Kia’s exciting all-new ex_cee’d cabrioconcept car will make its world premiere at the 77th Salon de l’Automobiles in Geneva, Switzerland on 6 March. The styling of the ex_cee’d cabrio is the work of new Kia Design Chief Peter Schreyer and gives a first indication of the future direction the look of Kia-brand vehicles will be taking under his guidance.
Based on a pre-production prototype of the new three-door cee’d Sporty Hatch (scheduled for production in December), the ex_cee’d has the same wheelbase, but features all-new exterior panels, sharing only the floor-pan and unseen components with the donor car, plus a powered folding fabric roof. (more…)
Mercedes-Benz engineers are currently developing a new, prestigious luxury limousine with integrated highest protection for governments, businesses, monarchs and heads of state. The armoured Pullman Limousine is based on the long version of the S 600 with a substantially extended wheelbase length. The Mercedes-Benz State Limousine therefore provides a level of roominess worthy of its high-ranking occupants, not to mention outstanding comfort and a fully equipped mobile office. The S 600 Guard Pullman sees the world’s oldest car manufacturer continuing its long tradition of building large state carriages with factory-integrated special-protection features.
Tradition and innovation are part of Mercedes-Benz’ corporate culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the construction of large, armoured, prestigious limousines. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer is the only carmaker that develops and builds impressive Pullman limousines with special protection, primarily for the official engagements of heads of state and monarchs. And it has been doing so for some eight decades without interruption.
Originally, Pullman cars were railroad sleeping cars with luxurious appointments, produced by the American Pullman Palace Car Company; however, it was not long before the name “Pullman” also came to describe Mercedes-Benz cars with an extra-long wheelbase and an extremely large passenger compartment in the rear. Separated from the front compartment by a partition, the rear compartment housed four individual face-to-face seats, allowing four passengers to sit opposite each other in truly grand style.
Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard Pullman
The very first Mercedes-Benz car to be factory-fitted with special protection, in 1928, was a long Pullman version of the W 08/460 Nürburg model. This was followed first by the 770 K, which provided protection befitting the status of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito among others, and then by further Pullman Limousines. Eventually, the legendary Mercedes-Benz 600 assumed the mantle of state carriage, holding it for almost thirty years. As well as being used by the government of the Federal Republic of Germany for official business it was the preferred vehicle of governments from numerous other countries and many prominent dynasties. Further Pullman versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Guard featuring special protection followed in these illustrious footsteps. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler: “The new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman continues an impressive tradition and, as before, will offer the very highest levels of protection, comfort and prestige.”
Governments, heads of state and royalty all over the world have always appreciated Mercedes-Benz’ vast experience and pioneering technical achievements in the construction of prestigious limousines featuring special protection. The luxury limousine not only provides all the communications and entertainment equipment they need, it also offers them space for discreet meetings. So they have everything perfectly under control, whatever the situation, with the added bonus of highly comfortable, individually styled surroundings.
Newly developed based on the S 600
In terms of technology, the new Pullman Limousine is based on the flagship Mercedes Benz S 600 L Guard model. Power comes courtesy of a smooth twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a displacement of 5513 cc, an output of 380kW/517 hp and an impressive peak torque of 830 Nm.
Both the chassis and the body are new developments, since simply adding on an extension would not have ensured the required overall stability, given the extra-long wheelbase. These new developments also provide the solid design basis for the installation of the heavy special-protection components. In addition, the new State Limousine features a rear entrance with increased headroom. Behind the partition, there is space for four passengers in the rear compartment with luxurious face-to-face seats in the time-honoured Pullman tradition.
Integrated special protection for highest possible security
The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman also offers its discerning passengers the highest possible degree of protection against terrorist attacks. The Highest Protection specified for this car is equivalent to resistance level B6/B7, as tested and certified by state-approved organisations. Plus it meets further requirements that are not even stipulated by any standard, as tested by public and independent organisations. Its armour resists military-standard small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive devices. Additional safety features include run-flat tyres, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system.
In order to achieve the highest possible degree of protection, specialists with many years of experience in security technology equip the Pullman Limousine in Sindelfingen, working on the principle of integrated special protection. In effect this means that, rather than retrofitting the protective elements in the doors, rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall, etc. of an already finished vehicle, they fully integrate them into the bodyshell. Hence the body structure is further reinforced. The resulting vehicles offer hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with comprehensive Highest Protection, including in those areas where retrofits would be all but impossible. The basis for this is long-standing, continuous and close cooperation with nationally and internationally recognised security authorities. Over a period of decades, this collaboration has ensured that the production and development expertise of the Mercedes specialists has continued to grow. Their vast experience in the fields of protection technology and ballistics enables them to react to changing requirements in the most effective way possible.
Thanks to seamless integration of the special-protection features, the paint quality and corrosion protection match the high standards of conventional Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Furthermore, the Pullman Limousines can be serviced at any Mercedes-Benz service outlet world-wide – a key aspect of the comprehensive, uncomplicated high-level service concept.
It goes without saying that every new Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman will display its own unique brand of styling thanks to an extensive range of appointments options including a choice of paint finishes, leathers and woods. Even the most unusual of customer requests can be met.
The first editions of the new Mercedes-Benz State Limousine are due to be delivered in late 2008.
Er gehört zu den wenigen Supersportwagen und nach seinem Debüt am Internationalen Genfer Automobilsalon 2006 war klar: Im apollo vereinen sich Dynamik und Design mit purem Fahrgenuss und einzigartiger Performance. Gottesgleich fegt er über die Strassen und auf der Rennpiste schreit er nach Herausforderung, nach einem Gegner, der seiner atemberaubenden Beschleunigung und seiner einzigartigen Kurvenlage Paroli bieten kann. (more…)
The Audi S5 is a unique competitor among high-performance coupés, thanks to its combination of V8 FSI technology and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The eight-cylinder engine with its superb power delivery has worthy counterparts in the specially tuned sports suspension and high-performance brakes. Subtle, but clear design elements inside and out serve to distinguish this coupé as a high performance athlete in a league of its own. The Audi S5 goes on sale with the launch of the Audi A5 series. (more…)
The Edo Maserati MC 12R just got better. Where the MC 12R had a modest 70hp power increase, the MC 12XX is aiming for FerrariFXX power levels, totalling the horsepowers under the hood at 800. Edo was never very happy with the MaseratiMC 12, even comparing the sound of the car to a Nissan Primera, and has undoubtedly outdone himself this time around.
So, if you have a MC12 sitting around, head on down to Ahlen, Germany. With purchasing this program you will also receive 1 day of testing with an Edo instructor, mechanics, data recording, transport and hospitality.
Edo Maserati MC12 XX
Specials
power increase 170 hp – contains new steel cylinder and piston 6.3 l (same like FXX ), new camshafts, new Titan valve springs, new Titan connecting rods, new oil cooling piston pipes, new exhaust manifolds, sport catalytic stainless, sport catalytic converter, sport air filter, air-ram system, fuel cooling system, new clutch, all bearings new, new oil pump, new gaskets, and dyno running with all worksport catalytic converter stainless with two level switch controlled sound system, new tail pipes in carbon volume of the exhaust per button push adjustable ceramic sport break system with 396 mm brake disc front and 360 mm brake disc rear, special brake pads in front and rear wheels can be painted in different designs tyre-air-pressure control system shows pressure and temperature per wheel headlamp-cover hand made form makrolon design modification outside for example complete different colour Independently adjustable dumping technology – rebound and compression dumping like FIA – GT MC12 air-in-take from carbon
Weight reducing programm 100 kg !!
New Racing wheels front 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19 Michelin, rear 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20 Michelin
Buying this kit includes 1 day testing with instructor, mechanics, data-recording, transport and hospitality on a race track.
At the Geneva Motor Show smart will be presenting the two BRABUS variants of the new smart fortwo to the public for the first time.
Rated at 72 kW / 98 bhp, the smart fortwo BRABUS and smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive have more than 30 percent more engine power than the BRABUS variant of the predecessor model. At the same time the low consumption and low CO2 emissions demonstrate that this does not have to come at a cost to the environment and customers’ wallets.
In addition, the two BRABUS variants boast an extremely low weight to power ratio: at just 7.8 kg/bhp this is 24 percent lower than that of the previous BRABUS variant.
smart fortwo BRABUS: Greater power and sports suspension
The smart fortwo BRABUS places the primary focus on sportiness. Its three-cylinder petrol engine with capacity of one litre delivers 72 kW (98 bhp) and together with maximum torque of 140 Newton metres this lends the 770 kilo two-seater remarkably lively agility. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes less than ten seconds and the maximum speed (electronically limited) is 155 km/h.
The exterior of the smart fortwo BRABUS is first and foremost characterised by “Monoblock VI” alloy wheels, wider rear wheel arches, a sports exhaust system and fog lights. Furthermore, it has a firmer suspension setup and is lowered by 15 millimetres.
The interior of the smart fortwo BRABUS is distinguished from that of standard smart fortwo models by a number of BRABUS styling elements, for example for the gear knob, hand-brake handle and pedals. The speedometer, rev counter and clock also bear the BRABUS signature.
The same range of exterior colours is available for the smart fortwo BRABUS as for other smart fortwo models.
Smart fortwo Brabus
smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive: Luxurious equipment
Sportiness combined with a level of luxury that is unusual in this vehicle class – that’s the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive. It does not differ from the BRABUS model in terms of drive and performance but it comes with additional equipment that leaves almost nothing to be desired.
Although it also sports wide “Monoblock VI” alloy wheels, wider rear wheel arches, a sports exhaust system and rear apron, it is nevertheless immediately recognisable as a BRABUS Xclusive. This is first and foremost due to the BRABUS front spoiler, BRABUS side skirts and the tinted clear glass headlights.
The interior of the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive additionally features heated leather seats embossed with the BRABUS logo. A modified three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift and BRABUS velour floor mats are also included in the standard spec. The instrument panel and door trim have a leather effect. Head/thorax side airbags, otherwise available as an option, are a standard feature in this model. These special side airbags protect the head and chest areas.
The paintwork of the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive further underlines the exclusiveness of this model. It is exclusively available in the combinations (tridion safety cell/bodypanels) silver/silver or black/black.
The two BRABUS variants will be launched on the market in the autumn of 2007. The prices will be announced around the middle of the year.
Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, today unveiled the new Lotus 2-Eleven. Launched at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show, the Lotus 2-Eleven is aimed at the true track day enthusiast, taking Colin Chapman’s philosophy of ‘Performance Through Lightweight’ to its most extreme level yet.
Weighing in at just 670 kg (1,477 lbs) with 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) on tap courtesy of its supercharged and intercooled 1796 cc engine, the Lotus 2-Eleven boasts a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960’s Formula One car. Designed with the most serious of track day enthusiasts in mind, the Lotus 2-Eleven offers race car levels of performance coupled with legendary Lotus Ride and Handling to deliver a truly outstanding track day car.
Said Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer for Group Lotus plc:
“The Lotus 2-Eleven takes our core brand values to the extreme. It is the ultimate track day vehicle – not only phenomenally quick, but also very user-friendly. In short, the 2-Eleven delivers everything that the modern track day warrior and clubman racer demands, and more.” Production of the Lotus 2-Eleven is scheduled to commence in April 2007 at the awardwinning and world-class Lotus manufacturing facility at Lotus Headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, UK. The 2-Eleven build will be completed in dedicated Lotus Sport workshops and each vehicle will be given a Lotus Sport build plate.
Lotus 2-Eleven
The Lotus 2-Eleven is initially available in Launch Edition specification only, which boasts a dynamic and unique three-way Lotus Sport colour scheme complete with decal pack. The Launch Edition is available in two versions – Road Going Version (UK Single Vehicle Approval) fitted with front and rear lights, exhaust catalyst, single plane rear wing and other items to achieve compliance with UK road legal requirements and Track Only Version with an enhanced aerodynamics package including high downforce single plane carbon fibre rear wing, high downforce front splitter, brake lights and rear indicators and FIA approved driver’s race seat.
The recommended selling price (incl UK VAT) of the Lotus 2-Eleven Launch Edition will be £39,995. In the UK, the SVA version (Single Vehicle Type Approval) which includes delivery, Pre Delivery Inspection, first service, number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, a full tank of fuel and SVA test costs an additional £1,100. The Lotus 2- Eleven is only available as a track-only option outside of the UK at 49,575 excluding local tax in mainland Europe. Pricing in Japan, South Africa and Lotus other international markets will be announced shortly.
TechArt revealed the first renderings of its new GTstreet model based on the 911 Turbo of the latest 997 series. A direct inheritor of the 2001 TechArt GTstreet based on the Porsche911 Turbo of the 996 model series, the new beast boasts 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,800 rpm, up from standard 480 hp / 353 kW, the peak torque is increased to 820 Nm at 4,500 rpm.
As opposed to many others, at OETTINGER’s in Friedrichsdorf they have not succumbed to the temptation of over-loading the new development of the Audi design star by adding the usual pretentious add-ons with air intakes widely ajar and huge spoiler-works supposed to enhance the impression of sportive power. (more…)
If Batman owned a Mustang, the new 2007 ROUSH Stage 3 BlackJack would most certainly be the ride of choice for the Caped Crusader. This menacing 430 horsepower tone-on-tone limited edition pony car comes straight from the mind of Jack Roush himself and is set to stalk the streets of Gotham City, and the rest of the country.
Jack Roush had the vision, and the ROUSH Stage 3 BlackJack Mustang is the result. He personally developed the content of this black-on-black car, and a prototype build was his vehicle of choice while at many of the NASCAR Nextel Cup events during the 2006 season. That particular Mustang recently ended up on the Barrett-Jackson auction block as an extremely collectible one-of-a-kind car. Now, ROUSH Performance is set to offer a limited edition run of 100 ROUSH Stage 3 BlackJack Mustangs, all of which have been pre-sold through their ROUSH-authorized Ford dealer base.
“I am involved with all the vehicles that ROUSH Performance builds, but the Stage 3 BlackJack is really the first one which was entirely my design and I am quite proud of how well it turned out,” said Jack Roush. “When I drove the prototype around the NASCAR tracks last season it got a lot of attention, mainly due to the intimidating theme of the car. Of course, the distinctive rumble of a ROUSHchargedTM V-8 engine turns a lot of heads, too. ”
ROUSH Stage 3 BlackJack
Jack Roush’s heritage as the winningest name in racing reverberates throughout the vehicle, starting with the powertrain which is what ROUSH Performance is so well known for. The polished ROUSHchargerTM system with a smaller pulley boosts the horsepower to 430 (with 400 lb.-ft. torque) which is the most in the history of the company. This system includes a Roots-style M90 supercharger, 38 lb.-hr. fuel injectors, ROUSH-designed intake manifold, intercooler assembly with radiator and a custom ROUSH ECM calibration to maximize optimal fuel and spark.
Aesthetics were also a big part of Roush’s vision for the Stage 3 BlackJack, starting with the matte black 21-inch stripe across the center of the black paint and the addition of the seven-piece ROUSH aerobody kit. Polished billet aluminum accessories, such as radiator, oil and strut tower caps, can be found throughout the engine compartment which contributes to the exciting package for street or track driving. Enthusiast drivers will immediately notice the handling of the vehicle has been improved by the addition of the Stage 3 suspension package which swaps out the stock front struts, rear shocks, front and rear springs, front and rear sway bar and jounce bumpers for ROUSH-engineered high performance versions.
Roush was also adamant about including the new ROUSH wheel hop reduction kit to help the rear wheel performance in low traction conditions. This is the only wheel hop kit on the market with a minimal NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) hit and no reduction in bushing life. Other manufacturers trade off anti-hop for a lot of noise, harshness and poor durability of the joints. The stopping rate is greatly improved with the addition of the ROUSH brake kit, a 14-inch, two-piece slotted rotor with four-piston calipers on the front and slotted rear rotors.
Interior upgrades include charcoal leather seating with an embroidered Stage 3 BlackJack logo, white electroluminescent gauges, billet aluminum pedal kit and short throw shifter with black shifter ball. The car comes standard with the ROUSH carbon fiber design dash trim kit and embroidered floor mats. Even the door sills have been upgraded in this model.
A ROUSH Stage 3 BlackJack serialized badge is riveted to the engine compartment, along with a Stage 3 signature badge which is personally engraved with the signature of the ROUSH Performance technician which hand-assembled the vehicle in the company’s Livonia, Mich., facility. To further validate the 100 cars, each will come with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Jack Roush.
Once you get behind the wheel you will immediately see why we claim that ” Between a race car and a road car… Is a ROUSH car.”
Chevrolet N2A 789 by Kanter Concepts is a car to speak of. You can take a look at the pictures but if you need more reasons I’ll give you some. First of all, the 789 combines the classic design elements from different models Chevy has released through the fifties. It actually mixes the designs of Chevys from the ’57. ’58 and ’59. Then the look of this particular model is so iconic that it can’t be mistaken with any other else.
Let’s talk about it in details now. The car has been built on a 2005-2007 Corvette C6 chassis. If this does not speak anything to you, then you should know that this is regarded one of the best performance chassis ever produced by Chevrolet. In addition, the 789 has the “hooded eyes” and chrome grille bar of a ’57 Bel Air model. It has been mixed with a mid-section and tri-toned interior that is reminiscent of the Impala from the 1958. The “bird in flight” rear tailfins are taken from the distant 1959.
The benefit of the 789 is that it isn’t a car form the fifties but it can hit the 190 mph within an instant and still use around 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
Another advantage here is that each and singe car produced will be unique. How will this happen? There won’t be any two identical paint scheme or colors, and the interior combinations are more than 10,000! This is how you will make sure that all eyes are on your vehicle.
The design process began with sketches first and then hand made clay models. The experts at Kanter Concepts find it really important to make everything the old-fashioned way so that they can keep the spirit of the fifties alive.
If you ask how much it would cost you to own this car, the answer is $135,000USD. For this amount of money you will get a machine capable of 400 horsepower produced by its aluminum block V8 engine, the abundant equipment of the Corvette, custom Borla exhaust system (each car gets a different one), PST high performance anti-sway bars and great wheel/tire combination. Optionally, anyone can opt for turbocharging or ceramic brakes, 1000 watt stereo or ostrich leather interior, at an additional pricing, of course.
Having more than 22 years of experience in the fiber reinforced composite materials and in the exception car building, working, repairing and modifying Lamborghinis and other prestigious models, Luc Chartrand launched out into the design of a car that would represent perfection to him in terms of esthetics and mechanics.
After more than two years, he finally found a quite impressive concept. Inspired by other designers, he imagined a car that would stand out from others: with a really advanced interior and a quite large rear, an enormous air intake on each side, the LOCUS has no cause to be envious of any other cars in her class.
Often encouraged by friends, themselves Lamborghini owners, to get involved in the making of a prototype, Luc finally decided to produce one. The making goes well and the prototype that will serve as the mother mold is almost finished. The enthusiasm of people for this model is already noticeable
STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Suspension: air-electronic
Adjustable steering column: electric and manual adjustment
Driver’s seat: electric
Mirrors: electric (memory)
Windows: electric
Air conditioning: auto climate control
Interior: leather, 3 seats, central driving
Audio equipment: 5.1 sound system, cd dvd, 7 speaker, GSS
Door closing and opening: automatic, electric, manual and remote control
Interior mirror: retrovision (camera LCD screen)
Proximity sensor: front, back and lateral
Tire pressure detector: 4 wheels
ENGINE
Disposal: longitudinal and central
Nameplate: GM
Architecture: V8
Capacity: 8,2 liters
Power: 550 hp – 1000 hp
Torque: 565 lb.
TRANSMISSION
Architecture: rear wheel drive
Gearbox: 6 speed Tremec manual (aluminum)
Differential: locking Getrag (aluminum)
RUNNING GEAR
Disposal: power-assisted rack and pinion
Suspension: independent wheel double wishbone suspension, shock absorber LOCUS systems
Brakes: AP racing front, 15 inch ventilated disks, aluminum 6 piston-caliper
Rear: 14 inch ventilated disks, aluminum 4 piston-caliper
Kia’s exciting all-new ex_cee’d cabrio concept car will make its world premiere at the 77th Salon de l’Automobiles in Geneva, Switzerland on 6 March. The styling of the ex_cee’d cabrio is the work of new Kia Design Chief Peter Schreyer and gives a first indication of the future direction the look of Kia-brand vehicles will be taking under his guidance.
Mercedes-Benz engineers are currently developing a new, prestigious luxury limousine with integrated highest protection for governments, businesses, monarchs and heads of state. The armoured Pullman Limousine is based on the long version of the S 600 with a substantially extended wheelbase length. The Mercedes-Benz State Limousine therefore provides a level of roominess worthy of its high-ranking occupants, not to mention outstanding comfort and a fully equipped mobile office. The S 600 Guard Pullman sees the world’s oldest car manufacturer continuing its long tradition of building large state carriages with factory-integrated special-protection features.
Er gehört zu den wenigen Supersportwagen und nach seinem Debüt am Internationalen Genfer Automobilsalon 2006 war klar: Im apollo vereinen sich Dynamik und Design mit purem Fahrgenuss und einzigartiger Performance. Gottesgleich fegt er über die Strassen und auf der Rennpiste schreit er nach Herausforderung, nach einem Gegner, der seiner atemberaubenden Beschleunigung und seiner einzigartigen Kurvenlage Paroli bieten kann. 
The Audi S5 is a unique competitor among high-performance coupés, thanks to its combination of V8 FSI technology and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The eight-cylinder engine with its superb power delivery has worthy counterparts in the specially tuned sports suspension and high-performance brakes. Subtle, but clear design elements inside and out serve to distinguish this coupé as a high performance athlete in a league of its own. The Audi S5 goes on sale with the launch of the Audi A5 series. 
The Edo Maserati MC 12R just got better. Where the MC 12R had a modest 70hp power increase, the MC 12XX is aiming for 
At the 
Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of 
As opposed to many others, at OETTINGER’s in Friedrichsdorf they have not succumbed to the temptation of over-loading the new development of the Audi design star by adding the usual pretentious add-ons with air intakes widely ajar and huge spoiler-works supposed to enhance the impression of sportive power. 
If Batman owned a Mustang, the new 2007 
Having more than 22 years of experience in the fiber reinforced composite materials and in the exception car building, working, repairing and modifying Lamborghinis and other prestigious models, Luc Chartrand launched out into the design of a car that would represent perfection to him in terms of esthetics and mechanics.
