Prior Design has shared more details about their improvement in BMW 5-Series F10. The vehicle has got some additional increase in body aerodynamics through the Aerodynamic-Kit.
Firstly in the package is included Prior-Design PD front add-on spoiler. I t fits all BMW 5-Series F10 standard models except M5 and models with original M-Sport Package installed. Secondly, there has being added Prior-Designs PD side skirts that fits all BMW 5-Series F10 models. Furthermore there is Prior-Designs PD rear add-on spoiler (diffusor), which fits all BMW 5-Series F10 standard models except M5. Moreover there is additional mounting material added!
Bridge of Weir Leather and Fisker Automotive are bringing together the combination of low carbon leather and a sustainable luxury! The vehicle is the world’s first luxury, range-extended electric car – called the Fisker Karma. All this comes in a formidable package. Top Gear has already put a high evaluation on it giving it the title “Luxury Car of the Year”.
The quality of the interior is set as high as possible: the bulk of the Fisker Karma’s luxurious interior material on the EcoStandard™ and EcoSport™ models comes from Bridge of Weir, with seats, steering, dash, door-casings and the centre-console trim all wrapped in the Scottish company’s locally produced Low Carbon Leather™.
Not only is this car powerful, beautiful, exotic, exciting and fun-to-drive car, but also the Karma drives its wheels with electricity. Not a surprise it got the award! The success is due to the mix of high-octane, internal combustion engine the Low Carbon Leather™ interior! This was definitely the factor that secured Karma’s title the 2011 Luxury Car of the Year.
Fisker Karma Interior (Front)
To go further into details, Bridge of Weir boasts the most environmentally friendly leather in the world. Most of the world’s leather is sourced from South America several thousand kilometers away. However, the Bridge of Weir’s hides from abattoir to tannery traveled just 96 kilometers and it is one of not so many industries that have thermal energy plant converting waste to energy.
The award-winning automobile, similarly to the rest of the Fisker range, can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in only 5.9 seconds. Yet, it can also achieve the equivalent of more than 100 miles per gallon. Moreover it has just 83 g/km CO2 emissions in real world driving on an annual basis. The electric car is now on-sale across Europe, priced from around €85,500. And don’t worry – the price of the Low Carbon Leather™ is included.
Cadillac is offering some great deals, concerning the performance elements of its V-series product line on standard 2012 CTS models. This is going to be made through the new Touring Package Sedan, Coupe and Wagon with a starting price of $2,065.
The new CTS Touring Packages feature Recaro seats, microfiber suede inserts on the seats and steering wheel, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, a performance-tuned suspension, a V-series aerodynamic spoiler and performance wheel packages.
Furthermore CTS Sedan and Sport Wagon both will be offered with a 3.0L or optional 3.6L engine, plus Direct Injection V-6 units. At the same time, for the CTS Coupe there will be the standard 3.6L engine. However each engine now will have its own Touring Package available. The 3.0L V-6 Touring Package price starts at $2,065 and includes 18-inch pearl nickel finish wheels, dual exhaust, dark finish grille, HID headlamps and fog lamps, V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon), suede seat inserts, steering wheel and shifter, midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals. Next, the 3.6L V-6 Touring Package option retails at $2,810 and features Recaro performance seating, suede-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, midnight Sapele wood trim and metal pedals, dark finish grille, V-Series aerodynamic center high mounted stop lamp (except Sport Wagon), 19-inch polished wheels with either summer tire performance package or all season tire package.
2012 Cadillac CTS Touring Edition
Thanks to the 318 horsepower (234 kW) coming from the 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine, the CTS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in only 6.3 seconds. Moreover it comes with the optional all-wheel-drive and FE3 performance suspension designed for agile cornering and braking. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission are also included in the FE3 performance package. Other new CTS features for 2012 include standard Bluetooth connectivity, optional RainSense Wipers and Side Blind Zone Alert (Coupe). To match every individual taste, Cadillac will offer the car three new colors: Opulent Blue Metallic, Black Diamond Tri-Coat and Mocha Steel Metallic.
Suggested retail prices including destination charges for the 2012 models start at $36,790 for the CTS Sedan, $39,590 for the CTS Coupe and $39,890 for the CTS Sport Wagon.
Kia Motors is proud to introduce today Korea’s first electric vehicle today – the brand new Kia Ray EV! This zero-emissions city car has lively performance and a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge. The vehicle is produced exclusively for the Korean market. The new electric car is a close relative of Kia’s 1.0-liter gasoline powered Ray CUV, which went on sale in Korea last month. The front-wheel drive Ray EV is powered by a 50kW electric motor and a high-capacity 16.4 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack that is engineered for a 10-year life cycle and skillfully packaged under the rear seat and cabin floor. The electric motor ensures responsive performance with torque of 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) (an increase of 77%). Furthermore the acceleration from 0-100 km/h of this model is 15.9 seconds, while top speed is 130 km/h (81 mph). If you buy this car you will need six hours of recharging time and you have to use a 220V household supply. But if you are in a hurry, then there is a fast-charge mode, which requires only 25 minutes.
Furthermore the Ray EV’s automatic transmission offers the driver a choice of two modes while in ‘D’ drive. Namely they are ‘E’ (or ‘eco’) mode, which optimizes the delivery of the motor’s torque to achieve minimum battery consumption and maximum driving range; and the ‘B’ (or ‘brake’) mode – which can be selected when driving downhill on highways and on mountain roads to maximize braking power.
2012 KIA Ray EV
The exterior of Kia Ray EV looks very similar to Ray CUV, with the following differences: a flap in the front radiator grille which covers an electricity inlet for a 220V supply for the slow recharge mode; another inlet (for the fast recharge mode) fitted in the same location as the fuel intake of the regular models; special ‘Zero Emissions EV’ decals on each front door; super-smooth 14-inch alloy wheels which improve aerodynamic performance by minimizing drag. On the other hand the interior of the new electric vehicle includes a unique instrument cluster, displaying electric motor operation, battery status and distance to recharge. It is also equipped with the first-ever EV-specific navigation system. This system features a 7-inch screen and provides important information for EV drivers. For example, it can show the nearest locations of the slow/fast recharging stations. Moreover the display shows a circular shaped area in which the model can travel with its current level of battery power, so that drivers can see which destinations are reachable without a recharge. In Korea there are 500 slow/fast recharge stations, but the government is taking steps to increase this number to 3100 by the end of 2012.
In addition there are further innovations included in the design of this car. Firstly the electric motor achieves 93% efficiency, which is the best in its segment! Secondly, the lithium ion polymer battery’s cell is optimized and highly integrated, which has enabled its weight to be reduced by 13% and its energy density to be increased by 15% compared to competitors’ systems. Next, the on-board charger, current inverter, high-low voltage converter and EV-specific VCU (vehicle control unit) feature advances over previous equipment. Moreover Ray EV is also equipped with a new type of regenerative braking system. This unique system features an Active Hydraulic Booster that utilizes the electric motor, instead of the gasoline engine in the regular model. The goal is to create hydraulic pressure for the brake system. Hence, the result is consistent brake pedal force throughout a wide variety of driving conditions and the ability to harvest excess energy and use it to recharge the car’s battery. Unlike regular gasoline vehicles, Ray EV makes no engine noise. Therefore to prevent accidents, Kia has fitted Ray EV with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System). When driven at speeds below 20 km/h (12 mph) this system delivers a sound of recorded gasoline engine noises, which are also produced whenever the car is backing up.
Kia has thought for the safety and security of the passenger and the driver too. This has been achieved with six air-bags and electronic stability features – VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) and HAC (Hill Assist Control, to prevent roll-back) coming as a standard.
Furthermore Kia is planning to manufacture 2,500 units of the Ray EV in the forthcoming 2012. Firstly they will be provided to government departments and public offices as part of Kia’s long-term real-world research and development program to provide environmentally friendly transport to Kia customers around the world during the next decade.
Kia Ray EV – Technical Specifications DIMENSIONS
Length 3593 mm Width 1595 mm
Height 1700 mm Wheelbase 2520 mm
Kerb weight 1185 kg
POWERTRAIN
Electric motor 50 kW
Max power 68 ps Max torque 167 Nm (17.0 g/km)
BATTERY
Power 330V Lithium ion polymer
Capacity 16.4 kWh
Charge time 6.0 hrs (slow) / 25 minutes (fast)
PERFORMANCE
0-to-100 kph 15.9 sec (to 62 mph)
Max speed 130 kph (81 mph)
Max range 139 km (86 miles)
HyundaiMotor America has just announced the pricing for the 2012MY Sonata Hybrid, which is featuring the Hybrid Blue Drive technology. The 2012MY Sonata Hybrid will come equipped with standard Blue Link® telematics. The latter provides a host of features accessible through multiple applications. For example you can use it in the car, on your smartphone, or over the web. In addition new for 2012MY is an optional Leather Package which includes leather seating surfaces, leather steering wheel and shift knob, heated front and rear seats, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass. More importantly all 2012MY Sonata Hybrid models deliver a segment-leading 40-mpg highway fuel economy rating, which is higher than any other mid-size sedan, hybrid or non-hybrid! In details, in city driving, Sonata Hybrid delivers 35 mpg, yielding a 37 mpg combined city/highway rating from the EPA.
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID
The Sonata Hybrid MSRP costs $25 850. In this price is excluded $760 freight cost, but includes the following standard equipment: 2.4L Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder hybrid engine, Hybrid starter-generator (HSG), permanent magnet high-power density motor, 270V lithium polymer battery, 6-speed automatic transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®, electronic stability control with traction control system, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, front active head restraints, front and front seat side and curtain airbags, 16-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels, headlight LED accents, LED taillights, front fog lights, side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, tinted chrome front grille, bodyside molding tinted chrome inserts, chrome exterior door handles, proximity entry with push-button start, remote keyless entry, alarm and immobilizer, electroluminescent instrument cluster (Supervision), 4.2-inch TFT multi-function trip computer with hybrid technology display, Steering Wheel Mounted Cruise, Audio & Phone Controls, dual automatic temperature control, floor console mounted rear vents, power driver seat with lumbar support, chrome interior door handles, leatherette interior door panel inserts, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, metalgrain interior accents, AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 with iPod®/USB & Aux input jacks, power windows, locks, heated mirrors, integrated Bluetooth® with phonebook transfer, Hyundai Blue Link Telematics system, automatic light control, Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), solar control glass.
The optional Leather Package costs the additional $1500 and includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and rear seat bottom cushions, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass.
And if you add the amount of $5500, you will get the Unlimited Package which includes the Leather Package plus the additional extras such as panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide, 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels with unique finish, navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display, rear backup camera, Infinity® premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier (400-watt), HD Radio® Technology with multicasting, SiriusXM, NavTraffic, NavWeather and Sports & Stocks w/ 90-Day Trial, HVAC multi-mode button, Premium door sill plates, Glossy black door surround and outside mirror housing.
This Mini One R50 undeniably could win innumerable cups thank to its unique design. The latter is made by the talented creatives from JM Cardesign. The company from Bergheim is responsible for turning the mini from a serial car to a motorsport look show car. Moreover it has huge range of modifications and detail improvements!
First of all in the fascia of the MINI JM Cardesign integrated with the characteristic air inlet motor hood (which is usual for its big compressor brother Cooper S and its side indicator lights, including the red “S”). Furthermore a very special upgrade was made on the doors: with the LSD hinges installed by JM Cardesign, they now open upwards. In addition the company included as wee racing style side sills which are located below. Above the tail windscreen, there is a carbon tail wing of the series spear tip “John Cooper Works”. And as you can see, the car looks very similarly to a racing car form the mini cup. This effect is due to the many decals which were applied to the body.
Unfortunately, if you expect that with this car you can participate in racing competitions, well – you will be disappointed. This car is a show vehicle rather than a racing one. This means that the 1.6 litre four-cylinder motor was not changed, and still has an output of 90 HP (66 kW). However with its special exhaust system from the cat, the small motor will pretend successfully that it had at least twice its actual output.
2011 JM CarDesign Mini One R50
Another detail which probably reminds you for the racetrack is the white-painted CR Kai light metal wheel rims from Work Wheels. The Bergheim tuner combined the 7.5×18-inch racing look one-part wheel rims with Dunlop rubbers in 215/35ZR18. And if you wonder whether there’s something improved behind the wheels, this time you will be content to hear that there are perforated Brembo braking discs that look decorative while also enhancing the deceleration performance. And the perfect road adhesion of the mini, was achieved by installing an H&R threaded chassis. Between the two front strut towers, a red Wiechers bar was installed to improve stiffness.
The interior of the One is also made in racing style. For instance there are two Recaro pole position shell seats, which are placed in the white Wiechers roll cage, securing passengers with 3.5 inch wide Schroth-4-point belts. To match the car body great parts of the dashboard cover were painted in the car’s colour and decorated with decals. In the current modification of the MINI the back seat was removed, and an original mini cup racing tank is placed behind the back of the roll cage. In addition, the mini was given a basic multimedia system in the form of a Clarion-Head unit with Flip-Monitor and connected reversing camera.
We have seen this year some incredible tunings which have left a big impression in our mind. However, some of the greatest tunings were made on … the tiniest car segment. In this top 5 are presented some of the most remarkable tunings made on small cars such as Smart for two and Volkswagen Beetle. The selection is based on the overall outlook of the car, i.e. the tuned exterior, the improvements made to enhance its performance, and of course – on the interior.
Number five in our chart is for this incredible tuning of the Smart ForTwo electric vehicle. The car was transformed into a disco ball and it draws the immediate attention and admiration of the viewer. The show car is completely covered in reflective glass tiles from the roof to the tires. Of course the tuning wasn’t made purposeless, but the Smart was used in the art film Pixel City. The whole idea came from the experimental band Apparatjik. We should admit that it sounds and looks more than interesting. However, there was no tuning concerning the interior or the power of the car. For this reason we award this cute little fellow with the last place.
This place goes for ABT’s Beetle. The power of this car is boosted up to 240PS (176 kW). And the styling package consists of a new front bumper, a rear diffuser with oval exhaust pipes and a pair of side skirts. In addition there are also headlight brows and some nice graphics.
There’s nothing done in the interior and for this reason the tuning gets the number 4 in the chart.
Here we have another Smart ForTwo. However this version of the car was completely transformed both inside and outside by the Vilner Tuning Company. Vilner used orange foil with patterns of stitching for the exterior with full chrome panles and orange soft for the alloy wheels, mirrors and other details. The interior boasts new two-tone leather upholstery, new trim for the dashboard, roof and door panels. In addition ForTwo also received special floor mats. Having all this in mind, undeniably the Vilner Smart ForTwo is a real eye-catcher!
The second place goes to the version of Romeo Ferraris Abarth 500 Cinquone Stradale race car. The small vehicle has the same exterior as the race car, which includes an aerodynamics package consisting of new bonnet with two air scoops for engine cooling, new front bumper with a big central air intake, integrated wide body fenders and skirts and finally a new rear bumper with central exhaust tips. The power is enhanced up to 300PS (220 kW), which is just 60PS (44 kW) less than the race car. The interior boosts are a complete roll bar, and a lot of carbon fiber as well as carbon race seats with OMP 4-point seatbelts.
This astonishing and at the same time extremely different conversion of Mini Cooper Works was made by CoverEFX, the well known Germany-based tuner. The upgrades here are in both performance and styling. At first sight this adorable Mini Cooper Works immediately draws the attention. The exterior here consists of fully foil-finished body in black leather style. Moreover, as you can see, there are added thousands of hand glued small gold elements. The “Mini” is backed by sleek 17-inch OZ LM Wave lightweight alloys in the same black/gold style fitted with Toyo R888 84W tires in the dimensions 205/40 R17. The tuners have also modified the performance of the car which boosts the power to to 252 horsepower and 382 Nm
In the terms of power, CoverEFX is offering two stages of performance boosting for the MINI Cooper Works: Stage 1 features an ECU remap to 252 horsepower (185 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft.). In addition there is mounted a 2.5-inch exhaust unit with Milltek downpipe, sports catalyst and extra large sports air filter.
Unfortunately there is nothing done to improve the interior. Nonetheless the CoverEFX MINI stands out as a true masterpiece, with own individuality and impact, and this is the reason it wins the first place in our chart.
Exciting news from the Jeep® brand! It would like to send one lucky person home from the “2012 Winter X Games 16” with a new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic edition! The brand kicked off the “Jeep Arctic Yeti Dig” sweepstakes on the Jeep Facebook page, Twitter and blog sites. The details are that six sweepstakes participants will be randomly selected to attend the Winter X games and on 27th of January. They will dig in a giant pile of snow to find the “Jeep Yeti.” The first to find it will win an all-new Jeep Wrangler Arctic. The perfect present, isn’t it? The sweepstakes runs through 3d of January!
The new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic edition is the perfect vehicle in extreme winter conditions! Moreover the new Wrangler Arctic edition features a unique winter-themed exterior and interior design. And if you want to have this awesome winter vehicle, then you can do it without spending any money and a little bit of luck. Don’t procrastinate too long and participate in the ‘Jeep Arctic Yeti Dig’ at the ‘2012 Winter X Games 16’, then you might have one Wrangler Arctic of your own!
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Arctic
The new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic is based on the Wrangler Sahara model. However the Arctic’s winter theme is immediately recognizable. There are several available models: Winter Chill, Bright Silver and Bright White. Furthermore the exterior features include a body-color hardtop and fender flares, “Arctic” badges on the front fenders, a “Yeti Footprint” decal over part of the driver’s side fender and hood, black hood decal and Mopar® black fuel filler door and tail lamp guards. Jeep Wrangler Arctic also offers an aggressive Wrangler Rubicon tire and wheel package. It includes the unique semi-gloss black 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires. The interior of the vehicle consists of seats made from black Tectonic fabric with Polar White accents and orange accent stitching. In addition the front seats are heated and feature an “Arctic” logo in the seat back. Accent stitching can also be found on the steering wheel, arm rest and console lid. Door trim and nets are accented in orange, and all grab handles and dashboard vent rings are finished in Polar White trim. At last Mopar tread pattern slush mats with white “Jeep” lettering complete the final look of the Wrangler Arctic package.
The car-tuning manufacturer JE DESIGN is offering all Audi Q7 S-Line models of the Facelift generation an astonishing enhancement in exclusivity with a multipart bodywork kit and 22-inch alloy wheels. Thus the result is that is being provided more individuality and more prestige!
The JE DESIGN bodywork kit includes door trims and aligns harmoniously with the Audi Q7’s contours and more importantly – enhances the SUV’s design. The high-class wheel arches were glued to the bodywork. Therefore the vehicle is now widened by 30 millimeters per side at the front and 40 millimeters per side at the rear. The sporty look of the Audi Q7 S-Line comes as a result of the fender extensions on the rear axle with their vent holes. Additionally there are included front-spoiler corners, a PDC-suitable (Park Distance Control) rear-apron extension, and two JE DESIGN double-tailpipe covers, all of which are fashioned from highly polished stainless steel in an attractive diamond-shape design. Moreover there is a dynamic roof wing with side covers above the C pillars. It adds more emphasis to the sporty look of the JE DESIGN “Widebody”. And if you are interested of purchasing the complete styling package, including tailpipe covers, it is available directly from the tuning manufacturer with a starting price of 7,438 euros.
2011 JE DESIGN Audi Q7 S-Line
To make it more appealing, the designers made the wheel arches beneath the broad fenders filled out by single-part 10 x 22 inch SUV Select alloy wheel rims. To make it even more individual, the five-spoke design wheels are available in three different color schemes: matte-black, front silver matte / shadow silver, front polished / graphite matte, polished lip, and are fitted 295/30R22 tires. On the other hand there is also another option: the new JE DESIGN complete wheel set SCORPIO which is available in 10 x 22 inches. The set offers a completely new interpretation of the popular double-spoke design and is also available in the size 9 x 20 inches in matte-black with polished-silver rim flange. For both 22-inch complete wheel sets (which are available from 5,190 euros) JE DESIGN installs 30-millimeter-thick (front) and 40-millimeter-thick (rear) wheel spacers (409 euros) under the expansive wheel-arch extensions of the widebody kit. Furthermore the wheels can be made with a lowered suspension which will cost the additional 1,428 euros. To be more precise, an electronic adjustment of the Audi “adaptive air suspension” lowers the chassis by around 35 millimeters. It is of course still present the functionality of the smooth-adjustment damping system with its five different damping modes (“automatic, “comfort”, “dynamic”, “lift”, and “offroad”).
Additional enhancements are made in terms of performance. For example, the Q7 4.2 TDI tiptronic’s 250 kW (340 PS) standard series power is increased to up to 302 kW (410 PS). This is possible thanks to optimized programming of the control electronics, which this also increase the maximum torque to 895 NM (660 lb-ft). Hence, with its new power, the SUV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 6.1 seconds! In addition for only 1,499 euros you can get the JE DESIGN new control-system software. For this price you will get one-year guarantee for the engine, turbocharger, transmission, and drive train, which can be extended by a further year for just 199 euros. However this is possible only if the Audi Q7 is not older than two years and has less than 100,000 kilometers on the clock.
The high-quality JE DESIGN accessories have received many awards in international specialist publications, are supplied with TÜV certificates, and can be entered easily into the vehicle documents. Following the performance enhancement, the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI meets statutory emissions requirements, ruling out any difficulties in the emissions test.
Today we have very special and „ecological“ news from one of the most famous luxury brands. Mercedes-Benz launches hybrid offensive, starting with a world’s most economical luxury-class model. Mercedes-Benz is beginning a new chapter in its brand’s core segment, while at the same time making new standards for luxury-class business vehicles. Firstly, there is the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which will be available as a Saloon and Estate. More importantly it impresses with new record values concerning the efficiency. Its consumption levels are 4.2 l/100 km, thank to the impressive performance of the 4-cylinder diesel engine. The engine has 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). In addition it works along with an electric motor producing 20 kW and 250 Nm. Hence this results in a coherent overall concept: the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID – the most economical luxury-class vehicle in the world!
On the other hand the V6-cylinder petrol engine in the E 400 HYBRID produces 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft). Additionally it is enhanced by a further 20 kW and 250 Nm from the electric motor. The consumption figures based on the American CAFE standard are: City 24 mpg, Highway 31 mpg, Combined 27 mpg.
As usual and having in mind that the new vehicles are Mercedes-Benz brand, they offer great comfort for both passengers and driver. There is enough space in terms of the interior or luggage compartment. Moreover there are additional benefits to the intelligent modular hybrid concept, which represents a comprehensive enhancement of the Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID. It has advanced to the position of clear market leader since 2009. In this hybrid model no changes to the vehicle body are required, and the hybrid module is both flexible and modular. Hence, this allows its use in other model series, and in addition to diesel and petrol variants there will also be right-hand drive variants.
The new hybrid models debut at the Detroit Motor Show, which will take place between 14th and 22d of January 2012. Their appearance on the market will be over the course of the year. An important detail here is that the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is initially planned to be launched on the European market, while the E 400 HYBRID will be made available on the American market first, followed by other countries such as Japan and China later.
E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID at a glance:
Compact, intelligent and modular hybrid concept: no changes to the body of the base vehicle are necessary
Also available as an Estate
Space, safety and comfort remain unchanged
No compromises in terms of space, safety and comfort
Significant increase in comfort with start/stop operation; noiseless start, complete climatic comfort
Top marks for consumption in the luxury-class business vehicle segment: 4.2 litres/100 km, 109 g CO2/km
Part of the intelligent downsizing strategy of Mercedes-Benz: increase in the engine output of the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with 150 kW + 20 kW electric motor/500 Nm + 250 Nm, compared with the E 250 CDI (150 kW/500 Nm), positioning it at the same level as the E 300 CDI (170 kW/540 Nm)
Fuel savings of around 15 percent compared with the E 250 CDI – even in actual road traffic conditions
Impressive hybrid driving experience (start/stop function, regenerative braking, boost effect, purely electric motoring and “sailing” function)
2012 Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID
E 400 HYBRID at a glance:
Compact, intelligent and modular hybrid concept: no changes to the body of the base vehicle are necessary
No compromises in terms of space, safety and comfort
Significant increase in comfort with start/stop operation; noiseless start, complete climatic comfort
Consumption combined (CAFE): 27 mpg
Part of the intelligent downsizing strategy of Mercedes-Benz: increase in the engine output of the E 400 HYBRID by some 20 kW and 250 Nm thanks to the electric motor
Impressive hybrid driving experience (start/stop function, regenerative braking, boost effect, purely electric motoring and “sailing” function)
The new Audi R8 LMS ultra will take part in the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship. Two vehicles of the popular brand will independently compete in the world’s highest-calibre GT racing series.
Do you still remember that in the 2009 season Audi started its customer sport programme with the R8 LMS for the GT3 class? This class was one of four major GT categories. At the same time now GT3 is not only making its mark nationally but gaining popularity on an international level. Like the FIA European Championship for GT3 models in 2006, there will also be a FIA GT1 World Championship exclusively held for GT3 vehicles in the future. Hence, the Audi R8 LMS ultra will be able to take part in the world’s top racing class for GT vehicles in the 2012 season. Moreover it will have the opportunity to fight for a world champion’s title of its own for the very first time.
Audi R8 LMS ultra to take part in 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship
Since 2010 the team from Flénu, Belgium, has been fielding the Audi R8 LMS in various European championships. And for this short time the team has achieved some remarkable successes this season. To go into details it clinched overall victories at the Spa and the Zolder 24 Hours, and in addition won the Blancpain Endurance Series. The GT1 World Championship will be a good challenge for the team members, which I am sure they are looking forward to.
Audi R8 LMS Ultra
In the competition each team is going to compete with two cars of a single vehicle model from a single brand. In contrast to the most GT3 racing series where professionals and amateurs share a cockpit, this time only professional racers will be allowed to compete in the GT1 World Championship. The Belgian WRT Team is going to announce the drivers before the end of December this year. The details on the format of the competition will be approved by the FIA and will be available shortly. A provisional race calendar has already been made. And as we see the below featured schedule, we can expect ten worldwide events, each featuring two one-hour races.
Motorsports: 2011 Spa 24 hours, Vincent Vosse, Teamchef Audi Sport Team WRT
2012 FIA GT1 World Championship
Round 1: Apr 08 Nogaro (France)
Round 2: Apr 22 Zolder (Belgium)
Round 3: May 27 Navarra (Spain)
Round 4: Jul 08 Algarve (Portugal)
Round 5: Aug 26 Peking (China)
Round 6: Sep 02 Ordos (China)
Round 7: Sep 16 Moscow (Russia)
Round 8: Oct 07 Zandvoort (Netherlands)
Round 9: Nov 25 San Luis (Argentina)
Round 10: TBA
Hennessey Performance (HPE) is a company which makes the fast cars, SUV’s and trucks even faster. Now the it will offer a brand new HPE800Twin Turbo Jeep with a start date in the year of 2013. The vehicle is going to be based on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. However there will be some improvements: for example the factory-made 6.4 L Hemi will be increased with a displacement of 7.0 L (426 cubic inches), while at the same time adding a twin turbo forced induction system. The consequents results in the astonishing 805 hp (816 PS / 600 kW) and 823 lb-ft (1115 Nm) of torque. Undeniably they will be enough to propel the HPE800 from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in only 3.1 seconds!
In additional further modifications are made in the transmission system and in the torque converter which are now upgraded. There are also included 15.1 inch Brembo front and rear brakes, a lowered sport suspension system, lighter alloy wheels, carbon fiber front splitter and a custom leather interior with Alcantara steering wheel.
Hennessey Performance offers the great opportunity to clients who want to upgrade the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 to an even higher level. This vehicle is designed for the drivers who live in an area with cold weather conditions and want to get out of their car the best performance.
HPE will limit production at just 24 examples with pricing starting at $235,000.
2013 Hennessey Performance HPE800 Twin Turbo Jeep
2013 HPE800 Twin Turbo Jeep – Specifications:
Power:
• 805 bhp @ 5,800 rpm
• 823 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
Performance:
• 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds
• 1/4 mile: 10.9 @ 130 mph
Includes:
• 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
• HPE800 Twin Turbo Engine Upgrade
• Transmission Upgrade
• Torque Converter Upgrade
• HPE 20 inch Wheel Upgrade
• Custom Leather / Alcantara Interior Upgrade
• Brembo Brake System Upgrade (6-piston calipers front and 4-piston calipers rear, 15.1 inch cross drilled rotors front and rear)
• Lowered Suspension System
• Carbon Fiber Front Lip Spoiler
• Serial Numbered Dash Plaque & Engine Compartment Plaque
Prior Design has shared more details about their improvement in BMW 5-Series F10. The vehicle has got some additional increase in body aerodynamics through the Aerodynamic-Kit.
