmosphere within the passenger compartment.

The instrument panel is deliberately padded only where technical components have to be appropriately covered, thus making an important contribution to passenger safety in the event of a collision. The instrument cluster played a fundamental role right from the start in the design process, serving as the starting point for all surfaces within the interior and thus creating a particularly powerful rendition of that driver orientation typical of BMW.

Innovative light technology: providing clear signals to the outside and offering soothing ambient illumination inside in a unique symbiosis.

LED lights at both the front and rear end of BMW EfficientDynamics Concept provide an innovative combination of the symbols typical of the brand and clear design language oriented towards trendsetting technology. The distinctive look of the dual round headlights characteristic of a BMW is emphasized in particular by the use of LED technology. The rear lights are integrated also in their function into the design of the entire rear section, forming part of the rear air deflector and thus merging completely into the rear contour.

Extremely flat and compact, the rear lights are made up of innovative LED units forming a smooth and consistent red surface when not in use. Only when used do the respective light chambers take on the appropriate color such as yellow on the direction indicators. This innovative light technology also provides an intense symbiosis of the exterior and interior, again promoting and further refining the driving experience.

This is also why the ambient illumination of the interior comes with new features and qualities, the light sources within the passenger compartment being fed from the positioning lights at the side, the rear lights and the brake lights, thus changing the atmosphere created by the lights within the car as a function of driving conditions.

The optical impression conveyed by BMW EfficientDynamics Concept also results in other areas from the symbiosis of the exterior and interior, eliminating the conventional barriers between the two. The lines within the interior, for example, continue on to the innovative design of the engine compartment lid, while in its shape the third brake light positioned higher up on the car follows the structure of the glass roof and tapers to the outside where the roofline moves down gently to the rear.

Overhead doors for convenient access to all seats.
The doors on BMW EfficientDynamics Concept open up like bird's wings, turning on pivots in the front roof column at the level of the side direction indicators. Since the car has no B-pillars, the large door cutouts ensure convenient entry also to the rear seats. The pivots on the doors also provide the base for the exterior mirrors, thus forming an ideal combination of function and aesthetic design. The structure of the doors is also characterized by several layers of materials on top of one another and the optical and functional symbiosis of the interior and exterior this technology is able to offer. Made up of three layers, the overall structure comprises the outer glass surface, an interim load-bearing layer, and the interior cover with its particularly smooth shapes and fl owing forms clearly visible to the passengers, layering technology again, therefore, opening up new perspectives.

The large glass surfaces extending far down on the body also provide a strong optical impression of the low seating position close to the road. And at the same time a stable sidebar ensures the body stiffness and crash safety naturally required on every vehicle. Flowing to the inside at its central point, this safety element also serves as an armrest. This interplay of the three layers also helping to minimize the weight of the car continues on the trim bar running along the door and extending out of the armrest, finally flowing into the outer door opener on its path from inside to outside.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur, 2009

2012-12-26T03:51:00.002-08:00

Bentley Continental Flying Spur, 2009

The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur is set to deliver even greater levels of refinement, comfort and opportunities for customer personalisation. The class-leading 12-cylinder luxury saloon will also be joined by the 600 bhp (610PS) Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed. The most powerful 4-door car ever produced by the British manufacturer, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed offers the pure driving experience and uncompromising performance synonymous with all Bentleys bearing the Speed legend.

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur has been an extraordinary success story for Bentley since its launch in 2005. Its unrivalled combination of exciting performance, luxury, craftsmanship, style and four-door practicality has broadened the appeal of the Continental range. The Bentley Continental Flying Spur has become the most successful 12-cylinder luxury saloon in the world and has played a pivotal role in the revitalisation of Bentley.

The instantly recognisable style of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur undergoes a subtle evolution with changes to the front and rear design. The new, more upright grille and bolder lower air intake accentuate the distinctive Bentley profile, while the new rear bumper delivers a more aggressive and sleek appearance.

A comprehensive range of noise-absorbent measures including acoustic glazing, tri-laminate body undertrays and wheelarch liners ensure that cabin refinement, already a hallmark of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, is best in class.
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Bentley Continental Flying Spur

The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur may now be specified with a sophisticated follow-to-stop, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control system, which monitors traffic ahead and manages the throttle and brakes to maintain a pre-set time gap, up to a driver selected set speed.

As a further option, the new Naim for Bentley audio system provides the world's best in-car sound stage. Designed exclusively for Bentley by Naim, the renowned British hi-fi manufacturer, the system features an 1100 Watt amplifier, the most powerful unit offered in a production car, and 15 custom-built Naim speakers, including dual Naim sub-woofers. The next-generation Digital Signal Processor further enhances the listening experience.

The aluminium-intensive suspension of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur features revised spring and dampers and a new bespoke 19-inch Pirelli UHP tyre for outstanding levels of ride quality, comfort and refinement.

Bentley's commitment to the highest quality of craftsmanship and customer personalisation is highlighted with an enhanced choice of beautifully crafted wood marquetry and chrome inlays. In addition, seat piping, a traditional Bentley feature, is introduced on Bentley Continental Flying Spur together with two new hide colours. Three new colours and four duo-tone paint combinations are added to the exterior paint palette.

The 600bhp Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed unleashes the same potent performance and intense levels of driver engagement as its highly acclaimed stablemate, the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Inspired by Bentley's legendary 'Speed' models that first appeared in 1923, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed offers a range of headline performance figures including a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 200mph.

Audi e-tron Concept, 2009

2012-12-26T03:50:00.002-08:00

Audi e-tron Concept, 2009

Audi presents the highlight of the IAA 2009: the Audi e-tron Concept, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors - two each at the front and rear axles - drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 - 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 - 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometers.

The performance figures are by no means the only evidence of the consistent and holistic strategy. The design makes it clear that the Audi e-tron Concept belongs in the major leagues of sports cars, and the package takes into account the specific realities of an electric vehicle. The battery is directly behind the passenger cabin for an optimal center of gravity and axle load distribution.

The Audi e-tron Concept is able to freely distribute the powerful torque of its four electric motors to the wheels as required. This so-called torque vectoring allows for dazzling dynamics and an undreamed-of level of agility and precision when cornering.

Audi has taken a new and in some cases revolutionary approach to many of the technical modules. A heat pump is used to efficiently warm up and heat the interior. The drive system, the power electronics and the battery are controlled by an innovative thermal management system that is a crucial component for achieving the car's range without compromising its high level of interior comfort. Networking the vehicle electronics with the surroundings, which is referred to as car-to-x communication, opens new dimensions for the optimization of efficiency, safety and convenience.

The Concept
Electric drive systems are still very much outsiders. The first vehicles of this type took to the roads around 1900, yet in 2009 no volume car manufacturer has a car powered exclusively by batteries in its lineup. Fewer than 1,500 electric vehicles are currently registered in Germany, corresponding to only 0.035 percent of all registered vehicles.

Yet electric driving potentially offers numerous advantages. Electric cars reduce the dependence of transportation and the economy on the raw material petroleum. They produce no direct exhaust emissions and thus ease the local burden on the environment. Electric drive systems are also significantly more efficient than combustion engines, consequently making them easier on the customers' wallets. Other strengths include sportiness and the fun they bring to driving. All of the torque is essentially available the moment the driver steps on the accelerator, allowing for breathtaking acceleration.

There is still a lot of work to do before electric cars are ready for volume production, however. The greatest challenge is the integration of the energy storage system. Acceptable range and performance requires a traction battery that is heavy and takes up a lot of space. Audi is taking a new approach to offset these disadvantages - a holistic approach with a specific vehicle package, a systematic lightweight construction concept and an optimal configuration of all components for the electric drive.

Audi e-tron Concept - The Holistic Approach
The most important development related to batteries for electric drives are lithium-ion cells. Numerous experts throughout the world are working on their further development for use in cars, with the primary objectives being to reduce weight and increase capacity and performance. Audi has also opted for this technology, both for use in a hybrid production vehicle, such as the upcoming Q5 hybrid, and in the e-tron test platform.

The requirement specification for the concept vehicle goes far beyond battery technology and the replacement of the combustion engine with an electric drive system, however. The Audi development engineers decided back in the concept phase to design practically every component and technology based on the new requirements of electric mobility. The interaction of all elements has a decisive influence on the factors efficiency, range and practicality.

The Audi team therefore focused its attention on the total vehicle, which is reflected in the comprehensive requirement specification.

The reduction of road resistances and the resulting increase in range plays a major role with electric vehicles. Lightweight construction was therefore a top priority for the Audi e-tron Concept car. The body, in particular, combines low weight with supreme strength and rigidity. An intelligent aerodynamics concept with active elements helps to reduce consumption.
The package ensures the safe integration of the electric drive system and the battery. Placing the battery in front of the rear axle ensures an optimal axle load distribution without compromising the compact overall design and the generous amount of interior space.
Advanced battery technology enables a practical range. The battery system is water-cooled for optimal performance and service life.
A needs-based energy management system controls all functions for the chassis, convenience equipment and other auxiliary consumers.
The innovative thermal management system with optimally matched cooling and heating components considers the cooling requirements of the battery and the drive system in addition to the interior temperature.
Driving dynamics and road comfort are what Audi customers have come to expect in the sports car segment.
Vehicle safety is on par with the best of today's production vehicles.
The driver is provided with clear and comprehensive information.
The Audi e-tron Concept car uses car-to-x communication technology developed by Audi to improve the efficiency of conventionally powered vehicles. For example, information about traffic light cycle times and the flow of traffic - provided by the infrastructure and other vehicles - is used to compute an optimal driving strategy. Audi has already modeled such a solution in Ingolstadt as part of its "travolution" project.

Design and Package
The caliber of the car is apparent to the observer at first glance. The Audi e-tron Concept has a wide, powerful stance on the road. The car body seems almost monolithic; the closed rear end appears powerful and muscular. The trapeze of the single-frame grille dominates the front end and is flanked by two large air intakes. The top of the grille merges into the flat strips of the adaptive matrix beam headlamp modules with their clear glass covers. High-efficiency LED technology is used for all lighting units - a matter of honor for Audi as the worldwide pioneer in this field.

The headlamps are the core of a fully automatic light assistance system that reacts flexibly to any situation. The new technology recognizes weather conditions and adapts the illumination to rain or fog. The technology at the heart of the light assistance system is a camera that works together with a fast computer to detect oncoming traffic, recognize lanes and measure visibilities, such as in the event of fog.

If there is oncoming traffic, for example, the high beams are turned off in the corresponding section of the illumination field. The cornering light system analyzes data from the navigation system and illuminates corners before the driver steers into them. The Audi e-tron Concept does not have conventional fog lamps that consume additional power. It instead intelligently varies the low beams to widen the illumination field, thus significantly reducing the glare from the car's own lights.

The variability of the headlamps is also reflected in their design. The LED elements change appearance and thus the character of the front end of the vehicle depending on the speed driven and the ambient conditions. The innovative lighting technology offers the Audi designers almost as much design freedom as the shape of the body does.

A new design element unique to the Audi e-tron Concept are the air intakes in the single-frame grille and in front of the rear wheel wells. They are closed flush under normal circumstances and opened by means of flaps when additional cooling air is required. Maximum efficiency is also the reason behind this measure. The concept car has a remarkably low drag coefficient, which gets even better when the flaps are closed.

The vehicle body is compact. The sweeping line of the front end and the flat curved roof immediately identify the two-seater as an Audi. The contours of the flanks are familiar. The tapering of the dynamic line above the sill and the shoulder line tie together the front end, the side and the rear, lend a plastic quality to the doors and the transition to the side air intake and sharply emphasize the Audi-typical round wheel wells with the large, 19-inch tires.

1.90 meters (74.80 in) wide, just 4.26 meters (167.72 in) long and 1.23 meters (48.43 in) tall - those are the proportions of a supercar. The wheelbase of 2.60 meters (102.36 in) leaves plenty of room between the axles for people and technology. Like with a mid-engined sports car, the cabin of the Audi e-tron Concept is shifted far forward toward the front axle, leaving room in front of the rear axle for the roughly 470 kilogram (1036.17 lb) battery unit, the inverter and the power electronics.

The two electric motors, which have their own cooling system, are mounted behind the rear axle. The front electric motors are mounted on the front axle, with their cooling system arranged in front of them. This special package, which features a 42:58 weight distribution, ensures perfect balance, which contributes to the driving dynamics of the Audi e-tron Concept.

Systematic lightweight construction is an even more important prerequisite for efficiency and range with electric vehicles than for conventionally powered automobiles. The Audi development engineers drew on the core competence of the company for the Audi e-tron Concept. The body structure is based on Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology and was realized as a hybrid construction. All add-on parts - doors, covers, sidewalls and roof - are made of a fiber-reinforced plastic.

The combination of aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced composite material guarantees supreme rigidity coupled with low weight. Audi will soon use this technology in a similar form for production vehicles. Despite the complex drive system layout with four electric motors and a high-capacity battery system, the total weight of the Audi e-tron Concept is only around 1,600 kilograms (3527.40 lb).

Interior and Control Concept
Optical and functional references to the new drive concept characterize the interior design. They establish an advanced connection between proven Audi genes and new formal hallmarks. Typical for the Audi design language is the reduction of the architecture, controls and flow of information to the essential in favor of visible lightweight construction and a tidy overall impression.

The dash appears to float and has a curve that extends laterally into the door panels. With no need to allow for a transmission, shifter and cardan tunnel, the designers took advantage of the opportunity to create a particularly slim and lightweight center tunnel and center console. The flush gear selector, with which the driver chooses between the modes forward, reverse and neutral, emerges from the tunnel when the vehicle is started.

The cockpit of the Audi e-tron Concept is also oriented toward the driver - a further characteristic Audi trait. Instead of the classic instrument cluster, the concept car is the first Audi to be equipped with a large, fold-out central display with integrated MMI functions. It is flanked by two round dials.

The MMI is controlled via a scroll pad with a touch-sensitive surface on the steering wheel ("MMI touch") - an element inspired by modern smartphones.

While an analog speedometer on the right provides speed information, the instrument on the left tells the driver how much power is being drawn. The central display shows the range in the status bar and presents all key information from the infotainment and navigation systems. It also provides the driver with relevant data from the vehicle's communication with its surroundings. The instruments combine the analog and the digital worlds into a single unit.

Characteristic for the concept of the Audi e-tron Concept is the near total elimination of switches and small components such as the ignition. The climate control unit is located to the right above the steering wheel. The display provides temperature and ventilation information. Again drawing inspiration from a smartphone, the system is controlled by means of a touch-sensitive sliding control.

The racing-inspired lightweight bucket seats combine excellent lateral support with comfort. To contrasting colors - snow white and cognac - delineate the various zones of the interior. The colors and the high-quality materials combine elegance and sportiness.

Drive System and Energy Supply
Four asynchronous motors with a total output of 230 kilowatts (313 hp) give the Audi e-tron Concept the performance of a high-output sports car. The concept car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 - 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds if necessary, and goes from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 - 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The torque flows selectively to the wheels based on the driving situation and the condition of the road surface, resulting in outstanding traction and handling.

The top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124.27 mph), as the amount of energy required by the electric motors increases disproportionately to speed. The range in the NECD combined cycle is approximately 248 kilometers (154 miles). This good value is made possible by the integrated concept: technology specially configured for the electric drive system combined with state-of-the-art battery technology. The battery block has a total energy content of roughly 53 kilowatt hours, with the usable portion thereof restricted to 42.4 kWh in the interest of service life. Audi uses liquid cooling for the batteries.

The energy storage unit is charged with household current (230 volts, 16 amperes) via a cable and a plug. The socket is behind a cover at the back of the car. With the battery fully discharged, the charging time is between 6 and 8 hours. A high voltage (400 volts, 63 amperes) reduces this to just around 2.5 hours. The Audi engineers are working on a wireless solution to make charging more convenient. The inductive charging station, which can be placed in the garage at home or also in special parking garages, is activated automatically when the vehicle is docked. Such technology is already used today in a similar form to charge electric toothbrushes.

The battery is charged not only when the car is stationary, but also when it is in motion. The keyword here is recuperation. This form of energy recovery and return to the battery is already available today in a number of Audi production models. During braking, the alternator converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy, which it then feeds into the onboard electrical system.

The Audi e-tron Concept, which is slowed by four lightweight ceramic brake discs, takes the next large step into the future. 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.

This decoupling of the brake pedal enables the Audi e-tron Concept's electric motors to convert all of the braking energy into electricity and recover it. The electromechanical brake system is only activated if greater deceleration is required. These control actions are unnoticeable to the driver, who feels only a predictable and constant pedal feel as with a hydraulic brake system.

Making its Automotive Debut: The Heat Pump
The heat pump - used here for the first time ever in an automobile - also serves to increase efficiency and range. Unlike a combustion engine, the electric drive system may not produce enough waste heat under all operating conditions to effectively heat the interior. Other electric vehicles are equipped with electric supplemental heaters, which consume a relatively large amount of energy. The heat pump used by Audi - and commonly used in buildings - is a highly efficient machine that uses mechanical work to provide heat with a minimum input of energy.

A high-efficiency climate control system is used to cool the interior. It works together with the thermal management system to also control the temperature of the high-voltage battery. The battery, the power electronics and the electric motors must be kept at their respective ideal operating temperatures to achieve optimal performance and range.

As soon as the vehicle is connected to a charging station the vehicle is preconditioned as appropriate by the thermal management and other associated systems.

The drive system is heated if temperatures are cool, and cooled if hot. This preconditioning can also be extended to the interior, if necessary, so that the passengers can step into a cabin that has been heated or cooled as appropriate for their comfort.

Driving Dynamics
The normal distribution of the tractive power is clearly biased toward the rear axle in accordance with the weight distribution of the Audi e-tron Concept. Similarly to a mid-engined sports car, roughly 70 percent of the power goes the rear and 30 percent to the front. If an axle slips, this balance can be varied by means of the four centrally controlled electric motors. The electric vehicle from Audi thus enjoys all of the advantages of quattro technology.

The four individual motors, which in the interest of greater traction are installed behind the wheels as wheel drives, also enable the Audi e-tron Concept's lateral dynamics to be intelligently controlled. Similar to what the sport differential does in conventional quattro vehicles, torque vectoring - the targeted acceleration of individual wheels - makes the Audi e-tron Concept even more dynamic while simultaneously enhancing driving safety. Understeer and oversteer can be corrected by not only targeted activation of the brakes, but also by precise increases in power lasting just a few milliseconds. The concept car remains extremely neutral even under great lateral acceleration and hustles through corners as if on the proverbial rails.

The chassis has triangular double wishbones at the front axle and trapezoidal wishbones made of forged aluminum components at the rear axle - a geometry that has proven in motorsports to be the optimal prerequisite for high agility, uncompromising precision and precisely defined self-steering behavior. A taut setup was chosen for the springs and shock absorbers, but it is still very comfortable.

The direct rack-and-pinion steering gives finely differentiated feedback. Its electromechanical steering boost varies with speed, so that the Audi e-tron Concept only has to provide energy while steering, and not while driving straight ahead.

As befitting its status, the Audi concept car rolls on 19-inch tires with a new blade design. 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 tires in the rear provide the necessary grip.

Car-to-x Communication
The electronics development engineers at Audi not only aimed to make the Audi e-tron Concept as efficient and fun to drive as possible, they were also very concerned with safety and traffic management. The technical concept car includes a prototype of an information processing system. Future generations of these systems will usher in a new era in the networking of road traffic, particularly in regions and countries with a high volume of traffic. This progress is made possible by the rapid advancements in computing power, software and communication technology.

The buzzword "car-to-x communication" refers to the direct exchange of information in flowing traffic and to the traffic environment. The letter "x" is a free variable that can refer just as easily to other vehicles as to fixed infrastructure such as traffic lights. In contrast to today's telematic systems, car-to-x communication no longer requires a central service provider to quickly and effectively pool and process information. The participants themselves perform these tasks by spontaneously networking with one another.

The future car-to-x network still needs some time before it becomes reality on the roads. This obstacle is one that can be overcome, however, as nearly every carmaker in Europe, the U.S.A. and Japan has decided to develop a common standard for hardware and software. Once all new cars are equipped with this technology, a functional network of automotive transmitters will soon be available, at least in large population centers.

These transmitters can be used to open up many new practical applications. Below are just four examples showing the possibilities offered by car-to-x communication.

Example 1 - Efficiency and range: Numerous external factors influence energy consumption and thus the range of any vehicle. An intelligent vehicle equipped with car-to-x technology is aware of necessary braking or acceleration maneuvers in advance because it combines navigational data with information about the flow of traffic, for example. The central computer can prevent driver actions that would use energy unnecessarily or use targeted braking for recuperation of the battery.

Example 2 - Safety: A vehicle has spun out on a slippery road in a blind curve and is unable to free itself under its own power. At the same time, other vehicles are approaching quickly. The stuck vehicle uses car-to-x to send out a warning signal reporting the precise location of the hazardous location. A corresponding warning then appears on the navigation system display of the approaching cars.

Example 3 - Traffic flow: Many cars are traveling between traffic lights on an arterial road. Over and over again, they accelerate only to have to brake again when the traffic light changes to red. Car-to-x technology enables them to establish a network between themselves and receive information from the traffic light controller. The drivers can then make more judicious use of the gas pedal because they know what to expect. The same applies for imminent traffic jams: cars ahead provide information that results in adjustments to the posted speed limits, noticeably spreading out the traffic.

Example 4 - Convenience: The driver has entered a shopping center with a chronic shortage of parking spaces into his navigation system as the destination. With car-to-x, the mobile system networks with the parking space registration system at the destination. When the system in the parking garage reports that a convenient parking spot is available, the navigation system can register its location and also reserve the spot.

Aston Martin DBS Lightning Silver, 2008

2012-12-17T19:22:00.003-08:00

Aston Martin DBS Lightning Silver, 2008

The Aston Martin unveiled the most eagerly anticipated car of the year the new Aston Martin DBS at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 16th 2007, where the company took a starring role as the featured marque.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: "The Aston Martin DBS is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin's engineering and technical ability. It offers pure performance without compromise. The Aston Martin DBS delivers the complete driving experience and bridges the gap between our road and track cars - the Aston Martin DB9 and Aston Martin DBR9."

Equally at home on a twisting mountain circuit as on the open road, the DBS is a true thoroughbred. The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior that marries beautifully hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology.

A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin's unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the Aston Martin DBS a luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the Aston Martin DBS, a seductive blend of refinement and raw power, provided by the hand-built V12 producing 380kW (510bhp/517PS), a top speed of 191mph (302km/h) and a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 4.3 seconds.

The Aston Martin DBS will be built at Aston Martin's global headquarters at Gaydon, near Warwickshire in the UK, joining the current Aston Martin line-up. This now comprises the elegant DB9, the agile Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe and the critically acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster.

Aston Martin DBS: Performance

The need for high-performance stability, handling ability and low kerb weight defined the DBS's form and construction. Accordingly, the Aston Martin DBS becomes the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of ultra-light carbon-fibre body panels. High levels of performance and control are delivered by the combination of inherent light weight, near-perfect weight distribution, a supremely powerful and flexible V12 engine, and a performance-honed six-speed transmission, together with new carbon ceramic brakes and an adaptive damper controlled suspension system.

At the heart of the Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 engine. The DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars are powered by an enhanced version of this same V12, tuned to produce in excess of 600bhp. The shared powerplant continues the strong link between Aston Martin's road and race cars, just as the six-cylinder engine used in the DBR1 also powered the Aston Martin DB4, DB5 and DB6 in the 1950s and 60s.

As with all current Aston Martins, the engine is hand-assembled at Aston Martin's dedicated engine facility in Cologne, Germany. The classic 6.0-litre V12 features a number of power-increasing enhancements. These include a 'by-pass' engine air intake port that opens above 5500rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. Combined with a compression ratio of 10.9:1, the result of these enhancements is prodigious power and torque: the Aston Martin DBS delivers 380 kW (510 bhp/517 PS) at 6500 rpm. The 3.71:1 final-drive ratio ensures that the additional power is usable, enhancing in-gear acceleration in particular.

A lightweight, rigid structure is the design engineer's ultimate goal, and achieving the right balance between strength and mass is crucial. Like the DB9 and its sibling DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars, the DBS uses Aston Martin's class-leading all-alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. Aston Martin's engineers have also employed advanced materials and processes to further reduce weight and increase the Aston Martin DBS's performance and dynamics.

Carbon-fibre panels are used for the boot enclosure, boot lid, door opening surrounds, front wings and bonnet, giving a saving of some 30kg over more conventional materials without any reduction in strength. "There are no restrictions on form or shape in using carbon-fibre," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Design Director, "and the material allowed us to wrap bodywork around the 20" wheels and maintain the precise relationship between the wheel and the bodywork."

Each panel has been carefully sculpted to direct the airflow around the car, into the engine and to help cool the braking system. The carbon-fibre elements are produced using advanced manufacturing techniques developed from the aerospace and motorsport industries.

The new panel-making procedure also delivers an industry-best surface finish, thanks to a patented 'Surface Veil' process. The application of a 200 micron layer of epoxy and glass to the panel delivers a class-A surface that is in line with Aston Martin's tradition of high-quality finishes. Inside the car, the weave patterns on the exposed carbon-fibre elements have been carefully selected to present the most harmonious surfaces.

Aston Martin DBS: Control

As with the DB9 and DBR race cars, the Aston Martin DBS benefits from the inherent characteristics of the VH architecture. The VH underframe consists of pressed, extruded and cast aluminium components, bonded together to create an immensely strong underlying structure.

This structure means that weight is kept to a minimum, with the front-mid mounted engine and rear-mid mounted transaxle ensuring a near perfect weight distribution: 85% of the car's weight is positioned within its wheelbase. The Aston Martin DBS's polar moment of inertia is therefore very low, producing a car with natural agility, a strong, stable platform for the V12's high power output and an exhilarating driving experience.

To take full advantage of its extremely precise and rigid platform, the Aston Martin DBS employs a new and sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond instantly to different driving conditions. The dampers can be 'softer', with a corresponding improvement in ride quality, or 'firm', providing improved body control for more spirited driving.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car's systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

The Aston Martin DBS's Adaptive Damping System perfectly captures the car's sporting character, ensuring that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising ride comfort during 'normal' driving conditions. A designated 'Track' mode automatically sets all dampers to their firmest positions, making it ideal for circuit driving. The Aston Martin DBS is fitted with Pirelli P-Zero tyres that have been developed especially for the car, along with new 20" lightweight alloy wheels.

The DBS also has a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, designed to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions. In default operation, the DSC is automatically on. Select and press the button for two seconds and DSC 'Track' mode is engaged, raising the threshold at which the system intervenes to allow the experienced driver to explore the car's limits. Hold the button for four seconds and DSC is disengaged entirely.

The car's braking system features another innovation, the first time Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes have been used on a road-going Aston Martin. The end result is shorter stopping distances with excellent resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also some 12.5kg lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.

Aston Martin DBS: Design

The Aston Martin DBS is manufactured using the finest materials, with a combination of hand-finishing and pioneering high-technology processes. From the exceptional quality of the design and finish to the advanced production techniques employed to save weight and create strength, the DBS is both a technological masterpiece and a powerful visual and tactile experience, inside and out.

The Aston Martin DBS is the culmination of the DB bloodline, a synthesis of race-bred technology and road-going practicality that can be traced back to the iconic Aston Martin DB2, DB3S and DB4 GT, and is continued today with the DBR9 and DBRS9 race cars. The DBS's powerful, flowing form fuses the visual language of the DBR9 GT1 race car with the innate elegance of the DB series. Lower and tauter than other Aston Martin production models, the DBS has subtly flared wheel arches accommodating standard 20" diameter wheels and tyres. These provide excellent stability and grip, while giving the car a muscular and athletic stance that evokes the DBR9 and DBRS9. The design process involved continuous revision and honing of the Aston Martin DBS's surfaces, ensuring that the shapes and forms represent perfectly the car's inherent power, while never diluting the fundamental proportions that are the essence of every Aston Martin.

The external detailing reflects the power and dynamic abilities of the Aston Martin DBS, with revised inlets and enlarged grilles that deliver more air into the engine and increase its cooling capacity. Subtle design details include a new five-bar design for the polished alloy main grille, as well as two additional vents in the enlarged power bulge on the carbon-fibre bonnet. These vents are entirely functional, improving engine performance and efficiency, yet also communicating the increased power output of the uprated V12 engine.

The DBS's aerodynamic enhancements are shaped by Aston Martin's racing experience. A carbon-fibre splitter and a new front bumper design help channel airflow around the car's wider bodywork. The aerodynamics team worked hand in hand with the modelling team to ensure that the forms and surfaces of Aston Martin DBS were sculpted for inherent stability at high speeds.

The widened front and rear track improve handling and give the car a more muscular character. To accommodate this additional width, the surfaces of the wings have been sculpted and re-shaped with harder lines, which also serve to emphasise the car's strength and power. The lowered ride height is accentuated by the enhanced side sills, carefully profiled to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce drag along the flanks. The iconic Aston Martin side strake, a design feature of every DB car since the DB4, has been redesigned for the DBS, incorporating a side repeater formed by a bank of LEDs.

Improved aerodynamics shape the rear of the Aston Martin DBS, where the more prominent boot spoiler is carefully incorporated into the carbon-fibre boot lid. A horizontal chrome finisher is set into the lid to accentuate the wide track of the new car. The car's flat undertray helps to improve the aerodynamics of the underbody surface and culminates in a new carbon-fibre rear diffuser, another feature carried over from the race cars. This device creates an area of low pressure beneath the rear of the car, reducing lift and improving high-speed stability without the need for large, unsightly external spoilers. The new one-piece diffuser also incorporates the DBS's large and distinctive twin exhaust tailpipes.

The interior of the Aston Martin DBS represents the epitome of Aston Martin's commitment to using materials honestly, without disguise or embellishment. Lightweight materials are used throughout to save weight; door pulls are made from carbon-fibre, for example, and the carpet has been woven with lighter fibres to save valuable kilograms. Special semi-aniline leather is used throughout the cabin, saving weight as well as giving a soft feel and distinctive aroma.

The DBS features unique primary controls, including a new steering wheel profile with a twin-stitched detail marker that indicates the 'on-centre' position. The gear knob is fashioned from polished alloy to echo the metallic finishes on the new centre console. The instrument cluster is designed with white numerals on a dark graphite background for excellent legibility. The twin-stitch pattern runs through the interior as a signature device; the alignment of both stitch lines is testament to Aston Martin's ongoing tradition of exceptional craftsmanship.

As an option the Aston Martin DBS may be equipped with specially developed lightweight seats (outside North America). These feature a carbon-fibre and Kevlar® composite structure and are manufactured by a supplier to the motorsport and aviation industries before being returned to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory for hand-trimming. The structure is created by sandwiching a layer of Kevlar® between two layers of carbon-fibre with the outer finish left exposed on the seat backs, lacquered to create a durable and attractive finish.

The combination of Kevlar® and carbon-fibre provides crucial weight saving by allowing the structure of the seat to be incredibly slim: between 2.5mm and 3mm. Overall, the trimmed seat provides a weight saving of 20kg. The lightweight seats are a fixed structure, but can be adjusted for rake as well as sliding fore and aft.

The Aston Martin DBS start sequence blends tradition with high technology and a touch of theatre. The ignition ECU (Emotion Control Unit) has evolved into a machined and highly tactile polished sapphire ECU, incorporating a stainless steel inner case. Resembling a fine wristwatch or a piece of contemporary sculptural jewellery, this sapphire ECU epitomises the spirit of the Aston Martin DBS.

To operate the car, the sapphire ECU is inserted into a special docking station in Aston Martin's signature dashboard-mounted sapphire starter button, and glows red to indicate when the car is ready to start. The engine is fired by pressing the ECU flush with the surface of the starter button. After pressing to stop the engine, the ECU automatically motors out of the dashboard for removal.

The start sequence of the Aston Martin DBS is augmented by an all-new centre console design with a cast metal surround, crisp typography and new graphics. The new console has a traditional dial-face clock at the centre, flanked by two rotary controls for the heating and air-conditioning system, fashioned from solid, turned aluminium.

These controls are also used to navigate the audio system, Bluetooth telephone preparation and satellite navigation functions. The Aston Martin 700 W Audio System, with Dolby® Pro Logic II® has been exclusively developed for Aston Martin to provide outstanding sound quality. A slot for the six-CD autochanger is located at the top of the console, while within the centre armrest cubby box there is inbuilt connectivity for MP3 players. Bluetooth telephone preparation is standard on the DBS, enabling you to synchronise your mobile telephone directory through the car's display screens. It can also display the last 10 calls received, made and missed.

Specification
Body
    * Two-door coupe body style with 2+0 seating
    * Bonded aluminium VH structure
    * Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body
    * Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
    * High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (main beam)
    * LED rear lamps and side repeaters

Engine
    * All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935cc V12.
    * Compression ratio 10.9:1
    * Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
    * Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
    * Max power: 380kW (510bhp/517 PS) at 6500rpm
    * Max torque: 570Nm (420 lb.ft) at 5750rpm
    * Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62mph) in 4.3 seconds
    * Max speed: 302 km/h (191mph)

Transmission
    * Rear-mid mounted, six-speed manual gearbox
    * Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
    * Limited-slip differential
    * Final-drive ratio 3.71:1

Wheels and Tyres
    * Front: 8.5'' x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 245/35
    * Rear: 11'' x 20'' Pirelli P Zero 295/30

Steering
    * Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock. Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension
    * Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bare and monotube adaptive dampers
    * Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
    * Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode

Brakes
    * Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398mm diameter with six-piston calipers
    * Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360mm diameter with four-piston calipers
    * Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
    * Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
    * Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
    * Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
    * Traction control

Dimensions
    * Length: 4721mm (185.9'')
    * Wheelbase: 2740mm (107.9'')
    * Width: 1905mm (75'') (exc. Mirrors) 2060mm (81.1'') (inc. Mirrors)
    * Fuel tank capacity: 78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)
    * Height: 1280mm (50.4'') Weight: 1695kg (3737lb)

Alfa Romeo MiTo UK Version, 2009

2012-12-17T19:21:00.005-08:00

Alfa Romeo MiTo UK Version, 2009

With design cues taken from the stunning Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, and only available as a 3-door hatchback, the new Alfa Romeo MiTo is styled to match its description as the sportiest compact car on the market today.

From all angles, the Alfa Romeo MiTo manages to blend its sports credentials with typical Alfa Romeo style and sophistication to create a compact car that expresses the vitality and emotion of the brand.

Front on, the new addition to the range is every inch an Alfa Romeo. The instantly recognisable shield-shaped grille denotes the lineage of the Alfa Romeo MiTo and the shape of the bonnet and the headlamps pay homage to the Alfa 8C Competizione.

STYLISH AND COMFORTABLE
Inside the Alfa Romeo MiTo, it's clear to see that the sporty theme has been maintained.

Throughout the interior, a combination of precision materials, smart upholstery and top levels of build quality, plus neat finishing touches, make the cockpit a cosseting and welcoming environment.

The simply laid-out satin-chrome central console - home to the RDS stereo radio and MP3-compatible CD player - combined with the four air vents, tactile dashboard and the hooded driver instruments housing MPH, RPM, fuel and water temperature gauges - create a high quality interior that is complemented by a choice of dashboard colours and matching seat upholstery.

Dependent on trim level, the driver can choose a dashboard colour - Sprint Black, Sprint Red, Competizione Blue, Competizione Red or Black.

The trim colour is extended to the driver and passenger door panels and complementary seat fabrics.

Controls for the heating and ventilation system are positioned in front of the gearlever on the central console. Across the range, all Alfa Romeo MiTo versions come with manual air conditioning as standard, plus the option of automatic dual-zone air conditioning.

Behind the wheel, the driver benefits from a rake and reach-adjustable steering wheel. Lusso and Veloce versions feature a leather steering wheel, gearlever and handbrake grip.

The three-position DNA switch is located beside the gear lever. The driver is reminded which function has been selected with a digital letter designation on the dashboard alongside a read-out for time, outside temperature and turbo pressure. Turismo and Lusso models get red-on-black dials while the Veloce trim features white on black dials.

On certain models, chrome kick plates, floor mats and a front armrest represent an executive touch, and the option of chrome sports pedals hints further at the sporty lineage of the Alfa Romeo MiTo.

Tilting and sliding front seats make rear passenger access easy and comfortable and, unlike some competitors, there's plenty of head, leg and elbow room in the back seats for two full-size adults.

Radio and Hi-Fi system
A young audience attracted to the Alfa Romeo MiTo's stylish and modern look will take in- car entertainment seriously. For that reason, the new Alfa Romeo MiTo includes a sophisticated RDS radio with CD and MP3 file player, and two sound system levels.

The first sound system comes complete with six speakers (two mid-woofers with a power rating of 40W, two 40W full range speakers and two 30W tweeters), while the higher level comes with eight speakers (four subwoofers with a power rating of 40 W and four 30W speakers).

Significantly, for the first time in its segment, the Alfa Romeo MiTo becomes available with a double antennae tuner fitted with a twin aerial for up to 80% better reception.

Built into the design of the dashboard and laid out in user-friendly fashion, the controls for the radio, CD and MP3 player are easily accessible to the driver and front seat passenger.

On Lusso and Veloce models, the sound system can be managed using steering wheel controls.

The radio comes with RDS (Radio Data System), TA (traffic news), and PTY (a code used by radio stations to indicate the type of music played so that the set can automatically select the type of music preferred by the listener).

Every time the radio is switched on, the volume settings remain the same as when it was switched off, while another device automatically corrects sound imbalance on the basis of road speed. The customer can also choose between seven equalisation bands for personal setting of sound parameters.

In addition, the Alfa Romeo MiTo radio may be connected both to the Blue&Me™ system - standard on Veloce versions and an option on the rest of the range - plus an optional Bose Sound System.

ALL MOD CONS - The Alfa Romeo MiTo Range
The entire Alfa Romeo MiTo range is extremely well specified and, in some areas, class leading. The inclusion of Alfa Romeo's DNA system, LED rear lights and the highest Euro NCAP safety rating reinforce MiTo's keen pricing and exceptional value.

TURISMO
The standard specification list is long and comprehensive, featuring Alfa's advanced DNA function along with the Q2 system and electric power assisted steering. In addition, this model is fitted with Vehicle Dynamic Control - an amalgamation of ABS, Anti Slip Regulation and Brake Assistant - plus Hill Holder as standard.

Other safety features include driver, passenger, front side, window and driver's knee airbags, along with fast-reaction LED rear lights and a fire prevention system. The front passenger airbag can also be deactivated.

The LED rear lights complement the height adjustable follow-me-home headlights with titanium grey surrounds, electrically adjustable and heated colour-coded door mirrors and bumpers.

All Alfa Romeo MiTo Turismo versions come with 16" wheels with unique design trims and 195/55 tyres.

Inside the cabin, driver and passengers benefit from manual air conditioning, electric one-touch window operation plus an RDS radio with CD and MP3 reader. There's also an 'auto-close' system to complement the Alfa code immobiliser and alarm system.

Drivers can choose two different cabin colours. A Sprint Black dashboard is complemented by black / grey cloth and a Sprint Red dashboard comes with a black / red cloth combination.

LUSSO
From the outside, Lusso versions can be distinguished from Turismo by their fog lights, chrome headlamp surrounds, chrome-effect window surrounds and chrome exhaust pipes. The Alfa Romeo MiTo Lusso also differentiates itself from the rest of the range by sporting 16" alloy wheels.

Stepping over the chrome kick plates, the interior of Lusso models can feature a choice of three different interior colour combinations.

Competizione Blue, Red or Black dashboards can be complemented by the inclusion of five different cloth seat colour combinations. All Lusso models come with lumbar adjustment on the driver's side.

A leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, a leather gear knob and floor mats complete the look.

VELOCE
Top of the range Alfa Romeo MiTo Veloce versions are fitted with 17" alloy wheels - similar to those that appear on the stunning Alfa 8C Competizione - along with satin effect headlamp surrounds and door mirrors.

This version features a rear spoiler and sports rear bumper with extractor. Veloce versions also sport red painted brake callipers.

Inside the cockpit, the Veloce features the same dashboard options as the Lusso version, but with an upgraded Veloce sports cloth, front armrest with storage compartment and sports dials with white illumination.

All Veloce models come with the Blue&Me hands-free system with voice recognition, and media player with USB port.

DRIVING SATISFACTION
With a long history of developing entertaining, driver-focussed small cars, Alfa Romeo has created a sporty compact that existing Alfisti and future fans are sure to enjoy.

On the road, Alfa Romeo MiTo delivers a fun, entertaining, comfortable and safe driving experience.

Its ability to deliver such high levels of driveability and refinement is derived from the choice of five well-suited engines, the introduction of Alfa Romeo's innovative DNA (Dynamic, Normal, All Weather) system, the five and six speed gearboxes and newly developed running gear, and an innovative suspension set-up.

DNA

Until now, no other compact car has benefitted from advanced DNA driving technology derived from racing and supercars.

Situated beside the gearlever, a three-position switch alters the behaviour of vehicle dynamics with the system working on engine, steering, suspension, and gearbox. This creates three different vehicle behaviour modes based on the driving style best suited to the situation, terrain or the wishes of the driver.

With a choice of Dynamic, Normal and All Weather set-ups at the flick of a switch, the driver can effortlessly shift between the driving modes.

Ideal for urban driving, the Normal setting ensures the engine is tuned for agility in the city. However, shifting the DNA lever to the Dynamic setting delivers a sportier driver experience. Power steering assistance is reduced to bring a sportier feel to the steering, suspension becomes stiffer for improved handling and there is less intrusion from the Vehicle Dynamic Control and the Anti Slip Regulation systems.

When Dynamic mode is selected on 120bhp JDTM and 155bhp Alfa Romeo MiTo versions, drivers can utilise an over-boost facility for increased driving entertainment.

Poor, low-grip weather conditions - loose surfaces, wet or snowy situations - could prompt the driver to switch to the All Weather mode.

When the All Weather function is selected, the traction control system increases its sensitivity, thus minimising the prospect of a loss of control in adverse conditions.

RIDE AND HANDLING - SUSPENSION
Key to the sporting ride and handling characteristics of the Alfa Romeo MiTo is the suspension layout.

Two tried and tested set-ups have been employed - a MacPherson layout at the front and a semi-independent layout with torsion beam at the rear.

In particular, some key elements have been incorporated to give an exclusive feel to the Alfa Romeo MiTo chassis.

To emphasise the promptness of response, stability and control, even under extreme conditions, MiTo's track widths are among the widest in the segment - 1483mm front and 1475mm rear.

The wheel rims are also wide in relation to the size of the tyres in order to optimise the latter's handling performance. The stiff, front and rear springs give the vehicle a sporting yet pliant ride, and the torsion beam features high torsional stiffness to enable it to also act as an anti-roll bar, thereby ensuring optimum roll performance and helping maximise the promptness of response.

However, the most distinctive feature of the Alfa Romeo MiTo suspension is that the front and rear dampers feature coilover springs fitted inside the shock absorber that act in parallel with the main spring during extension travel, with the main purpose of reducing roll and increasing chassis response. Special dual-acting telescopic hydraulic dampers are fitted as standard on all versions.

ENGINES
Three petrol engines - 1.4 16V (95bhp), 1.4 TB (120bhp) and 1.4TB (155bhp) - plus two diesel engines - 1.3 JTDM (90bhp) and 1.6 JTDM (120bhp) - will become available from launch.

Four units are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox to deliver a punchy, responsive, driving experience, and the remaining engine (1.4 120bhp) is coupled with an equally impressive 5-speed 'box.

Distinguished by its performance, eager throttle response, low fuel consumption, durability and reliability, the new 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine powers two of the five models in the petrol line-up, with two different power outputs.

1.4 16V 95bhp

The entry level - normally aspirated - petrol unit can be specified with each of the three trim levels to deliver a spirited and willing performance.

Developing 95bhp at 6000rpm and a maximum 129Nm of torque at 4500rpm, the 1.4 16V engine is capable of accelerating the Alfa Romeo MiTo from 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds, and on to a top speed of 112mph.

An ideal partner for relaxed, around town driving, this petrol engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox to make longer, motorway journeys more economical and relaxed.

Official mpg figures reveal that in urban driving, the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 16V covers 36.7mpg, while long journeys will push that fuel consumption figure to 58.9mpg. The combined figure is a creditable 47.9mpg.

CO2 emissions are 138g/km and put the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 16V in tax band C.

1.4 TB 120bhp Turbopetrol
New to the Alfa Romeo range, and available with all three trim levels, is a 1.4 turbocharged unit that delivers enhanced levels of driving flexibility and lively performance.

Responsive and satisfying to drive, the new 1.4 TB engine is enhanced by the low inertia of the turbocharger that makes it possible to obtain maximum performance from a throttle command, without the annoying lag typical of this type of engine.

Throttle control for this unit (and the 155bhp version) is drive-by-wire, without any mechanical connection, so that the driver can obtain the desired response from the engine with the greatest energy efficiency.

The 0-62mph sprint takes 8.8 seconds, and in fifth gear, a top speed of 123mph can be attained - impressive figures that have previously been associated with larger engines.

This 1.4 TB unit develops its maximum power of 120bhp at 5000rpm but, more impressively, produces a generous 206Nm of torque at just 1750rpm.

In turn, these characteristics help the Alfa Romeo MiTo to achieve 34.9mpg around town and 56.5mpg in the extra urban cycle, plus a combined figure of 46.3mpg.

CO2 emissions of 145g/km put the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4 TB 120bhp in tax band C.

1.4 TB 155bhp Turbopetrol
Only available on Lusso and Veloce versions, the new 1.4TB 155bhp unit is the top performing petrol engine in the Alfa Romeo MiTo range, delivering its maximum power at 5500rpm along with a maximum torque of 230 Nm at 3000rpm.

Quickest of the Alfa Romeo MiTo launch range, this version can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 8.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 134mph.

Despite the increase in power and performance, fuel economy remains notably competitive.

Around town, drivers can achieve 33.2mpg, while motorway journeys and the combined cycle are 53.3 and 43.5mpg respectively.

A CO2 rating of 153g/km puts the Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.4TB 155bhp in tax band D.

1.3 JTDM 90bhp
The latest generation JTDM engines are trailblazing diesel technology and Alfa Romeo is now bringing that expertise to the sporty compact car sector.

Available across the Alfa Romeo MiTo line-up, this engine choice extends all the benefits of lower fuel consumption and very low emissions along with remarkable low-down

torque - 200Nm at 2000rpm - for a relaxed driving style with minimal gear changes and a maximum 90bhp at 4000rpm. Official fuel consumption figures show that even in the Urban Cycle, the new Alfa Romeo MiTo 1.3 JTDM achieves 47.1mpg, while its Combined Cycle figure is a remarkable 62.8mpg.

1.6 JTDM 120bhp
Representing class-leading diesel technology, this Euro 5-ready 1.6 JTDM 120bhp engine delivers a massive 320Nm of torque at just 1750rpm.

As a result, the engine is perfectly matched for drivers wanting an effective combination of low running costs with useable power and flexibility for authentic driving satisfaction.

Alfa Romeo's new injection system with new-generation variable geometry turbo engines along with the most advanced exhaust gas treatment technologies - Close Coupled Diesel Particulate Filter and an integral EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system - improves control of temperature and gas flow, simultaneously guaranteeing lower emissions and low fuel consumption.

No other similar size engine currently offers such a high torque delivery at such low rpm. All things considered, the new 1.6 JTDM offers exhilarating driving satisfaction that is difficult to match. This achievement is also borne out by an acceleration time of 0-62mph in just 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 123mph, while Combined Cycle fuel consumption is a remarkable 58.9mpg.

Acura TL Type-S, 2007

2012-12-17T19:21:00.004-08:00

Acura TL Type-S, 2007

Body
For 2007, the Acura TL's exterior has been updated to enhance its emotional and athletic impact. With the introduction of the Type-S, visual cues were incorporated to distinguish it from other TLs. All the updates were done while maintaining the high build quality, durability and resale value that Acura buyers expect.

The TL was designed to embody aggressiveness and power, agility and endurance. Designers began with the stance of the vehicle-how it looks and sits on its suspension. They worked towards a look of poise, with a promise of agility and power. The contrast of muscular tension and angular lines flows through the sheet metal, with its long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs and wide track setting the tone.

The 2004 TL design team were, in part, influenced by "Bauhaus" styling themes. Founded in 1919, Bauhaus was the first and most famous German design house. Bauhaus set a template for European design with the now-famous maxim, "Form follows function." That classic design logic meshes well with already established Acura design philosophies.

With the updates for 2007, the style could more accurately be called "Bauhaus with attitude." Careful attention was paid to give the Type-S its own distinctive and even more aggressive look. Black chrome trim used around the car is an excellent example of the difference between the TL and the Type-S.

The design features and changes include:

Front
    * Aggressive front fascia, a new larger grille opening, larger "A" mark and honeycomb mesh
    * Redesigned bumper with satin chrome crossbar and horizontal trim
    * New headlight clusters with daytime running lights (DRL) on innermost lens
    * New auto-on and auto-off headlights (previously auto-off only)
    * Fog lights repositioned from headlight cluster to lower valance

Side
    * New, split 5-spoke alloy wheels in Blade Silver finish
    * New exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal lights

Rear
    * New rear bumper design
    * Redesigned LED taillight clusters
    * New italicized TL logo

Type-S Exclusive Features
    * Black chrome grille trim (satin chrome on TL)
    * Redesigned bumper with black chrome crossbar and horizontal mesh trim
    * Pronounced "splitter" lip on front valance
    * 10-spoke alloy wheels in Dark Euro Silver
    * Smoked rear side marker lights
    * Wider, more aggressive side sill moldings
    * Exclusive rear bumper with trunk lid spoiler diffuser
    * Redesigned and unique lower valance
    * Large diameter quad exhaust finishers
    * Black chrome taillight trim
    * New Type-S logo

Interior
The Acura tradition of interior prestige and tailored function continues with an elegant and sporty interior for the TL. The instruments and controls are arranged to create an intimate and functional driver's cockpit that offers a feeling of connection and control. With its higher belt line, the TL has a substantial look and feel. Fine interior materials such as leather trimmed seats and real metal trim combine with close attention to detail and finish to give the TL a tangible feeling of elegance. The large interior has stylish and highly supportive seating and generous front and rear headroom.

The long TL standard feature list includes items like the first North American application of a standard Sound System with 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio, DTS(R) and Dolby(R) Pro Logic(R) II audio system that takes advantage of the latest technology to deliver sound resolution that's 500 times higher than conventional CD audio. XM(R) Satellite radio is also on the standard equipment list, as is a new MP3 player jack in the center armrest storage bin. The standard Acura HandsFreeLink(TM) system lets the driver dial a Bluetooth(TM)enabled mobile phone by voice, while a new, higher-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) shows mobile phone data, tracks the car's maintenance needs, displays warnings and offers an array of driver preference settings. The available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition has a large 8-inch display with a new, redesigned interface and AcuraLink(TM) satellite communication system with Real-Time Traffic.

All TLs receive many updates to their interiors for the 2007 model year. Instrumentation, leather trim, accent trim and Active Noise Cancellation in the Type-S are all part of the driving experience of the 2007 TL.

Additionally, there are distinct styling differences between the TL and Type-S models. In addition to red ambient lighting (instead of the blue on TL models) the Type-S receives carbon fiber trim in place of wood, paddle shifters on automatic-equipped models, more highly bolstered front seats, stainless steel sport pedals, contrast stitching on the door panels, seats and steering wheel, and an available 6-speed manual transmission.

Styling
The TL interior has a dynamic and distinctive look, yet upholds the longstanding Acura tradition of highly functional driving environments. Given the sharp handling agility and power built into the TL, its interior echoes a clear sporting message. Fine details and rich surface finishes make it clear that the TL has not strayed from its luxury roots. Sweeping aluminum-alloy accents with a new pattern for 2007 wrap around the doors, flow onto the instrument panel and dive down the center console. Wood patterned accents warm the interior in the TL, while Type-S models have carbon fiber-look accents and contrast stitching on the door panels, seats and steering wheel, which creates an edgy look.

At night, the TL interior is transformed by new ambient lighting. The TL is bathed in a subtle blue light that coordinates with the instrumentation lighting, switchgear, and accent lighting, including the new footwell lighting. On the Type-S, red lighting replaces the blue, reinforcing its role as the enthusiast model.

Driver-Oriented Cockpit
The TL interior puts all important systems and controls within easy reach of the driver. The systems used most frequently-audio, cruise control, Acura HandsFreeLink(TM) and Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM)-have satellite controls positioned on the new 3-spoke steering wheel, leather-wrapped on Type-S. The new instrumentation is backlit and easy to read, and the displays have an uncluttered look and intuitive operation. The Multi-Info Display has been redesigned with higher resolution for better readability. Helpful features make driving easier, like power rearview mirrors that can be set to automatically tilt-down when reverse is engaged to make parking simpler.

With a driver's 8-way power seat and a tilt/telescoping steering column, it's easy to get comfortable in the TL. The one-touch moonroof switch is located in the overhead console. The Sequential SportShift selector features an intuitive interface for ease of use. The short-throw, close ratio 6-speed manual gearbox falls naturally to hand, and the shift knob and console-mounted parking brake lever are covered in a new textured leather. There is also a bottom-hinged throttle pedal with a more linear feel and natural motion. The Type-S features sporty-looking stainless steel pedals and a new carbon fiber-look automatic transmission shift knob in addition to the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Safety
The 2007 TL and TL Type-S were developed to help protect its occupants with a comprehensive array of safety technologies, high-grade materials and advanced construction techniques.

Weight sensors are incorporated in the front passenger seat to determine the total weight on that seat. If it is less than 65 pounds (as if occupied by a small child or car seat) the front airbag will not deploy and a warning message appears on the instrument panel. For the driver, a position sensor in the seat determines how the airbag will be deployed in the event of a frontal collision. If the seat is close to its forwardmost position, the front airbag is designed to deploy in the dual-stage mode. Otherwise, the airbag deploys in either single or dual-stage mode based on the severity of the collision and seat belt use.

The TL and TL Type-S also feature adjustable rear outboard head restraints, and standard side curtain airbags. These technologies, and the use of high-tensile steel in critical areas and computer-modeled crush zones, help to ensure a high level of passenger protection. The TL passed the toughest government safety tests with a 5-star frontal rating in addition to achieving a "GOOD" rating in all categories evaluated during the IIHS frontal offset collision. The TL safety equation even extends to pedestrians with structural elements designed to reduce the likelihood of serious injury in a collision.

Powertrain
Two engines are available for the 2007 TL. Under the hood of the TL is an all-aluminum 3.2-liter V-6 with 24 valves and Acura's VTEC(R) - Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control system. It delivers 258 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque.

The TL Type-S is powered by a modified version of the 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 found in the Acura RL. With more displacement than the TL engine and a high-flow exhaust system, it boasts 286 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines benefit from Acura's groundbreaking VTEC system. This patented technology provides an exceptionally flat torque curve, enhancing high-rpm horsepower without sacrificing low-end torque. The result is an engine with excellent responsiveness at all engine speeds.

The standard transmission in the TL and TL Type-S is an all-new electronically controlled 5-speed automatic. Developed from the RL's 5-speed automatic, this transmission has more torque capacity that the one it replaces, but more compact. It also features Acura's Sequential SportShift system. Inspired by Formula One(R) racecars, Sequential SportShift gives the driver the flexibility of a self-shifting automatic or the control of a manual. The system has been reprogrammed this year for smoother operation and enhanced gear holding capabilities. In addition, the TL Type-S "rev matches" during manually selected downshifts.

Available on Type-S models is a smooth-shifting 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Similar to the manual transmission on the 2006 TL, it features a re-designed bellhousing and improved clutch feel for smoother, more linear engagement.

With Acura's unwavering commitment to the environment, both TL engines meet strict CARB LEV-II ULEV standards. In addition, cold-start emissions are improved thanks to the close-coupled catalytic converter system and under-floor catalyst.

TL Engine
    * 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy engine
    * 258 hp at 6200 rpm and 233 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm
    * Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(R))
    * Dual-stage induction system with lightweight magnesium intake manifold
    * Cold-air intake system
    * Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
    * Direct ignition system
    * Compact in-head exhaust manifolds
    * High flow close-coupled catalytic converters plus under floor catalytic converter
    * High capacity 32-bit RISC processor engine control unit
    * 105,000 mile tune-up intervals

TL Type-S Engine
    * 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy engine
    * 286 hp at 6200 rpm and 256 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm
    * Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(R))
    * Dual-stage induction system with lightweight magnesium intake manifold
    * Cold-air intake system
    * High flow, sport tuned exhaust system with quad finishers
    * Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
    * Direct ignition system
    * Compact in-head exhaust manifolds
    * High flow close-coupled catalytic converters plus under floor catalytic converter
    * High capacity 32-bit RISC processor engine control unit
    * 105,000 mile tune-up intervals

5-Speed Automatic Transmission
    * All-new compact design w/ high torque capacity
    * More compact design
    * Sequential SportShift re-programmed to allow quicker, more positive downshifts and upshifts (Type-S only)
    * Improved coordination between Drive-by-Wire(TM) throttle system and transmission for smoother shifts
    * Steering wheel-mounted F1(R)-style Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters (Type-S only)
    * External transmission fluid cooler (Type-S only)
    * Advanced shift-hold control limits up-shifts during spirited driving
    * Advanced Grade Logic Control System reduces gear "hunting" when driving on steep hills
    * Linear solenoid direct-acting control reduces shift shock and improves smoothness
    * Lockup torque converter design for superior fuel economy

6-Speed Manual Transmission (TL Type-S only)
    * Close ratio spacing for maximum performance
    * Multi-cone synchronizers (first through fourth gears)
    * Reverse lock-out feature prevents accidental engagement
    * Lightweight high-pressure-cast aluminum-alloy transmission housing
    * Improved clutch feel for smoother engagement
    * Advanced clutch torsion mechanism reduces gear noise
    * Helical gear limited-slip differential reduces wheel spin and maximizes acceleration

Emissions/Fuel Economy
    * Meets CARB LEV-II ULEV standard
    * TL EPA fuel economy 20/29 mpg (city/highway)
    * TL Type-S EPA fuel economy 19/28 mpg (AT) and 20/29 (MT)
    * High flow close-coupled catalytic converters plus under floor catalytic converter
    * High capacity 32-bit RISC processor engine control unit

Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
    * Highly rigid aluminum-alloy block with cast-in iron cylinder liners
    * 60-degree V-angle for inherently smooth operation
    * Dual-mass flywheel (6 MT) reduces driveline noise and vibration
    * Automatically tensioned, maintenance-free serpentine accessory drive

Fiat Panda Cross, 2008

2012-12-11T04:01:00.000-08:00

Fiat Panda Cross, 2008

A stylish new version of Fiat's top-selling Panda has just gone on sale in the UK - offering a combination of serious 4x4 potential with manoeuvrable city car know-how.

The new Fiat Panda Cross turns heads wherever it goes. And when it comes to sure-footed driving - on and off-road - this mini-SUV excels in all departments. Available now through Fiat's 168-strong dealer network, the new Fiat Panda Cross looks set to appeal to a wide range of fun-loving, cost-conscious drivers, regardless of whether they are city dwellers or country residents.

Combining the exceptional driveability of Fiat's widely acclaimed 1.3 16v MultiJet turbodiesel engine with the proven permanent four-wheel drive system of the Panda 4x4, the rugged new Fiat Panda Cross comes with a host of significant style features.

New round light units front and rear, chunky side protection strips in contrasting colours, roof-bars, 15-inch alloy wheels and new bumpers all come as standard; while inside, the functional style continues with special two-tone interior trims.

The new Fiat Panda Cross permanent four-wheel drive system has a viscous coupling and an electronic differential lock which ensures extraordinary off-road performance in low-grip situations. Meanwhile, the MacPherson front and independent rear suspension ensures exceptional wheel-to-ground contact and remarkable passenger comfort over any surface.

Fiat's frugal MultiJet turbodiesel engine gives smooth power delivery, low fuel consumption and emissions, together with top build quality. It produces 70 bhp and an impressive torque of 145 Nm at just 1500 rpm, which is ideal for off-road use.

The car's standard equipment list includes ESP, air conditioning, radio and MP3-compatible CD player with steering wheel audio controls, and electric power steering. One new colour is available, Rain Dance Green, which joins the existing Goa Orange, Cumbia Beige and Crossover Black.

As with any Fiat Panda, fuel consumption and emissions are exceptionally low. Fiat Panda Cross returns 42.1 mpg on the urban cycle, 67.3 mpg extra-urban, and 54.3 combined. The CO2 figure is 136 g/km.

At £11,995 on-the-road, the highly-competitive Fiat Panda Cross represents notable value for money and makes it the most inexpensive new diesel 4x4 available in the UK.

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, 2010

2012-12-11T03:57:00.002-08:00

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, 2010

The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S sets yet another milestone in terms of sportiness in the high performance luxury saloon segment of the automotive market. Conceived and developed as "a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury saloon", the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati's sportiness in the Quattroporte range.

The technical changes to the new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S in respect to the Quattroporte S concern four areas:

the mapping of the V8 4.7 litre engine, with power increased to 323kW;
the gearshift management software, with new features designed to increase driving enjoyment;
the front and rear suspension system featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height;
the sports exhaust controlled by pneumatic valves for a deep, throaty and captivating sound.

The sportier and more aggressive look is also evident due to the interior and exterior stylistic choices:

the new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, typical of the sportier versions of Maserati models;
the new headlights, in metallic titanium finish;
the side and rear "shadow line", which includes black finishing around the doors, body-coloured door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes;
the new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara and leather upholstery;
the standard trim in Titantex, a "titanium coloured" composite material.

Acura TL, 2007

2012-12-11T03:56:00.003-08:00

Acura TL, 2007

Body
For 2007, the Acura TL's exterior has been updated to enhance its emotional and athletic impact. With the introduction of the Type-S, visual cues were incorporated to distinguish it from other TLs. All the updates were done while maintaining the high build quality, durability and resale value that Acura buyers expect.

The TL was designed to embody aggressiveness and power, agility and endurance. Designers began with the stance of the vehicle-how it looks and sits on its suspension. They worked towards a look of poise, with a promise of agility and power. The contrast of muscular tension and angular lines flows through the sheet metal, with its long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs and wide track setting the tone.

The 2004 TL design team were, in part, influenced by "Bauhaus" styling themes. Founded in 1919, Bauhaus was the first and most famous German design house. Bauhaus set a template for European design with the now-famous maxim, "Form follows function." That classic design logic meshes well with already established Acura design philosophies.

With the updates for 2007, the style could more accurately be called "Bauhaus with attitude." Careful attention was paid to give the Type-S its own distinctive and even more aggressive look. Black chrome trim used around the car is an excellent example of the difference between the TL and the Type-S.

The design features and changes:

Front
    * Aggressive front fascia, a new larger grille opening, larger "A" mark and honeycomb mesh
    * Redesigned bumper with satin chrome crossbar and horizontal trim
    * New headlight clusters with daytime running lights (DRL) on innermost lens
    * New auto-on and auto-off headlights (previously auto-off only)
    * Fog lights repositioned from headlight cluster to lower valance

Side
    * New, split 5-spoke alloy wheels in Blade Silver finish
    * New exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal lights

Rear
    * New rear bumper design
    * Redesigned LED taillight clusters
    * New italicized TL logo

Type-S Exclusive Features
    * Black chrome grille trim (satin chrome on TL)
    * Redesigned bumper with black chrome crossbar and horizontal mesh trim
    * Pronounced "splitter" lip on front valance
    * 10-spoke alloy wheels in Dark Euro Silver
    * Smoked rear side marker lights
    * Wider, more aggressive side sill moldings
    * Exclusive rear bumper with trunk lid spoiler diffuser
    * Redesigned and unique lower valance
    * Large diameter quad exhaust finishers
    * Black chrome taillight trim
    * New Type-S logo

Interior
The Acura tradition of interior prestige and tailored function continues with an elegant and sporty interior for the TL. The instruments and controls are arranged to create an intimate and functional driver's cockpit that offers a feeling of connection and control. With its higher belt line, the TL has a substantial look and feel. Fine interior materials such as leather trimmed seats and real metal trim combine with close attention to detail and finish to give the TL a tangible feeling of elegance. The large interior has stylish and highly supportive seating and generous front and rear headroom.

The long TL standard feature list includes items like the first North American application of a standard Sound System with 6-disc CD, DVD-Audio, DTS(R) and Dolby(R) Pro Logic(R) II audio system that takes advantage of the latest technology to deliver sound resolution that's 500 times higher than conventional CD audio. XM(R) Satellite radio is also on the standard equipment list, as is a new MP3 player jack in the center armrest storage bin. The standard Acura HandsFreeLink(TM) system lets the driver dial a Bluetooth(TM)enabled mobile phone by voice, while a new, higher-resolution Multi-Information Display (MID) shows mobile phone data, tracks the car's maintenance needs, displays warnings and offers an array of driver preference settings. The available Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition has a large 8-inch display with a new, redesigned interface and AcuraLink(TM) satellite communication system with Real-Time Traffic.

All TLs receive many updates to their interiors for the 2007 model year. Instrumentation, leather trim, accent trim and Active Noise Cancellation in the Type-S are all part of the driving experience of the 2007 TL.

Additionally, there are distinct styling differences between the TL and Type-S models. In addition to red ambient lighting (instead of the blue on TL models) the Type-S receives carbon fiber trim in place of wood, paddle shifters on automatic-equipped models, more highly bolstered front seats, stainless steel sport pedals, contrast stitching on the door panels, seats and steering wheel, and an available 6-speed manual transmission.

Styling
The TL interior has a dynamic and distinctive look, yet upholds the longstanding Acura tradition of highly functional driving environments. Given the sharp handling agility and power built into the TL, its interior echoes a clear sporting message. Fine details and rich surface finishes make it clear that the TL has not strayed from its luxury roots. Sweeping aluminum-alloy accents with a new pattern for 2007 wrap around the doors, flow onto the instrument panel and dive down the center console. Wood patterned accents warm the interior in the TL, while Type-S models have carbon fiber-look accents and contrast stitching on the door panels, seats and steering wheel, which creates an edgy look.

At night, the TL interior is transformed by new ambient lighting. The TL is bathed in a subtle blue light that coordinates with the instrumentation lighting, switchgear, and accent lighting, including the new footwell lighting. On the Type-S, red lighting replaces the blue, reinforcing its role as the enthusiast model.

Driver-Oriented Cockpit
The TL interior puts all important systems and controls within easy reach of the driver. The systems used most frequently-audio, cruise control, Acura HandsFreeLink(TM) and Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM)-have satellite controls positioned on the new 3-spoke steering wheel, leather-wrapped on Type-S. The new instrumentation is backlit and easy to read, and the displays have an uncluttered look and intuitive operation. The Multi-Info Display has been redesigned with higher resolution for better readability. Helpful features make driving easier, like power rearview mirrors that can be set to automatically tilt-down when reverse is engaged to make parking simpler.

With a driver's 8-way power seat and a tilt/telescoping steering column, it's easy to get comfortable in the TL. The one-touch moonroof switch is located in the overhead console. The Sequential SportShift selector features an intuitive interface for ease of use. The short-throw, close ratio 6-speed manual gearbox falls naturally to hand, and the shift knob and console-mounted parking brake lever are covered in a new textured leather. There is also a bottom-hinged throttle pedal with a more linear feel and natural motion. The Type-S features sporty-looking stainless steel pedals and a new carbon fiber-look automatic transmission shift knob in addition to the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Safety
The 2007 TL and TL Type-S were developed to help protect its occupants with a comprehensive array of safety technologies, high-grade materials and advanced construction techniques.

Weight sensors are incorporated in the front passenger seat to determine the total weight on that seat. If it is less than 65 pounds (as if occupied by a small child or car seat) the front airbag will not deploy and a warning message appears on the instrument panel. For the driver, a position sensor in the seat determines how the airbag will be deployed in the event of a frontal collision. If the seat is close to its forwardmost position, the front airbag is designed to deploy in the dual-stage mode. Otherwise, the airbag deploys in either single or dual-stage mode based on the severity of the collision and seat belt use.

The TL and TL Type-S also feature adjustable rear outboard head restraints, and standard side curtain airbags. These technologies, and the use of high-tensile steel in critical areas and computer-modeled crush zones, help to ensure a high level of passenger protection. The TL passed the toughest government safety tests with a 5-star frontal rating in addition to achieving a "GOOD" rating in all categories evaluated during the IIHS frontal offset collision. The TL safety equation even extends to pedestrians with structural elements designed to reduce the likelihood of serious injury in a collision.

Powertrain
Two engines are available for the 2007 TL. Under the hood of the TL is an all-aluminum 3.2-liter V-6 with 24 valves and Acura's VTEC(R) - Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control system. It delivers 258 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque.

The TL Type-S is powered by a modified version of the 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 found in the Acura RL. With more displacement than the TL engine and a high-flow exhaust system, it boasts 286 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines benefit from Acura's groundbreaking VTEC system. This patented technology provides an exceptionally flat torque curve, enhancing high-rpm horsepower without sacrificing low-end torque. The result is an engine with excellent responsiveness at all engine speeds.

The standard transmission in the TL and TL Type-S is an all-new electronically controlled 5-speed automatic. Developed from the RL's 5-speed automatic, this transmission has more torque capacity that the one it replaces, but more compact. It also features Acura's Sequential SportShift system. Inspired by Formula One(R) racecars, Sequential SportShift gives the driver the flexibility of a self-shifting automatic or the control of a manual. The system has been reprogrammed this year for smoother operation and enhanced gear holding capabilities. In addition, the TL Type-S "rev matches" during manually selected downshifts.

Available on Type-S models is a smooth-shifting 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Similar to the manual transmission on the 2006 TL, it features a re-designed bellhousing and improved clutch feel for smoother, more linear engagement.

With Acura's unwavering commitment to the environment, both TL engines meet strict CARB LEV-II ULEV standards. In addition, cold-start emissions are improved thanks to the close-coupled catalytic converter system and under-floor catalyst.

TL Engine
    * 3.2-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy engine
    * 258 hp at 6200 rpm and 233 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm
    * Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(R))
    * Dual-stage induction system with lightweight magnesium intake manifold
    * Cold-air intake system
    * Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
    * Direct ignition system
    * Compact in-head exhaust manifolds
    * High flow close-coupled catalytic converters plus under floor catalytic converter
    * High capacity 32-bit RISC processor engine control unit
    * 105,000 mile tune-up intervals

TL Type-S Engine
    * 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 aluminum alloy engine
    * 286 hp at 6200 rpm and 256 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm
    * Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(R))
    * Dual-stage induction system with lightweight magnesium intake manifold
    * Cold-air intake system
    * High flow, sport tuned exhaust system with quad finishers
    * Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
    * Direct ignition system
    * Compact in-head exhaust manifolds
    * High flow close-coupled catalytic converters plus under floor catalytic converter
    * High capacity 32-bit RISC processor engine control unit
    * 105,000 mile tune-up intervals

5-Speed Automatic Transmission
    * All-new compact design w/ high torque capacity
    * More compact design
    * Sequential SportShift re-programmed to allow quicker, more positive downshifts and upshifts (Type-S only)
    * Improved coordination between Drive-by-Wire(TM) throttle system and transmission for smoother shifts
    * Steering wheel-mounted F1(R)-style Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters (Type-S only)
    * External transmission fluid cooler (Type-S only)
    * Advanced shift-hold control limits up-shifts during spirited driving
    * Advanced Grade Logic Control System reduces gear "hunting" when driving on steep hills
    * Linear solenoid direct-acting control reduces shift shock and improves smoothness
    * Lockup torque converter design for superior fuel economy

6-Speed Manual Transmission (TL Type-S only)
    * Close ratio spacing for maximum performance
    * Multi-cone synchronizers (first through fourth gears)
    * Reverse lock-out feature prevents accidental engagement
    * Lightweight high-pressure-cast aluminum-alloy transmission housing
    * Improved clutch feel for smoother engagement
    * Advanced clutch torsion mechanism reduces gear noise
    * Helical gear limited-slip differential reduces wheel spin and maximizes acceleration

Emissions/Fuel Economy
    * Meets CARB LEV-II ULEV standard
    * TL EPA fuel economy 20/29 mpg (city/highway)
    * TL Type-S EPA fuel economy 19/28 mpg (AT) and 20/29 (MT)
    * High flow close-coupled catalytic converters plus under floor catalytic converter
    * High capacity 32-bit RISC processor engine control unit

Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
    * Highly rigid aluminum-alloy block with cast-in iron cylinder liners
    * 60-degree V-angle for inherently smooth operation
    * Dual-mass flywheel (6 MT) reduces driveline noise and vibration
    * Automatically tensioned, maintenance-free serpentine accessory drive

MG TF 160, 2003

2012-12-11T03:51:00.002-08:00

MG TF 160, 2003

A facelift in 2002 saw the MGF rebadged MG TF. The most significant mechanical changes were the abandonment of Hydragas suspension in favour of conventional coil springs, the new design of the air-induction system that along with new camshafts produces more power than in MGF engines, and the increased by 20% tortional stiffness of the body. Various cosmetic tweaks including a revised grille, redesigned front headlights, bumpers, side air-intake grills, rear boot, etc. The MG TF was the first car of its class to be awarded a leading 4-star safety performance from EURONCAP.

The MG TF was proving reasonably popular in comparison with the best affordable sports cars. However, production was suspended in 2005 when MG Rover collapsed. Nanjing Automobile Group, which bought MG Rover's remaining assets during bankruptcy proceedings, plans to restart production of a redesigned MG TF in Longbridge and in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in early 2007. For the first time the MG TF will become available to U.S. car buyers.

When it became apparent that MG Rover no longer held the rights to its 25 and 75 models, the company's administrators, PricewaterhouseCoopers, believed the MG TF to be the company's most valuable remaining asset.

Seat Altea Freetrack, 2009

2012-11-28T19:08:00.002-08:00

Seat Altea Freetrack, 2009

The complete launch offer of the SEAT Altea and SEAT Altea XL 2009 range includes 35 different versions divided into two body styles, nine engine choices - five petrol and four Diesel, four gearboxes (5 and 6-speed manual, and 6 and 7-speed DSG), and three trim levels - Reference, Style and Sport. The offer is complete with a new entry-level version and the SEAT Altea Freetrack model, which is available with either two or four-wheel drive and the Sport trim level.

The new SEAT Altea 2009 range is available with a broad equipment list as standard. The entry-level version features the 85 hp 1.4 and 90 hp 1.9 TDI engines on the SEAT Altea and only the 90 hp 1.9 TDI on the SEAT Altea XL, with elements such as ABS and TCS, ESP with EBA, driver and passenger airbag, side airbags, head airbag, rear Isofix anchoring points, front power one-touch anti-trap windows, remote controlled central locking, tinted glass, 15 inch steel rims, 195/65 tyres, double headlights, anti-theft roof aerial, sliding rear seats, storage compartments on the sides of the front and rear seats, central console storage compartment, storage hooks on the boot sides and rear parcel shelf with storage compartments, among others.

As with the SEAT León, the SEAT Altea range continues with the Reference version, which builds on the entry-level version with trip computer, CD radio + MP3 + 6 speakers + Aux in, low tyre pressure warning, air conditioning, body colour door mirrors and handles, front active headrests (on the SEAT Altea XL) and rear door folding shades (also on the SEAT Altea XL).

Style builds on Reference with several more elements, such as cornering foglights, three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, leather gearknob, rear power windows, electric heated folding door mirrors, cruise control, Coming Home, chrome inside door handles, climate control, combined USB + Aux in connection, height adjustable driver and passenger seat with lumbar control, 16" 'Enea' alloy rims, 205/55 tyres and visible twin tailpipe on versions with 140 hp or higher engines.

The top of the new SEAT Altea 2009 range is finished in Sport trim, which builds on Style with dark glass, sport seats with specific upholstery, 17" 'Aroa' alloy rims, 225/45 tyres and sports suspension.

Complete list of optional elements
The new SEAT Altea 2009 range features a long list of optional elements that significantly increase onboard comfort and safety.
The Lifestyle Plus package is available on the Reference trim level, which includes cornering foglights, 16 inch alloy rims, multi-function steering wheel and heated door mirrors.
As on the León, the Technology and Technology Plus packages are available on the Style and Sport versions. The Technology package includes rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensor, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror and two extra speakers; while the Technology Plus package includes dual xenon headlights + AFS, the SEAT Mediasystem navigation system, Bluetooth and front parking sensors with parking optics. This package is exclusively associated to the Technology package.

Venturi Eclectic, 2007

2012-11-28T19:06:00.004-08:00

Venturi Eclectic, 2007

Eclectic: Broad-mindedness enabling one to address all new ideas with understanding, taking the best offered by each different system.

THE 1st ENERGY-AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE
Soaring gas prices, economic crises, wars, omnipresent pollution, irreversible changes in the climate… Our world is going through a period when the stakes in terms of energy form the very basis for worldwide chaos. While admitting that no solution for energy production can be perfect, we must become fully aware of the imperative need to limit our own personal consumption of energy.

Venturi Eclectic, the first autonomous vehicle in the history of the automobile, opens up a new era in the field of mobility: reserved for daily driving in urban areas, its low energy consumption makes it the most economical environmental vehicle ever built.

Innovative and astonishing, Venturi Eclectic is much more than a simple vehicle ; it is a production and storage plant for renewable energies, either solar or wind based. Charging of these energies, which is intermittent in certain regions, can also be complemented by electrical recharging.

FUNCTION DICTATES THE DESIGN
Of decidedly original design, this is a vehicle that has no desire to look like other cars which depend on "black gold": priority has been given to integration of the photovoltaic cells which compose its translucid roof.

Venturi Eclectic thus does not pass unnoticed in traffic: its elevated central driving position offers exceptional panoramic vision and considerable space, for both driver and passengers.

Venturi Eclectic's message is loud and clear: this is not an ordinary car, but an avant-garde way of getting around. Owning an Venturi Eclectic is also a personal commitment: it means changing one's way of getting from one place to another by exchanging one's role as a "consumer" for that of a "producer" and this, in the general interest.

Its designer Sacha Lakic describes Venturi Eclectic as: "a modern, autonomous and intelligent automobile. The energy that drives it exists all around it: it simply has to deploy its wind turbine, expose its solar cells or, if necessary, find a simple electric plug.

It is usual practice to "stylise" a car. In the case of Venturi Eclectic, its contours were born of an approach to design. Its appearance reflects its function.

Its silhouette pays homage to certain icon-cars such as the Lunar Rover, Mini-Moke and Méhari. Though its technology positions it clearly in the present and, above all, the future.

TECHNOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANCES
Venturi marks a new era in technological history by launching the production of Venturi Eclectic, an urban 3-seater electro-solar vehicle which goes well beyond anything offered so far by car manufacturers of today:
    * 1 st vehicle powered by renewable energies;
    * 1 st solar production vehicle (2.5 sqm of photovoltaic cells);
    * 1 st vehicle that can be directly recharged with a personal wind turbine;

Venturi Eclectic is thus the vehicle with the least possible impact on the environment.

Unlike other vehicles which are not used for over 90% of the time, Venturi Eclectic takes advantage of moments of immobilisation to store energy in its batteries ; contrary to a petrol tank, this energy reserve remains available for other uses. It's well worth betting that one day, and at national level, this could comprise a considerable reserve of energy which could compensate for breakdowns in the production of electricity as already seen, for example, in California.

Available with last-generation NiMH (NIV-7) batteries (liquid cooled), Venturi Eclectic offers a range up to 50 km at a speed of 50 km/h (electronically restricted), which suffices largely to cover daily movements in urban areas.

The share of solar recharging is approximately 7 km per day of exposure
When using electricity, a full recharge requires 5 hrs using a standard connection (16 A).
Finally, as an option, Venturi Eclectic can be recharged with one or more wind turbines, fixed either on the roof of the vehicle when it is stationary, or to the ground with a specific mast. In this case, the share of recharging is approximately 15 km per day in windy areas.

Volvo C70, 2010

2012-11-28T19:06:00.001-08:00

Volvo C70, 2010

The Volvo C70 is in actual fact two attractive cars in one. It is as much an elegant coupe as it is a sporty convertible. With the same gentle, clean lines in both versions. Above all, however, the Volvo C70 is a car to enjoy. For people who reward themselves with the best in life.

Modernised, self-assured front
With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals traces of the Volvo S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. Thereby the Volvo C70 is upgraded to relate more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range

Bodywork details such as the front wings have also been redesigned, contributing to the decidedly altered appearance. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlamps and the décor around the foglamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.

The Volvo C70
The new Volvo C70 launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September 2009 has the same smart three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety as before. With an updated design and elevated premium feel, the Volvo C70 also delivers an "I want" aura of absolute world class.

The Volvo C70 is in actual fact two attractive cars in one. It is as much an elegant coupe as it is a sporty convertible. With the same gentle, clean lines in both versions. Above all, however, the Volvo C70 is a car to enjoy. For people who reward themselves with the best in life.

Modernised, self-assured front
With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals traces of the Volvo S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. Thereby the Volvo C70 is upgraded to relate more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range

Bodywork details such as the front wings have also been redesigned, contributing to the decidedly altered appearance. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlamps and the décor around the foglamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.

Wiesmann Roadster, 2006

2012-11-24T16:41:00.002-08:00

Wiesmann Roadster, 2006

The Wiesmann-Roadster which is manufactured since 1993, has been adapted permanently to the latest technical development. It's a dynamic and powerful sports car, made for convertible enthusiasts, taking its very own market position, supported by an ever growing fan community. The Wiesmann brand is established.

In succeeding years the Wiesmann-Roadster has been continuously developed and kept up-to-date with engineering progress. With almost 500 examples now having been built, a quality of finish has now been achieved which is unequalled among comparable small-scale manufacturers.

In 2003, on the 10th anniversary of the factory, Wiesmann gave the models a facelift: from the 300th. Roadster, all vehicles leaving the factory had a number of optical and technical detail alterations. The classic shape of the car body, which became very successful and is particularly loved by Wiesmann customers, retained unchanged. Improvements to the interior and modest alterations to the Roadster's external appearance were signs of the continued logical development of the vehicle concept.

Additional options allow the customers to individualise their own hand-made dream car. Individuality is the magic word! After all, the customer wants a car that is individually equipped, tailored to his wishes, crafted to suit him and make him satisfied and happy.

The Wiesmann-Roadster is available with two powerful engines:
MF 30 - 170 kW/231 HP - 2,979 cc
MF 3 - 252 kW/343 HP - 3,246 cc
Wiesmann Roadster

Even though the performance of the normally-fitted engine with 3 litres and 231 HP (achieving a power-weight ratio of 4.67 kg/HP) is adequate for a sports car, this was not always sufficient to fulfil all our customers' wishes for engine performance. This culminated in the offer of a further engine from the BMW stable, the M engine from the 3-series.

The driving qualities of the Roadsters with this engine, with its output of 343 HP and 365 Nm (resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of the car at its empty weight of 1,180 kg of 3.44 kg/HP) combined with a sequential manual 6-speed gearbox are driven to the very peak of driving enjoyment.

The extension of standard equipment covers the following new features:

Standard equipment
+ BMW M3-Motor 252 kW/ 343 HP and 365 Nm
+ Dynamics switch (throttle valve control selectable sporty/ comfortable)
+ New design of the rear light-clusters and the front flashers
+ Additional side blinkers in the sills
+ Redesigned door-lock
+ New switch design in the central console
+ New control lights display
+ New design for the instrument panel
+ Interior improvements with leather elements in cross-stitch pattern

Special equipment available at an extra price
+ Sequential 6-speed gearbox (SMG II) with switch on the steering wheel (2 driving modes: manual gear-change with steering wheel switch or with the gear stick; automatic mode)
+ Drivelogic (6 different driving programmes for comfortable driving through to sporty driving)
+ Acceleration assistant (for optimum vehicle acceleration at sports car racing level)
+ Control light display with gear indicator
+ DSC Dynamic Stability control (manual cut-out)
+ Modification of the front lighting units (additional xenon or H7 headlights)
+ Wider wheels (255/30 on 9.5x19" front, 295/30 on 11x19" rear)

The optical and aerodynamic developments, in combination with the modified standard equipment and great variety of individual possibilities, once again enhanced the attractiveness of the Wiesmann-Roadster.

Base price:
Wiesmann Roadster MF 30 € 91.000 incl. VAT
Wiesmann Roadster MF 3 € 96.000 incl. VAT

Volkswagen L1 Concept, 2009

2012-11-24T16:38:00.002-08:00

Volkswagen L1 Concept, 2009

One of a unique Car in the world today is Volkswagen L1. It weighs just 380 kilograms a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) body. The two-seater is powered by a new common rail turbo-diesel (two-cylinder TDI) and an electric motor. With its average fuel consumption of 1.49 litres diesel per 100 kilometres, this fully road-ready and extremely aerodynamic L1 (Cd 0.195!) is advancing to become the most fuel-efficient hybrid automobile in the world. CO2 emissions of the 160 km/h fast concept car are just 39 g/km.

Drivetrain

The TDI, E-motor and 7-speed DSG are located at the rear, and they combine to create the most fuel efficient road-legal car hybrid drive in the world. Proof of this are its 1.38 litre per 100 kilometres fuel consumption and 36 g/km CO2 emissions. Serving as the primary drive source is a completely redeveloped two-cylinder turbo-diesel with common rail direct injection (TDI). It is operated in two different modes depending on the load conditions. In the standard "ECO" mode, the 800 cm3 TDI develops a power of 20 kW / 27 PS (at 4,000 rpm); in "Sport" mode - used to reach top speed, for example - the car's power rises to 29 kW / 39 PS (at 4,000 rpm). The TDI's maximum torque is 100 Newton-meter (at 1,900 rpm). Naturally, the Volkswagen L1 also has a Stop-Start system that automatically shuts down the engine when vehicle has stopped and restarts when the accelerator or E-pedal is pressed.

Lincoln MKZ, 2010

2012-11-14T15:49:00.003-08:00

Lincoln MKZ, 2010

The new 2010 Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedan was designed for customers who have come to equate Lincoln with elegant, modern design, unparalleled comfort, unrivaled features and top quality.

New for 2010, the Lincoln MKZ features a new sport version with special sport suspension tuning with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, 18-inch Euroflange polished wheels, darkened grille and headlamps, and an interior with contrasting piping and unique appliqués.
The new Lincoln MKZ also offers segment-exclusive features, including first-in-class Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA), which makes navigating traffic and parking lots safer and easier.

BLIS tracks vehicles in the blind-spot zones on either side of the vehicle using two multiple-beam radar modules behind the rear fenders. Indicator lights in the outside rear-view mirror on both sides of the vehicle warn the driver when a vehicle enters the defined blind-spot zone, extending from the side mirror to 10 feet behind the vehicle and 10 feet away from the vehicle.
CTA uses the BLIS radar sensors to alert the driver of approaching traffic while in reverse and backing out of a parking spot. The CTA tracks up to 65 feet on either side of the vehicle and warns the driver through both audible and visual alerts.
Lincoln MKZ

In addition to this new technology for mid-size sedans, Lincoln MKZ offers SYNC, Next-Generation Voice-Activated Navigation, keyless entry, EasyFuel capless fuel filler, THX-branded audio and adaptive HID headlamps.
The new MKZ also features Lincoln signature design elements, including the split-wing grille and thinner wraparound head lamps for a wider, sportier look. Its chamfered front fascia also shares a family resemblance with the Lincoln MKS, with a sculpted hood and ridges flowing into the A-pillar. In the rear, the Lincoln MKZ features a new decklid with wider LED taillamps accentuating the width of the car and separated by the Lincoln star.

The Lincoln MKZ's presence is enhanced by 17-inch aluminum wheels, available 17-inch chrome wheels, and available 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, which are included in the Sport Appearance Package with sport-tuned suspension.
Inside, MKZ's cabin reflects an even more upscale look featuring genuine aluminum and wood depending on the trim package, an all-new instrument panel, detailed touches including new welcome lighting, chimes, tuxedo stitching on luxury leather seats and Bridge of Weir leather.

The world-renowned luxury leather from Scotland, pioneered on the classic Lincoln Continental Mark II and used on the MKS, wraps the MKZ seats. The Lincoln MKZ leather is unembossed, allowing the natural beauty and character of the grain to shine through.
The leather is milled for up to 12 hours to ensure a buttery soft hand, and Bridge of Weir uses a chromium-free tanning process, which makes it easier to recycle.

Additions or improvements to the 2010 Lincoln MKZ interior:

Armrest clamshell storage
New daytime lit and 3-dimensional instrument cluster layout with center speedometer
New door trim with 360-degree door handles
Redesigned center stack with high-mounted, Next-Generation Navigation system
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with real wood insert
Interior schemes include Dark Charcoal or Steel Gray with Swirl Walnut accents, or Light Camel with Olive Ash wood accents

Technology and information at your fingertips
The new Lincoln MKZ is more than just a pretty face and striking new interior. New technology features help Lincoln's new mid-size sedan stand out:

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.
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.
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 mounts a small camera on the decklid that is activated when the Lincoln MKZ is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle.
The video image is displayed in the navigation screen on Lincoln MKZs equipped with that option or in the self-dimming rearview mirror on vehicles without navigation.
Ambient Lighting System is displayed around the footwells, cup holders, door map pockets, door release handles, door and instrument accents and scuff plates - plus special "Welcome" and "Farewell" sequential lighting.
THX II Premium Certified Audio System with 5.1 Surround Sound, which is provided by a 12-channel amplifier that delivers 600 watts to 14 strategically placed speakers, including two subwoofers. A center channel speaker array features THX Slot Speaker™ technology, which allows for a wider sound image and better control of how music is distributed throughout the vehicle's acoustically engineered cabin. In addition, the system features a 10 GB hard drive jukebox, allowing Lincoln owners to store up to 2,400 of their favorite music tracks.

Other features for the 2010 Lincoln MKZ:

Rain-sensing wipers, which detect moisture on the windshield and activate automatically.
A new cabin air filter, which removes respiratory irritants and toxins caused by traffic and industrial pollution. Additionally, the air filter protects the HVAC/climate control system by blocking water and moisture.
Adaptive HID headlamps, which rotate according to speed and steering inputs to allow greater visibility around turns
SOS Post Crash Alert, which activates the horn, emergency flashers, automatically unlocks doors and turns on the interior/puddle lamps when an air bag is deployed. The system activates the emergency flashers when a spinout is detected.

Faster engine performance, strong fuel economy
The award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engine powers the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, delivering 263 horsepower and 249 pounds-feet of torque. The 3.5-liter uses a compact, lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for peak power and smooth operation at high RPMs.
This engine also incorporates intake variable cam timing to optimize valve timing for a smooth idle and an impressive broad torque curve with good power.

The six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, which is front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available, is standard on the 2010 Lincoln MKZ. Powertrain performance is improved dramatically, with 0-60 mph times dropping from 7.7 to 7.1 seconds.

The engine - and the Lincoln MKZ itself - is quieter. Every piece of sound packing was redone.
The Lincoln MKZ engineering team also concentrated on the engine mount subsystem, finding the sound that balances sportiness and luxury, said Matt Hettenhouse, powertrain team leader.

A high 10.3:1 compression ratio and aluminum cylinder heads designed for high air flow and optimized combustion help complete the package, supporting the engine's ability to deliver great performance and fuel economy, along with low emissions.

Unique to the 2010 Lincoln MKZ are re-engineered resonators on the air-induction system. "They deliver the powerful, refined sound Lincoln MKZ customers expect," Hettenhouse said.

The six-speed transmission allows for lower early gears for better acceleration and taller high gears for better highway mileage. The new standard SelectShift provides the driver with manual gear selection for enhanced sportiness. Downshifts are locked out to protect the engine from over-revving. The "enhanced overdrive cancel" mode locks out the fifth and sixth gears, allows shifts at higher speed for more engine braking and downshifts for "grade assist" functionality.

The 2010 Lincoln MKZ was completely revised and uniquely tuned for ride comfort.
The team changed the rear suspension lower control arm control point to move the roll center closer to the center of gravity, which improved the ride-handling characteristics. A hydraulic variable-flow steering pump changes the flow rate at lower speeds to give better response, improving the turning circle and easier parking efforts.

The Lincoln MKZ's available all-wheel drive (AWD) system has been retuned for better traction and lower noise, vibration and harshness. The system uses an electro-mechanical clutch and employs two basic modes of torque transfer - pre-emptive torque (before wheel slip) and slip-control torque (after wheel slip). This dual system gives the driver confidence in any situation, while the suspension has been specially tuned to be more neutral when cornering.

Lexus GS430, 2004

2012-11-14T15:46:00.005-08:00

Lexus GS430, 2004

The Lexus GS is a mid-size luxury sports sedan / executive car manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corp. under the Lexus brand and sold as the Toyota Aristo in Japan. Based on the platform and running gear of the Toyota Crown, it was introduced in 1991 in Japan and two years later in the United States, Europe and selected markets in Asia. The model was designed to fill the gap between the ES and LS and to provide Lexus with a sports sedan that could compete with the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For most of its life, the GS had a wider wheelbase than the ES, and was shorter than the ES in length.

Though essentially identical, GS and the Aristo differ in their engine and transmission combinations as well as equipment packages.

The second generation Aristo was launched in Japan, codenamed JZS160 for cars with the 2JZ-GE engines and JZS161 for those with the 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engines. VVT-i was now standard, resulting in a bump in torque. The twin-turbo version was available with electronic four-wheel steering, VDC and an automatic gearbox with a manual sequential mode. No 4WD models were offered.

The GS began production in the JZS160 body style on August 4, 1997 and was launched in 1998. The American market GS 400 was equipped with a UZ-series V8 that produced 300 hp and 310 ft·lbf of torque. Edmunds.com reported a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds for the 3693-pound sedan. Again, no turbo models were offered outside Japan.

In 2001, the engine received a 0.3 liter bump in displacement and the model was renamed GS 430. Peak horsepower was unchanged, but torque increased to 325 ft·lbf.

The GS was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1998. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1998 through 2000.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept, 2008

2012-11-14T15:46:00.002-08:00

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept, 2008

The Chrysler's concept for 2008 - the ecoVoyager - marries an elegant American design with fuel cell Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology.

Featuring crisscrossing forms defined by hard lines with fluid intersections, the style vocabulary of the ecoVoyager embodies Chrysler's harmonisation of functional technology with beautifully-styled exteriors and interiors.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager concept was developed for customers wanting a travel experience on par with a private jet, but without a lot of fancy gadgetry. These customers seek three critical attributes: elegance, simplicity and serenity.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Technology
The all-new Chrysler ecoVoyager's wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power primarily supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of satisfying a consumer's typical daily commute of less than 40 miles.
The electric motor develops 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. A regenerative braking system captures energy that would normally be lost and returns it to the battery, making the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept a very efficient and spacious vehicle.

The ecoVoyager takes advantage of a range extender - in this case, a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell -- to extend the vehicle range for occasional long trips. With this advanced technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager's total range is greater than 300 miles, while no emissions - besides water vapour -- come from the tailpipe along the way.
With the entire propulsion system located below the ecoVoyager's floor, space is maximized for utility of passenger and cargo.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Exterior
Expressive details of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include panoramic roof glass bisected by a centre spine, tight body overhangs and a dramatic boat-tail back end. The sinuous shapes of the window graphics, headlamps, tail lamps and grille openings are inspired by Chrysler's storied winged badge.
The curving trapezoidal shape of the ecoVoyager's grille is echoed by the clear lens-covered shadow box that houses the rear license plate. The sloping backlight features a similar shape, emphasizing the repeating harmony of the ecoVoyager's design elements.

Other exterior touches on the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include the elongated, flaring "light catchers" on the lower doors and the front and rear fascias, enhanced by the Polar Ice exterior colour.
Finally, side doors open a wide 90 degrees. Since the rear doors are hinged at the rear and there is no centre B-pillar, entrance into the ecoVoyager is virtually unimpeded.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Interior
By placing the front wheels of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept farther forward than usual, designers were able to create greater interior roominess and increased legroom, especially in the rear seats.
In the ecoVoyager's spacious interior, the size, design and location of all controls have been rethought to provide its four pampered passengers the luxury of having every feature within effortless reach.
The ecoVoyager's windshield defroster and cabin air-conditioning outlets in the instrument panels and doors, for example, are invisible beneath a recessed perforated mesh. This avoids visually-disruptive array sliding vanes and protruding knobs. Even the colour of the interior -- soft Dove Gray with warm cherry wood accents — is designed to promote a relaxed ambiance.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager's unconventional instrument panel features a broad, leather-covered angled surface, slightly V-shaped in plan view and fronted by a full-width display screen set just below the windshield. The left and right outer ends of this non-glare screen contain the side-view mirror image, while a third camera image in front of the driver serves as the rear-view mirror.

Unlike most instrument clusters, only currently-needed information is displayed, designed to be viewed above the steering wheel rim rather than through it (and requiring less up-down eye movement and refocusing). The front-seat passenger can view a movie without its moving images disturbing the driver. A slick, slide-out/retractable centre console - fitted with hot-key buttons and a mouse pad - replaces the functions contained in a conventional vertical centre stack.

The ecoVoyager's four individual chairs are contoured for personalised comfort. The seat framing is exposed, with under-seat storage drawers. Front seats have individual cantilevered, adjustable armrests containing the window controls and heat/massage switches, while individual rear-seat armrests fold into the cabin back panel. With the ability to store six 20-ounce bottles, the floor console dividing the rear seats accommodates hot or cold beverages.
A recessed area in the headliner between the two longitudinal skylights contains the "Direct Sound" function. With this feature, the musical entertainment choice of each individual occupant can be directed to him or her without the use of headphones, and without disturbing others in the car.
Sleek, refined, efficient and superbly comfortable, the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept vehicle offers a new experience in stress-free travel.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Specifications
Vehicle Type: Range-extended Electric Vehicle (40-mile all-electric range with hydrogen fuel cell range extender), Two-row seating, four-passenger

Weight and Dimensions
    * Weight/GVWR: 2750 lbs./3500 lbs.
    * Length: 191.2 inches/4856mm
    * Width at H-point: 75.4 inches/1915mm
    * Height: 63.0 inches/1600mm
    * Wheelbase: 116.0 inches/2946mm
    * Couple 1-2: 45.4 inches/1154mm
    * Front overhang: 34.0 inches/864mm
    * Rear overhang: 41.2 inhces/1046mm
    * Track front/rear: 65.6 inches/1666mm
    * Approach angle: 15.0 degrees
    * Departure angle: 20.9 degrees
    * Turn circle: 40 feet/12.2m
    * Maximum width: 75.4 inches/1915mm

Powertrain and Suspension
    * Layout : Front wheel drive
    * Motor: Single electric
    * Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
    * Regenerative braking
    * Battery: 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack
    * Range extender: Hydrogen fuel cell, PEM 45kW, 700bar (10,000psi) high pressure tanks
    * Suspension
          o Front - MacPherson Strut
          o Rear - MacPherson Strut

Wheels and Tyres
    * Tyre size front/rear: P235/45R22x8 30.3 inches/770mm
    * Tyre manufacturer: Goodyear

Colour Scheme
    * Exterior: Polar Ice Blue
    * Interior: Dove Gray

Key Performance Attributes
    * 0-60 mph: 8.8 seconds
    * Standing ¼ mile: 12.9 seconds
    * Top speed: 115 mph
    * All-electric range: 40 miles
    * Total range: 300 miles

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport LOr Blanc, 2011

2012-11-05T16:19:00.001-08:00

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport LOr Blanc, 2011

With the partnership between Bugatti and the Königliche Porzellan-Manufatur Berlin (KPM) the renowned manufacturer emphasizes the ability in creating pieces of automotive art. The "L'Or Blanc" celebrates its world premiere with an exclusive unveiling ceremony on June 30, 2011 at the KPM workshops in Berlin. This unique version of a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport is the world's first motor car to wear the finest porcelain on its body, as well as in its cabin. It captivates with an abstract exterior design.

The security officer nods, the door opens. Amidst pure white walls bright spotlights illuminate a Bugatti Grand Sport that is placed in the center of the spacious room. We have entered the hidden world of the Bugatti Design Studio. The team around Bugatti's Head of Design Achim Anscheidt works in a quiet and focused atmosphere as they walk around their latest object of desire. Several times they stop, take a step to the left and to the right; they bend down and up again, looking intensely at the Grand Sport from different angles. They analyse the reflections of light on the car's body before they step back for a moment to get an overall impression of their work. Thin blue lines flow over the bright white exterior of the fastest convertible in the world. It feels like visiting the atelier of an American pop-art artist.

The creation bears the name "L'Or Blanc." It represents an automobile that redefines the art of design. If you look at it through the eyes of a designer, you will recognize that it is the reflection of the studio lights on the body that attracts their interest. Positioned beneath a special light, the car is set in an ideal environment that provides an excellent image of the reflections. The studio light is reflected on the invisible edges between the body shapes of the Grand Sport. In numerous stages each reflection line is translated by Bugatti's designers onto the car body that has been pre-painted in a vibrant white tone. They use a precision tape made of Japanese soft tissue that can be easily torn off by hand. It adheres perfectly to sulphur-containing plasticine. By stretching them to a certain degree, these tapes are "lined" in pieces up to five meters long across the whole exterior of the car.

If the line does not fully meet the intention of the designers, they place a correction tape above the original line. This process is repeated until the final line has the right tension and character. Between the styling steps, the team looks at the car from a distance to evaluate the relation of the stripes to the white spaces. This is also the best way to ensure that lines flow from one side of the body across the roof and the rear to the opposite side. Even the smallest imperfections are being revised meticulously, as the final target is to achieve unrivalled perfection. Finally, the lines stretch across the perfectly shaped Bugatti like a grid of light reflections. Over the course of several weeks, the team of designers develop the final composition of dynamic bends and delicate lines that run over the automotive piece of art like the serpentines of the Italian Stelvio Pass.

In the next step, Bugatti's paint specialists dedicate themselves to the further completion of the masterpiece. Over the course of three weeks, each millimeter of the marked lines are being filled by hand with the characteristic blue color. In addition, the whole body receives five layers of clear lacquer. A varying and powerful gradient of the two colors is generated because the team had used a combination of tapes with different widths. While the blue lines dominate over the white spaces in the lower section of the convertible, the relation of colors inverts on the way to the roof so that the intense white appears even stronger. Twelve elements, made of finest porcelain at the Berlin based manufactory, complete the aesthetic approach of this special Grand Sport.

Let us change the location and visit the workshops of the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur in the heart of Berlin. Following a tradition of around 250 years, at this location more than 170 craftsmen and specialists produce precious items, as today's expression of porcelain art. Hand-made plaster moulds are needed to craft the unique porcelain elements that appear in the exterior and interior of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport "L'Or Blanc", and with a tremendous attention to detail, each mould is created and optimized in a several-week-long process at the research and development department. The team has to run a number of dedicated tests with the raw material to check the impact of the natural shrinkage of around 16 percent during firing and drying. Finally, the porcelain elements fit seamlessly to the Bugatti components.

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport "L'Or Blanc" is the world's first automobile to be equipped with porcelain, and the development team invested a lot of effort to guarantee that each item is capable of performing in every driving situation in the most powerful car on the market. Before their application to the car, the porcelain elements were extensively examined in regard to automotive safety and quality to optimally protect the passengers in case of an accident.

As part of the exterior design, porcelain is used for the inlays of the centre wheel badges, the fuel filler cap and the oil filler cap as well as the signature "EB" badge at the rear. Their shiny white surface blends in with the brilliant bright finish of the paint suggesting that the car would be coated with a thin layer of porcelain, too.

Besides the signed porcelain inlays on the sides of the centre console, an intarsia made of finest porcelain is fixed to the rear panel between the seats. Similar to the exterior porcelain elements this item carries the relief of the famous elephant in an upright standing position that has been created by sculptor Rembrandt Bugatti. His brother Ettore had used the original draft to cast the radiator mascot for the Bugatti Royale. This elephant is a synonym for the brand still today. Embedded in the top of the centre console, there is a fine porcelain dish with edges finished in an exclusive diamond polishing - a technique that has been applied by the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin for the very first time. The precious dish can be removed and is part of a picnic set that was exclusively designed by KPM for the Bugatti car.

The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport "L'Or Blanc" presented in Berlin, is a one-of-a-kind creation. Nevertheless, the partnership is supposed to be continued, and Bugatti's designers received a lot of inspiration from porcelain painting offering a variety of new opportunities for the design. The price of the Bugatti L'Or Blanc is 1.65 million EUR.

Hummer Humvee Military Vehicle, 2003

2012-11-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hummer Humvee Military Vehicle, 2003

The M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) is a highly durable military motor vehicle. It has largely supplanted the role formerly served by the Jeep and other light trucks with the United States military, and is also used by a number of other countries and organizations.

Features
There are at least 17 variants of the HMMWV in service with the United States armed forces. HMMWV serve as cargo/troop carriers, automatic weapons platforms, ambulances (four litter patients or eight ambulatory patients), M220 TOW missile carriers, M119 howitzer prime movers, M-1097 Avenger Pedestal Mounted Stinger platforms, MRQ-12 direct air support vehicles, S250 shelter carriers among many others. It is capable of fording 2.5 ft (76 cm) normally, or 5 ft (1.5 m) with the deep-water fording kit installed.

Optional equipment includes a winch (maximum load capacity 6000 lb. (2700 kg)), and supplemental armor. The M1025 and M1043/M1044 armament carriers provide mounting and firing capabilities for the MK19 grenade launcher, the M2 machine gun, the M240G machine gun and M249 SAW. The newly introduced M1114 "up-armored" HMMWV also features a similar weapons mount. Recently, there is also a new type of the HMMWV introduced featuring a CROWS (crew served optical weapons station), which lets the machine gunner operate from inside the vehicle.

History
In the 1970s, the United States Army concluded that the militarized civilian trucks in use no longer satisfied their requirements. In 1977, Lamborghini developed the Cheetah model to attempt to meet Army contract specifications. In 1979, the Army drafted final specifications for a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HMMWV. In July of that year, AM General began preliminary design work, and less than a year later, the first prototype, the M998, was in testing.

In June 1981, the Army awarded AM General a contract for development of several more prototype vehicles to be delivered to the U.S. government for another series of tests, and the company was later awarded the initial production contract for 55,000 HMMWVs to be delivered in 1985. HMMWVs first saw combat in Operation Just Cause, the US invasion of Panama in 1989.

They have become the backbone of U.S. forces around the world. Over 10,000 were used during Operation Iraqi Freedom by U.S. forces as well as some other countries during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

One US Humvee was captured by the Yugoslav Army during the Kosovo war and is currently on display in front of the Military Museum building on Kalemegdan Fortress Park, Belgrade, Serbia.

In Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Humvee has proved vulnerable to IED. As of early 2006, total losses were at 250 Humvees. One Humvee was destroyed in the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict killing the three IDF soldiers inside and led up to the two captured IDF soldiers, it was hit by a Hezbollah rocket propelled grenade

Usage in Iraq and political implications
The HMMWV has proven very vulnerable to light infantry weapons as far back as the Somalia intervention; in its defense, it was never designed to offer such protection. With the rise of asymmetric warfare and low-intensity conflicts, the HMMWV has found itself thrust into urban combat roles it was not originally intended for. Although the large variety of HMMWV types is a testament to the vehicle's adaptability to changing mission conditions, it was never designed to be an armored personnel carrier (APC).

As it is not an armored vehicle, HMMWVs are very vulnerable to rocket propelled grenades and offer the troops within little protection from small arms fire. Although there are several armor kits available for the vehicle which afford it greater protection from small-arms fire, these were not provided in great numbers to American forces in Iraq prior to the invasion. As a result of this, American soldiers and Marines often improvise extra armor layers with scrap materials (also known as "hillbilly armor") to improve the safety of the HMMWV. While "hardening" or "up-armoring" their vehicles with sandbags, metal, and plywood does make the vehicles arguably safer, it also slows them down. It has also been argued that hardening simply creates more shrapnel when attacked with an RPG or improvised explosive device. This extra hardening further hampered the ability of the M998 and M1025 due to the addition of excess weight which overloaded the suspension and drivetrain components of these HMMWVs. Performance issues due to the high center of gravity and extra weight of up-armoring kits increase the risk of sway and rollover. Unlike similar-size civilian cargo and tow trucks, which typically have dual rear wheels to reduce sway, the HMMWV has single rear wheels. The independent rear suspension coupled with the body design may preclude "dually" fitment which is the standard for solid-axle trucks of that weight range.

In response to the perceived vulnerability of HMMWVs operating in Iraq, the U.S. Department of Defense contracted AM General to make the M1114 Uparmored HMMWV. The M1114 has been in limited production since 1996 and had seen limited use in the Balkans before deployment to the Middle East. This design has a larger, more powerful engine with a turbocharger, air conditioning and a strengthened suspension and boasts a fully armored passenger area protected by hardened steel and bullet-proof glass. With the increase in direct attacks and guerilla warfare in Iraq AM General has diverted the majority of its manufacturing power to producing these vehicles.

In December 2004, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld came under criticism from U.S. soldiers and their families for not providing better equipped HMMWV. Rumsfeld pointed out that, prior to the war, armor kits were produced only in small numbers per year. As the role of American forces in Iraq changed from fighting the Iraqi Army to suppressing the guerrilla insurgency, armor kits were being manufactured as fast as additional production facilities could be brought online. Armor aggravates the severe inherent performance limitations of a light truck with independent suspension, but it does offer improved protection. Other countries experienced in urban war such as Russia and Israel rely on tracked armored personnel carriers, but the wheeled HMMWV fits current anti-track sentiment among Army senior leadership as exemplified by the Stryker and other wheeled systems.

Weaknesses
As an unarmoured vehicle it is vulnerable to about any weapon capable of hitting it. As a primary threat, RPG's can penetrate and thus completely annihilate an HMMWV. As a secondary threat, AK47-fire reportedly sometimes makes it to the inside, and is still capable of wounding passengers. This is mostly when the 7.62 mm bullets are fired from a short distance, and is also depending where exactly the vehicle is struck. Besides fire from foot-soldiers, it is also very vulnerable to road side bombs (IEDs and land mines), as proven in Iraq. The armor on most up-armored humvees holds up well against lateral (from the side) blasts when the blast is distributed in all different directions, but runs a greater risk of a mobility or catastrophic kill when struck by a blast from beneath. Also the person mounting the machine gun on the top of the vehicle is extremely vunerable to enemy fire.

Replacement
The US government is seeking a replacement for the AM General truck, and the U.S. Army's Tank and Automotive Command is currently refereeing a prototype competition. Navistar International and Lockheed Martin are participating, while AM General has not been selected. The Navistar entry is based on their International CXT line, and this truck has already been prototyped to replace the HMMWV for non-military use by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and Border Patrol.

The Marine Corps is also looking into replacements for the HMMWV. The Office of Naval Research is funding Georgia Tech's ULTRA AP, a combat concept vehicle based on the F350 chassis, but with a radical "blast bucket" passenger compartment, and Ultra 3T, a project with more advanced (but unproven) technologies.

Humvee replicas
Due to the popularity of the Humvee, there have been kits produced for building a humvee-replica yourself. The kits do not allow you to build a humvee from scratch (kitcar), they do allow you to rebuild a sedan to a humvee-lookalike, alternatively one can also just buy a preconstructed (or turnkey) wombat. Various kits probably exist, but the most famous is the "Wombat" (-or previous HummBug). The former vehicle can be purchased for $18,000.00, considerably cheaper than the actual Humvee ($56,400.00), or Hummer.

Ferrari 599XX, 2010

2012-11-05T16:12:00.001-08:00

Ferrari 599XX, 2010

Ferrari 599XX, while based on the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano with the same transaxle layout and engine type, is an extreme track car. Ferrari's engineers have carried out extensive work on the engine's combustion chambers and inlet and exhaust tracts. These modifications, combined with the fact that internal attrition has been reduced and the maximum revs have been boosted to 9,000 rpm, helped achieve the target power output of 700 hp at 9,000 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to cutting the weight of the engine unit components. This was achieved both by optimising forms - as in the new crankshaft - and adopting exclusive materials, as in the carbon-fibre used for the intake plenums. A new gearbox shift strategy cuts overall gearchange times to 60 ms.

The Ferrari 599XX is characterised by an innovative electronic concept called the "High Performance Dynamic Concept" which has been designed to get the maximum performance from the car by managing the combination of the car's mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls. The mechanical and electronic systems work together to get the maximum performance from the car under extreme high performance driving, for consistent lap times. The sporty handling has been improved thanks to the adoption of second generation SCM suspension system. Track usage is also made easier thanks to the new "virtual car engineer", a screen in the car that provides a real-time indication of the vehicle's efficiency.

The Ferrari 599XX's aerodynamics were honed in numerous wind tunnel test sessions with the result that the car now boasts 280 kg of downforce at 200 km/h (630 kg at 300 km/h). The front underside of the body is completely faired-in and the vents that channel hot air from the engine bay have been moved to the bonnet.

The "ActiflowT" system increases downforce and/or cuts drag depending on the car's trim cornering conditions, courtesy of the use of a porous material in the diffuser and two fans in the boot which channel the air flow from under the car out through two grilles next to the tail-lights. Winglets have been added to the rear buttresses to increase downforce. while synthetic jets have also been incorporated into the rear of the car to control and smooth the air flow and to reduce drag.

Ferrari's engineers have also used F1-derived "doughnuts" which partly cover the brake discs and wheel rim. These have the dual function of improving both aerodynamics and brake cooling.

In terms of the bodywork, composites and carbon-fibre have been widely used and the engineers drew on their experience in working with aluminium to reach the weight target. The development of increasingly high-performance materials has also benefited the carbon-ceramic material braking system. The brake pads are now made from carbon-fibre which means that the calipers are smaller whilst guaranteeing the same efficiency. The new racing carbon ceramic braking system also delivers shorter braking distances and is generally more efficient due to the weight saving.

The Ferrari 599XX comes with slick tyres (29/67 R19 Front and 31/71 R19 Rear) specifically developed to maximise stability in cornering and increase lateral acceleration. They are fitted to 19 x 11J wheel rims at the front and 19 x 12J at the rear.

Bentley Azure T, 2009

2012-10-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

Bentley Azure T, 2009

Stylish and powerful, the new Bentley Azure T is the world's most elegant convertible and destined to become a future classic. With unique Bentley 'T' styling cues reinforcing its sporting stance, the 500bhp Azure T delivers driver-focused performance with the ability to transport four adults in first-class, open-top luxury.

The Bentley Azure T, specified with the high performance version of Crewe's iconic 6¾ litre V8 engine, is the latest in a line of Bentley models to bear the 'T' legend. The 1996 Continental coupe was the first modern Bentley 'T', followed in 2002 by the Arnage T, both flagship models with a distinctive sporting character and thunderous performance.

The Azure's already striking form is now enhanced by 20-inch 5-spoke wheels and tyres, 'Le Mans' front wing vents, dark tint matrix grille and a sculpted, retractable Flying 'B' mascot.

For the performance-oriented Bentley Azure T, the twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 500bhp and 1000 Nm of torque - an 11 per cent increase in power and a 14 per cent increase in torque over its 450bhp/875 Nm Bentley Azure stable mate.

The famous Bentley wave of torque is even more prodigious than before and performance is significantly raised with a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.5 sec). Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing, Stuart McCullough comments:

A UNIQUE OPEN-TOP MOTORING EXPERIENCE
Based on the Azure, the Bentley Azure T offers a range of discreet exterior cues that further enhance its powerful stance and hint at its increased performance potential. Key ingredients of its distinctive appearance include design features 20-inch five-spoke, two-piece alloy wheels and 'Le Mans' lower front wing air vents.

Further distinguishing points from the Azure are standard features such as dark-tinted upper and lower grilles, 'jewel' fuel filler cap (made from billet aluminium) and door mirror mountings finished in body colour.

Like the Bentley Brooklands, the Azure T sports the iconic Flying 'B' mascot, which can retract neatly into the grille surround. Originally designed by motoring artist F. Gordon Crosby, the 'B' was first used on the 1930 Bentley 8-Litre.

With exterior lines that echo visual elements of the Bentley Mk.6 from 1946, the Azure was enthusiastically received on its original debut as a concept car at the Los Angeles Show in January 2005.

Bentley's designers highlight the 1955 Park Ward S1 Drophead Coupé and 1995 Azure as the main influences for the current Azure and Azure T. Like the '50s convertible, the car has a deep body with a single feature line that runs along both flanks and rises at the powerful rear haunches before spearing off at the rear of the car. Similarly, the Azure T's fast and flowing roofline is echoed in its seven-bow canvas roof that gives the car a visible sporting profile when raised.

Prominent wheel arches grace a slender, narrowing boot that results in a 'horse shoe' trailing edge. This elegant shape is reminiscent of the first Crewe-built Bentley, the Mk.6, and the overall effect is a subtle hint at the power and performance that lies beneath the Bentley Azure T bodywork.

Delicate brightware detailing accentuates the flowing lines of the Bentley Azure T and this includes rear tail-lamp bezels, exhaust finishes and slender strips that run the length of the car.

Significant time and effort has gone into making the Azure T's folding roof attractive as well as highly functional. Operated hydraulically at the touch of a switch, the impressive, three-layer canvas roof is elegantly stowed beneath the rear parcel shelf in a matter of 25 seconds. Because the roof is held in a separate well area, there is no impact on the generous boot space which was designed to hold two sets of golf clubs and hand luggage.

EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE FROM MIGHTY V8
The engine and transmission of the Bentley Azure T are identical to those already employed in the high-performance Arnage T and Arnage Final Series saloons. In this specification, Bentley's remarkable all-aluminium 6¾ litre V8 engine produces 500 bhp (507PS/373kW) and 1000 Nm (738lb ft) of torque - with over 90 per cent of that torque available between 1,800 and 3,800 rev/min - figures that ensure the signature Bentley 'wave of torque' delivers effortless performance for a unique open-top convertible driving experience.

Each of these hand-made V8 engines comes with a black-finish air intake manifold bearing the signature of the team leader who oversaw its construction by Bentley technicians in the Crewe factory. The six-speed ZF automatic transmission ensures optimum flexibility, response and refinement. Three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Manual) allow the driver to take full advantage of the powerful 500 bhp V8 engine.

A sophisticated electronic management system provides fast yet smooth gearshifts regardless of how the car is being driven. Another important feature of the latest Bentley Azure T is the separation of the sports suspension and sports gearbox settings, allowing the driver to select their preference for each system independently - via a 'Sport' switch on the dashboard for the suspension and by positioning the gearlever for the transmission's Sport mode.

Bentley's V8 guarantees outstanding performance levels. From standstill, acceleration to 60 mph is achieved in just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h 5.5 seconds), 100 mph reached in 12.1 seconds (160 km/h in 12.0 seconds) and a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) is possible.

DYNAMIC HANDLING, SUPERB RIDE AND AWESOME BRAKING
The Azure's double wishbone front and rear suspension is carried over to the Bentley Azure T unaltered. Set-up and fine-tuned to give a refined ride that best suits the character of this convertible Bentley, the system features coil springs with computer-controlled, adaptive electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride-height control with auto-load compensation.

The Azure T's suspension delivers impressive body control in all driving conditions, while the new five-spoke, two-piece 8.5J x 20-inch Sports alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres further improve handling and road holding.

As an option, Bentley Azure T owners may specify an upgraded braking system with carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled brake ventilated discs. Measuring 420 x 40 mm (front) and 356 x 28 mm (rear), these discs are the largest fitted to any production car on sale today. With eight-piston callipers, the brakes provide impressive deceleration and also give an 8 kg reduction in unsprung weight, benefiting steering response, ride suppleness and acceleration.

This lightweight braking system ensures virtually fade-free use, time after time, and superb resistance to disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal use, the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car and pad life is doubled compare to the standard system.

For Azure T and its Bentley stable mates, the Traction Control system is calibrated with the aim of avoiding all unnecessary reductions in engine torque. The ESP logic system, which is set up to allow spirited handling without any reduction in stability or safety, monitors the car's overall stability rather than simply loss of grip to the wheels. This reduces the amount of intervention required and restores power earlier and more progressively, allowing the power of the Azure T's V8 engine to be fully exploited.

The Bentley Azure T enjoys an 11 per cent power and 14 per cent torque increase compared with Azure and the strength and stiffness of the original chassis are such that no changes were deemed necessary, as Brian Gush, Director of Powertrain and Chassis, explains:

"The Azure chassis has always had an immense potential and this enables us to offer the extra power of our 500 bhp V8 engine and the driver-focused qualities of a true Bentley T without compromising ride comfort."

Compared with the Arnage, the Bentley Azure T benefits from significant stiffening members. These strengthened steel parts lie in the sill section of the car and extend into the A-pillars that form the windscreen frame. Beneath the front and rear of the Azure, carbon fibre cross-bracing members reinforce the whole bodyshell, while adding far less weight than steel.

Strengthening has also been applied to the body structure behind the rear seats where an advanced rollover protection system is fitted. This immediately detects if the car is in danger of inverting and deploys two hoops that are integrated within the rear headrests. In conjunction with the strengthened front windscreen frame, these are capable of supporting 2.5 times the entire weight of an over-turned car.

EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP
Befitting its role as a new Bentley flagship convertible, the Bentley Azure T embodies a range of standard features that were previously unavailable or only available as cost options on the Azure. The seats and door panels have Diamond Quilting, the fascia features an 'engine-turned' aluminium finish (reminiscent of 1920s racing Bentleys), and the instrument faces are finished in Black rather than Parchment.

Bentley emblems are embroidered on the front seat backs and the rear seat centre, an iPod/USB interface is provided, while the full range of Bentley's premium veneers is available, a knurled finish is applied to several handles and switches and a knurled, chrome gear knob is fitted.

The new Bentley Azure T will have a strong appeal to Bentley customers, as Trevor Gay, Personal Commissioning Manager at Mulliner (Bentley's specialist commissioning department), explains:

Although many of the most desirable Mulliner options are included in Bentley Azure T as standard, Bentley anticipates that the majority of buyers will request additional enhancements. Inside, the Bentley Azure T is everything customers would expect of a bespoke Bentley, offering the highest levels of hand-craftsmanship to a small, discerning audience. The interior offers a spacious, luxurious cabin to provide the ultimate in first-class, open-top travel for four adults.

As in every Bentley, craftsmanship and bespoke finishing are to the fore. Every item of trim, be it veneer, hide or chromed bezel, uses authentic materials.

Bentley Azure T is available in the full Bentley range of 42 exterior colours, 25 interior hides, and the full range of premium veneers, plus the comprehensive line-up of Mulliner options and its bespoke colour-matching service that enable Bentley owners to create a uniquely personal car.

Of course, the nature of a convertible means that its interior is often on display as much as its exterior and Bentley's design team knew that the Azure T's spacious cabin should make a strong a statement. Consequently, warm and inviting leather hide extend past the seats and onto the parcel shelf and this emphasises the dimensions of the rear compartment.

A new audio head unit with larger display screen and an SD (secure digital) memory card slot instead of the single CD slot is fitted. At the rear, a new hide-covered boot rail with coordinated leather trim and a chrome strip along the top edge gives the load area a tidier, premium appearance.

All Bentley Azure T models come with an iPod Interface linked to the Infotainment system, enabling customers to play their favourite music through the car's audio system. The system is supplied with connectors for iPod, USB, Mini USB and a 3.5 mm AUX jack and includes a 12 volt power outlet for charging purposes.

As an option, Bentley Azure T buyers can specify the Naim for Bentley premium audio system. Created in partnership with Bentley by Naim Audio, a UK-based high end hi-fi manufacturer, this system features 10 speakers, a dual-channel sub-woofer and an 1100 Watt amplifier, plus eight individual DSP modes to reproduce true emotions and a 'live' concert-like experience.

In Bentley Azure T the sub-woofers are located in the rear passenger footwells and contained within a special enclosure to ensure the sound of this pure music remains within the open cabin.

BENTLEY AZURE T - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
    * POWERTRAIN
          o Engine type: 90-degree V8 Twin-turbocharged
          o Engine displacement: 6¾ litres, 6761 cc
          o Maximum power: 500 bhp / 507 PS / 373 kW @ 4200 rpm
          o Maximum torque: 738 lb ft / 1,000 Nm @ 3,200 rpm
          o Compression ratio: 7.8:1
          o Emission standards: EU IV / US LEV II
          o Transmission: 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox with semi-automatic and sports functions 6-speed ZF automatic gearbox with semi-automatic and sports functions

    * PERFORMANCE
          o 0-60 mph: 5.2 sec
          o 0-100 km/h: 5.5 sec
          o 0-100 mph: 12.1 sec
          o 0-160 km/h: 12.0 sec
          o Top speed: 179 mph/288 km/h
    * CHASSIS
          o Steering: 3.18 turns lock-to-lock
          o Type: Speed sensitive, hydraulic power assisted, rack and pinion steering system
          o Suspension: Double wishbones front and rear, with coil springs and computer-controlled adaptive, electro-hydraulic damping system (ARC) and automatic ride-height control with auto load compensation and headlamp levelling
          o Brakes: Micro-alloy ventilated discs, Hydraulically boosted front and rear circuits with stability control system

    * FUEL CONSUMPTION
          o Urban: 28.8 (litres/100km) / 9.8 mpg
          o Extra-urban: 14.1 (litres/100km) / 20.1 mpg
          o Combined: 19.5 (litres/100km) / 14.5 mpg
          o CO2 (EU): 465 g/km (combined)

    * DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
          o Overall length: 5410 mm (212.60 in)
          o Overall width: 2125 mm (83.66 in) including door mirrors
          o Overall height: 1492 mm (58.74 in)
          o Wheelbase: 3116 mm (122.68 in)
          o Front track: 1608 mm (63.13 in)
          o Rear track: 1608 mm (63.13 in)
          o Width: 1900 mm (74.8 in) with mirrors folded
          o Luggage compartment: 0.316m3 / 310 litres / 10.95 cu ft

    * WEIGHTS
          o Kerb weight: 2695 kg (5699 lbs)
          o Gross vehicle weight: 3065 kg (7948 lbs)
          o Front axle weight: 1535 kg (3384 lbs)
          o Rear axle weight: 1615 kg (3560 lbs)
          o Fuel tank capacity: 96.0 litres (25.3 US gallons)