Automobiles

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic secures First, Second, Fourth Place at Monte-Carlo Rally

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:34:00 +0000

St Germain en Laye, France, March 31, 2009: The third Monte-Carlo Rally for Alternative Energy Vehicles took place over the last weekend in March and the new Ford Fiesta ECOnetic emerged victorious in its class.
The event, which uses the traditional Monte Carlo Rally roads was the first round of the FIA Alternative Energies Cup, which is organised around the most innovative environmentally friendly vehicles. The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic was entered in the class for fossil-fuel-powered cars with emissions of less than 120g/km of CO2 per kilometre. The class featured 28 cars from nine different manufacturers.
Three Ford Fiesta ECOnetic cars, entered by Ford France and driven by the “Drive Classic” team, delivered an outstanding result with first, second and fourth places in the class. This impressive result was coupled with Ford’s overall victory in the manufacturers’ classification.
Target Speeds, Minimal Consumption
The rally began simultaneously from two different starting points in Lugano and Clermont-Ferrand, and included three legs - the Parcours de Concentration, Parcours Commun and Parcours Final). The rally was run over 1000 km and included four “regularity runs” during which the teams were given the tough challenge to meet target average speeds while using as little fuel as possible.
The pairing of Pascal Aimé and Stéphanie Aimé took their Fiesta ECOnetic to a convincing class win and also claimed first place in the overall regularity standings. They led home the team of Alain Jongerlynck and his son Greg, who finished second in the fossil-fuel category, just 40 points behind their team-mates. The third Fiesta ECOnetic driven by Gaël Brianceau and Stéphane Césaréo finished fourth. With this convincing team performance, Ford France secured first place in the final manufacturers standings.
“We are particularly pleased with this result,” commented Alain Jongerlynck, who drives for, and also manages the “Drive Classic” team. “Pascal (Aimé) had great confidence in the outstanding fuel economy of the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic plus its excellent chassis. On the final night, Pascal decided to go for performance while we chose the opposite strategy, focusing primarily on fuel consumption. In the end, these two approaches complemented each other and there was barely anything between us at the finish.
“We both achieved very similar fuel consumption. Over 540 km of competitive stages, we used a total of 18.77 litres of fuel,” Jongerlynck added. “This equates to an average of just over four litres per 100 km – in spite of the fact we were running over mountainous rally stages, and had to achieve a challenging target average speed. The last night was particularly difficult in fog and rain.”
Ford France Managing Director, Jean-Luc Gérard, said: “This winning performance was achieved with standard production Fiesta ECOnetic cars, and demonstrated the model’s potential for outstanding fuel economy. Competing in the Monte-Carlo Rally for AEVs highlighted not only the engine’s exceptional energy efficiency but also its power and torque, coupled with a chassis that delivers impeccable handling.”
The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is powered by the Ford 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine, fitted with a standard particulate filter. It develops 90 bhp and 204 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm, while emitting just 98g of CO2. Compared to the previous generation Fiesta, the new ECOnetic model uses 160 litres less fuel over a distance of 20,000 km. In the extra-urban cycle, it achieves fuel consumption of just 3.7 l per 100 km.
Fiesta’s impressive list of awards and accolades include ‘Car of the Year’ in two major British automotive publications, and has been voted National ‘Car of the Year’ in Scotland, Croatia, Greece and Ireland. Following nominations from readers of Spain’s Car and Driver magazine, Fiesta was given the ‘Woman’s Car 2009′ award.
With European sales in January and February totalling 59,600 the Fiesta is the best-selling Ford model in Europe so far in 2009. Since it made its debut in August 2008, sales of the new Fiesta have totalled 120,300 and the car is already making a significant contribution to Ford of Europe’s market share improvement.
Source: Ford

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:29:00 +0000

04/01/09 — Affalterbach, Germany – AMG is kicking-off the 2009 driving season with a new superstar: shortly after the launch of the new E-Class, the AMG high-performance brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars presents the new 2010 E63 AMG. This dynamic sports sedan impresses with outstanding performance, thrilling handling characteristics and advanced technology transferred from its sibling, the SL63 AMG high-performance Roadster. The E63 AMG makes its U.S. sales debut in November 2009.
The new E63 AMG distinguishes itself from the standard Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans with a newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping, revised front suspension and unique exterior and interior design. At the same time, Mercedes-AMG has achieved a significant reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E63 AMG, thanks to the precise application of several fuel efficiency improvements. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E63 AMG further consolidates the brand’s leading position in the field of automotive safety.
The AMG 6.2-liter V8-engine in the new E63 AMG develops an output of 518 hp and a 465 lb-ft of torque, matching the outstanding figures for the SL63 AMG. The high-performance Roadster has also transferred its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model. This transmission replaces the conventional torque converter through the use of a multi-disc wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual driving modes, rev-matched shifts and RACE START function, the resulting, direct connection to the powertrain delivers an extremely emotional and high-performance driving experience.
The AMG MCT drive unit is unique in this segment, and provides dramatic performance figures: the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and high redline. The AMG V8 sound is a thrilling partner for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees renowned Mercedes long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.
Fuel consumption cut by almost twelve percent
Despite 11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the E63 AMG showcases several advancements designed to improve fuel efficiency, including on-demand delivery of fuel and alternator management with recuperation of engine power during overrun. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used to coat cylinder walls.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a multi-disc wet clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, directly and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia. The transmission is equipped with four driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection during gearshifts under full load contributes to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.
In the even more fuel-efficient driving mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears with deliberate smoothness, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible. At the same time, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission met the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast and precise multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic rev-matching and RACE START function: this enables the E63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.
Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle
Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the dynamic cornering of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E63 AMG. This is made possible by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height, irrespective of the load.
A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition, the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button. The E63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, unique front axle with a 2.2 inch (56 millimeter) wider track, a tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, newly-designed bushing geometry and kinematics and new wheel location for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking turns at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensures significantly more precision. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimized elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.
Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®
For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14 : 1 is 22 percent more direct (quicker) than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.
The 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL63 AMG and C63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same high level of handling safety.
The ESP® key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even during performance driving is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 14.2 inch, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested compound (two-piece) construction technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of 9 and 9.5 inches and mixed tire sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.
Decidedly dynamic interior and exterior
The purposefully dynamic design of the E63 AMG is fully in keeping with the vehicle’s impressive technology. The front aspect is characterized by 17-millimeter wider fenders bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering, the new AMG front apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology. In conjunction with the optional Bi-Xenon Headlamps with Active Curve Illumination, the E63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side skirts and AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.
The new interior of the E63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles. As a completely new feature exclusive to the E63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly adjacent to it in the center console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension setup and the AMG driving modes. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colors, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.
Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras
Customers can select the optional AMG Performance Package, which includes the following:
* Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tires at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
* AMG Performance suspension with stiffer spring rates
* AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
* AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
* Top speed raised to 186 mph
Active and passive safety at a new level
The E63 AMG traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, Brake Assist PLUS, eleven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. Optional safety features can bring the vehicle to a level unprecedented in this class with Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function, Adaptive High Beam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS.
Source: Mercedes-Benz

REF: thecarblog.com

NISSAN GT-R

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:48:00 +0000

ENGINE: Vr38 twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter plasma-sprayed bore V6, 485 horsepower, 434 lb-ft of torque
DRIVETRAIN: AtteSA e-tS All-wheel drive system with rear-mounted transaxle integrating transmission, differential and Awd transfer case.
carbon-composite main driveshaft. 1.5-way high-performance mechanical limited-slip differential.
TRANSMISSION: dual clutch 6-speed transmission with paddle shifters and three driver-selectable modes
SUSPENSION: 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein® damptronic™ system and three driver-selectable modes.
BREAK: nissan/Brembo® 15" full-fl oating drilled rotors with diamond-pattern internal ventilation. 6-piston (front) and 4-piston (rear) calipers.

WHEELS/TYRES :20" x 9.5" (front) and 20" x 10.5" (rear) super-lightweight forged alloy wheels. exclusively developed nitrogen-fi lled high-performance
run-fl at summer tires, 255/40r20 (front) and 285/35r20 (rear).
BODY/CHASIS:exclusive premium midship (pm) platform with jig-welded unibody. hybrid steel, carbon fi ber and die-cast aluminum construction.

Ref URL: gtrnissan.com

Porsche 911 GT2

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:12:00 +0000

At Porsche, our aim is not to increase power – except through increased efficiency. Which is why we began with the 911 Turbo when developing an engine for the 911 GT2. Its power is combined with rear-wheel drive for racing-car driving dynamics. But how is it possible to improve on an engine that is already so close to perfection? How did we introduce even greater potential – and the character of a racing engine? The answer: by increasing efficiency.
This was mainly achieved by four crucial components, one of these being the six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer unit with flow-optimized turbines featuring Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) and larger compressors on the intake side. Together with VarioCam Plus, they boost performance while reducing emissions over the entire engine speed range. Other important technologies include the revolutionary new expansion intake manifold that employs a totally new principle unlike anything ever featured on existing induction systems and, finally, the new, lightweight titanium main silencer for less back-pressure in the exhaust.
Oil is evenly distributed under all load conditions (e.g., high-speed cornering) thanks to a dry-sump lubrication system with external tank. After passing through the engine, the oil is cooled by means of a dedicated oil-water heat exchanger. Both of these systems are proven in competition use.
The water-cooled flat-six twin-turbo engine with four-valve technology in the rear of the 911 GT2 generates a mighty 530 hp from a 3.6-liter displacement at 6,500 rpm.
Maximum torque of 505 lb.-ft. is achieved at low rpm and sustained across much of the engine speed range. It is available between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm and the resulting acceleration is quite literally breathtaking.
The benchmark sprint from 0 to 96 km/h is completed in 3.6 seconds; 0 to 160 km/h requires just 7.4 seconds. Top track speed – if you really want to put it to the test – is 328 km/h. Fuel economy is also exceptional for a car with such high performance.

There is nothing ordinary about the 911 GT2 and it exceeds even the highest expectations. In other words: everything you’d expect from the most powerful road-going 911.

Ref: porsche.com

Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs Audi R8 vs Porsche 911 Turbo

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:43:00 +0000

BMW S 1000 RR Superbike

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:47:00 +0000

BMW Planet Power is all about the new S 1000 RR Superbike. This Superbike from BMW weighing only 404 lbs, and putting out a massive 193 hp, is one of the most potent, sophisticated and lightest sport bikes ever unleashed on the planet. The new S 1000 RR is the most powerful production 1000cc sport bike in the world. The S 1000 RR was unveiled in the US at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah during WSBK races, on the last weekend in May. Following the US unveiling, our official S 1000 RR ambassador Nate Kern has been traveling to dealerships all across the nation for special S 1000 RR presentations, track days and dealer events. [Photo][Photo][Photo][Photo] We’re very pleased to announce the pricing on the 2010 BMW S 1000 RR:
MSRP*: $13,800.00
Options:
Race ABS (excluding DTC): $1,000.00
Race ABS and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) Combined: $1,480.00
Gear Shift Assistant: $450.00
Anti Theft Alarm: $395.00
Motorsports Paint Scheme: $750.00 * MSRP excludes destination, freight, license, registration, taxes, insurance and options.

Ref: bmwpplanetpower.com

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:55:00 +0000

AUDI R8 SPIDER

Is no secret that Audi is unveiling the R8 Spider at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Neither are these leaked pictures showing the car mostly jazzing around with two happy occupants. In addition to recent paparazzi shots of the car taken during the filming of Ironman 2 - Electric Boogaloo, spy photos revealed a black canvass roof whose mechanisms hid the mid-rear mounted engine. We'd be quite interested to see how said roof is operated.

The front end has the powerful grille with surrounding LED daytime running lights while the rear features LED rear lights, two oval tailpipes that are visible from the sides and a massive diffuser.

Audi plans to launch the R8 Spider with only the 5.2-litre V10 engine as its symphony of thrust. It produces 386kW (525hp) and peak torque of 530Nm. The transmission options are the 6-speed manual and the R Tronic sequential shifter. Power is shared along the two axles through the quattro AWD system which, if the same as the coupe's, can transfer up to 85% of torque to the rear wheels. Rumours say there won't be a 4.2-litre Spider but there may be an electric-powered one.

URL: worldcarfans.com/109090921607/audi-r8-spider-leaks-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:18:00 +0000

599 GTB Fiorana

The 2009 599 GTB Fiorano is a 2-door, 2-passenger luxury sports car, available in two trims,

the Coupe and... read more the Coupe F1.Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 6.0-liter,V12, 620-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg on the highway.
A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive isstandard on the Coupe. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on the Coupe F1.

The 2009 599 GTB Fiorano is a carryover from 2008

Visit URL: ferrari.com

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:57:00 +0000

V12 Vantage
Aston Martin’s most exhilarating sports car

Based on the hugely successful V8 Vantage, the V12 Vantage features a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque with a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 kp/h) time of 4.2 seconds.

The latest incarnation of the Vantage family has been designed to provide a unique character, appealing to different driver tastes and complementing the other models in the current Aston Martin line-up.

Designed for the focused driver, every component of the V12 Vantage has been honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind. Benefitting from race-developed materials and components, and featuring lightweight carbon fibre; performance and agility have been tuned to perfection.
URL: astonmartin.com

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR King Of The Road

noreply@blogger.com (innovations.com) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:03:00 +0000

It’s been 40 years since the first Shelby “King of the Road” Mustang was released, and Ford and Shelby decided to celebrate this by presenting the new Shelby GT500KR. The Mustang will be powered by a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts engine output to an estimated 540 hp.

Produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Shelby GT500KR coupe comes with a custom carbon composite hood with scoops and stainless steel twist-down hood pins, a lower front air dam with chrome-trimmed functional brake ducts and large 14-inch Brembo front brakes. The suspension has been modified with an emphasis on race-inspired handling.

Drawing inspiration from the classic 1968 KR model, the Shelby GT500KR also features 40th Anniversary exterior badging, unique striping and a distinctive interior with Carroll Shelby-signature embroidered seats and a 40th Anniversary numbered dash plaque.

For more details visit URL: fordvehicles.com/cars/mustang