BMW have been already put on sale some vehicle with ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox, which offers superb driving dynamics as well as nice low fuel consumption. Now, the famous company has introduced the world’s first 9-speed automatic gearbox.
9HP will offer up to 16 percent better fuel efficiency compared to the current 6-speed gearboxes. However, it will be able to work with engine start/stop systems as well as hybrid powertrains and all-wheel drive vehicles.
A minus for the 9HP is the low torque outputs that range from 280(206 lb-ft) to 480 Nm(354 lb-ft), which means that it won’t be suitable for diesel power plants. Still, petrol engines will benefit a lot from the new 9-speed automatic gearbox.
Finally, thanks to its open software and interface structure as well as the powerful electronic control unit, it will be possible to integrate the unit flexibly in different vehicle concepts. This diversity of the 9HP construction kit makes the transmission especially efficient for OEMs.
BMW has introduced a special 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes for the US. The car boasts a matte black exterior with gloss black accents, red calipers and huge 19” GTS alloy wheels. Practically, the car is a successor to the last year’s BMW M3 Frozen Gray Coupe.
The interior comes with Novillo leather upholstery, red contrast stitching and carbon fiber trim with leather accents. Frozen Black Edition M3 also comes with heated front seats and premium audio system and GPS SAT NAV.
The engine remains untouched – 4.0 liter naturally aspirated hi-revving V8 with 420PS (309 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). It is mated to a M-DCT (M Double Clutch Transmission). The acceleration to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
2011 BMW Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe
The price for this pleasure is $79 650. There will be produced just 20 units.
2011 BMW Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe:
BMW Individual Frozen Black Exterior Paint
Black Extended Novillo leather with Red Contrast Stitching on seats, headrests, door inserts, armrests, middle console, and door pulls.
Black M3 GTS wheels, 19” diameter with high-performance summer tires
Red brake calipers
Gloss black kidney grills
Gloss black side-gill elements
Gloss black exhaust pipe tips
Additional specified equipment from M3 catalog:
M-DCT Transmission with Drivelogic
Competition Package
Lowered suspension
Sport mapping for EDC/DSC
Premium Package 2
Power folding auto-dimming mirrors
Universal garage-door opener
Power front seats
Carbon Leather interior trim
Interior mirror with compass
BMW Assist with Bluetooth
Convenience Package
Anti-theft alarm system
Comfort Access keyless entry system
Park Distance Control (rear)
Navigation System
Voice-command
iPod and USB adapter
Real-time Traffic Information
Heated Front Seats
Satellite Radio with 1-year subscription
BMW Individual Enhanced Premium Sound System
*Excluding $875 Destination & Handling and excluding $1,300 federal gas guzzler tax.
Mark Higgins set a new lap record on the Isle of Man circuit with Subaru Impreza WRX STI. The former rally chmapion stopped the clock at 19 minutes an 56.7 seconds for 60.83 km (37.8 mile) road course. The average speed was 182 km/h (113 mph) and a top speed of 261 km/h (162 mph).
“Setting the record was both the most exhilarating and the most frightening thing I have ever done,” said Higgins
“The rules allow for a flying start, so I crossed the line at 125mph. I then went down through the Bray Hill junction – normally taken at around 20mph – at over 150mph. Once that tricky section was out of the way I settled into the lap and quickly got used to the balance and sheer pace of the car.”, he added.
“In the end the lap was simply fantastic, and the WRX STI behaved impeccably,” explained Higgins.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
“That we managed to set such an impressive time at our first attempt is a great tribute to the Subaru, especially given that so few modifications have been made. The engine pulled incredibly strongly throughout and the cornering capability proved crucial on such a twisty, unforgiving course.”, he finished.
The new record is over 2 minutes faster, than the previous set 21 years ago by Tony Pond in a Rover 827 Vitesse.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI is powered by a 2.5 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 300PS (225 kw) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). However, the model which Higgins raced has an MSA-spec T45 integrated roll cage, TRS race harness and a Lifeline fire extinguisher system.
Renault has introduced the most powerful road car in the manufacturer’s history. Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy comes at just £27 820 and it is ready to outrun VW Golf and Scirocco R models.
Renaultsport 265 Trophy is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol engine with staggering 265PS and 360Nm of torque available between 3000 and 5000RPM. The hot hatch achieves impressive power-to-weight ratio of 191HP per tonne. Not bad, not bad at all!
The results are thanks to an improvement in maximum turbo pressure, which is now 2.5 bar and a new air intake revised to take account of the higher pressure and running temperatures.
A great addition to the sports hatchback is free access to the full 2012 Renaultsport UK trackday calendar, worth around £650.
Besides of the brutal engine, Renaultsport 265 Trophy comes with a huge 19” gloss black Speedline alloys with red rim fitted with high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres. The car boasts “Trophy” red decals on the F1-style front blade and doors, and LED daytime running lights.
Megane 265 Trophy features stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar and grooved brake discs. It also has a mechanical limited slip differential, Brembo brakes, as well as the innovative PerfoHub independent steering axis front suspension set-up, which virtually eliminates torque steer. All these upgrades makes the Megane a perfect road car suitable for time attack at racetracks.
Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy will be limited to just 500 units, so you’d better hurry up. Orderrs open 20th June and first deliveries end July.
The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is set to have its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. However, the premium manufacturer has released full details and specification about the new SAV.
By “new” we don’t mean entirely redesigned model, but a slight facelift, which practically is the old M-Class, but with bigger taillights and interesting headlights. The highlights worth mentioning include a new front grille, new wheel designs from 17” to 21” as the biggest come with AMG badge. The improvements are present, still, we think that the rear lights are directly taken from BMW E61 (the previous 5-Series touring). It is tough to create something new and different these days, but this is Mercedes! If they don’t have the designers and the engineers to create a real new SAV, nobody can’t.
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class – Back
The interior is something different. The cabin is way better than the previous model and now feature higher quality materials and a lot of wood. Yes! The dashboard came directly from the S-Class, so we love it. The center console is wider and has some aluminum elements. The updated COMAND system is also present and as an option, you can order panoramic sunroof. Nice!
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class – Interior
As you may suggest, the engines are brilliant. The entry level is ML 250 BlueTec with 2.1 liter four-cylinder diesel delivering hefty 204PS (150 kW) and 500Nm (369 lb-ft). The more powerful diesel – ML 350 BlueTec comes with a 3.0 liter V6 with 258PS (190 kW) and 619Nm (457 lb-ft). The performance is brutal – 0 to 100 km/h for 7.5 seconds and top speed of 224 km/h. Excellent for SAV.
The petrol engine is in ML 350 BueEfficiency with a 3.5 liter V6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 370Nm (273 lb-ft). The top speed is 235 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.6 seconds.
All engines come with a 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox delivering the power to an all-wheel drive system.
The new M-Class has a selective damping suspension, while the Airmatic self-leveling air suspension and an Active Curve System with dynamic roll stabilization is available as an option. The SAV equipped with this will be a pleasure to drive.
The safety is at extemely high level – Night View Assist Plus including pedestrian recognition, Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Park Assist and Distronic Plus and some other intersting systems.
The price is not announced, yet!
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class – Front
Check the specifications below.
2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class:
ML 250
BlueTEC
4MATIC
ML 300 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC
(Predecessor)
ML 350
BlueTEC
4MATIC
ML 350 CDI
4MATIC
(Predecessor)
Number of cylinders
4
6
6
6
Displacement cc
2143
2987
2987
2987
Rated ouput hp
204
204
258
231
Max torque Nm
500
500
620
540
NEDC combined
mpg
CO2 / km
43.4 – 47.0
158
31.4 – 33.6
224
38.1 – 41.5
179
30.0 – 31.8
235-246
Acceleration
0 – 62 mph s
9.0
8.3
7.4
7.6
Top speed mph
130
130
139
136
Emissions standard
EU6
EU5
EU6
EU5
ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
ML 350 4MATIC
(predecessor)
Number of cylinders
6
6
Displacement cc
3498
3498
Rated output hp
306
272
Max torque Nm
370
350
NEDC combined
mpg
CO2 / km
32.1 – 33.2
199
23.5 – 24.7
266
Acceleration
0-62 mph s
7.6
8.4
Top speed mph
146
139
Emissions standard
EU5
EU5
Air flow optimisation:
Sealing around the radiator section with adjustable fan shutter
Sealed joints between the bonnet and the headlamps
Front wheel spoilers
Air outlets in the front wheel well liners
Redesigned exterior mirror housings
Optimised roof spoiler
Side spoilers on the rear window (ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC)
Underfloor and engine compartment panelling
Aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels
Comfort and driving dynamics:
To improve traction, the slip thresholds and shift points of the 7G-TRONIC PLUS system have been raised
A flatter accelerator pedal curve improves the sensitivity with which the driver can accelerate
Off-road ABS ensures optimum braking on a loose surface
ON&OFFROAD package:
Automatic – covers most everyday driving operations
Offroad 1 – light terrain, dirt roads and tracks
Offroad 2 – challenging off-road terrain with hilly stretches
Winter – for driving in wintry conditions on slippery roads, on snow, ice or with snow chains
Sport – more adventurous, dynamic driving on winding roads
Trailer – optimises moving off, manoeuvring and braking with a trailer
Comfort:
Improved rigidity of the front end structure thanks to struts between the lines of the upper and lower longitudinal members
Increased comfort, yet also reduction in weight, thanks to hybrid construction of front module
Particularly robust cockpit cross member made in lightweight magnesium alloy
Intelligent use of acoustic insulation
In the production plants, insulation is fitted to the bodyshell where it is needed by computer-controlled robots. In the firewall area, the mass distribution of the insulation material used may vary in places in order to counteract potential noise penetration.
Aluminium transmission cross member with integrated vibration damper in the diesel models
Vibrationally optimised 7G-TRONIC PLUS with twin-turbine damper and, in the diesel models, a centrifugal pendulum
Electronically mapped hydraulic engine mounts in the diesel versions
Decoupled exhaust system on diesel models
Standard chassis with selective damping, as an option: AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system or AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping system and ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM dynamic roll stabilisation.
Electric steering
Component compartment wall in plastic in order to minimise penetration of noise from engine compartment into the interior
External noise minimised through acoustic encapsulation of engines
High-insulation acoustic windscreen
Additional aero-acoustic sealing in the side sections
Passive safety:
Two-stage adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger
Kneebag for the driver
Sidebags for driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis bags)
Sidebags in the rear row of seats as an option
Windowbags across both rows of seats from the A to the C-pillar
3-point seat belts on all five seats
Pyrotechnic reel tensioners and permanent belt force limiters as well as electrically reversible belt tensioners in the front, reel tensioners and single-stage force limiters for the outer seats in the rear
ISOFIX child seat anchorage
Belt height adjustment for driver and front passenger
Belt status display for rear-seat passengers in the instrument cluster
Automatic child seat recognition (optional) with deactivation of the front passenger airbag if a special Mercedes-Benz child seat is used.
In a rear-end collision, a passive head restraint system developed specifically for this purpose can reduce the forces exerted on occupants.
Intelligent partner::
Intelligent Light System, ILS, with specific lighting functions
Night View Assist Plus with automatic person recognition
Speed Limit Assist (standard feature of the COMAND Online option)
Lane Keeping Assist – active/passive
Blind Spot Assist – active/passive
DISTRONIC PLUS
BAS PLUS (in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS)
PRE-SAFE® Brake with autonomous braking (in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS)
Honda will take a part at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race with CR-Z Hybrid coupe. The specially prepared car was firstly unveiled at last year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It is developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD), the “racing arm” of American Honda.
HPD Honda CR-Z Racer Hybrid is powered by a 1.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with the help of an electric motor. Both are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and the overall power is 200HP and 237Nm of torque, which makes a specific power of 133HP per litre. Not bad at all!
The electric motor takes power from a 7 kWh Li-ion battery pack and helps the internal combustion engine, when it is needed.
CR-Z Hybrid offers superb fuel consumption and nice performance, so we are excited to see, how it will perform at the race track.
HPD Honda CR-Z Racer Hybrid
HPD Honda CR-Z Racer hybrid:
Production year: 2010
Configuration: Combination IMA hybrid
(Electric motor between the internal combustion engine and gearbox)
Li-ion battery 7 kWh/173 volts
Architecture: 4 cylinders in line, mounted transversely in front, FWD
Displacement: 1,497 cm3
Type: SOHC, 4 valves / cylinder; fuel Injection and turbocharger
Skoda UK will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its iconic vRS performance flagship with a staggering Octavia vRS Bonneville, which aims to go with more than 200MPH (320 km/h). The record attemp will be made during the world famous Bonneville Speed Week in August (13-20).
The tuned Octavia vRS includes some staggering upgrades like improving the aerodynamics and performance. The car is lowered with 80mm and features a new sub-frame which houses a race prepared intercooler.
The engine remains the same 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol TSI, but with enormous turbo from Garret. The result is 600PS at 28 PSI of boost pressure (almost 2 bars) with 120 RON high octane race control fuel with water methanol injection.
Since its launch in 2001, vRS has captured the hearts of UK motorists who enjoy the thrill of sports car driving. Since then, the UK has become Skoda’slargest market for the Octavia and Fabia vRS with more than 12 000 cars sold since launch.
Skoda Octavia vRS saloon Bonneville
“The 10-year relationship between the UK and the vRS badge has been extremely successful. This is a landmark anniversary and going to Bonneville is a fitting tribute. It’s also an ambitious project which might surprise a few people, but Škoda is all about engineering excellence and this car is pushing that to new limits.”, commented Robert Hazelwood, Director for Skoda UK.
Skoda Octavia vRS:
Performance
Škoda Octavia vRS (Bonneville Special)
Škoda Octavia vRS (Standard production car)
Max speed – mph (km/h)
200+ (322+)
149 (240)
Acceleration 0–62mph
TBC
7.2 secs
Max. performance (PS)
550-600
200
Max. torque (Nm/rpm)
450/6,000-7,700 rpm
280/1,700-5,000
Fuel consumption mpg (l/100km)
TBC
36.7 (7.7) combined
CO2 emissions g/km
TBC
180
Engine
Engine type
TSI
TSI
Valves per cylinder
4
4
Traverse-mounted
Yes
Yes
Fuel injection type
Direct fuel injection
Direct fuel injection
Cubic capacity
1,984
1,984
Bore x stroke (mm)
82.5 x 92.8
82.5 x 92.8
Compression ratio
9.6:1
9.6:1
Turbo
Garret G05 65mm twin blade billet cut compressor wheel with ported intake housing & TIAL exhaust housing with 40mm external waste gate and 55mm blow-off valve
Stock Škoda IHI turbo with internal recirculation valve mounted on cast exhaust manifold
Boost pressure
26-28 psi
18-20 psi
Fuel type
120 RON high octane race control fuel with water methanol injection
95 RON unleaded petrol
Engine management software
Stock Škoda engine control unit with REVO Technik software AIM data logging
Stock Škoda engine control unit
Transmission
Clutch
Hydraulically- activated single plate four-pad sintered clutch with single mass flywheel
Hydraulically-activated single-plate dry clutch with diaphragm spring, asbestos-free coating
Manual transmission
Six-speed Octavia GreenLine II manual transmission,fully synchronised with direct gearshift and GripperDiff Limited Slip Differential
Six-speed manual transmission
Chassis
Front axle/rear axle
MacPherson axle with independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson axle with the bottom triangular control arms and independent multi-link suspension with one longitudinal and two cross arms and torsion stabiliser
Suspension
K&W coilovers two-way adjustable with anti-roll bar removed. Ride height of 50mm (subframe from floor).
Coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, rear springs located outside the shock absorbers (gas shock absorbers in rear)
Front brakes
Škoda Octavia GreenLine front discs and calipers for reduced drag
Disc brakes, with hollow discs, internal cooling and single-piston floating calliper
Rear brakes
None
Disc brakes with full discs and single-piston floating callipers
Aston Martin has prepared two endurance race car concepts, which will return to the Nurburgring this weekend forfinal tests before the 24-hour race.
This warm-up race – used as a test session ahead of the Nürburgring 24-hour race which takes place between 25th – 26th June – will be the first time two new V12 Zagato race cars have been in action together after one of the pair enjoyed its first running under race conditions at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race last month. This weekend will be used to refine race setup and allow further driver familiarisation with the new cars on the 25.378km circuit.
Introduced as a modern interpretation of the famous Aston Martin and Zagato collaboration in the 50th anniversary year of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, the V12 Zagato revives a collaboration which has produced some of the most beautiful and sought-after cars in the world. The partnership takes inspiration from the past to create a modern interpretation based on Aston Martin’s ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range: the V12 Vantage.
Aston Martin V12 Zagato Nurburgring
The 51st ADAC Reinoldus-Langstreckenrennen VLN5 four-hour race starts at noon Central European Time on Saturday 11th June with live updates on the progress of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato available by following @astonmartin – the company’s official Twitter feed.
KW now offers Variant 3 coilover for BMW 1-Series M Coupe. The suspension kit will further improve the handling of the sport variant of 1-Series. The enhanced adjustable compression damping allows the M Coupe to expertly master sharp bends. So, the car is easier to handle at high speeds and the driver receives greater response from the road.
However, if you think that the comfort will suffer, you are wrong. At low speed, the impact of transverse joints is no longer transferred unfiltered into the passenger cabin for example. So, you receive not only stiffened suspension, but a better comfort, too.
Of course, the stance can be adjusted to your taste – thanks to the continuously variable suspension lowering . BMW 1-Series M Coupe with KW Coilover Variant 3 can be lowered between 10 and 35 millimetres at the front and 5 and 25 millimetres at the rear axle.
Last, but not least, there are six levels of firmness. The price of this pleasure is 1879 Euro including VAT, so if you are considering a suspension upgrade for your 1-Series M Coupe, KW has the answer.
Volkswagen US has priced the new 2012 Beetle at just $18 995 for the entry-level model featuring 2.5 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 172PS (127 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque.
It offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. The gearbox choice is between 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. The engines returns 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, respectively for manual and automatic.
The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable 17” alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. The options list includes additional glovebox, Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.
The 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol TSI has a decent power of 203PS (149 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and DSG dual-clutch is available as an option. The fuel economy rating is 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.
The second level of equipment adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport seating surfaces, 18” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard and alloy pedals.
In 2012, Volkswagen Bettle will be available with 2.0 liter TDI engine with 142PS (104 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The pricing will be revealed close to launch. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. It also features 3-year/36 000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.
Mazda is preparing the all new BT-50 Freestyle pick-up, which will make its official debut at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show (1st to 10th July). Mazda BT-50 will feature the revolutionary Freestyle door configuration first seen on the RX-8 and a unique combination of seating for four, an exceptionally wide pillar-less door opening, and a large carrying capacity.
On each side of the cabin, a front-hinged door and a rear access panel combine to provide a 1 408mm-wide opening that makes for easy entry to and exit from either the front or rear seats.
The rear-seat comfort is at decent level. The cushions have been lengthened by 50mm for better thigh support and more stable fitment of child seats while the seatback height has been increased by 128mm.
Furthermore, the bed hold 1453 liters, which is 266 liters more than the current model.
“Just as we were delighted to be given the privilege of hosting the global debut of the All-New BT-50 Dual Cab in Sydney last year, we are equally delighted to be hosting the global debut of the Freestyle Cab in Melbourne this year. With Australia expected to be the largest market for the All-New BT-50 it’s no coincidence that we’ve been asked to host not one but two global unveilings of this important new model. It’s only appropriate that the Australian public see it first.”, commented Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson.
The all-new 2012 Mazda BT-50 will go on sale later this year.
Chevrolet has priced Cruze Hatchback at just £13 995 on-the-road. The car will arrive at the dealerships next month and will offer premium specification at surprisingly affordable price.
“The hatchback version of the Cruze is a massively important new car for us, as it not only appeals on a retail level, but also massively increases Chevrolet’s appeal to the fleet market – alongside the Orlando and the New Captiva, and with a new Aveo just round the corner, we have a truly holistic model range that will appeal to fleet managers, user-choosers and retail customers alike.”, commented Chevrolet Managing Director, Mark Terry.
The car comes with a 5-year warranty and will be offered in three trim levels with a choice of two petrol or one diesel engine. All have Electronic Stability Control as standard, along with a host of safety features comparable to the five-star Euro NCAP rated Cruze saloon.
2012 Chevrolet Cruze LS 1.6 litre with 124PS features Air conditioning, remote locking, electric-front windows, follow-me-home headlights, electrically-adjustable heated door mirrors and a quality radio/CD player with auxiliary input.
The LT model is priced at £14 895. It adds cruise control, electric windows all round, a multi-function trip computer, parking distance sensors, 16” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, steering wheel audio controls and a leather steering wheel and gearknob
Starting at £16 095, the LTZ trim offers Bluetooth, a USB port, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, 17” alloys and aluminium-effect trim on the instrument panel
The bigger 1.8 liter petrol develops 141PS is mated to a 5-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The diesel variant is a 2.0 liter VCDi delivering 163PS comes with either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.