car

Lewis Hamilton’s making sweet Christmas music with his car!

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:41:00 +0000

London, December 20 (ANI): Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger has competition from boyfriend/ former F1 world champ Lewis Hamilton, as the sound of his car is being transformed into music.

The noise created by the driver’s 210mph Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 racing car is being modulated to the tune ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas.’

The producers took samples of 20 noises the car made right from the revving of the 2.8litre engine to the starter motor cranking up, reports the News of the World.

Meanwhile, Scherzinger has said sex isn’t important to her but making love is. (ANI)

Definition Of Tomorrow Luxury Car

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:41:00 +0000

The shift needs a car that must also consider the friendliness of a healthy environment will be a prestige in the years to come.Luxury cars would not score again in the form of a long and spacious with a large engine such as V8 or V12 with a lot of electronic equipment.Tomorrow luxury and prestige cars will tend to form a smaller base engine technologies and advanced devices in cars that produce environmentally friendly or pollution-free.

This phenomenon has occurred with the appearance of some new car companies like Tesla and Fisker that focused on making the electric car.But luxury prices are also offered for these type cars such as $ 120,000 for the small sports car Tesla and approximately $ 80,000 for the Fisker.

Mercedes also makes the small of A Class car that it sells in Europe.But early mercedes has made Mercedes S400 hybrid, with a six-cylinder engine plus lithium batteries,instead V8.Although the performance of the car is not in accordance with the big Mercedes engine but its being able to sell 10 percent of sales in this country.Mercedes also will replace the V6 in the prestige E class models with four-cylinder models.

Other producers are also following the developments.Honda have built a model engine that runs on hydrogen fuel cells.The car has been used for the test with a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity to run cars.There is no pollution other than clean water vapor.

Automobile mass producers such as Chevy and Nissan are getting into the act,too.In conclusion, this time every luxury car manufacturer in the world shows the design study model with electric or hybrid engines.

Car Wallpaper Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (2011)

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:40:00 +0000

2009 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG by VATH

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:39:00 +0000

New details about the version that Mercedes-Benz tuners Väth made of the CL 65 AMG have been released. The German tuners claim that the car is equipped with 745hp and up to 1,150 Nm of torque, making it capable of accelerating from zero to 100km/h in almost four seconds.

Priced at €36,890, the engine tuning package boasts of having reprogrammed computer, “inlet optimization with an air collector,” and an advanced cooling system. In addition, the car has a new exhaust and a “boosting” system. Continued after the jump!

With this package, the car can hit a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph). If you want 20-inch alloys with Vredestein high-performance winter tires that would cost an additional €7,378.
Opting for six-piston caliper brakes with 405 mm disks also would also cost you considerably more.
For €8,082, you get calipers, disks, and steel-flex tubes with racing fluid. Lowering the vehicle 40 mm costs another €1,952.
To liven up the exterior, you can get carbon front lip and rear fins. The fins replace the diffusor, with the trunk and roof spoilers sitting above.
This brings the exterior modifications for the Väth CL 65 AMG to cost a total of €3,188.

F1: Montezemolo reveals Schumacher to race Mercedes in 2010

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:38:00 +0000

What began as a wild rumour has slowly edged towards near-fact: Michael Schumacher is returning to the Formula One grid.

The hardening speculation has been all but confirmed by Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo, with whom the 40-year-old German won five of his seven world championships until 2006.

The Italian told international reporters at a Christmas dinner on Friday that, during a conversation with Ferrari adviser Schumacher earlier this week, "he told me there is a very strong possibility" he will race a Mercedes next year.

Montezemolo joked that, after Schumacher renewed his consultancy contract for three additional years at Monza in mid September, the German set to be Nico Rosberg's 2010 teammate is the Ferrari legend's "twin".

"There's another one who looks like him, 40, 41 years old, German, same name and decided to do a new career," he said.

Montezemolo confirms that some of Ferrari's passionate Tifosi will not appreciate the news that Schumacher will be wearing silver in 2010.

"They think Michael is a traitor. But I will explain to them it is not Michael but another one. The real Michael is still with Ferrari."

Schumacher's return is set to be announced either shortly after Christmas, or at the beginning of January.

Client News Release

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:36:00 +0000

City of Industry, CA --(www.FinancialNewsUSA.com)-- 12/19/2009 - Auto Manufacturers industry news provided by Financial News USA. PARIS-France's stock-market regulator, Autorit� des March�s Financiers, said Thursday that its Sanctions Committee had cleared all 17 executives and two companies of insider-trading charges in a case involving European Aerospace Defence & Space Co., the parent company of plane maker Airbus. [Read the full article]

The move marks the first time in years that a Detroit carmaker has been able to boast that its vehicles hold their value better than Asian and European rivals.

You have viewed your allowance of free articles. If you wish to view more, click the button below. [Read the full article]

We all know what a luxury car should be: Long, roomy, a big V8 or even V12, lots of electronics. Picture a Mercedes E or S Class, the BMW 7 Series, the Audi 8 or big Lexus or Cadillac. Or even a Lincoln Town Car. But that's an old definition. Nowadays, it's the brand that counts, so luxury may be a smaller Mercedes C Class or BMW 3 Series or Cadillac CTS. Still, they're not cheap; one of these will cost $40,000. But there will be a broader definition of luxury or prestige tomorrow, because times are changing again. We are creating new markers to show that we are rich enough, and that we are caring enough, to spend thousands of dollars in the "green" cause. It's quite possible, even likely, that tomorrow's luxury or prestige car will be quite different, and open the door to new competition, too. Here's what I mean: We have a couple of new car companies, Tesla and Fisker, making expensive electric cars (actually Fisker still is getting ready to produce). [Read the full article]

The projected resale value of 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles after 36 months in service increased by an average of $1,310 per vehicle compared to the 2009 model year the industry's largest increase among full-line manufacturers. The improvement allowed Ford to narrow the residual value gap with leading Asian automakers and maintain its advantage over U.S.-based automakers The 2010 Ford Fusion is expected to bring customers $687 more than the 2010 Toyota Camry after 36 months in service; the residual value of the 2010 Ford Flex commands an $1,800 premium over the Toyota Highlander. Improved quality, new features and popular redesigned products are helping to boost Ford's residual values. [Read the full article]

About Financial News USA

Financial News USA is a Next Generation Financial Communications firm focused on the distribution of market moving news. Financial News USA has developed leading edge e-publishing tools including programming proprietary RSS feeds and enabling open source press release publishing across its network. Financial News USA has been aggressively expanding its news distribution network by targeting direct feeds to financial news and data providers such as FinancialContent, Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO), among others. Financial News USA offers a free news feed available online (www.financialnewsusa.com) to websites and financial services looking for content and for individual investors looking to stay informed on the financial markets. Financial News USA and its affiliates charge each client cash for news distribution and may take an equity position in the companies mentioned herein, please visit the disclaimer at www.financialnewsusa.com.

2011 Audi A8 Bottom Line

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:35:00 +0000

Change is coming to Germany--more precisely, to Ingolstadt--as Audi prepares to launch the fourth generation of its flagship A8 sedan. The 2011 A8 hits showrooms late next year, with a new set of aluminum body panels, a broad spectrum of drivetrain choices, and a new MMI system that goes the iPhone route for fingertip navigation. With a base price of about $75,000 and a top price over $100,000, the new Audi A8 competes with the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and will have the 2011 Jaguar XJ and Lexus LS also in its sights--and, Audi hopes, will vault its name and its four-ringed logo forever into the elite ranks of luxury sedans.

The 2011 Audi A8 will come in two flavors, the shorter of which--dubbed "Normal Wheel Base (NWB)"--was unveiled in November 2009 in Miami. The long-wheelbase version will be revealed next year. The new look is all high-tech and sleekness, with bright full-LED headlights giving a dramatic accent to the car's front end and LED taillights at the rear end. The flowing lines and smooth surfaces reflect the car's mechanical goals as much as its aesthetic. Drag is low at just 0.26 coefficient of drag, roughly equivalent to that of the Toyota Prius--quite a feat for a largeluxury sedan. Inside, the cabin's been upgraded with wood, leather, aluminum and plastic trim, a sueded headliner and rich colors. The shifter is patterned after a yacht throttle, and all the A8's controls have been styled and finished for a dramatic, tailored appearance. A note of whimsy--the pop-up Bang & Olufsen speakers that mushroom up in the corners of the dash.

From launch, American versions of the 2011 A8 will be powered by a direct-injection V-8 engine. The 4.2-liter engines is rated at 372 horsepower, and Audi promises that it will push the A8 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, to a top speed of 155 mph (limited electronically). In other markets, Audi will offer a six-cylinder gas or diesel engines, and a dieselV-8, any of which may eventually come to the U.S. A hybrid edition is planned, likely for the 2012 or 2013 A8. With high compression (12.5:1), variable cams, low internal friction, and special oil pumps, the 4.2-liter V-8 should get 15 percent better fuel economy than today's car. The sole transmission is an 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic controls, teamed to Audi's hallmark quattro all-wheel-drive system. Drive Select is also standard; it allows the driver to choose settings for suspension and ride, steering feel, transmission shifts and throttle feel. Audi will make an electronic limited-slip differential available; it will vary torque sent to left and right rear wheels, to help the A8 corner more effectively. An adjustable air suspension will be offered.

Targeting the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series, the Audi A8 has grown in many ways. Still, light weight is a linchpin of its aluminum space frame design. Accordingly, Audi says the car is about 50-200 pounds lighter than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 200-400 pounds lighter than the BMW 7-Series, depending on whether the cars are fitted with two-wheel- or all-wheel-drive systems. Unmentioned is the largely aluminum 2011 Jaguar XJ, however, which presumably comes in as light as or lighter than the A8.

At 202.0 inches long in short-wheelbase form, the Audi A8 has a wheelbase of 117.8 inches, sits 76.7 inches wide and 57.5 inches high.Audi says the A8 thus outranks its primary competitors in size, in most dimensions--save for the Benz S-Class, which is only sold in the U.S. in long-wheelbase form, and the BMW 7-Series, which even in short-wheelbase form has a longer wheelbase than the junior A8. The extra space has been dedicated to passengers, with more shoulder and head room than before, and opulent amounts of leg room in the back seat. Seating comfort will be a focus: 12-way front power seats are standard, while 22-way adjustable seats with ventilation and massage functions can be fitted. Trunk space is 18 cubic feet, with a pass-through for skis into the rear cabin.There's every reason to believe the 2011 Audi A8 will carry the safety standard for the brand, with side and curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and a host of new systems that take safety to the next vanguard. A Braking Guard system clamps down if it senses an accident is about to happen, to warn the driver; another automatic emergency braking system will apply full braking if the lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control systems determine a crash is imminent. Night vision is also fitted.

With standard features by the dozens, the 2011 Audi A8 will have few options to choose. All A8s will come with a leather interior, all power features, DVD navigation, Bose audio, satellite radio, and the V-8/all-wheel-drivetrain. The A8 will be the first Audi to use a new interface that allows drivers to use their fingertips to direct the Multi-Media Interface--a la the iPhone (or the Palm Pilot, for the oldsters in the audience). It recognizes alphabets from English to Mandarin to Cyrillic. Audi still supplies redundant audio and climate controls, and for a third way of operation, keeps the MMI's control knob on the center console. A lot of real estate--maybe too much--is devoted to knobs and buttons. Among the A8's options: a rear-seat entertainment system with its own 20GB hard drive and DVD player, and a Bang & Olufsen 1400-watt audio system with 19 speakers and 19 channels of sound.

The 2011 A8 will arrive late in 2010 in the U.S. Pricing hasn't yet been released; Audi says it will be in the same range as today's car, which puts its base price at about $75,000. Long-wheelbase cars with all the options will easily exceed $100,000.

New Car Information

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:35:00 +0000

A car is very important in our life. Whether you want to go to the office, shopping center, or anywhere else, you definitely need a car to reach the destination. If you are looking for a new car, you will find so many options in the market. In fact, car manufacturers launched new version of cars every year.

You’d better search information about the car options to help you decide which type of car is the best one for your need. I recommend you to go to TheCarConnection.com to get the car information. The Car Connection is a one-stop-shop for new and used cars from any brand. If you are looking for a Mercedes Benz car, you will find a list of the new cars from this brand including2010 Mercedez Benz SL class. Read the full review, specification, and photos of the new Mercedes Benz car to make your decision.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for a truck, you can also fidn the list of the new 2010 trucks from different manufacturers. If you are interested in Chevrolet, you can check the 2010 Chevy Impala pics and see the great style of this car. Well, no matter what kind of car you are interested in, you’d better search the car information in The Car Connection.

Who’s Driving Your Car?

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:34:00 +0000

Who’s driving whom?

In the early, mercedes key chain
, 1900’s, there were over 2000 manufacturers making cars, over 1500 of these in the USA alone. Now, there are only 39 brands of vehicle which you can buy. Of these, 30 of them are controlled by just nine players. Six companies maintain some form of independence: Honda, Hyundai-Kia, Rover-MG, Proton-Lotus, Porsche and Morgan. Honda and Hyundai, mercedes key chain
, sell millions of units, the others are responsible for a comparative,mercedes key chain
, handful of sales. Therefore, we have just 12 companies who are responsible for the look and feel of the entire world automotive industry. No wonder my car looks the same as 100 others!
The great American Ford empire now controls the European Volvo and British Jaguar; General Motors Holden has links with Fiat, Subaru and Saab; Fiat in turn, controls Ferrari, Lancia and Maserati; Mercedes & (Daimler)Chrysler now own Mitsubishi; The ‘old commoner’ Volkswagon now controls the more prestigious Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini; BMW owns the almost opposite ends of the spectrum, Mini and Rolls Royce. Toyota has invested heavily into Daihatsu; Nissan has merged with Renault.
In the next few years, it is expected that further mergers and buyouts will occur, leaving perhaps five or six mega-corporations to decide what the world will drive. If you think that it is confusing now that we can buy Lexus, Lexcens and Nexus, or drive Barinas, Berlinas and Berninas If you already think that it is getting hard to tell whether a car is a Falcon, a Commodore or a Toyota just wait, things may get even more uniform
In a few years, it may be possible to have everyone in your family driving, mercedes key chain
, a car with a different badge on it, (for example, Jaguar, GM, VW, Mercedes, Subaru and Mini) and yet find that the cash you pay,mercedes key chain
, out all goes to the one ultimate recipient company. (See Invest News #33 “Who’s Taking, mercedes key chain
, Your Money”, issued December 2004 for even more jaw-dropping revelations. Online at www.invest.org.au/news or ask me for a paper or email copy.)
Who drives the cars that drive us?

In the early days of motoring in the US, the Rockefellers controlled the Standard Oil trust. A few other companies, including Texaco and Gulf, were backed by the Mellons, Morgans and Vanderbilts. European capitalists rushed to develop their own oil industry, out of which came Royal Dutch, Shell, British Petroleum (BP), and the Petroleum Company of France (CFP), which eventually became Total.
Dozens of oil companies battled it out for most of the century; one by one they were defeated or absorbed by larger ones. The five super majors which today dominate the oil industry are the result of mergers that swept the oil industry starting just a few years ago.
In 1998, 12 already enormous oil companies combined to form five. Exxon (who owned Esso, Rockefeller’s “SO” or, mercedes key chain
, “Standard Oil”) merged with Mobil; then Chevron, which had already bought up Gulf and Caltex, merged with Texaco; Shell & Royal Dutch combined, BP bought out Amoco, Marathon and Arc; Total merged with Elf and Fina, mercedes key chain
, .
Watch the five, focus on one or two

Even if you only own shares in Telstra, it makes sense to keep an eye on what Optus, Vodafone or Virgin are doing. Are their deals better? Are their profits higher?, mercedes key chain
, Will their new marketing campaign mean that Telstra sales will suffer? Will bad publicity about the National Bank make my Commonwealth stocks worth more? Think about it. Now, back to oils and cars
Exxon/Mobil Exxon is the largest company of any kind in the world as measured by sales, which totalled US$242 billion in 2003. That is more than the budget revenue of 185 nations, including Brazil, Canada, Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands. In 2003, the five biggest oil companies operating in the U.S. (ExxonMobil, Chevron-Texaco, ConocoPhillips, BP and Royal Dutch/Shell) made US$53 billion in net profits. Almost half of this profit was made by Exxon alone. Last year, Exxon produced US$21.5 billion in profits.
The five biggest auto companies in the world (GM, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota and Volkswagen) produced only US$15 billion in profits – combined. Twenty one billion hmmm, that’s a lot of money That’s a lot of profit. How do they spend it all? Feeding the world? Saving,mercedes key chain
, the whales? Or diversifying into other areas to make yet more profits?
Exxon has been granted over 10 000 US patents for new inventions in the last ten years alone. They also own the chain of “On The Run” convenience stores, and ’smart-card’ technology, mercedeskey chain
, based “Speedpass”, a system, mercedes key chain
, which enables you to pay for food and fuel by waving your key-ring in front of a service station scanner. You can actually fill your belly, fill your tank and pay for the purchases, with one company making money on all three transactions.
The word of the day will now have to be “ubiquitous”,, mercedeskey chain
, as in “seeming to, mercedes key chain
, be everywhere”. Just think of Volkswagon beetles in the 60’s or McDonald’s restaurants in the 80’s, or the prefix “www” in the “noughties”. Now go to www.dictionary.com to hear an American accented robot pronounce the word “ubiquitous” ☺
Shell/Royal Dutch

Every four seconds, one plane and 1200 cars are refueled by a Shell oil company. Shell also “goes green”, running hydrogen-powered cars, vans and buses in the USA, Europe and Asia. But the ubiquitous company doesn’t just make fuel, oh no
Shell also makes the chemicals used in plastic bags, detergents, lubricants, clothing, packaging, paints, adhesives, unbreakable windows, plywood, computer casings, compact discs, foams for furniture and bedding, coatings for floors and furniture, artificial sports, mercedes key chain
, tracks, ski suits and waterproof leisure wear, medicines, dyes, antifreeze, PET drink bottles, car tyres, telephones, carpet backings, nitrile rubber hoses, footwear,, mercedes key chain
, road surfaces and neoprene items, like wetsuits.
Next time you are playing sport, it is entirely possible that you drove your Shell petrol filled car on a Shell-built asphalt road, walked on a Shell-made, mercedes key chain
, artificial grass with your Shell-built sports shoes, and washed down your Shell-manufactured pain-killer with a drink from your Shell-made, mercedes key chain
, water bottle. What was that word again? Omnipresent? Struth! Just thinking about all that different stuff made by one company makes me feel like I need a good lie down. Or was it thinking of sport that made me tired? ☺
So now what? You should be aware that there are only a handful companies who control the market for oil and cars. They are not going to disappear, nor will they get smaller. Even if global oil supplies do run out, and we are all forced to drive hydrogen, steam or electric cars,, mercedes key chain
, you can be certain that the giant oil companies and car companies will be one step ahead of us. Be assured that the major corporations have already manufactured the new breed of vehicle which will drive us rapidly into the 21st century, complete with its rubber tyres, rubber seals,, mercedes key chain
, plastic dashboard and foam seats, mercedes key chain
, all proudly manufactured by a major oil company.
When you realise that all of the major companies are interrelated, you start to care a little less, mercedes key chain
, which car you are going to hitch a ride with, as you realise that they are merely five carriages on the one train. Climb aboard any,mercedes key chain
, one and you, mercedes key chain
, will get to where you are going. Invest in any one and you will,mercedes key chain
, be sure to make money.
This article, email and its attachments are not intended to constitute any form of financial advice or recommendation of, or an offer to buy or offer to sell, any security or other financial product. We recommend that you seek your own independent legal or financial advice before proceeding with any investment, mercedeskey chain
, decision. Oh, and be REALLY careful cos it’s a jungle out there!
Jeremy Britton DipFA SA(Fin) is an active Financial Planner and a lazy investor. He drives a Mazda on work days and a, mercedeskey chain
, Mitsubishi on weekends. Jeremy prefers to fill up at the independent service stations but will use Shell if he has to. He has shares in several fuel companies and still maintains his “eco-friendly” mantle. Invest-Org-Au is a not-for-profit organisation that teaches people how to invest for fun and profit. Nothing on the site is for sale; it is all a free service. Free DVD’s, Free MP3’s, Free Books, Free News.
The above article has also been featured, in whole or in part, in the August 2005 “Global Wealth Educators” e-zine and in “The Road Ahead” magazine. No fees paid or received.

mercedes E Class

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:33:00 +0000

If there was an award for the ugliest tuned car of the year, this Mercedes would probably win it! The sad thing is, Mercedes E-Class is a good-looking car itself, but ATT’s bodykit has made it look like a jackass.Literally!

The car gets new bumpers, new grille, side skirts, front and rear extended spoilers, rear wing, and side vents. But it seems that they’re all designed by Borat! There’s a also a new set of 20-inch wheels which would look good everywhere else, but not on this car.

The worst thing about it however is the fact that ATT is proud of what they’ve done and they’ve given it a hefty price tag. This funny looking body kit costs6,452 Euros and the wheels, they run for 3,869.

Not sure about you, but I’d rather eat the money!

DAY CHARGED AFTER CAR CRASH

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:32:00 +0000

British actor/singer DARREN DAY is facing a string of charges after he smashed his luxury car into a lamp-post in Edinburgh, Scotland in the early hours of Friday morning (18Dec09).
The 41 year old allegedly lost control of his Mercedes and crashed in the city centre. He subsequently failed a breath test, with cops claiming the star clocked in at nearly double the legal alcohol limit for driving in Britain.
Day appeared in court in Edinburgh later on Friday to face six charges including careless driving, failing to report an accident, failing to stop and failing to co-operate with a preliminary breath test. He faces an alternative to a drink-driving charge, following allegations he refused to give two breath samples while in custody. Day is also charged with possession of a weapon, after cops allegedly found him with a kubotan, a self-defence weapon usually kept on a key-chain.
At the court hearing, Day denied all of the charges and was bailed. His car was seized and will be held until the star's trial, which has been set for January (10).
The arrest comes just over a year after Day was handed a driving ban last August (08) after pleading guilty to drink-driving charges following an arrest in Wales.

2009 Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:31:00 +0000

2009 Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body - Front Side Picture

Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body 2009 - Rear Angle Part Picture

2009 Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body - Rear Angle Picture

Expression Motorsport wide aero kit fits the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG ( w164) model. It has been designed to enhance both estethics and performances. Larger openings in the bumper and hood vents help to get better engine cooling while the “widebody” fender flares a low to mount larger wheels. The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body kit front bumper set features LED indicators and directionnal foglights bringing your car to a new high-tech level, while the rear carbon fiber diffuser combined with the double twin-tip exhaust achieve the overall agressive look of the vehicle.

Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body 2009 - Rear Side Picture

2009 Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body - Wheel Picture

2009 Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body - Exhaust Picture

2009 Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body - Front Angle Part Picture

2009 Expression Motorsport Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG Wide Body - Front Angle Picture

dead-sexy sports car

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:30:00 +0000

The Audi e-tron -- a spectacularly cool and highly evolved prototype of an electric sports car due from the German giant at the end of 2011 -- may not be the car that crushes California's bold pioneers of electric mobility.

But what it represents could.

In the next couple of years, globe-striding automakers such as Nissan-Renault, Mercedes-Benz, VW Group, GM and Ford will begin cranking out tens of thousands of electric cars. Not just small electric city cars and mid-size family sedans (like GM's Volt and Nissan's Leaf) but powerful, dead-sexy sports cars.

The Audi e-tron, whose only shared component with the look-alike Audi R8 are the halfshafts, will at some point have company in the luxury electric sports car segment in the form of Mercedes' electric-version SLS gullwing (and no, I never thought I'd be writing those words).

This armada of electron-burners will not be diffident, underbaked beta-testers. No asterisks they. These will be -- they have to be -- fully fledged Nissans, Mercedes and VWs, built to these companies' exacting standards and sold at a price that economizes their global scale.

ATT MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:29:00 +0000

The new E-class car is an impressive vehicle: workmanship and technics of this car are clearly trendsetting – and that is also the reason why ATT takes this challenge to optimize an ideal.

ATT has created a car of extra class – no doubt! The conservative luxurious sedan has become an eye-catching vehicle with racing ambitions: sportive, distinguished and reliable. This vehicle is flawless everywhere. This is due to the perfectly trimmed to ATT design elements of the sedan and to ATT car body kit.

The aerodynamic kit (6,452.00 Euro) consists of a front grill, side skirts, wings, front and rear spoilers as well as inconspicuous exhaust tips on the left and right of the full rear spoiler.

The brilliant silver color of the car matches perfectly the 9×20” or 10,5×20” alloy rims which are completed respectively by 245/30ZR20 or 285/25 ZR20 Hankook high performance tires marked S1 EVO. ATT offers the wheel kit for 3,869.00 Euro incl. mounting and balancing.

The result is a pleasant original deluxe-sportster, stiring the blood of every real man.

A complete program for chassis, interior and performance tuning is also available for the new E-class from ATT in Rastatt/German

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG – Second Drive

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:55:00 +0000

Coming to grips with the modern-day gullwing.

It’s five and a half feet long. It weighs 8.8 pounds. Height of an adult female, weight of a gallon or so of gas—these are the critical dimensions of the carbon-fiber driveshaft running between the engine and the rear-mounted transaxle in the new Mercedes SLS AMG. We note this here because, despite the car’s retro-gullwing looks, the SLS is utterly bleeding edge—both in terms of its technical attributes and what it represents for Mercedes’ in-house tuner. It is not simply a Mercedes with bigger wheels and a breathed-upon V-8 or V-12. It is, down to its churning carbon-fiber core, AMG’s first dedicated automobile and the very antithesis of the overly complex and overweight half-million-dollar Mercedes SLR McLaren

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:53:00 +0000

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG embodies a blend of consummate automotive fascination and high tech. The super sports car delivers a compelling mix of purist styling, consistent lightweight design and superior driving dynamics. At the same time, the SLS fully lives up to all the expectations of hallmark Mercedes everyday practicality and optimum safety. In essence, the new Gullwing offers the ideal synthesis of the strengths of Mercedes-Benz and AMG. The new super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and AMG makes for an alluring proposition with its unrivalled technology package: aluminum space-frame body with gull-wing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 420 kW/ 571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The ideal front/rear weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent and the vehicle's low centre of gravity are testimony to the uncompromising sports car concept. The Gullwing accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 317 km/h. The fuel consumption of 13.2 liters per 100 kilometers puts it at the front of the competitive field.
The distinctive styling of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG enthralls with its passionate sportiness and reinterprets the breathtaking lines of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL – one of the outstanding design icons of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With its purist design the new SLS AMG reflects the philosophy of contemporary sports car engineering: the bonnet which measures just under two meters, the low greenhouse positioned well to the rear and the short rear-end with an extendable aerofoil are just as powerful a reminder of the superlative dynamism as the long wheelbase, the wide track and the large wheels. The short overhangs feed through into the proportions, just as does the design of the super sports car with its low-slung front-mid engine set well back and dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration. An undoubted styling highlight comes courtesy of the gull-wing doors which lend the SLS AMG its incomparable charisma – making a unique statement in this vehicle segment. The gull-wing doors are not alone in rekindling memories of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL; the hallmark wide radiator grille with the large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross fins are a throwback to the front-end of the sports car legend. The three-dimensional, sculptured front-end with its low-set, swept-back front apron set well into the sides lends the Gullwing its powerful stance on the road. Six large cooling air intakes and the vertically arranged headlamps set well to the outside with their alluring inner ambience provide a dominant aura: the central bi-xenon low-beam headlamp with its metallic wing section is framed at the top by two LED indicators and the LED daytime driving lights at the bottom.
Seen from the side, the eye is drawn to the prominent vehicle shoulder of the SLS, which stretches like a taut muscle from the front to the rear. Distinctive 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) light-alloy wheels fill the wheel arches, which stand out prominently from the sidewall. Three different wheel variants all provide a glimpse of the large high-performance composite brakes. Seen from above, a prominent, uninterrupted line runs from the muscle to the rear. This styling feature is also picked up on the bonnet where the eye follows a distinctive contour which flows over the roof between the gull-wing doors, right through to the third brake light.
A powerful eight-cylinder engine manufactured by Mercedes-AMG forms the heart of the new SLS. The fine-tuned 6.3-litre V8 engine develops 420 kW/571 hp at 6800 rpm, turning the SLS AMG into one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment. A power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes courtesy of the low vehicle weight. The naturally aspirated engine delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The Gullwing accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed electronically limited to 317 km/h (all figures are provisional). Bearing the internal designation M 159, the V8 high-revving engine with its displacement of 6208 cubic centimeters has been thoroughly reengineered compared with the M 156 entry-level engine and boasts all the hallmarks of powerful racing engines. A new AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission takes care of power transfer.

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Last Updated 09.18.2009

First Look: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:53:00 +0000

What is it?: Mild hybrid version of the big Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan The basics: Teutonic solidity, impeccable equipment, better fuel economy On sale: This fall Price: $87,950 Exactly one year ago, our editor Marty Padgett wrote about the European launch of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, the world’s first production hybrid car to use ..

Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 Hybrid to US dealers

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:52:00 +0000

Mercedes-Benz has apparently begun shipping the new S400 BlueHybrid sedan to its US dealer network, as one of our readers spotted one and grabbed a photo of the window sticker. The S400 is Mercedes' first production hybrid vehicle and utilizes the mild hybrid system it developed in conjunction with BMW. While BMW is going whole-hog for performance with its ActiveHybrid 7 Series, Mercedes is going for more efficiency. The Stuttgart brand has opted use its 3.5-liter V6 with the hybrid system along with the first lithium ion battery used in such an application. The 120 V battery is actually nearly the same size as a traditional lead acid starter battery and takes its place in the engine compartment – meaning no trunk space is lost compared to the standard car.

The S400 Hybrid gets an EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That compares to 15/23 mpg for the V8 powered S550. The base price on the S400 starts at $87,950 and the car spotted by our reader had a bottom line of $93,775. You can configure your own S400 at the Mercedes USA site.

WHY MERCEDES IS MOVING TOWARDS BRAWN, AWAY FROM MCLAREN

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:51:00 +0000

Amid all the furore over the Renault race fixing scandal, this week has seen another important development in shaping the next generation of F1.

I posted last week on the news that Mercedes was set to take a controlling interest in the Brawn team. It appears that the deal has been worked with the backing of the Abu Dhabi investment vehicle Aabar, which bought 9.1% of Mercedes’ parent company Daimler earlier this year. It is the company’s largest shareholder.

Aabar is an interesting company with a wide range of investments in many different sectors. They bought a 32% stake in Virgin Galactic, Sir Richard Branson’s space project recently.

According to Auto Motor und Sport’s Michael Schmidt, who is usually pretty good on these matters, the Mercedes shareholding in the Brawn team will be held by Aabar until the end of 2011, at which point clauses in Mercedes’ contract with McLaren lapse and allow them to take equity in another team.

The suggestion is, however, that from next year onwards the Brawn car will carry more significant Mercedes branding, the three pointed star on the engine cover and so on. There is also a strong suggestion that Nico Rosberg will drive there. One would expect Jenson Button to partner him, but the championship leader is being squeezed in negotiations over a new deal at the moment. With a much bigger picture in play now at Brawn, he may opt to stay with what is clearly a team of the future and settle for what’s on the table.

Brawn is known to have signed a title sponsor and two secondary sponsors for next season. There are others negotiating the remaining positions on the car and Mercedes’ involvement will attract others.

The team are keeping the details close to their chests, but I have heard a suggestion that one of the secondary sponsors may be Orange, the mobile phone giant. It seems that another of the sponsors may be a Germany company and another from the Far East. It is known that LG is interested in sponsoring a team next season, in addition to its extensive spend with Bernie Ecclestone and FOM thus far, but I have not heard any direct connection with Brawn yet.

Meanwhile Mercedes continue to own a 40% stake in McLaren. A further 30% is owned by the Bahraini investment fund. It seems that Mercedes want to own a controlling stake in a team and have decided to go with Brawn. It is well known that Mercedes have at various times wanted to own a controlling interest in McLaren but have not been able to.

It is not clear what Mercedes would do with its 40% stake, once it take up its Brawn position, but there is no doubt that their involvement and financial contribution are amongst the most valuable assets of the McLaren team, which on the other side has a huge staff and a very expensive factory to run. So where does this leave McLaren and what has motivated Mercedes to move?

Well part of it is obviously the desire to have more control over a team. Also the recent scandals over stolen Ferrari data and Liegate have taken their toll on the relationship. In neither episode were Mercedes directly involved, but suffered by association.

McLaren MP4 12 C

But one of the real keys to this move lies in the supercar market. McLaren this week unveiled its MP4 12C road car, a Gullwing door sports car, which is aimed squarely at Ferrari’s market – the £120,000- £170,000 market.

Before the credit crunch Ferrari was selling around 6,000 cars a year and all the forecasts are that this sector of the market will be buoyant again soon, making a great opportunity. McLaren’s Ron Dennis, in exile from F1, is throwing all his effort into the development of his car which will, significantly, be powered by a McLaren engine, not a Mercedes.

And here is the crunch, Mercedes is also targetting that sector, with its Gullwing SLS AMG, which was launched this week at Frankfurt Motor Show. McLaren is building a car which is in direct competition with Mercedes in a lucrative sector.

The Mercedes SLS Gullwing

McLaren and Mercedes worked together on the SLR, but Dennis has always had ambitions to be the British Ferrari. He feels that as he’s beaten them on the track he can beat them in showroom sales too. It’s a strategy which seems to have put the company on a collision course with Mercedes.

Speaking at the Frankfurt motorshow this week, where the SLS was launched, Daimler boss Dr Zetsche said,
“For a long period we had a lack of alignment on road cars (with McLaren) but we have now found a clear solution and we won’t participate,”

As for where things go with McLaren from here in terms of F1 he added,
“Ending the relationship is not an option but we may have a different relationship”.

What makes this story so poignant is that the Brawn team wouldn’t have existed without McLaren’s support at the start of the 2009 season. Mercedes were very keen to provide a lifeline to Brawn, and a very powerful and reliable engine which has been one of the cornerstones of their success, particularly in competition with Red Bull, whose Renault has lacked the power and proved a little unreliable, especially for Sebastian Vettel.

But McLaren’s CEO Martin Whitmarsh, full of the early spirit of brotherhood of FOTA, facilitated the Mercedes deal and helped the Brawn team. It all happened in the weeks leading up to that notorious FOTA press conference in Geneva.

He clearly didn’t see this coming.

2009 Frankfurt: Lewis Hamilton helps unveil the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:50:00 +0000

- Key Competitors: McLaren MP4-12C, Aston Martin DBS, Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni
- Engine: 6.3L V8 producing 571-hp at 6,800 rpm 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.
- Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports with steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifters.
- Performance: 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds; Top speed of 197 mph.
- Pricing/Availability: 177,310 euros ($170,980 USD). Goes on sale in spring 2010 in Europe.

Usually when Ferrari unveils a new car, it invites out Michael Schumacher to the revealing. Mercedes-Benz pulled something similar during the launch of the new SLS AMG by inviting out Lewis Hamilton.

Check out the high-res gallery after the jump.

2009 Frankfurt: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Road and Track Test

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:48:00 +0000

When you think Mercedes-Benz, you probably don’t think track car unless Lewis Hamilton comes to mind? No, most people, in North America at least, where F1 and DTM (German touring car) are not so popular, don’t associate the two. But to discount the driving prowess of the German automaker’s cars would be unwise, because along with top-tier luxury and unquestionable style, three pointed star cars were meant to be driven. This is especially true of the new C-Class, and earlier this year at Monterey, California’s Laguna Seca Raceway and surrounding area, it became crystal clear to me how truly capable this little luxury car is.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz’ US division thankfully loaned me three C-Class models, starting with the cost-effective and highly efficient C300, followed up by a particularly lovely C350, and capped off with an almost overwhelmingly captivating C63 AMG. Which did I like best? Well, the answer might surprise you.

I’m a practical guy. I live a pretty simple life, other than my penchant for distant travels and love of fine food and good company, so while I’m a big fan of Mercedes’ C63 and will soon sing its praises loudly, it’s somewhat irrelevant compared to the two models that the majority of C-Class owners will bring home to momma. And these two models, the C300 and C350, are so wonderfully entertaining and so holistically complete that this six-time BMW owner has been seriously considering his loyalties.

It’s not that the 3 has somehow lost its youthful vigor. It’s still a great car to drive, but the C has caught up in driving dynamics and left the little bucktooth Bimmer in the dust when it comes to styling, outside and in. Yes, I know I’m going to get some flak for this one, BMW faithful being so diehard loyal to their brand, and especially the iconic 3, but the Merc offers a sense of occasion that the BMW lacks. The detailing of the grille and front fascia overall is exquisite, the graceful sheetmetal from front to back, the high-quality cabin so tastefully designed that only the Audi A4 and possibly Cadillac’s new CTS rivals it for a general sense of well-being, not to mention passenger oohs and aahs. The C, no matter the trim, is a thoroughly satisfying car.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

As a backgrounder, the three models available to me for road and track testing in Monterey don’t even cover half of what Mercedes makes available. A total of seven complete the C-Class lineup in Canada (five in the US), starting with the ultra-frugal, Canada-only C230 ($35,800) and its all-wheel drive companion, the C230 4Matic ($39,500). While rear-drive is standard, 4Matic AWD is available in C300 ($41,200, RWD; $44,900, AWD) and C350 ($48,200, RWD; $50,400, AWD) trims too, while the C63 AMG ($63,500) is rear drive only. C230 models get a 201hp 2.5L V6 with 181 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in base trim or optional seven-speed auto, with the AWD model only getting the autobox. The C300 gets the same transmissions standard and optional, although its engine is bumped up to 3.0L and output commensurately at 228hp and 221 lb-ft. The C350 gets a 268hp 3.5L with 258 lb-ft of torque and only comes with the seven-speed auto, while the 451hp C63, with its 443 lb-ft of torque, is seven-speed auto-only, although the transmission has been set up by AMG.

The seven-speed automatic makes the most of every engine, hardly needed in the C63 with its gobs of torque, but much appreciated in the C300. Its short intervals maximize engine output, optimizing available power without forcing maximum revs in order to enjoy quick acceleration, this in-turn optimizing fuel economy. It’s a quick shifting unit too, and wonderfully smooth.

On the road I noticed little difference between the C300 and C350. Certainly the latter car had a little more power and therefore a bit more jump off the line, but not enough to justify the extra $7,000 investment in engine alone. Truly, compared to its class competitors, the C350’s 3.5L is a bit on the weak side, not even breaking 270hp, whereas its competitors almost entirely crest the 300hp mark with some even venturing over 330hp. Of course, in this class it’s not all about power, a testament to the C’s strong sales despite its more moderate output.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

What surprised me most was the car’s wonderful grip and balance, noticeable on the road but beyond obvious on the track. Laguna Seca is no lightweight road course and therefore it will shake out the bugs in a car pretty quickly. The little Mercedes, from the more basic C300 right up to the top-line C63, is a true performer, the least-most deftly managing double-apex off-camber corners, fast-paced transitional moves from right to left and right again, hard braking prior to 90+degree corners, and everything else that could be thrown at it with grace and composure. And it took to the famed corkscrew with total confidence, plunging downward in gleeful pleasure while maintaining its line perfectly at a much faster pace than some sports cars I tested the same day. The C350 took everything up a notch, but again not a night and day experience, while the C63 is otherworldly, its power devastating, adhesion and correlating road manners unfathomable for such a solid, substantial four-door sedan.

Mercedes offers a Sport Package to enhance the C’s style and driving dynamics, now standard on C300 models, that includes a sport grille with integrated star, AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts, 17-inch rims, a tuned suspension, upgraded brake calipers, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, and stainless steel pedals, while RWD C300s can also get the Dynamic Handling Package, standard on the C350, which lets the driver set up damping, steering, throttle response and gear change speeds from comfort to sporting levels. Other 2009 model year upgrades include an optional harmon/kardon Logic7 surround sound audio system that’s clear and sharp yet warm and rich, while the COMAND APS infotainment system is relatively easy to use as far as these types of user interfaces are concerned. A rearview mirror compass is now standard too, a handy item, while burl walnut wood trim is available across the range. Pretty well everything else is carryover, being that the C was totally updated last year, and this is just fine with me, as I reiterate, it sits atop the pack as one of the segment’s best.

A few standard C230 items that deserve mention include dual-zone automatic climate control, hill-start assist, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, two-stage rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washer system, eight-way power front seats, Artico leather upholstery, SmartKey proximity sensing keyless entry, and the requisite M-B first-aid kit. Move up to the C300 and 17-inch wheels get added, a standard sport suspension, six-CD/MP3 audio, AMG styling package, bi-Xenon headlamps with washers and cornering lights, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, heated front seats, split-folding rear seats, standard glossy burl walnut trim, the three-spoke sport steering wheel, and a power sunroof. C350s get 18-inch alloy alloys, three-zone automatic climate control, electronic compass, the harmon/kardon stereo, Sirius satellite radio, ten-way power seats with three-position memory, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and a garage door opener. RWD C350s add the Dynamic Handling Package plus wheel-mounted shift paddles. And lastly, the C63 comes standard with 18-inch AMG rims, an AMG sport suspension, AMG Nappa leather upholstery, plus really cool black bird’s-eye maple trim, but the climate control system goes down to dual-zone and top-tier harmon/kardon audio system is optional. Other options that can be added on just about any C include a navigation system, powered rear window sunshade and a panoramic glass sunroof.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Practically speaking, the new C is roomy for four and still usable by five, with plenty of head and legroom and decent shoulder room considering its compact dimensions. The same goes for the 354L (12.4 cu ft) trunk, which, while on the smaller side, stows a decent amount of gear and is easily accessible.

Also practical, the C delivers reasonable fuel economy albeit on premium unleaded, with the most basic RWD C230 managing 11.8L/100km in the city and 7.4 on the highway, the C300 at 11.7L/100km and 7.7 on the highway, and the C350 at 12.2L/100 km and 8.0 respectively. Adding 4Matic AWD means more fuel will get used, but nothing like the premium needed to keep a C63 AMG humming along, at 17.2L/100km in the city and 10.4 on the highway.

A full assortment of airbags comes standard, including front, side-thorax and side-curtain, as do antilock brakes, plus traction and stability control.

Mercedes offers something for everyone in the new C-Class, but my favourite from a value perspective would have to be the C300. The C63 is fabulous in most every way, and if you’ve got the money for something in this range it should be considered, but despite the C350 being very good in its own right, the C300 won my heart on road and track, a little surprise that brightened my two-day Monterey sojourn, reminding me that a savvy consumer can still get a lot of car for little money.

Gas no more

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:48:00 +0000

The Frankfurt Motor Show is seldom a forum for flights of fancy. The fact that this year's event has devoted so much square footage to electric vehicles goes to show the seriousness of battery power.Every major manufacturer is showcasing hybrid electric or pure electric concepts at the event, which is on this week and next. In some cases, the concepts took centre stage, stealing the limelight from actual production models.Audi's e-tron is one such example.The stunning sports car, which overshadowed the anticipated Audi R8 Spyder, is driven by an electric motor at each wheel.Combined, they produce 313bhp and 4,500Nm of torque, accelerating the two-seater to 100kmh in 4.8 seconds.The car's lithium-ion batteries can last 248km between charges.Rival companies BMW and Mercedes- Benz both have visions of the future. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel as well as two electric motors. Together, they produce 356bhp and 800Nm of torque.The car has exceptional aerodynamics, with a drag co-efficient of 0.22, the lowest of any BMW road car.Power is transmitted to the road via an enhanced version of BMW's existing seven-speed double-clutch gearbox, allowing the car to cover close to 50km on pure electric mode.The Mercedes-Benz Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid also has an extended electric range. It has a direct-injection V6 coupled with a 44kW electric motor, giving a 0-100kmh timing of 5.5 seconds.Its lithium-ion batteries can be recharged by the engine or via a wall socket.Volkswagen showed off its funky E-Up!, which could be in showrooms from 2013. The 3+1 seater is driven by an electric motor with a peak output of 60kW.Driving the front wheels, the motor has 210Nm of torque from the word go.Instead of a gear lever, the E-Up! has a rotary knob at the centre console. Zero to 100kmh is accomplished in 11.3 seconds.Despite its 240kg of batteries, the car weighs only 1,085kg. It has a range of 130km between charges.Not to be outdone, French carmaker Renault, which is producing a series of electric cars with partner Nissan, exhibited four e-cars.The Renault Twizy ZE concept is an ultra-compact two-seater powered by a 15kW motor. Its footprint is barely larger than a scooter's, with acceleration comparable to a 125cc motorbike.The Renault Zoe ZE concept is a fourseat supermini. It features a 70kW motor and has a 160km range. It is characterised by 21-inch alloy wheels and retractable rear spoiler for greater aerodynamic efficiency.The Fluence ZE concept is an electric version of Renault's elegant five-seat Fluence saloon. With a range of 160km, it will be supplied to the Israeli market in a joint project with Better Place, a group that is advocating electric vehicle infrastructure.Finally, the Kangoo ZE concept, a light van with a 70kW motor and solar roof panels.Fellow French company PSA Peugeot- Citroen also showcased its own line-up of electric and hybrid concepts, including the Peugeot BB1, a four-seater measuring no longer than 2.5m bumper to bumper.Peugeot unveiled the RCZ HYbrid4, a sporty diesel-electric car, as well. It has a 2-litre 163bhp diesel engine as well as a 37bhp rear-mounted electric motor, for a total output of 200bhp.Although Ford Motor is not showcasing any fanciful concept, it unveiled its next generation of four-cylinder petrol engines that could find its way into future hybrid models.Called EcoBoost, it is a global engine family that features direct petrol injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing. Consumption is typically 20 per cent more efficient than conventional engines of the same size. Available in 1.6- and 2-litre forms, they will be found in cars from next year.

Facts About The Super Sports Car Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:45:00 +0000

What's behind the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG? Join us for a numbers check. Racier, faster, lighter - the super sports car reveals what it's made of. The comprehensive technology package, the sleek design and the inspiring driving dynamics make the SLS AMG an exciting driving experience. Learn more about this sports car's performance details on

Modern version of Mercedes-Benz's 300SL replace SLR McLaren

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:40:00 +0000

he original set hearts pounding in the 1950s, it's been imitated many times ... and now it's back.

A modern version of Mercedes-Benz's 300SL Gullwing sports car is reappearing as a replacement for the SLR McLaren.

A few will make their way to New Zealand later next year, the importer has confirmed, and while pricing's not settled, don't expect much change from $500,000. On the other hand, original Gullwings routinely sell for more than $1 million when they come up for sale overseas.

It's the first Mercedes designed in-house by performance division AMG and also echoes the original in its long bonnet - a little short of 2m - and stubby rear end. The doors swing open upwards like the original, but can be easily fully detached if the car rolls over.

"Our aim is to create a future classic, a new design icon like the Mercedes-Benz CLS and SL, to help shape future models," says AMG chairman Volker Mornhinweg.

The alloy-body SLS AMG will go on sale in Europe in the northern spring and offers performance to match its looks. The 6.3-litre, dry-sump M159 V8 engine produces 420kW of power and 650Nm of torque, feeding a seven-speed, dual-clutch transaxle.

A dry sump allows the engine to be shallower below the crankshaft so it can be mounted lower in the chassis. Oil is pumped to the engine from a separate tank.

With a kerb weight of 1620kg, the car's said to be capable of 0-100km/h run in a little under 4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of just over three times the New Zealand open-road limit.

Law-abiding New Zealand owners will never even see one of the car's cool features in action - the boot-lid spoiler that extends automatically at 120km/h.

The interior picks up ideas from aircraft cockpits. Features include aluminium trim, chromed air vents and large white-backlit sliver-faced instruments with red needles. All the controls are metal with polished surfaces. The gear lever is shaped like a jet's thrust regulator.

A three-spoked, 365mm-diameter sports steering wheel has a leather rim and metal detailing.

Seat backrests are of magnesium, the deep side bolsters trimmed with high-density foam for good lateral grip. The seats are only 370mm off the ground but the doors open to 70 degrees and need less space to open than conventional doors. A normal single garage is said to be no problem.

For those worrying about how much a trip to the panelbeater might cost, the car's traction control is always on and all stability control functions are automatically switched on when the brakes are applied.

TT-RS & RS5 boost Audi’s performance division

noreply@blogger.com (bazooka) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:53:00 +0000

Audi is targeting the performance divisions of BMW and Mercedes-Benz by expanding its own RS range with the most powerful versions yet of its TT and A5 coupes.

Audi will abandon its current policy of producing only one RS model at a time to unveil the TT-RS in early 2009, with the RS5 expected to follow within 12 months.

The two coupes will multiply Audi’s RS line-up to turn it into a genuine rival for the BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG performance arms. They will join the $270,000 twin-turbo V10 Audi RS6 wagon that has just launched in Australia (sedan version arrives early 2009).

Audi’s current fastest TT – the 200kW 2.0-litre turbo TT-S – sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds but will be eclipsed by the RS version that will cut the standard sprint to 4.5 seconds.

The TT-RS will become a rival for BMW’s $127,500 Z4 M Coupe and Porsche’s $149,000 Cayman S.

Like the $93,000 Audi TT-S, it will be available in both coupe and roadster guises and boast a rear-drive-biased quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi insiders, though, confirm power will come from a new direct-injection 2.5-litre five-cylinder ‘twincharger’ engine that will be both turbocharged and supercharged for 246kW and 450Nm.

It will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, while Audi’s new seven-speed S-tronic twin-clutch (with computer-controlled clutches) transmission should be available as an option.

Fuel consumption will be kept below 10.0L/100km despite the TT-RS’s large power and torque outputs.

Audi no longer produces five-cylinder engines, so the source is the US-market Jetta produced by sister company Volkswagen. It’s a fitting engine, however, considering five-cylinders were used for both the acknowledged father of the RS models – the 1980 Audi Quattro – as well as the very first RS vehicle – the 1993 RS2 Avant.

As our spy pictures also reveal, the more powerful TT will feature the traditional RS black honeycomb grille (the TT-S has the chrome cross-hatch grille synonymous with Audi’s S badge).

The TT-RS’s front bumper also has a reprofiled front aero splitter below the grille for increased downforce, flanked by even larger side air intakes for improved brake cooling.

Our secret photos of the Audi TT-RS testing at Germany’s Nurburgring also show RS-style dual oval exhaust pipes, sitting in what will be a new-look rear diffuser (the TT-S has quad exhaust pipes).

Audi is also putting a third-generation RS4 on hold to focus instead on a flagship version of its A5 coupe that has been a sales success for the brand in 2007.

The German car maker has already released details of its new S4 sedan that shares its platform with the new RS5.

While the S4 places a 245kW supercharged 3.0-litre V6 under its bonnet, the RS5 is expected to bolt two turbochargers to the discontinued RS4’s 4.2-litre V8 – to generate 330kW (21kW more than the rival BMW M3 coupe).

The RS5 will also come standard with Audi’s new trick rear differential that will be optional on the S4. While the quattro all-wheel-drive system apportions torque between the front and rear axles, the new differential distributes torque between the rear wheels to improve stability through corners.

The system is similar to the ones employed by the Saab Turbo X and BMW X6, sending more torque to the outside rear wheel to help push the car through a corner.

The Audi TT-RS and RS5 are both being developed by quattro GmbH, the Audi off-shoot company responsible for the car maker’s high-performance cars including the flagship R8 supercar.

A new V10-powered variant of the R8 is also due to launch in 2009, though it’s not clear whether this would adopt an RS badge. An RS8 moniker would be potentially confusing, suggesting the model was a high-performance version of the company’s A8 limousine.

The R8 will also be launched as a Spyder model in the near future, while an RS5 convertible is also on the cards because Audi is producing an A5 Cabriolet – as well as an A5 Sportback (essentially a sloping-roofed, five-door version of the A4). The last RS4 was produced in both sedan and convertible forms.

Audi is expanding its RS line-up because models such as the TT-RS and RS5 are the type of niche models the German car maker has admitted it needs to reach its goal of becoming the world’s number one premium brand by 2015.

The company is investing 7.9 billion Euros ($15b) in new products between 2008 and 2012, increasing its model count from 25 to 40.

The new RS models, however, are also designed to further showcase Audi as a progressive and premium car brand.

The company isn’t yet ready to confirm officially the TT-RS and RS5, though at the local launch of the new RS6 Avant, Audi Australia’s marketing boss, Immo Buschmann, admitted the company was exploring further RS models.

“We’re currently looking at the market to see if there’s demand to broaden the RS portfolio,” says Buschmann. “The reason why we have focused on one car is that we wanted a certain level of exclusivity.

“But you always have to look at the demand in that high-performance segment. Now that the market is growing, our competitors are now looking at more cars in that high-performance segment.

“We at the moment believe that having one RS model is good enough. [But] moving forward, probably we will have to react to market demand.”

Audi’s first RS model was the RS2 Avant introduced in 1993 and developed in conjunction with Porsche.

Its successor, the first-generation RS4, arrived in 2000 and stopped production in 2001 in what has become a traditional short model cycle for Audi’s RS models.

This was followed by the first RS6 in 2002, the second RS4 in 2005, and the latest RS6 in 2008.

Audi is targeting the performance divisions of BMW and Mercedes-Benz by expanding its own RS range with the most powerful versions yet of its TT and A5 coupes.

Audi will abandon its current policy of producing only one RS model at a time to unveil the TT-RS in early 2009, with the RS5 expected to follow within 12 months.

The two coupes will multiply Audi’s RS line-up to turn it into a genuine rival for the BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG performance arms. They will join the $270,000 twin-turbo V10 Audi RS6 wagon that has just launched in Australia (sedan version arrives early 2009).

Audi’s current fastest TT – the 200kW 2.0-litre turbo TT-S – sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds but will be eclipsed by the RS version that will cut the standard sprint to 4.5 seconds.

The TT-RS will become a rival for BMW’s $127,500 Z4 M Coupe and Porsche’s $149,000 Cayman S.

Like the $93,000 Audi TT-S, it will be available in both coupe and roadster guises and boast a rear-drive-biased quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi insiders, though, confirm power will come from a new direct-injection 2.5-litre five-cylinder ‘twincharger’ engine that will be both turbocharged and supercharged for 246kW and 450Nm.

It will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, while Audi’s new seven-speed S-tronic twin-clutch (with computer-controlled clutches) transmission should be available as an option.

Fuel consumption will be kept below 10.0L/100km despite the TT-RS’s large power and torque outputs.

Audi no longer produces five-cylinder engines, so the source is the US-market Jetta produced by sister company Volkswagen. It’s a fitting engine, however, considering five-cylinders were used for both the acknowledged father of the RS models – the 1980 Audi Quattro – as well as the very first RS vehicle – the 1993 RS2 Avant.

As our spy pictures also reveal, the more powerful TT will feature the traditional RS black honeycomb grille (the TT-S has the chrome cross-hatch grille synonymous with Audi’s S badge).

The TT-RS’s front bumper also has a reprofiled front aero splitter below the grille for increased downforce, flanked by even larger side air intakes for improved brake cooling.

Our secret photos of the Audi TT-RS testing at Germany’s Nurburgring also show RS-style dual oval exhaust pipes, sitting in what will be a new-look rear diffuser (the TT-S has quad exhaust pipes).

Audi is also putting a third-generation RS4 on hold to focus instead on a flagship version of its A5 coupe that has been a sales success for the brand in 2007.

The German car maker has already released details of its new S4 sedan that shares its platform with the new RS5.

While the S4 places a 245kW supercharged 3.0-litre V6 under its bonnet, the RS5 is expected to bolt two turbochargers to the discontinued RS4’s 4.2-litre V8 – to generate 330kW (21kW more than the rival BMW M3 coupe).

The RS5 will also come standard with Audi’s new trick rear differential that will be optional on the S4. While the quattro all-wheel-drive system apportions torque between the front and rear axles, the new differential distributes torque between the rear wheels to improve stability through corners.

The system is similar to the ones employed by the Saab Turbo X and BMW X6, sending more torque to the outside rear wheel to help push the car through a corner.

The Audi TT-RS and RS5 are both being developed by quattro GmbH, the Audi off-shoot company responsible for the car maker’s high-performance cars including the flagship R8 supercar.

A new V10-powered variant of the R8 is also due to launch in 2009, though it’s not clear whether this would adopt an RS badge. An RS8 moniker would be potentially confusing, suggesting the model was a high-performance version of the company’s A8 limousine.

The R8 will also be launched as a Spyder model in the near future, while an RS5 convertible is also on the cards because Audi is producing an A5 Cabriolet – as well as an A5 Sportback (essentially a sloping-roofed, five-door version of the A4). The last RS4 was produced in both sedan and convertible forms.

Audi is expanding its RS line-up because models such as the TT-RS and RS5 are the type of niche models the German car maker has admitted it needs to reach its goal of becoming the world’s number one premium brand by 2015.

The company is investing 7.9 billion Euros ($15b) in new products between 2008 and 2012, increasing its model count from 25 to 40.

The new RS models, however, are also designed to further showcase Audi as a progressive and premium car brand.

The company isn’t yet ready to confirm officially the TT-RS and RS5, though at the local launch of the new RS6 Avant, Audi Australia’s marketing boss, Immo Buschmann, admitted the company was exploring further RS models.

“We’re currently looking at the market to see if there’s demand to broaden the RS portfolio,” says Buschmann. “The reason why we have focused on one car is that we wanted a certain level of exclusivity.

“But you always have to look at the demand in that high-performance segment. Now that the market is growing, our competitors are now looking at more cars in that high-performance segment.

“We at the moment believe that having one RS model is good enough. [But] moving forward, probably we will have to react to market demand.”

Audi’s first RS model was the RS2 Avant introduced in 1993 and developed in conjunction with Porsche.

Its successor, the first-generation RS4, arrived in 2000 and stopped production in 2001 in what has become a traditional short model cycle for Audi’s RS models.

This was followed by the first RS6 in 2002, the second RS4 in 2005, and the latest RS6 in 2008.