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Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification

You know the Bentley Mulsanne, right? It has been the flagship Bentley for quite a while and now we have a fresh new version. It’s called the Mulliner Driving Specification and is here to keep the things afloat. Well… it will be here actually: the debut is set for the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show.

Highlighting the spec, are four 21-inch, light aluminum alloy wheels bolted in place with titanium fasteners. The overall finish on them comes in two forms: painted or polished. Together with the 265/40 ZR21 tires, the wheels grant the Bentley an agile and dynamic stance on the road.

There are also other smallish design touches such as the wing vents that take the shape of the emblematic “Flying B” symbol. There’s also an inscription on them that reads “Mulliner”. A whole new perforation process has been developed to make the inside of the car look like a diamond patterned sofa. The gear lever holds baseball-like lather stitches on its side. There’s a grippy, ‘coined’ surface on the metal interior door handles while the pedals are made of drilled alloy only. While the upper surface of the door sills is busy reading “Mulsanne”, their sides are available to display Mulliner treadplate plaques that seal this particular Bentley as a Driving Specification.

In spite of the old-school air vent pull knobs, there is a ‘sport’ setting on the rotary switch mounted next to the gearshift selector. It is a tiny reminder that this is not a 19^th glassware cabinet but a state of the art performance saloon. We have a 505 bhp, 6.75 liter V8 monstrosity under the hood which is good for a 5.1 second 60mph sprint run and a top speed of 184 mph. That power needs management and that’s why we also have a Drive Dynamics Control system which operates the suspension and steering. Now with a ‘sport’ mode on, the Mulsanne can take bends at high-speeds without breaking your back.

Partly irrelevant to the Mulliner Driving Spec. will be the addition of bottle cooler and sunroof options within the whole Mulsanne line. The cooler is integrated into the back seats and has space for two full-sized champagne bottles in upright position. It also comes with three hand-blown champagne flutes made exclusively for Bentley by the designer David Redman. All can be cleverly concealed when not in use.

Should you ever feel claustrophobic in a Mulsanne, which is unlikely, you can opt for the tilt-opening, tinted glass sunroof. It floods the cabin with light and gives an extra dimension of space, providing additional ventilation while avoiding the security risk of open windows.

Bentley Musanne Mulliner Driving Specification (2012)

Source: Bentley

February 23, 2012

New Morgan Roadster 3.7

Morgans have always been about the nostalgic spirit of classical roadsters and coupes. That is why almost all of the current Morgan cars look like as if they have been stolen from a collector’s garage. They are for people who would love to take a ride around the country side in a real time machine. No, really, they can go fast enough to throw you back to the past because underneath the hood one won’t find a grandfather’s clock but a masterful modern engine. The Morgan Roadster is no exception from that rule – techy performance concealed in an old-school shell.

Power comes from a Ford 3.7 Cyclone V6 engine that develops 280 hp at 6000rpm and 352 Nm of torque. A Ford six speed manual gearbox on the other hand, crunches those numbers into sheer force on the tarmac. Keeping in mind that this car weights only 950 kg, the engine propels it to 60mph from a stand still in just 5.5 seconds. Mighty brisk! That is why the suspension is also clever enough to keep the car on the road – there’s a limited slip differential with cone drive for that extra grip and sideways buffoonery.

Inside, leather welcomes you to strap yourself in and enjoy the dashboard blend of digital and analogue dials – a surreal combination of both worlds. Most of the instruments are framed in woods which is just an example of how exotic this car really is. The convertible roof, although not automatic, is easy to install and creates a warm and private atmosphere.

Source: Morgan

February 23, 2012

Subaru BRZ in the UK

Subaru-BRZ-thumb In the UK, the Subaru BRZ will be equipped with a generous array of standard features. The company is pleased to know that on the island interest is brewing. The sole example of that is the fact that people there are preordering already, without even knowing the spec prices.

It is clear now however, that the top of the line BRZ‘s will come with 17-inch alloy wheels, a torque-sensing LSD, front, side, curtain and knee airbags, MP3 connectivity, dual-zone climate control and LED daytime running lights. The driver-focussed BRZ will also come with Subaru’s VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) that can be adapted to work with either a six-speed short-shift manual or a paddle-operated automatic transmission.

A lower-spec car will also become available later this year followed by an even more modest, stripped out version dedicated to those who would like to customize it in their own likes. It will also be ideal for track-day enthusiasts.

Six eye-catching colors will be available for the BRZ – Subaru’s trademark WR Blue Mica, Sterling Silver, Satin White, Crystal Black Silica, Dark Grey Metallic and San Remo Red.

The car is notable for its tremendous low gravity center courtesy to the 200PS 2.0-litre Boxer engine that sits well under the hood. Power-to-weight ratio is said to be 164PS per tonne which makes it powerful indeed but with the lightweight materials used in making it, the BRZ will also handle brilliantly.

Here is a quick list of the top-of-the line UK spec:

17-inch alloy wheels	USB and iPod connectivity
Torque-sensing LSD (Limited Slip Differential)	HID headlamps
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and ABS	Front fog lamps
Front, side, curtain and knee airbags	LED daytime running lights
Cruise control system	Body-coloured, electric-folding, head door mirrors
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system	Leather seats
Radio CD player with six-speaker system	Heated front seats
Key-less entry with Push Button Start system	Leather steering wheel and gear knob

Source: Subaru

February 23, 2012

Mercedes-Benz iPhone on wheels – A-Class interior [pictures]

Mercedes-Benz will fully integrate Apple iPhone into their vehicles. This means that Mercedes-Benz is now able to offer the Facebook generation its natural home on four wheels, in the form of the new A-Class. Along with Facebook, Twitter and so on, the “Digital DriveStyle App” developed by Daimler offers further services and content to suit the digital lifestyle and will be available to download free of charge from the Apple iTunes store. Its highlights include:

Personalised internet radio by AUPEO! Personal Radio, which offers radio stations that compile an individual program for listeners and recommend similar music by genre or artists based on personal taste.
The advanced navigation software from Garmin, with internet-based real-time traffic information, online POI searches and 3D map display, all of which work even in combination with the entry-level multimedia system Audio 20
A socially interactive experience involving “sharing”, “posting” and the integration of music and other content from social networks including text-to-speech.
An intuitive ‘Car Finder’ which automatically stores the vehicle’s location. Pedestrian navigation makes it completely easy to find your way back to the car.
Access to the voice-based intelligent companion Siri™.

The manufacturer has also released two official images of the interior of the new A-Class. The smallest Mercedes will have in its engine range five petrol and four diesel engines with power from 109PS (80 kW) to 204PS (155 kW). There will be also an AMG version of the new A-Class with a turbocharged 2.0 liter petrol delivering 355PS (261 kW). It is aimed to compete against the masterpiece – BMW 1-Series ///M.

Full iPhone integration is not only possible in conjunction with the COMAND Online multimedia system. All functions, including navigation, can also be used even with the entry-level Audio 20 system. Mercedes-Benz is thus making it possible for the A-Class’s younger target group in particular to continue their digital lifestyle seamlessly inside the vehicle. Both the “Digital DriveStyle App” and the “Drive Kit Plus for the Apple iPhone” will be making their debut in the new A-Class. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, next month.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

February 23, 2012

AC Schnitzer BMW 3-Series F30

The official tuning company of BMW – AC Schnitzer has revealed some small pictures of the new updated 3-Series F30. The AC Schnitzer F30 will make its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, next month. Until then, you can check the images below to get some information about it.

The exterior is slightly touched with adding new front and rear skirts and sets of different wheels in dimensions from 18” to 20” fitted with proper tires. There is no information about the interior, but the owners won’t be disappointed. A set of aluminum ACS pedals are planned as well as ACS floor mats and sports steering wheel and knob.

Performance packages will be available for the new turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The new 28i is expected to develop more than 300PS with just an ECU re-map and sports exhaust system. The twin-turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol now delivers 245PS (180 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Stay tuned for more pictures and information about the ACS F30.

Source: AC Schnitzer

February 23, 2012

SR Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

The new project developed from the tuners SR Auto Group is the astonishing SR Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. It is all painted with matte black, thus making it look far greater and empowering. The color is one the best ones which any sport car can have today. This unique shade gives even sportier stance and when one sees its mate black body one will turn their head twice for sure!

This project has been done with the collaboration of SR Auto Group with Inspired Autosport – well known tuners from Toronto. This is their latest joint project features – the brand new matte SR Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe, which by the way can speak for itself. A night shadow theme encompasses the exterior and allows the crimson red of the calipers to shine through the twenty inch Niche wheels.

SR Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Source: SR Auto Group

February 23, 2012

2012 Morgan Aero Coupe

The new 2012 Morgan Aero Coupe is an advanced supercar, which has been especially designed for long distance driving. The inspiration for this strong and rigid vehicle came from the Morgan GT3 Aero which has already won number of racings. The cockpit of the new Coupe delivers high levels of comfort with a large and secure boot in the rear for luggage. The body of the vehicle has been constructed entirely from aluminium which makes it really light weight. Hence the new Morgan Aero Coupe is constructed with environmental responsibility and a high level of safety. The roof is fixed and combined with the enclosed cabin, gives greater sense of security and silence. A stiff aluminium chassis cradles the 4.8 litre BMW V8 engine and the 6 speed manual or automatic transmission. The individual alloy parts are formed from tooling and hand assembled by skilled craftsmen at the foot of the Malvern hills.

The Morgan Aero Coupe is undoubtedly a car that is designed to bring everlasting class and style. It has proven chemical coating and treatments of the rigid bonded chassis and body. In addition the design of this platform has been consistently enhanced and re-engineered. Therefore, all this lead to the present moment, where the Morgan Motor Company is a class leader in this chassis and car body technology.

The cockpit of the model is inspiring and comforting. The sensation of speed is emphasized by the enticing view down the elegant bonnet. The view to the rear makes the car easy to maneuver and to park. A lot of attention has been put on the details too. For instance, the ash hardwood, which surrounds the cockpit and doors, can be hand polished in a color of customers’ choice. Furthermore, the controls are luxurious to touch and the leather work is stitched with twin needles and combined with suede effect panels for contrast and a dynamic sporty feel. Pressure point reclining seats support the passengers. Reliability is ensured with the BMW V8 and the mounted to it six speed automatic transmission. To go into details, it can be operated in two modes: “Sport” and “Auto”. In the first mode the engine holds its gear to

6500rpm and “blips” the throttle before making a down shift. The power to weight ratio is around 320bhp (235 kW) per tonne and a 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) of 4.5 seconds combined with a top speed of 170mph is effortlessly achievable. At last the new 2012 Morgan Aero Coupe comes with a full specification as standard. Nevertheless, the vehicle can also be further customized to the customers’ individual taste.

Specifications:

Manual Transmission:

Engine 4799 cc v8; Max power 270kw (367 bhp) or 291kw (390bhp) with sports exhaust; max torque 490nm (370 lb/ft); power to weight 311 bhp/tonne or 330bhp/tonne with sports exhaust; performance 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.5 seconds; top speed 170 mph/273 kph; fuel tank size 55 litres; fuel consumption: Urban – 16 mpg (18.2l / 100km), Extra urban – 32 mpg (8.7l / 100km); combined: 23 mpg (12.11l / 100km); CO2 level – 282 g/km; chassis aluminium bonded and riveted; dimensions: Length – 4147mm; Width – 1751mm; Height – 1248mm; dry weight – 1175kg

Automatic Transmission:

Engine 4799 cc v8; max power 270kw (368 bhp) 291kw (390bhp) with sports exhaust;m pwer to weight 312 bhp / tonne; max torque 490nm (370 lb/ft); performance 0-62 mph (0 – 100 kmh) in 4.2 seconds; top speed 170mph/273 kph; fuel tank size 55 litres; fuel consumption: Urban – 17 mpg (16.4l / 100km); Extra urban – 36 mpg (7.9l / 100km); Combined – 26 mpg (11.0l / 100km); CO2 level – 256 g/km; chassis aluminium bonded and riveted; dimensions: Length – 4147mm; Width – 1751mm; Height – 1248mm; Dry weight – 1180kg.

Source: Morgan

February 23, 2012

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with improved performance

The new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be delivered at dealerships in the spring. More importantly it will come with improved performance because of the new mounted automatic transmission with the latest General Motors’ improved TapShift technology. Since its introduction, TapShift has allowed drivers to control up- and down-shifts with paddle shifters. Now, GM powertrain engineers made a patent-pending software algorithm which enhances tap response time by up to 60 percent in comparison to the previous system! No hardware changes were required for the upgrade. This upgrade results in the acceleration time of the new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1’s six-speed automatic transmission, which now for 0-60 mph is 3.9 seconds. This is a tenth of a second faster than the manual transmission time. In details, by staging hydraulic pressure in the clutch for the next gear, the new control module algorithm reduces tap delay for the 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5 up-shifts by 200-300 milliseconds. The TapShift system waits for shift requests based on current gear, throttle, torque and speed. By pre-filling the clutch for the next gear, the tap up-shift response is almost momentary. This makes the new Camaro the most powerful production of the model ever, which gets the fullest potential out of the supercharged 6.2L engine that is SAE-rated at 580 horsepower (432 kW) and 556 lb.-ft. of torque (754 Nm).

Customers of the new ZL1 have the choice between an automatic 6L90 transmission with TapShift manual mode and a six-speed manual transmission, both unmatched in their class. With 0 to 60 taking 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h), the power and acceleration of the ZL1 automatic outstrip many other supercars. The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe will go on sale this spring.

Source: Chevrolet

February 23, 2012

2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon

Just few days before the awaited 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the New Generation 2012 Hyundai i30 Wagon has been previewed in the web. The vehicle is going to make its world debut at the aforementioned show. This is the second member of the New Generation i30 family, next to the joins the five-door hatchback. In addition, the classy wagon will also share the engines and the running gear with the well-received New Generation i30 five-door. However, it has a longer body which opens significant increase in trunk space without compromising the model’s dynamic styling. To be more precise, the i30 wagon’s overall length is increased by 185 mm to its five-door sibling, and 10 mm longer than the original i30 wagon. Moreover, the wagon is expanded in trunk space from 378-litres to best-in-class 528-litres. Additionally, when the passenger seats are folded down, the cargo volume increases more than three times: up to 1642-litres.

Furthermore, the front of the new model can be easily distinguished by Hyundai’s hexagon-shaped grille and jewel-like headlamps. The roofline is extended rearwards over the flexible passenger/cargo area. This adds more dynamism to the car’s stance and keeps up with the fluidic sculpture ethos of a stationary car appearing to be in motion. Additional improvements to the wagon’s dynamic appearance are for example the pronounced swage line which runs horizontally along the sides of the body and rises all the way to the rear lights; or the rear windscreen which wraps around the D-pillars and improves interior luminosity and visibility; or the deep tailgate, which gives the car a clean look and opens to bumper-level for easy loading.

The New Generation 2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon will be available in Europe with the same three petrol direct injection engines and three diesel engines as the five-door hatchback. They produce from 95 hp (70 kW) to 135 hp (100 kW). At last, the New Generation i30 wagon will be unveiled alongside Hyundai’s other newcomers during 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Hyundai

February 23, 2012

Toyota FT-BH Concept

Toyota have released some teasers about their latest concept – the FT-Bh which actually means Future Toyota B-segment hybrid. It will be an ultralight supermini, built with clever materials and run by clever technology for the greater good of society.

It is said to weigh no more than 800 kg yet it will be a 5-door. So that leaves around 50 kg for all the other parts (Im not much good at maths). Anyway. One would expect it to be green considering the lightness and the hybrid genes inside and one would be right – 50% less CO2 emissions than a modern 5-door counterpart.

The FT-Bh will also make use of some industry friendly materials for its made. In other words, no animal lives will be sacrificed for the interior, no mahogany will be lacquered for the panels and no liquid gold paint will be wasted on the brake calipers. In fact even the drivetrain will be optimized, or more accurately – downsized.

The FT-Bh is scheduled for a reveal at the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show on the 6^th of March, early in the morning.

Source: Toyota

February 23, 2012

Honda Civic Rated 5 Stars at NCAP

The latest Honda Civic has been rated 5 stars in safety by Euro NCAP. The NCAP tests are the comparable to the Oscars when it comes to automotive safety. Not only has the Civic achieved the highest possible score but, people at NCAP also want to highlight the car’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) by extending Honda‘s Euro NCAP Advanced reward because of it.

The NCAP tests take into account large amounts of data for overall pedestrian and occupant safety and announce the results in the form of easy to digest figures for the public. The Honda boasted some great qualities that won the hearts of the NCAP engineers. The “Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure” might have something to do with the Civic’s safety charm. The idea with this is to cope better with eventual car-to-car frontal accidents. The car’s structure allows better distribution of the forces experienced upon impact, which means less stress for the cabin and its occupants. A car participating in an accident with an ACE Civic may also benefit from these properties.

Pedestrian safety has also been addressed by the Honda engineers. The windscreen wiper pivots, for example, are designed to breakaway easily upon impact. Also the front wing mounds and the hood hinges have greater absorbing properties while there is enough space between the hood and the oily bits underneath which means more deformation and felxiblity.

Then there’s the standard stuff – some seriously advanced restraining for the occupants and a multitude of airbags all around to keep you safe from harm. Seriously, it has so many airbags that should they deploy all at once, there will be little to no space for you inside.

The thing is, it is hard to have a crash in a Honda Civic in the first place. Thanks to an integrated CMBS, the car can detect moving or stationary objects from around a 100m distance up ahead. After detection it quickly decides if there is going to be a collision and if so it sets your hair on fire. Well, what it actually does is send signals to you that .. hey… you might have an accident. If you fail to response, the car will then tighten the seat belts and start applying the brakes (around 2 seconds before estimated impact). If a collision is assessed as inevitable, the system stomps even harder on the brakes and straps you to the seat as harshly as possible. The really impressive thing is that this system is capable of acting upon even at speeds of up to 100km/h on a motorway for example.

So there you go – the Civic joins a family of NCAP veterans, 5 star Honda vehicles. So far, the brand might be one of the safest ever in Europe.

If you love Honda’s, check out Lemonfree.com for their inventory of Honda Civic for sale

Source: Honda

February 23, 2012

Afzal Kahn and Audi Q7

Afzal Kahn has always maintained that combining technical perfection with aesthetic brilliance is his true calling. Recently, in the arsenal of his arguments, he has added yet another example – the Kahn Q7 wide track.

A voluminous amount of exterior parts have been added to form the vision of Afzal Kahn – the front fenders are now with huge vents complemented by flaring wheel arches on both ends. The front bumper is also new with, again, more vents on it and gunmetal gray detailing. Sill plates in stainless steel complete the sides while a distinctive rear wing juts out from the top, back end. Things that feel a little bit excessive are the daytime running LED lights which sort of flood the headlights and also the liquid gold calipers. It’s a good thing that the provided Kahn RSX 22” wheels, with their complex spoke patterns, are not too reveling. As a rounding feature, Kahn design have also thrown in a stainless steel exhaust system with neat tailpipes hidden discreetly behind the new rear bumper.

The interior has also been restyled with strong contrasting accents – The dials the seats are wrapped in black quilted perforated nappa leather red stitched and with a red line across them. The rev counter and the speedo are both respectively colored in red and cream as if the dashboard is suffering from heterochromia. However, this is the place where usually the Kahn people offer unlimited versatility. A customer is free to choose from the widest spectrum of colors imaginable for both the exterior and interior.

Power will come from the standard Audi 3.0-liter TDI which sends 233 bhp trough an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The price for this model here is $96 995

Source: Kahn design

February 23, 2012

Category: Auto News