Victor Ivanov – Page 253 – Automobiles Review

1 000 KM of Spa-Francochamps

The 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours is the biggest upcoming motor sport event. That’s why Team Peugeot Total had a test day held on 24^th April, which is crucial to acquire important data necessary to ensure it arrives at Le Mans with the best possible car set-up.

There will be three Peugeot 908s with totally nine drivers, who have two targets. The first one is to prepare for Le Mans without taking any risks and the second is picking up ILMC points.

“The ILMC season got underway with a podium spot at Sebring, after an intense 12-hour race. The conditions were perfect to prepare for our main target of the year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since then, the cars have had a lot of track time in private testing. The test day really got us into the mood at Le Mans; competing in this race at Spa-Francorchamps is the best way of checking that our racing reflexes are well and truly in place. The entire team will be at the event. We will be working in the same conditions that we’ll have in Le Mans. The ILMC is an important goal for us; however, we are not going to go after the race win at any cost, just a few weeks away from Le Mans. Above all, we need to make it to the end of the 1,000 kilometres of Spa-Francorchamps with all three cars intact and collect as much information as we can during the race. If we manage that, Peugeot will undoubtedly come away with a serious haul of points.”, commented Olivier Quesnel, Peugeot Sport Director.

Team Peugeot Total is unbeaten since 2007 and the great success came in 2010, when they recorded a one-two at the 1 000 kilometres of Spa-Francorchamps. The race was won by Sébastien Bourdais, Simon Pagenaud and Pedro Lamy, followed by Franck Montagny and Stéphane Sarrazin in second.

This year, the official driver line-ups are identical to those of 2010:

Peugeot 908 No.7 (blue rear-view mirrors):
Anthony Davidson, Marc Gené and Alexander Wurz

Peugeot 908 No.8 (white rear-view mirrors):
Nicolas Minassian, Franck Montagny and Stéphane Sarrazin

Peugeot 908 No.9 (red rear-view mirrors):
Sébastien Bourdais, Pedro Lamy and Simon Pagenaud

Check out the schedule for the event, below!

Peugeot 908 prepares for Le Mans

SCHEDULE FOR THE 1 000 KM OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS:

Thursday 5 May 2011
12.20pm – 1.20pm: Free practice
2.45pm – 3.10pm: Press briefing at the Peugeot Sport hospitality area
4.55pm – 5.55pm: Free practice

Friday 6 May 2011
11.50am – 12.50pm: Free practice
4.20pm – 4.40pm: LMP1/LMP2 qualifying

Saturday 7 May 2011
9.55am – 10.15am: Warm up
2pm – 8pm: 1,000 kilometres of Spa-Francorchamps

ILMC STANDINGS BEFORE SPA:

Manufacturers:
1. Peugeot, 27 points
2. Audi, 17 points

Teams:
1. Team Oreca Matmut, 15 points
2. Team Peugeot Total, 12 points
3. Audi Sport Team Joest, 9 points
4. Rebellion Racing, 6 points

Source: Peugeot

May 4, 2011

Peugeot EX1 – Nurburgring Nordschleife Record Time

Electric vehicle with a record lap around Nurburgring Nordschleife race track?!

Yes, Peugeot EX1 with Stéphane Caillet, driver and tuner-technician from the Company’s Research & Development Centre, behind the steering wheel. The vehicle made a record lap for electric vehicles around the 20.832 kilometres (12.944 miles) race track.

EX1 set the clock at 9 minutes, 1.338 seconds (9:01.338) at an average speed of 138.324 km/h (85.951 mph). The weather conditions were far from perfect, but the vehicle managed to beat the previous electric speed record on this circuit, which was 9:51.45 seconds clocked in 2010.

The record achieved by EX1 was formally recognised by WIGE Performance, the official time-keeping body for the Nordschleife.

Peugeot EX1 at the Nurburgring Nordschleife

Source: Porsche

May 4, 2011

McLaren MP4-12C GT3: full details

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 will be the first car from the manufacturer built for FIA GT series racing since the famous McLaren F1 GTR. The iconic F1 finished production in1997. 12C GT3 is based on the new MP4-12C, which is one of the best super sports cars in the world.

“McLaren has racing in its blood and it was a natural step to take our MP4-12C road car and turn it into the most reliable, efficient and easy to drive GT3 car. Every car on the grid will have its performance balanced by race rules, meaning our objective must be to select a technical specification that ensures any driver is able to access the 12C GT3’s performance limit with ease.”, commented Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren Group Chief Executive Officer.

The 12C GT3 made its race debut at the UK circuit – Silverstone. Just a week after, the car was sent to the Circuito de Navarra in Spain for its first FIA circuit test. In simulated tests, McLaren GT was able to fine-tune engine calibration, power steering, spring rates, weight distribution, gear ratios and differential settings.

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 comes with a new aerodynamics package, which is made entirely from carbon fibre. It is specially created by McLaren Racing in compliance with GT3 regulations. The body kit includes – a new front splitter, door blade, rear wing, diffuser and louvres in the front fenders.

MP4-12C GT3 has the same 3.8-litre McLaren V8 twin-turbo M838T engine as the road car, but it will be de-tuned to 500PS (from 600PS) in order to provide optimum power for this performance-balanced race car. The car also includes the TAG-400 Engine Control Unit, which is a compact, self-contained engine management system and data logger for race engines designed and built by McLaren Electronic Systems.

Other very important features are the unique engine calibration, bespoke racing transmission developed in partnership with Ricardo and a suspension arrangement tuned specifically for racing.

Check out the specification, below!

McLaren MP4-12C GT3

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Technical Specification:

Width (mm)	1995mm
Height (mm)	1145mm
Wheelbase (mm)	2670mm
Fuel tank capacity	120 litres
Chassis/body	McLaren carbon fibre MonoCell with aluminium front and rear frames and bespoke carbon body panels
Aerodynamics	Front and rear diffuser, front splitter, dive planes and adjustable rear wing.
Transmission	6 speed sequential using actuation via steering wheel mounted paddles Limited slip differential with a range of ramps and adjustable pre-load. Wet sump Sintered clutch hydraulically operated Driveshafts with tripod joints
Engine type	V8 twin turbo McLaren M838T
Engine capacity	3.8L
Bore x Stroke	93 x 69.9
Max. Engine speed	Limited to 7500rpm
Cylinder block	Cast aluminium , 90 deg V angle, dry sump scavenge, Nikasil coated liners
Crankshaft	Forged steel flat plane
Pistons	Forged aluminium
Conrods	Forged steel
Cylinder head	Cast aluminium with plastic composite cam covers, inlet & exhaust variable cam timing
Valvetrain	32V with 40 deg variable cam timing on intake & exhaust. Low mass with sliding contact end pivoted pinger followers, single variable rate springs and hollow cast chilled iron camshafts
Intake system	Two water/air charge air coolers. Plastic composite plenum.
Exhaust system	Cast stainless steel exhaust manifold with compact MHI fixed geometry turbo chargers. 970 deg C turbine inlet temperature.
Fuel system	Returnless fuel rail with twin fuel tank mounted pumps and twin spray injectors
Engine management	MESL TAG400 ECU & CIU 100 Interfacing with Bosch ABS and Shiftec control units
Wiring harness	Modular installation: Engine, chassis, fuel cell
Lubrication	MOBIL1: engine and transmission
Cooling	Air/water heat exchangers for engine water and charge air cooling combined with water/oil heat exchangers for engine, transmission & PAS.
Front axle	SKF integrated axles with handed single wheel retaining nut
Rear axle	SKF integrated axles with handed single wheel retaining nut
Front suspension	Double wishbone adjustable for ride height camber and toe
Rear suspension	Double wishbone adjustable for ride height camber and toe
Dampers	Coil over Multimatic dampers with DSSV technology with independent bump and rebound adjustment
Front brake system	Akebono 6 piston monoblock calliper 378Ø x 36mm Iron ventilated disc
Rear brake system	Akebono 4 piston monoblock calliper 355Ø x 32mm iron ventilated disc
Steering	Electro-hydraulic PAS
Wheels	Forged Aluminium Front 12” x 18” Rear 13” x 18” MESL TPS system compatible
Cockpit electronics	Multifunction steering wheel with integrated driver display Central switch panel with systems display screen
Steering wheel	Derived from MP4-24 Formula 1 wheel retaining integrated driver display, paddle shift and switches

Source: McLaren

May 4, 2011

Nissan NV200 – New York Taxi

New York is the city with the largest taxi fleet in the US. It has selected Nissan to design and supply the next-generation “Taxi of Tomorrow”. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) selected the Nissan NV200 as the exclusive taxi of New York City beginning in late 2013.

“Nissan is proud to provide the next generation of taxis for the City of New York,” commented Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares.

“The NV200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600 000 passengers every day.”, he added.

The NV200 taxi will be produced and assembled at Nissan’s facility in Cuernavaca, Mexico. A very good idea, because it will be much cheaper than building in the US. However, the NV200 taxi will be a tuned version of the compact commercial vehicle currently available in global markets including the UK.

The program will also include working with the City and taxi owners on a pilot training to study the use of zero-emission, electric vehicles as taxis. The manufacturer will also provide up to six electric Nissan LEAFs to taxi owners for testing in 2012.

“The city’s Taxi of Tomorrow is the Nissan NV 200 – and it’s going to be the safest, most comfortable and most convenient cab the city has ever had,” saide Mayor Bloomberg.

“We started this process to leverage our taxi industry’s purchasing power to get the highest quality taxi, one that that can expand and redefine the legendary image of New York City taxicabs. The new taxis will be custom-designed to meet the specific demands of carrying 600,000 passengers a day in New York City traffic and the vehicle meets the top priorities identified by the public in our on-line survey.”, he added.

There are more than 13 000 taxis in the city of New York, which have a cumulative 500 million miles per year, so the durability was a key factor in the “Taxi of Tomorrow” selection process. That’s why, Nissan will train taxi fleet operators to conduct routine in-house service and repairs.

Nissan NV200 Taxi

Planned innovations:

2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet;
Ample room for four passengers and their luggage, substantially improved over current taxi models;
A low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking, helping reduce noise pollution;
Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, providing easy entry and exit;
Transparent roof panel (with shade) that will provide unique views of the city;
Independently controlled rear air conditioning with a grape phenol-coated air filter to improve cabin air quality;
Attractive, breathable, antimicrobial, environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean seat material that simulates the look and feel of leather;
Overhead reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings;
A mobile charging station for passengers that includes a 12V electrical outlet and two USB plugs;
A six-way adjustable driver’s seat that features both recline and lumbar adjustments, even with a partition installed;
Standard driver’s navigation and telematics systems.

Key safety features include:

Front and rear-seat occupant curtain airbags, as well as seat-mounted airbags for the front row;
Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC);
Sliding doors to reduce the risk of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists getting struck by doors opening unexpectedly;
Lights that alert other road users that taxi doors are opening.

Source: Nissan

May 4, 2011

Porsche TechArt GTStreet is priced at €59.90

TechArt now offers limited colectors models in a 1:43 scale. The series includes GTstreet, GTstreet R and GTstreet RS models, which are exact copies of the original super sportscars. The TechArt GTStreet series is based on the Porsche 911 Turbo and GT2.

TechArt will launch just 300 units of 1:43 GTstreet series and each model will come with a base plate with a limitation badge and serial number. The GTstreet is an individual highlight in every high-class collection.

The models are available for purchase exclusively online at www.techart.de/collector and the price is €59.90, VAT included.

TECHART GTStreet RS, which is the most powerful tuned version of Porsche 911 GT2, has a brutal 3.8 liter twin-turbo flat-six with staggering 700PS and 860Nm of torque.

Porsche TechArt GTStreet

Source: TechArt

May 3, 2011

Dodge Ram Long-Hauler Concept Truck

Dodge Ram Long-Hauler Concept Truck will be on display at selected events across the country. The vehicle is based on a Class 5 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab and boasts a number of modifications.

One of the most staggering facts about the vehicle is its fuel tank, which can contain up to 170 gallons of fuel. means fueling up would cost up to around 750 dollars given current gas prices in the U.S.

The dimensions are also unbelievable – 5014 mm (197.4 inches) wheelbase, the overall length is 7315 mm (24 feet), height – 2009 mm (79.1 inches) and the curb weight of the huge truck is 4213 kg (9 300lbs).

Dodge Ram Long-Hauler Concept is powered by a six-cylinder 6.7 liter High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel with 1083Nm (800 lb-ft). The horsepower are not so important and the company didn’t release any information about the power. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Aisin AS68RC automatic gearbox. All the pulling power is put on the road through a four-wheel-drive.

The vehicle stands on a Kelderman air suspension and 19.5” Alcoa aluminum wheels.

Among the goodies in the cabin, there are Wi-Fi, a laptop storage area , 2+2 leather seating with a specific, high comfort driver seat. Rear passenger comfort is assured with power-adjustable footrests and a rear center console that includes a refrigerator, cup holders and tray tables.

The Ram Long-Hauler is only a concept and can be seen across the country in the next 8 months.

Dodge Ram Long-Hauler Concept Truck

Source: Chrysler

May 3, 2011

2011 Volvo S80 Executive

The new Volvo S80 Executive features unique details and a very rich content that reinforce its position as Volvo Car Corporation’s top-of-the-line saloon.

“Both cars are designed around the growing number of people who appreciate the possibility of tailoring their cars to suit individual tastes. The Executive version of the S80 radiates exclusive luxury while our R-Design models are developed for buyers who want an extra sporty look,” commented Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Corporation.

2011 S80 is the most exclusive Volvo saloon model. It boasts sophisticated comfort and sober Scandinavian design.

The interior comes with an instrument panel top in leather, available in espresso brown or off black. There are also ventilated soft leather seats with massage function, leather door panels, an integrated analogue clock on the instrument panel and the aluminium centre consol storage.

The extra thick carpets reinforce the sober impression. You can opt for a fridge in the rear seat, combined with a set of Swedish crystal glasses.

2011 S80 Executive comes with the latest Sensus infotainment system including a 5” or 7” colour screen in the upper part of the centre stack.

2011 Volvo S80 Executive

Source: Volvo

May 3, 2011

2011 Volvo V70 R-DESIGN

Volvo has announced a new version of V70 R-Design, which gives the elegant estate car a sportier character.

2011 V70 R-Design comes with a number of upgrades, which are specially developed for the vehicle. The exterior includes LED turning indicators integrated into door mirrors with silk metal covers. The estate stands on big 18” „Ixion” light alloy wheels.

The interior boasts leather upholstery trimmed in off black, leather around the gear selector, and black floor-mats with contrasting stitching.

The new Volvo V70 R-Design can be opted with 1.6 liter DRIVe diesel having just 119 g/km of CO₂ emissions. The fuel consumption is extremely low and the elasticity is good enough.

2011 V70 R-Design features the latest Volvo Sensus infotainment system including a 5” or 7” colour screen in the upper part of the centre stack.

“Concern for the individual’s wellbeing is the very core of our Scandinavian origin and these unique versions of the S80 and V70 mark yet another step forward in our determination to be the brand that best interprets what buyers of modern prestige cars want,” commented Volvo Car Corporation’s President and CEO Stefan Jacoby.

2011 Volvo V70 R-DESIGN

Source: Volvo

May 3, 2011

NOVITEC Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

Novitec has released the world’s most powerful and fastest Alfa Romeo. The tuned version of 8C Spider has staggering supercharged V8 capable of bringing the car over 300km/h barrier.

The supercharger kit boosts the 4.7 liter V8 to 600PS (441 kW) at 7300RPM and 588Nm at 5400RPM.The factory power of the engine is 450PS, so the performance package adds another 150PS (110 kW). The price is EUR 19 900.

The supercharger is driven by a cogged-tooth belt directly from the crankshaft. Maximum boost pressure is limited to 0.37 bar. The mechanical charging system is rounded out by a water-to-air intercooler with dedicated radiator, and by custom injectors. An Ecu re-map is made to make sure that all parts are working perfectly.

The result is 3.9 seconds to 100 km/h and top speed of 305 km/h, instead of the factory’s 290 km/h,

NOVITEC also offers stainless-steel sport exhaust with integrated flap system. The exhaust system features four tailpipes and fits perfectly into the standard cutouts in the rear apron.

The exterior didn’t receive any aerodynamics modifications, but NOVITEC offers three-piece NA3 wheels with dimensions 9J x 21” at the front and 11.5J x 22” at the rear fitted with by Formula 1 supplier Pirelli in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22, respectively.

NOVITEC also provided height-adjustable coil-over suspension.

The interior can be customized with finest leather and Alcantara in any color.

NOVITEC Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

Source: NOVITEC

May 3, 2011

Skoda now offers SE Plus Trim Level

Skoda now offers an all-new trim level – SE Plus, which is available across the entire multi-award winning model range. The SE Plus trim level is right between SE and Elegance. The new specification level offers customers savings of up to £1310.

There are also two new engines available exclusively on SE Plus trim. The first is 1.8 TSI with 152PS available on Yeti, Octavia and Superb and 2.0 TDI CR with 110PS for Octavia.

“SE Plus offers lots of extra equipment beyond SE trim at a considerably reduced cost to the customer. We’ve tailored the offering on each model to reflect the features that are most desirable. SE Plus isn’t a special edition, but a completely new trim level that will run until the end of each vehicle’s life-cycle.”, said Chris Horrell, Škoda UK’s Product Marketing Manager.

:” Features such as Bluetooth, a multi-function steering wheel and Škoda’s Amundsen touch-screen sat-nav system on the Octavia, Superb and Yeti will boost the appeal of SE Plus for both retail and corporate buyers.”, he added.

SE Plus in detail:

Octavia Hatch SE Plus (priced from £16,365 OTR)

Additional features above SE trim include 16-inch Proxima alloy wheels, unique Kristal upholstery, rear parking sensors, Isofix front passenger seat, Amundsen touch-screen satellite navigation system, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, multi-function steering wheel and Media Device Interface (MDI) with connecting cable.

Equipment value over SE	£2,270
Customer premium over SE	£960
Saving	£1,310

Superb Hatch SE Plus (priced from £21,350 OTR)

Additional features above SE trim include Amundsen touch-screen satellite navigation system, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, sunset privacy glass and Media Device Interface (MDI) with connecting cable.

Equipment value over SE	£2,485
Customer premium over SE	£1,210
Saving	£1,275

Yeti SE Plus (priced from £17,410 OTR)

Additional features above SE trim include unique Kristal upholstery, Amundsen touch-screen satellite navigation system, CD autochanger, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, multi-function steering wheel, electric driver and passenger seats, rear passenger folding tables on back of front seats.

Equipment value over SE	£1,310
Customer premium over SE	£700
Saving	£610

Fabia Hatchback SE Plus (priced from £11,825 OTR)

Additional features above SE trim include unique Kristal upholstery, sunset privacy glass, climate control, multi-function steering wheel, electric rear windows, storage boxes under the front seats, protective black side mouldingsand Media Device Interface (MDI) with connecting cable.

Equipment value over SE	£1,210
Customer premium over SE	£590
Saving	£620

Roomster SE Plus (priced from £13,560 OTR)

Additional features above SE trim include 15-inch Antares alloy wheels, unique Kristal upholstery, roof rails, climate control, multi-function steering wheel and Media Device Interface (MDI) with connecting cable.

Equipment value over SE	£945
Customer premium over SE	£530
Saving	£415

Skoda’s new SE Plus trim level goes on sale from 3 May 2011.

Skoda now offers SE Plus Trim Level

New Engines:

	Octavia Hatch	Octavia Hatch	Octavia Estate	Octavia Estate
	SE Plus 1.8 TSI 152PS	SE Plus 2.0 TDI 110PS	SE Plus 1.8 TSI 152PS	SE Plus 2.0TDI 110PS
Emissions
CO2 (g/km)	158	126	158	126
Engine & Drivetrain
CC	1,798	1,968	1798	1,968
Transmission type	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual
Performance
0 to 62 mph (sec)	7.8	11	7.9	11.1
Engine power – PS	152	110	152	110
– at RPM	4500-6200	4200	4500-6200	4200
Engine torque – NM	250	280	250	280
– at RPM	1500-4500	1750-2750	1500-4500	1750-2500
Top speed (mph)	135	121	136	121
Fuel consumption
Urban (mpg)	29.7	46.3	29.7	44.8
Extra urban (mpg)	51.4	70.6	51.4	65.7
Combined (mpg)	40.9	58.9	40.9	57.6

	Superb Hatch	Superb Estate	Yeti
	SE Plus 1.8 TSI 152PS	SE Plus 1.8 TSI 152PS	SE Plus 1.8 TSI 152PS 4×4
Emissions
CO2 (g/km)	169	170	189
Engine & Drivetrain
CC	1,798	1,798	1798
Transmission type	Manual	Manual	Manual
Performance
0 to 62 mph (sec)	8.6	8.6	8.4
Engine power – PS	152	152	152
– at RPM	4,500-6,200	4,500-6,200	4300-6200
Engine torque – NM	250	250	250
– at RPM	1,500-4,500	1,500-4,500	1500-4500
Top speed (mph)	137	135	125
Fuel consumption
Urban (mpg)	30.1	29.7	28
Extra urban (mpg)	47.9	47.9	40.9
Combined (mpg)	39.2	38.7	35.3

Prices:

Fabia SE Plus		Recommended basic	VAT	RRP	Recommended OTR
Hatch	1.2 12V 69PS 5spd	£9,383.33	£1,876.67	£11,260.00	£11,825.00
	1.2 TSI 86PS 5spd	£9,895.83	£1,979.17	£11,875.00	£12,440.00
	1.2 TSI 105PS 5spd	£10,445.83	£2,089.17	£12,535.00	£13,100.00
	1.2 TSI 105PS 7spd DSG	£11,041.67	£2,208.33	£13,250.00	£13,815.00
	1.6 TDI CR 75PS 5spd DPF	£10,575.00	£2,115.00	£12,690.00	£13,255.00
	1.6 TDI CR 90PS 5spd DPF	£11,066.67	£2,213.33	£13,280.00	£13,845.00
	1.6 TDI CR 105PS 5spd DPF	£11,254.17	£2,250.83	£13,505.00	£14,070.00

Estate	1.2 12V 69PS 5spd	£10,091.67	£2,018.33	£12,110.00	£12,675.00
	1.2 TSI 86PS 5spd	£10,604.17	£2,120.83	£12,725.00	£13,290.00
	1.2 TSI 105PS 5spd	£11,154.17	£2,230.83	£13,385.00	£13,950.00
	1.2 TSI 105PS 7spd DSG	£11,750.00	£2,350.00	£14,100.00	£14,665.00
	1.6 TDI CR 75PS 5spd DPF	£11,283.33	£2,256.67	£13,540.00	£14,105.00
	1.6 TDI CR 90PS 5spd DPF	£11,775.00	£2,355.00	£14,130.00	£14,695.00
	1.6 TDI CR 105PS 5spd DPF	£11,962.50	£2,392.50	£14,355.00	£14,920.00

Roomster SE Plus	Recommended basic	VAT	RRP	Recommended OTR
1.2 TSI 69PS 5spd	£10,720.83	£2,144.17	£12,865.00	£13,560.00
1.2 TSI 86PS 5spd	£11,270.83	£2,254.17	£13,525.00	£14,205.00
1.2 TSI 105PS 5spd	£11,825.00	£2,365.00	£14,190.00	£14,870.00
1.2 TSI 105PS 7spd DSG	£12,429.17	£2,485.83	£14,915.00	£15,595.00
1.6 TDI CR 90PS 5spd DPF	£12,445.83	£2,489.17	£14,935.00	£15,500.00
1.6 TDI CR 105PS 5spd DPF	£12,633.33	£2,526.67	£15,160.00	£15,725.00

Yeti SE Plus	Recommended basic	VAT	RRP	Recommended OTR
1.2 TSI 105PS	£13,929.17	£2,785.83	£16,715.00	£17,410.00
1.2 TSI 105PS DSG	£14,887.50	£2,977.50	£17,865.00	£18,560.00
1.4 TSI 122PS	£14,566.67	£2,913.33	£17,480.00	£18,210.00
1.8T TSI 152PS 4×4	£16,041.67	£3,208.33	£19,250.00	£20,260.00
2.0 TDI CR 110PS DPF	£15,058.33	£3,011.67	£18,070.00	£18,750.00
2.0 TDI CR 110PS 4×4 DPF	£16,475.00	£3,295.00	£19,770.00	£20,500.00
2.0 TDI CR 140PS 4×4 DPF	£17,162.50	£3,432.50	£20,595.00	£21,325.00
2.0 TDI CR 140PS 4×4 DSG DPF	£18,120.83	£3,624.17	£21,745.00	£22,575.00
2.0 TDI CR 170PS 4×4 DPF	£17,858.33	£3,571.67	£21,430.00	£22,160.00

Octavia SE Plus		Recommended basic	VAT	RRP	Recommended OTR
Hatch	1.4 TSI 122PS	£13,058.33	£2,611.67	£15,670.00	£16,365.00
	1.4 TSI 122PS DSG	£14,025.00	£2,805.00	£16,830.00	£17,525.00
	1.8 TSI 152PS	£13,516.67	£2,703.33	£16,220.00	£16,950.00
	1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF	£14,695.83	£2,939.17	£17,635.00	£18,200.00
	1.6 TDI CR 105PS DSG DPF	£15,662.50	£3,132.50	£18,795.00	£19,360.00
	2.0 TDI CR 110PS DPF	£15,125.00	£3,025.00	£18,150.00	£18,715.00
	2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF	£15,729.17	£3,145.83	£18,875.00	£19,440.00

Estate	1.4 TSI 122PS	£13,975.00	£2,795.00	£16,770.00	£17,465.00
	1.4 TSI 122PS DSG	£14,941.67	£2,988.33	£17,930.00	£18,625.00
	1.8 TSI 152PS	£14,433.33	£2,886.67	£17,320.00	£18,050.00
	1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF	£15,612.50	£3,122.50	£18,735.00	£19,300.00
	1.6 TDI CR 105PS DSG DPF	£16,579.17	£3,315.83	£19,895.00	£20,460.00
	2.0 TDI CR 110PS DPF	£16,041.67	£3,208.33	£19,250.00	£19,815.00
	2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF	£16,645.83	£3,329.17	£19,975.00	£20,540.00

Superb SE Plus		Recommended basic	VAT	RRP	Recommended OTR
Hatch	1.8 TSI 152PS	£17,100.00	£3,420.00	£20,520.00	£21,350.00
	1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF	£17,462.50	£3,492.50	£20,955.00	£21,520.00
	2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF	£17,975.00	£3,595.00	£21,570.00	£22,265.00
	2.0 TDI CR 140PS DSG DPF	£19,066.67	£3,813.33	£22,880.00	£23,610.00
	2.0 TDI CR 170PS DPF	£18,737.50	£3,747.50	£22,485.00	£23,180.00
	2.0 TDI CR 170PS DSG DPF	£19,829.17	£3,965.83	£23,795.00	£24,525.00

Estate	1.8 TSI 152PS	£18,150.00	£3,630.00	£21,780.00	£22,610.00
	1.6 TDI CR 105PS DPF	£18,512.50	£3,702.50	£22,215.00	£22,895.00
	2.0 TDI CR 140PS DPF	£19,025.00	£3,805.00	£22,830.00	£23,525.00
	2.0 TDI CR 140PS DSG DPF	£20,116.67	£4,023.33	£24,140.00	£24,870.00
	2.0 TDI CR 170PS DPF	£19,787.50	£3,957.50	£23,745.00	£24,475.00
	2.0 TDI CR 170PS DSG DPF	£20,879.17	£4,175.83	£25,055.00	£25,785.00

Source: Skoda

May 3, 2011

Carlsson Mercedes-Benz E-class Cabriolet

Carlsson has announced the special styling and peformance packages for the latest Mercedes-Benz E class Cabriolet. The luxury open-top received unique exterior as well as 20 per cent more power and some fine touches for the interior.

The perfromance package includes the additional ECU C-Tronic® DIESEL POWER, which is plug-and-play device boosting the V6 diesel engine from 231PS (170 kW) to 280PS (206 kW) and the torque is 648Nm, instead of 540Nm. The ECU CD35 REVO for the Mercedes 350 CDI engines is delivered by Carlsson as a completely retrofittable solution inclusive of all materials for connections and montage. The price is 1784 Euro.

The tuning company also offers sport end mufflers with the two double-walled stainless steel end tubes. They priced at 2319 Euro.

The styling package includes the new aerodynamic package consisting of a front spoiler – 594 Euro and a front spoiler lip RS for 629 Euro. The rear spoiler is priced at 475 Euro.

The suspension upgrade includes sports springs for 355 Euro. These lower the Mercedes-Cabriolet with 30 mm and significantly improve the stance of the car.

Carlsson Mercedes-Benz E-class Cabriolet stands on either classic 16-spoke wheels in 18”, or 1/5 REVO again in 18” and big 1/10 Ultra light 20” alloys. The set fitted with brand new tires starts at 2712 Euro.

Inside, the tuned Merc can be individualised with automatic gear shift lever in leather and Alcantara – 213 Euro, aluminium door pins – 58 Euro, the soft velvet doormats with the Carlsson logo – 154 Euro and aluminium pedals together with footrests – 282 Euro.

Carlsson delivers all products with certificates by the German Technical Control Board (TÜV), so that these can be entered without any problems in the vehicle documents.

Carlsson Mercedes Benz E 350 CDI Cabriolet

Source: Carlsson

May 2, 2011

2011 DTM season: Bruno Spengler is the first winner

Mercedes-Benz began the new 2011 DTM season with a victory. Bruno Spengler with Mercedes-Bank AMG C-Class was the fastest on the race track at Hockenheim and he won the first round of the championship with a margin of 3.7 seconds over Mattias Ekstrom (Audi).

After 191 races in the new era of the DTM series, Mercedes-Benz lead their rivals Audi by 106 races to 55.
Five of the drivers with AMG Mercedes C-Class cars finished among the points-scoring positions. Gary Paffett climbed from 18th on the grid to 6th at the final. Jamie Green and Maro Engel also scored points, finishing 7th and 8th, respectively. David Coulthard achieved a top ten result and Susie Stoddart crossed the line in 12th position. Christian Vietoris, who is a rookie in DTM championship finished 13th and Renger van der Zande was forced to retire on Lap 30.

Bruno Spengler also set the fastest race lap – 1:35.230 minutes, his ninth in DTM.

The race track had a total of 58 000 visitors during the weekend.

“What a start to the season! I’ve been waiting since 2006 for my second win in Hockenheim, so it was high time. I’m looking forward to a long night of celebration with my team. The crew were excellent today, keeping me well updated with what was happening on the track and helping me to defend my lead. It was a great job all round.”, commented Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class) – Winner.

Check the summary, below!

2011 DTM season - Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class

Race summary:

The start: Bruno Spengler starts from pole position for the eighth time in his DTM career. On the first corner, he defends the lead against Audi driver Mattias Ekström. Ralf Schumacher holds on to third. Maro Engel improves his position on the first lap, moving up from seventh to fifth, while Gary Paffett charges forward from 18th (his grid position) to 13th.

Lap 3: Susie Stoddart receives a drive-through penalty for jumping the start.

Lap 5: Spengler heads the field with a two-second lead on Ekström. Schumacher remains in third place, Engel up to fifth. Paffett has meanwhile worked his way up to tenth.

Lap 10: No change at the front, with Spengler leading from Ekström and Schumacher. Engel advances to sixth. The pit-stop window opens and Paffett, now in tenth place, dives in first for a change of tyres and to refuel. Renger van der Zande also pits.

Lap 11: Jamie Green and Christian Vietoris now make their first pit stop.

Lap 12: David Coulthard and Susie Stoddart also decide it’s time for a new set of tyres. Stoddart drives off with the fuel can still attached; this gets jammed on her rear wing before later falling off. After his pit stop, Paffett sets the fastest lap so far.

Lap 13: Ralf Schumacher makes his first pit stop.

Lap 14: Spengler pits as race leader and emerges with his lead intact. Schumacher remains in P3 after the first round of pit stops. Engel also pits.

Lap 15: Spengler is leading the race by 3.9 seconds. Schumacher in third, Engel in sixth. After just 15 laps, Paffett has climbed from 18th to eighth.

Lap 20: At the front, Spengler maintains a 3.4-second lead. Schumacher remains on course for a podium and is successfully defending third place against Martin Tomczyk (Audi). Engel is in sixth position, while Paffett is now only 0.7 seconds behind seventh-placed Miguel Molina.

Lap 21: Paffett is the first driver to come in for the obligatory second pit stop, which doesn’t go quite as smoothly as it should. Coulthard also pits for a second time

Lap 22: Green and Christian Vietoris make their second pit stops from tenth and 14th respectively.

Lap 23: Engel enters the pit lane from P6 for fresh Hankook tyres and fuel. Stoddart also makes her second scheduled stop.

Lap 24: Schumacher pits from third and is shadowed by fourth-placed Tomczyk. The Audi driver drags a fuel can with him on the way out and it falls on the track. Paffett demonstrates superb reactions to avoid the obstacle. The race stewards deploy the safety car.

Lap 25 : Spengler and van der Zande take advantage of the safety car period to come in for their second compulsory pit stops. Spengler retains the lead.

Lap 28: The safety car heads for the pit lane. Spengler defends his lead; Schumacher is in third place ahead of Timo Scheider (Audi). Paffett overtakes Molina; Green seizes the opportunity to sail past the Spaniard as well.

Lap 29: Paffett overtakes Engel. Sixth to eighth places are occupied by AMG C-Class drivers Paffett, Engel and Green.

Lap 30: Following a collision, Van der Zande returns to the pits minus bonnet; race over for the stern AMG C-Class.

Lap 32: Green passes Engel to take seventh position.

Final lap: After 38 laps and a total distance of 173.81 kilometres, Bruno Spengler wins the opening race of the 2011 DTM season at Hockenheim. Ralf Schumacher claims the first podium of his DTM career in his 33rd race. Gary Paffett, Jamie Green, Maro Engel and David Coulthard finish in the top 10.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

May 2, 2011

Author: Victor Ivanov