Category: Auto News

Auto news – automobile industry news. Articles about all the latest car models and concepts. Breaking news, uncovered secrets.

  • Peugeot 308 SW Prologue

    Peugeot 308 SW PrologueWith the SW concept which first appeared in 2002 with the launch of the 307 SW, Peugeot created a new motoring concept, which has since become available in other models in the range.

    Today the “SW” is synonymous with a true life style car within the Peugeot range and offers dynamism both in terms of style and road holding. The abbreviation also symbolises practicality and versatility, with good interior space and carrying capacity and superb modularity, allowing the car to adapt to its user’s wishes.

    This SW body style also marked the arrival of the panoramic glass roof onto production vehicles, offering extraordinary levels of interior brightness and an unprecedented feeling of space and visibility, particularly for the rear passengers. The SW therefore combines several benefits such as driving pleasure, comfort inside the car, and carrying capacity.

    A refined environment

    The interior offers a warm and refined atmosphere with an emphasis on lifestyle. The resulting atmosphere illustrates a high level of craftsmanship thanks to the use of natural materials and high quality finishes. The fascia panel with its very simple and fluid contours, matching those of the hatchback, is fully trimmed with Aniline brown leather creating a pearlescent reflective finish. Leather can also be found on the seats and door interior trim panels. This creates a monochrome effect with the use of other high quality materials such as linen and silk. Sandstone coloured silk can be found on some parts of the seats and door trims.

    Style

    The 308 SW Prologue succeeds in harmonising the now familiar expressive and dynamic front design of the 308 with a very original design of the rear. Making the most of the hatchback’s semi-tall architecture, the finished vehicle takes into account the desired requirements in terms of carrying capacity and interior space for passengers, with the possibility of also installing a 3rd row of seats.

    From the protruding “nose” of the bonnet, two style lines flow back over the bonnet, merging with the front windscreen pillars and then continuing as far as the car’s rear tailgate. The sharp and piercing look created by the bi-Xenon directional headlamps and the aluminium-coloured front grille with its recessed design is also derived from the 308 three and five door hatchback.

    From the side, the vehicle offers a dynamism that is rare in this segment, with a particularly expressive forward-positioned window line. The highly original shape of the rear quarter light windows builds on this dynamic design, particularly since this window provides visibility to the passengers in the 3rd row.

    The sides of the vehicle create a sense of motion that extends to the rear lights, enhancing the contours of the car’s prominent shape. Finally, the metallic aluminium coloured roof bars add fluidity and a dash of elegance.

    The sophisticated and very bold rear lines are based on the idea of a wraparound single piece rear tailgate glass, which tightly fits around the sides of the body. In addition to its very original outline, this rear tailgate glass takes into account the need for rear access and visibility and can be opened independently of the tailgate, thereby easing loading in certain circumstances.

    Combined with ruby coloured lights, the styling gives this concept car a highly distinctive real personality, as well as an overall impression of durability, size and an original modern feel. The tailgate provides a wide access area to the inside of the car and also a particularly low load sill for maximum practicality. Its very exclusive metallic body colour shows off the body contours to remarkable effect.

    Some components are coated with sprayed nickel such as the rims of the air vents, instruments, door handles and the surround of the gear lever knob, adding their own touch of class to this cosy and timeless atmosphere. Growing in character over time, these metallic components will continue to shine like stunning objects of art. To complete the feeling of quality, a bespoke luggage set has been produced using the same materials found in the passenger compartment. This can easily be accommodated between the two 2nd row seats, where it then serves as an armrest.

    Intelligent flexibility

    Careful attention has been paid to modularity to allow the vehicle to adapt to all possible situations that could be encountered by those who will use it. For example, there are individual rear seats,
    which can be folded, removed, and above all are identical in size to allow multiple combinations.

    The 2nd row can therefore accommodate from 0 to 3 seats with different spacing possibilities. Each of these seats can be positioned in the 3rd row. For maximum practicality the 3rd row can also accommodate extra “occasional” seats which have a specific design, enabling the vehicle to seat up to 7 people. In addition, the front passenger seat, which can be folded flat into a “desk” configuration, also allows a maximum load length of more than 3 metres if required.

    Engine

    The 308 SW Prologue concept car is powered by the 2.0 litre HDi DPFS 100 kW (˜136 bhp) engine equipped with an additive-enhanced diesel particulate filter system (DPFS). Its excellent performance offers genuine driving pleasure and complete peace of mind. Its HDi DPFS technology, in accordance with the spirit of the car, ensures it is environmentally-friendly, with reduced CO2 emissions and the complete eradication of particulate emissions.

  • Brabus ForTwo XClusive

    Brabus Fortwo XclusiveThe new smart fortwo BRABUS heralds the second round and sixth year of the successful cooperation between smart and BRABUS, the tuning specialist from Bottrop in Germany. Once again, each partner is bringing a valuable “dowry” into the joint venture: smart the new smart fortwo with its larger body, longer wheelbase, new suspension and further improved safety; BRABUS its expertise as a worldwide renowned specialist for exclusiveness on wheels.

    This congenial partnership has once again resulted in a car that is unsurpassed in terms of performance and exclusiveness in its vehicle class: the new smart fortwo BRABUS:

    In fact, customers can choose between two models with the striking double B logo – the smart fortwo BRABUS or the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive. In addition to sportiness and exclusiveness, the BRABUS models boast a third component that is increasing in importance as a buying factor: individuality. Drivers can choose the smart BRABUS model that best suits their personal taste and lifestyle. Whereas the focus of the smart fortwo BRABUS is primarily on sportiness, in the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive this is supplemented by a touch of luxury.

    In addition to this, both versions of the smart BRABUS are available as a coupé or a cabrio – giving smart customers even more options and allowing them to choose between the “open air” version with an electrically operated soft top or the coupé with a newly developed polycarbonate panoramic roof.

    smart BRABUS: Sporty down to the last detail

    One look is enough to see and understand the message of the new smart fortwo BRABUS. Wide tyres measuring 175/50 R 16 (front) and 225/35 R 17 (rear), bright-finish “Monoblock IV” alloy wheels and wider rear wheel arches clearly mark the two-seater as a sporty character that is proud to flex its muscles. The BRABUS sports exhaust system with its dual tailpipe and the BRABUS sports suspension with specially configured sports shock absorbers lowering the body by ten millimetres as against the production model, add to this impression.

    The interior also focuses on sportiness. The instruments, pedals and main controls bear the signature of the smart-BRABUS experts. Specifically, the speedometer, rev counter and clock are characterised by specially designed dials, the pedals attract attention with stainless steel and black rubber nubs and the gear knob and hand-brake handle are made of a high quality combination of leather and aluminium. The leather-covered three-spoke sports steering wheel has also been specially developed for the smart fortwo BRABUS.

    BRABUS Xclusive: When only the best is good enough

    The name “Xclusive” says it all for the second model version of the new smart fortwo BRABUS. Here, sportiness is coupled with an unusually exclusive design and equipment for this vehicle class. Distinguishing features of the Xclusive include the striking front apron with an integrated spoiler and larger air inlets, the side skirts and the distinctive rear apron. All styling parts are painted in the colour of the exterior, giving the body a harmonious look in terms of colour and design.

    The front headlights are a further eye-catching feature of the new smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive. Not just because of their halogen projection technology, but also because of the titanium-coloured inner surrounds that clearly distinguish them from other headlights. Monochrome bulbs are used for the indicators and only appear yellow when the indicator flashes.

    In the interior of the Xclusive passengers can enjoy the feel of the soft leather that covers the seats and the BRABUS sports steering wheel. The Brabus double B logo is embossed at the top of the leather seats. The silver leather seams are a further exclusive highlight. The seats are heated and come with head/thorax side airbags as a standard feature.

    The leather-effect instrument panel and interior door trim harmonise with the leather of the seat surface in style and colour. The fine silver seams of the instrument panel, which take up a design element of the seats, are a special detail. Aluminium-look trim components frame the cockpit instruments, upgrade the tunnel trim and lend highlights to the door trim. Floor mats made of fine velour are a further standard feature.

    Engine: More turbo power coupled with even lower consumption

    Both versions of the new smart fortwo BRABUS are powered by a high-performance athletic heart. The smart-BRABUS engineers have improved the rear-mounted three-cylinder turbo engine in a number of details and have boosted the power by more than 30 percent. The engine develops 72 kW/98 bhp at 5500 rpm and this together with the maximum torque of 140 Newton metres from 3500 rpm enables quick intermediate sprints. The sporty two-seater accelerates from zero to 60 km/h in 4.1 seconds and reaches 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 155 km/h.

    The weight/power ratio of the 780 kilogram smart fortwo BRABUS is just 7.95 kg/bhp – 24 percent lower than that of the predecessor model.

    A look at the consumption and emission figures of the new two-seater BRABUS shows that environmental compatibility and economy on the one hand, and sporty driving fun on the other hand, are not a contradiction in terms. Despite the clear power increase of more than 30 percent as against the predecessor model, the consumption of the smart fortwo BRABUS is still around the five litre mark: The overall consumption in accordance with NEDC is just 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions are equally exemplary at 124 grams per kilometre. The most important engine and performance data of the new smart fortwo BRABUS at a glance:

    Engine capacity 999 cc
    Rated output 72 kW/98 bhp at 5500 rpm
    Maximum torque 140 Nm at 3500 rpm
    0-60 km/h 4.1 s
    0-100 km/h 9.9 s
    Maximum speed 155 km/h (electronically limited)
    Fuel consumption* 5.2 l/100 km
    CO2 emissions 124 g/km

    *NEDC overall consumption

    The new engine controller is largely responsible for the spontaneous power development coupled with low energy consumption. The maps controlling ignition, fuel injection and turbocharger are stored in its electronic memory. This enables the three-cylinder engine to fall back on the most suitable data in every driving situation and to precisely regulate the injection quantity, injection timing and charge pressure. The maximum charge pressure of 443 millibars is reached at 3500 rpm.

    Transmission: Shifting times reduced by up to 20 percent

    As before, the smart fortwo BRABUS features an automated manual transmission that drivers can comfortably operate with shift paddles on the steering wheel. A specially developed transmission controller enables even faster gear shifting than with the other engine versions of the smart fortwo; the shifting times in gears 1 to 4 are reduced by approximately 20 percent – a further important contribution to dynamic driving pleasure.

    The clutch is opened and closed by an electric motor which means that there is no clutch pedal in the new smart fortwo BRABUS. A kick-down function that is activated with the accelerator makes quick intermediate sprints possible. This enables the driver to spontaneously change down by one or two gears and to make even better use of the engine’s low-speed torque.

    The gearbox modified by smart-BRABUS differs from the standard transmission on account of the shorter ratios of the first and fifth gears. This is manifested in better acceleration and elasticity. For reliable transmission of the higher torque the transmission has been strengthened at various points – for example the transmission shafts and the toothed gear root – with complex surface treatment. The clutch has a diameter of 200 millimetres and has a stiffer torsional spring than the smart fortwo with a 62 kW/84 bhp engine. The final drive and gear ratios of the smart fortwo BRABUS at a glance:

    Final drive ratio 4.529
    1st gear 3.308
    2nd gear 1.913
    3rd gear 1.258
    4th gear 0.943
    5th gear 0.763
    Reverse 3.231

    Suspension: Sports shock absorbers for agile handling

    Like the transmission, the suspension has been adjusted to the agile character and higher performance of the new smart fortwo BRABUS. In line with the sporty character, gas-filled sports shock absorbers with special characteristics and coil springs with specially configured spring rates are fitted that lower the body by ten millimetres.

    The wheelbase of 1867 millimetres that is 55 millimetres longer than that of the predecessor model and the wider track of 1270 / 1363 millimetres guarantee high directional stability and safety in conjunction with the stiff suspension setup. The main suspension data of the new smart fortwo BRABUS at a glance:

    Wheelbase 1,867 mm
    Track width front; rear 1,270 mm; 1,363 mm
    Tyres front;rear 175/50 R 16; 225/35 R 17
    Wheels front;rear 5.5 x 16 ET 30; 7.5 x 17 ET 33
    Turning circle 8.75 m

    Like all models of the new smart fortwo, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and an electronic stability programme (ESP®) are included in the standard spec. The dual-circuit brake system with tandem servo assistance is fitted with disc brakes on the front axle and drum brakes on the rear axle.

  • Brabus Mercedes-Benz D3 S

    Brabus Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDIBrand-New for the Latest Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI: 50 PS (49 hp) / 36.8 kW more Power and an Extra 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) of Torque with BRABUS D3 S POWER XTRA. An increase in maximum power output from standard 170 PS (168 hp) / 125 kW to 220 PS (217 hp) / 162 kW, a jump in torque from 400 Nm to 480 Nm (295 to 354 lb-ft), combined with maximum environmental friendliness in accordance with Euro IV emission limits, and all that backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers (see BRABUS warranty conditions): For the new Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI BRABUS presents the new BRABUS POWER XTRA D3 S power kit.

    The processor-controlled BRABUS auxiliary control unit with integrated injector drive module comes with a ready-to-connect wire harness and detailed installation instructions. It can be installed quickly and easily by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. The BRABUS POWER XTRA D3 S tuning kit works flawlessly in conjunction with the standard particulate filter of the C 220 CDI and increases maximum power output by 50 PS (49 hp) / 36.8 kW and peak torque by 80 Nm (59 lb-ft). Despite the increased performance emissions of the turbodiesel engine remain on the low level of the production car: Even with BRABUS performance tuning the car meets stringent EURO IV emission standards.

    The added powerful of the tuned diesel engine is noticeable in every traffic situation: The increase in torque gives the C 220 CDI superior pulling power even at low engine speeds, making passing maneuvers shorter and safer.

    Vehicle performance speaks for itself: With a sprint time from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) of 7.8 seconds the C 220 CDI with BRABUS D3 S performance kit takes almost a full second less than the production car. The top speed of 239 km/h (149 mph) exceeds that of the production model by 10 km/h (6 mph).

    The fully stainless-steel BRABUS quad sport exhaust for the Mercedes C 220 CDI looks great and gives the car a more powerful exhaust note.

    In addition to performance tuning BRABUS offers an extensive customization program for the new Mercedes C-Class. The product range includes a sporty yet elegantly shaped aerodynamic-enhancement kit, sporty suspension modifications from a simple lowering kit to a complete sports suspension, high-performance brake systems as well as exclusive interior accessories including handcrafted fully leather interiors made from only the very best materials with utmost precision and loving attention to detail.

  • Kia Pro-cee’d

    Kia Cee'd Three DoorKia Motors Corporation has revealed the first ‘preview image’ of its exciting new Kia Pro-cee’d three-door hatchback model which will make its World Premiere at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show on 11 September.

    Based closely on the earlier pro_cee’d concept car shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, the new production model has been developed by Kia’s design team in Europe under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

    “Longer, lower and lighter than its five-door sister car, the new Kia Pro-cee’d is going to be a great drive,” enthused Mr. Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. “Combining real style and genuine practicality, our new three-door cee’d is sure to delight existing Kia customers and attract a new group of European consumers who have not yet considered our brand.”

    Manufactured in Slovakia, the Pro-cee’d will be the third member of the Kia cee’d family, joining the popular cee’d five-door and recently launched wagon models to make Kia an especially strong challenger for C-segment sales in Europe.

    Production of the Pro-cee’d model range is scheduled to begin in November with first customer sales during the early months of 2008.

  • Mercedes-Benz AMG Performance Package E63

    Mercedes-Benz E63 AMGA special AMG performance package will shortly be available ex factory for the sporty 378 kW/514 hp E 63 AMG Saloon. It comprises various technical components which significantly enhance the handling dynamics, the motorsport potential and the individuality of this model. The performance package was developed at the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in Affalterbach and the vehicles are built at the Daimler Chrysler production plant in Sindelfingen.

    The performance package will be available for the E 63 AMG Saloon from March 2007.

    Using various higher-performance components, the AMG performance package for the E 63 AMG puts the accent on dynamic handling and performance. The result is a breathtaking driving experience for ambitious sports car enthusiasts who want to have the option of using their AMG performance model on closed-circuit racetracks. Customers benefit from the extensive motorsport know-how gained by Mercedes-AMG GmbH over the course of four decades. The E 63 performance package is priced at 7,140 euros (incl. 19% VAT).

    The AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in Affalterbach can take the customisation even further, building distinctive – or even unique – vehicles on the basis of individual customer specifications.

  • Wolf Ford Focus ST

    WOLF has been attending to the brand with the blue emblem for 30 years as the most competent partner for sophisticated tuning, and it has accumulated an enormous wealth of experience during that time. WOLF’s involvement in racing since 1977 has played a big part in that.

    Who doesn’t remember the feared Cosworth RS 500 versions of the Ford Sierra – lovingly called “Cossie” by its fans – with which WOLF RACING stirred up the DTM … and won? WOLF also caused a sensation in rally racing – Group N. And WOLF is still involved in racing today. All of the experience gathered from that flows into its street tuning program. Drivers of the current Ford Focus ST also benefit from that. (more…)

  • Hamann BMW 3er Series Cabrio

    HAMANN BMW 3 Series E 93 CabrioHAMANN from Laupheim, Germany, has already begun with modifications for the youngest 3-Series Convertible. An aerodynamic kit, power boost, new wheels, suspension components, as well stylish interior enhances the sporty elegant features and improves driving performance of this bavarian beauty

    Power boost for gas engines and diesels

    HAMANN boosts the power in this Convertible by means of optized curved maps. Meaning, the electronic power boost is achieved by recalibrating the standard ECU. The four-cylinder model 320i receives HAMANN´s boost of 10 HP / 7 kW and 10 Nm torque. Enough to speed up the 320i to 233 km/h (standard: 228). The six-cylinder gas engines 325i and 330i experience a plus of 13 HP / 10 kW and 17 HP/ 12 kW and both about 25 Nm torque as well. Top speed climbs to 250, respektively 265 km/h (standard: 325i 245 km/h, 330i 250 km/h). Included in price for the 330i is deactivation of 250 km/h speed restriction.

    Likewise the 335i receives a power boost from 37 HP / 27 kW and an impressive 279 km/h top speed. For easier “breathing“ capabilities of the 6-cylinder model HAMANN offers a sport air filter. For the current diesel model 330d customers can expect a significant power boost of 272 HP/ 200 kW making possible a top speed of 256 km/h (standard: 245) and 600 Nm at 2000 rpm/min.

    By fitting a HAMANN 4-pipe sports rear muffler with four round tailpipes, the 335i publicizes it’s power. The four stainless steel tailpipes, each 76mm in diameter, make the rear end of this Convertible even more attractive.

    Powerful sport aerodynamics

    BMW tailored beautiful body-work for the 3-series Convertible. HAMANN provides customers a even more individual look with specially powerful enhancement. Fitted to the standard bumper is a new, distinctive sportier looking HAMANN designed front spoiler. The visual lowering effect created by the new side sills, lend the side view more character. The buoyancy reducing rear spoiler in combination with the new HAMANN rear center molding designed for conjunction with the HAMANN 4-pipe sport muffler, incorporates matching cutouts for the tailpipes and is a real eye-catcher. Fitted black Carbon-Kevlar mirror caps lends the HAMANN 3-Series Convertible that final polished look.

    Wheels from 18 to 20-inches

    HAMANN really goes to town when it comes to wheels. Three unique individual designs and three sizes from 18 to 20 inch make selection difficult. A multispoke design is featured in the single-piece rim “Anniversary I“ is available in ’silver’ finish and features an outer rim with an INOX steel lip. HAMANN offers it in 18, 19 and 20 inch versions. The wheel PG3 is a multiple five-spoke composite wheel in silver with a high-gloss polished rim flange. Here customers can choose between sizes 19 and 20 inches.

    Unquestionably, 20 inch wheels suit the customized 3-Series Convertible best. HAMANN offers this size as top model design „Edition Race“. The appearance of this three piece, ultra-lightweight, forged rim is a cross-spoke design with a black spider characterized by the 9 main spokes, each of which branches outwards into 2 further spokes. Following this exciting design, the titanium bolts are a particularly attention-getting design. The high-gloss rim flange adds the finishing touch to this stylish look.

    Choice of combination with wider rear axle tires is possible for all 19 and 20 inch versions from Anniversary I and PG3 as in the case of Edition Race wheels as well. HAMANN provides advice as requested regarding all possible combinations.

    Better handling and powerful gripping brakes

    By fitting a suspension lowering kit comprising of four progressive suspension struts, HAMANN succeeds in lowering the vehicle’s center of gravity by 35 mm front and by 20 mm rear. For vehicles with sport suspension tuning systems from stock, that’s still around 15 mm. In both cases, a clearly better handling results. Among race drives it is said “races are won on the brakes“. For those who prefer to use somewhat more rapid acceleration, HAMANN program suggests powerful gripping brakes for security purposes!

    Interior designed with numerable accessories creates an even more pleasurable stay in HAMANN´s 3-Series Cabrio. Thanks to the three-spoke HAMANN airbag sports steering wheel, the driver’s hands always hold the reins securely. A sporty flair is added by the decorative carbon-fiber components, which HAMANN fits to the dashboard, center console, ashtray trim, doors, steering wheel, gearshift knob, handbrake lever and the I-Drive-Controller. HAMANN adds further sporty nuances in the form of sport gearshift knobs (in aluminum or leather/aluminum), aluminum pedals, an aluminum handbrake lever and an aluminum footrest. An exclusive set of floor mats sporting the HAMANN logo in silver rounds off the interior offerings.

    Of course, HAMANN customizes every 3-Series to individual customer requests. For example, luxurious leather upholsteries in a variety of colors are possible, as are extensive multimedia conversions featuring DVD player, TV or Playstation.

  • AC Schnitzer Mini RS6

    AC Schnitzer MINI RS6Retro but not old-fashioned – sassy and practical – authentic but no copy: Few cars have mastered the balancing act as well as the new MINI, the latest generation of which is now in the showrooms. In design terms it remains true to its predecessor, but doesn’t stop there technically. In detail no MINI looks like the next, because individuality takes priority amongst its owners.

    Anyone wanting to stand out from the crowd of MINI owners, not just in appearance but also in performance, should turn to AC Schnitzer. The present focus of the tuner’s development activities is the new 170 HP turbo engine in the Cooper S, for which AC Schnitzer develops a performance upgrade. And when the driver puts the power down, the sound track plays loud and clear, thanks to the sonorous twin sports silencer with chromed Racing tailpipe.

    Full gas to the next corner – and through it at full speed! Touring Car legend Manfred Wollgarten set up the AC Schnitzer racing suspension on the North Loop of the Nürburgring – and it runs rings round the already very good standard suspension. You can feel the difference just with the AC Schnitzer suspension spring kit. But back from the track to the city: Out of the reflective glass facades flashes the face of a model athlete. AC Schnitzer achieves this masterpiece with a few tricks. The front bumper has a new front spoiler.

    Painted in body colour, and with its striking prominent corners, it sets a clear visual highlight. The sassy rear has also been subtly lifted. The rear skirt from AC Schnitzer, painted in contrast to standard, has a diffuser which effectively pulls the MINI down to the tarmac.

    Two sporting wheel designs, the brand-new Bicolor wheel Mi2 in 7.5 x18″ and the Mi1 in the classic AC Schnitzer look in 7.5 x 17″, complete the sporting range. And naturally the enthusiastic MINI fan has a wealth of matching accessories for the interior.

    Such as the attractive controls and sports pedals of aluminium – naturally from AC Schnitzer.

  • Porsche 911 GT2

    Porsche 911 GT2Presenting the new 911 GT2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is proudly launching the most powerful 911 so far homologated for road use. Through its striking design with large air intakes at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model, the new 911 GT2 expresses the power and performance potential of the fastest-ever 911 right from the start even at a standstill.

    Available exclusively with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox, this high-performance athlete accelerates to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph) on average fuel consumption of just 12.5 litres/100 km (equal to 22.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thus offering a level of fuel economy regarded as quite impossible in this performance class just a few years ago.

    The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 Turbo, with air supply by two exhaust gas turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). The 3.6-litre boxer engine achieves its maximum output of 530 bhp (390 kW) at 6500 rpm, with maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres maintained consistently between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. With its unladen weight of 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, finally, the 911 GT2 offers a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.72 kg/6.00 lb per horsepower.

    The increase in engine power by 50 bhp over the ”regular“ power unit is provided in the new 911 GT2 by two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimised turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even higher level. And for the first time Porsche’s engineers have combined the turbocharged engine with an expansion-type intake manifold – a genuine revolution on turbocharged power units.

    The expansion intake manifold uses the principle of oscillating air in the intake manifold during the cooler expansion phase, keeping the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the 911 Turbo. This, in turn, means a significant increase in all-round efficiency, with fuel consumption down by up to 15 per cent under full load despite the increase in engine output.

    The 911 GT2 offers new achievements also in terms of emission management and control: This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment. This expensive material reduces weight by approximately 50 per cent versus a comparable component made of stainless steel to just 9 kg.

    The new 911 GT2 comes as standard with PCCB brakes featuring brake discs made of a composite carbon fibre/ceramic compound ensuring maximum stopping power maintained with an extremely high level of consistency. A further advantage is that PCCB brakes reduce the weight of the unsprung masses versus comparable grey cast-iron discs by approximately 20 kg or 44 lb.

    Yet another feature fitted as standard is the electronically controlled PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management. (PASM). The GT2 comes on 19-inch light-alloy wheels running at the front on 235/35 ZR 19, at the rear on 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres.

    The new 911 GT2 will be at the dealership in November 2007. The base price of the car in Germany is Euro 159,100.-, the market price including 19 per cent value-added tax Euro 189,496.-.

  • JE Design Audi Q7

    True to the motto of “everything or nothing”, the car styling specialist from Leingarten,Germany, customizes the Q7 to create an impressive car. In addition to the muscular wide body kit, which makes this Audi look even more powerful, JE DESIGN is also offering a performance enhancement, new rims and an electronically lowered suspension. (more…)

  • STARTECH Jeep Compass

    STARTECH Jeep Compass180 hp (178 bhp) / 132 kW of rated power and a peak torque of 360 Nm (266 ft-lb) for the 2.0 CRD model, as well as a wide range of exclusive accessories: STARTECH offers an exclusive customization program for the Jeep Compass that features numerous innovative detail solutions and leaves nothing to be desired.

    The STARTECH SD3 tuning kit for the Compass turbodiesel model can be installed by any authorized Chrysler–Dodge–Jeep dealer in less than 30 minutes. It unleashes the true power inherent in the two-liter diesel engine. The additional 40 hp (39 bhp) / 29.4 kW and the enormous torque that’s already available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, are the result of an auxiliary control module that governs the engine electronics. The engine tuning can be further optimized with the STARTECH stainless-steel sport exhaust. The latter is integrated into the STARTECH individualization concept for this Jeep model based on a brand-new
    idea.

    The two oval tailpipes left and right are seamlessly integrated into the STARTECH rear molding, which is part of the striking designer suit for the Compass. It is styled like an underride guard. The rear molding can also be installed sans sport exhaust.

    The replacement for the front apron is also shaped like a modern underride guard and lends the five-door a more aggressive expression. The front can be further refined with two stylized air dams below the turn signals. Their ‘eyelashes’ give the 4×4 a sharper profile. The STARTECH body conversion is rounded out by rocker panels shaped like running boards.

    The STARTECH look is further dominated by custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations for the Compass, available with diameters of 19 and 20 inches, instead of the stock 18-inch wheels. The STARTECH Monostar IV five-spoke wheels are silver polished and fill out the space below the wheel arches nicely. They are mounted in size 8.5Jx19 all around with tires in size 255/40 R 19 or in size 9Jx20 in front and back with tires in size 245/35 R 20 all around.

    STARTECH also offers progressive-rate springs that lower the ride height of the American SUV by some 30 millimeters. The lowered center of gravity gives the vehicle even sportier and safer handling characteristics.

    STARTECH also adds exclusive and individual highlights in the cockpit. These include stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated STARTECH logo and high-quality velour floor mats. Exclusive highlights in the Compass cockpit are added with the STARTECH Lifestyle interior upgrade package. It includes leather-covered door trim with embossed Compass logo and color-contrasted ornamental stitching that also adorns the trim piece for the dashboard. The interior is further upgraded with high-gloss silver-coated loudspeaker moldings that are designed to look like a compass.

  • Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT

    Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORTBased on the i MiEV,*1 the pinnacle of Mitsubishi Motors’s environmental technology, the i MiEV SPORT maximizes the sporty possibilities of the zero-emissions electric vehicle. The high power and environmental performance of its electric motors make it an exhilarating drive that delivers superior environmental performance.

    Design

    The “fastback” exterior design expresses the quickness of the car with an appearance that is pleasing and lively. An efficient, environmentally friendly electric vehicle thanks to its compact size, it also possesses exceptionally fluid styling. A simplified interior styling creates a pleasant space, allowing occupants to feel at home. Geometry, metallic materials and body epitomize the futuristic electric vehicle. Interior lighting, too, has been carefully thought out, with the use of many blue LEDs suggestive of nature, creating a sophisticated, cutting-edge atmosphere.

    The light green exterior marks another association with nature. The pearlescent paint, which shines when hit with direct light, brings feelings of advanced, futuristic technology and environmental peace of mind. The interior is sporty and dynamic as a result of the substantial use of mesh materials, while the space, with various natural elements, fosters feelings of both security and comfort.

    Packaging

    Like the i MiEV, i MiEV Sport uses a rear-midship design in its layout. Making use of the relatively long wheelbase of this platform, a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is installed in the lowest area under the floor, and components including a motor and inverter are arranged beneath the luggage compartment. This layout provides optimal distribution of weight, front and rear, and a lower center of gravity for stability, sporty performance, and a spacious interior.

    Body Structure

    An aluminum space frame — a combination of aluminum extrusions and aluminum die casting — is light, rigid and strong; helping to improving performance by minimizing weight.

    The optimum layout of structural members, including front-side and cross members, efficiently absorbs crash energy in the event of front-end or side collision. In a collision from the rear, EV components under the back seat and rear floor serve as a barrier to ensure the integrity of the passenger compartment. By making use of the rear-midship layout and utilizing Mitsubishi’s latest RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, the concept realizes excellent occupant protection in collisions from any direction, even when colliding with a vehicle of different height or weight.

    Powertrain / S-AWC

    The system employs a structure consisting of three permanent magnetic synchronous motors. One in-wheel motor is placed at each front wheel; a single motor drives the rear wheels, as is used in the “i MiEV” system. An E-4WD system electronically optimizes the output of all motors. In addition, a new E-AYC (Electric Active Yaw Control) system is employed to directly regulate torque at the left and right rear wheels via an electric motor. In addition to the E-4WD and E-AYC, the S-AWC system integrates ABS and ASC (Active Stability Control) systems, thus independently controlling driving force, traction and braking at all four wheels, for total maneuverability and maximum stability.

    Energy Saving Technology/Environmental Technology

    Energy-saving environmental considerations are seen throughout the i MiEV SPORT. Effective use of energy is achieved by installing an auxiliary photovoltaic generator on the roof, a power-generating fan inside the front grill, and regenerative braking functions to recover energy when the car is slowing down. Much of the lighting is by bright, power-saving LEDs, including in the rear combination lamps and vehicle interior, and the efficiency of the air conditioning is enhanced by the use of heat-absorbing window glass. In addition, Green Plastic — Mitsubishi Motors’ unique plant-based resin technology — is used wherever possible for interior components in another nod to the environment.