Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • Hyundai Motor Hosts Eurofest, Kicking Off EURO 2008™

    Hyundai Motor Company, the official automotive partner of Europe’s greatest sporting event, hosted Hyundai Eurofest on June 6 in Basel, where an estimated 30,000 people celebrated the spirit of football and prepared for the kick off of the UEFA EURO 2008™ games. (more…)

  • Cadillac Escalade Adds FlexFuel Capability for 2009

    All models of the 2009 Cadillac Escalade will be able to run on either ordinary gasoline or E85 ethanol, or any combination of the two, General Motors announced Friday.

    And customers will have the fueling choice at no additional cost. (more…)

  • Cadillac XLR V

    Since its inception in 2004, Cadillac’s XLR has been a fresh face in the elite club of the world’s finest luxury roadsters. Today Cadillac revealed the new 2009 edition of the XLR Roadster, featuring styling and model enhancements providing more dramatic design and technology.

    Only the finest editions of Cadillac’s retractable hardtop roadster will be offered in 2009: The luxurious XLR Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V. The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 engine. The XLR-V, part of Cadillac’s V-Series of high-performance models, is powered with a 443-horsepower (330 kW) 4.4L Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine.

    The 2009 XLR includes a new front fascia, new rear fascia and new side fender vents. The revised design is inspired by the award-winning CTS sport sedan, delivering more detail and aggressiveness to Cadillac’s roadster. The front fascia includes new fog lamps and specific upper and lower grilles for the Platinum and V-Series models. Also, both ’09 models feature the distinctive hood with a raised center section that was previously exclusive to the V-Series.

    2009 Cadillac XLR

    “XLR has been a catalyst for the dramatic design and technology driving Cadillac’s ongoing renaissance,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The enhanced 2009 model exemplifies the continued development of Cadillac’s approach to design, performance and craftsmanship.”

    The ultra-luxury XLR Platinum model receives additional exterior identifiers, including a revised rear fascia with more pronounced new exhaust tips and a new 18-inch wheel design (painted wheel finish is standard; chrome is optional).

    Inside, the ’09 XLR lineup delivers more luxury and technology. Alcantara™ – a suede-like microfiber material – is used for the headliner material, in either Ebony or Cashmere color. Also new is hand-cut and sewn leather used on the upper instrument panel. This hand-stitched and wrapped leather lends tailored elegance to the cabin, representing Cadillac’s new approach to modern and elegant interior craftsmanship.

    The updated cabin includes new instrument cluster trim rings and graphics, new wood grain trims (Natural Olive Ash Burl for XLR Platinum and Black Olive Ash Burl for XLR-V) and new metal trims (Quartz for XLR Platinum and Bermuda for XLR-V.)

    Advanced technology has always been a trademark of XLR, and that legacy continues in 2009. This includes Cadillac’s acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control system and amenities such as Keyless Access with push-button start, DVD navigation and entertainment, heated and cooled seats, head-up display and heated steering wheel. XLR’s advanced technologies also include Adaptive Forward Lighting that enables the headlamps to swivel in concert with vehicle steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

    XLR is factory-equipped with OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth capability. The next-generation OnStar 8.0 system (OnStar subscription is not required for Bluetooth) features enhanced hands-free voice commands, Turn by Turn navigation and Emap powered by MapQuest. This includes the industry-first Destination Download feature, in which directions can be downloaded from OnStar directly to the car’s navigation system – eliminating the need to stop the car to manually enter a destination.

  • Toyota develops new fuel cell hybrid with improved cruising distance of more than 500 miles

    Toyota has developed a new fuel cell hybrid vehicle that travels more than double the distance of its predecessor model, increasing the maximum cruising range from 205 miles to 515 miles.
    Limited cruising ranges of previous fuel cell systems presented obstacles to widespread fuel cell vehicle use but the ‘Toyota FCHV-adv’ (fuel cell hybrid vehicle-advanced) improves the cruising range with its newly designed high-performance Toyota FC Stack. (more…)

  • mtm Cantronic – Want more?

    What is Cantronic?
    mtm CantronicMTM Cantronic is the name of a new product family which allows a wide range of vehicle optimizations and modifications. What all these modules have in common is a connection with the vehicle´s so called CANbus.

    The CANbus (Controller Area Network) is a serial bus framework developed for the networking of control units. Modern vehicles have up to 50 such units of which the ECU (engine control unit) is the largest. Others are used for the transmission or the control of parts like inside-adjustable outside mirrors, air bags, cruise control and audio system. The communication among these control and sensor units is essential to get response from sensors and ensure the coordination of all parts. With a lot less effort of wiring than before it enables information exchange between systems and is being used by our Cantronic to get access to necessary information.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lKLl8ni5wI

    What is the Cantronic capable of?

    The MTM Cantronic can be adapted to different fields of application. When having access to the relevant data the Cantronic can precisely modify the vehicle´s series production status to guarantee an optimized setup in every situation. By now the Cantronic is offered as M-Cantronic for the modification of engine electronics and as F-Cantronic for the optimization of the vehicle´s chassis. Further applications are currently being developed for example the suspension of the electronically limited top speed or the flue glas damper control.

    Advantages of all Cantronic modules are further:

    • Can easily and quickly be mounted/dismounted by the customer himself or by a car workshop of his choice
    • Can be removed without remnants
    • Includes TÜV certificate and EMC test (electromagnetic compatibility)
    • Can be taken along when car model is being changed and therefore saves money (see „What happens when I change my car?“)
    • Can without problems be used with particle filters
    • Less consumption at same manner of driving

    How does the Cantronic work?

    According to the field of application the Cantronic gets various data from the CANbus, recalculates the input variables and feeds them back into the network.

    M-Cantronic:

    At the moment we offer the M-Cantronic only for diesel engines. The adaption to petrol/gasoline engines is currently being in progress. Due to its operating principle this requires new hard- and software. We will of course keep you updated as soon as there are new findings.
    Operating principle for diesel engines:

    To achieve the required fine-tuning we tap the RPM signal (revolutions per minute) from the CANbus and use it for recalculating parameters of the engine´s characteristic diagram. Considering RPM and load it is possible to specify and apply new figures for fuel and boost pressure.

    In contrast most of the currently available devices simply add a certain percentage to every boost pressure figure. However, one figure for boost pressure can emerge at two different figures of RPM. Here an example:

    1,3 bar boost pressure emerges at 1700 and at 4500 RPM. At 1700 RPM it is perfectly possible to increase the boost pressure by 10%. At 4500 RPM such a high increase at already high speed is not recommendable as it unnecessarily strains the engine. In this case a rise of 5% would be the better choice. Same goes for the fuel pressure.

    Consequently tuning kits without regard to the RPM can either generally add 10% fuel/boost pressure which eventually harms the engine or only add 5% and give away potential output performance especially in the low and medium speed range.

    The M-Cantronic offers the ideal solution. The advantage of speed-sensitive tuning gets noticeable in a harmonic engine-power characteristic and a better performance at medium speed range. These complex modifications combined with its other advantages makes the M-Cantronic superior to conventional chip tuning.

    At the moment we offer the M-Cantronic only for diesel engines. The adaption to petrol/gasoline engines is currently being in progress. Due to its operating principle this requires new hard- and software. We will of course keep you updated as soon as there are new findings.
    Operating principle for diesel engines:

    To achieve the required fine-tuning we tap the RPM signal (revolutions per minute) from the CANbus and use it for recalculating parameters of the engine´s characteristic diagram. Considering RPM and load it is possible to specify and apply new figures for fuel and boost pressure.

    In contrast most of the currently available devices simply add a certain percentage to every boost pressure figure. However, one figure for boost pressure can emerge at two different figures of RPM. Here an example:

    1,3 bar boost pressure emerges at 1700 and at 4500 RPM. At 1700 RPM it is perfectly possible to increase the boost pressure by 10%. At 4500 RPM such a high increase at already high speed is not recommendable as it unnecessarily strains the engine. In this case a rise of 5% would be the better choice. Same goes for the fuel pressure.

    Consequently tuning kits without regard to the RPM can either generally add 10% fuel/boost pressure which eventually harms the engine or only add 5% and give away potential output performance especially in the low and medium speed range.

    The M-Cantronic offers the ideal solution. The advantage of speed-sensitive tuning gets noticeable in a harmonic engine-power characteristic and a better performance at medium speed range. These complex modifications combined with its other advantages makes the M-Cantronic superior to conventional chip tuning.
    Leistungsvergleich A5 3.0 TDI – Serie und MTM

    The M-Cantronic is available for following cars:

    • Audi A5 3.0 TDI
    • VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI

    F-Cantronic:

    The basis for the recalculation of the chassis height is the speed signal. It determines how deep the car body can be lowered. The F-Cantronic taps the speed signal from the CANbus and modifies it. Our aim is a low suspension setting under the aspect of visual appeal and maintenance of the in-series travelling comfort at the same time. In the chart below you find exemplary results attainable for the Audi A6.

    Tieferlegungsdiagramm A6 Luftfahrwerk – Serie und MTM

    In comparison to the standard level the F-Cantronic achieves a lowering of 35 mm up to a speed of 120 km/h! Above this speed the Cantronic module lifts the chassis to the series level „Drive“ to avoid cutbacks in terms of comfort.

    The Cantronic module offers three switch positions. In the off-position the module is deactivated. The second position (OPT) standardly generates about half of the possible lowering but can optionally be programmed as wished. In the on-position the Cantronic unites lowest possible setting while maintaining suspension comfort and agreeable driving characteristics.

    At the same time we do not want to leave unmentioned that switching our module on and off can also conveniently be done even without leaving the driver seat. As a matter of principle the F-Cantronic gets only activated in connection with your car´s sport or dynamic setting. If you just temporarily want to lift your chassis (e.g. for passing over a kerbstone) you simply have to change your car´s suspension setting to the automatic or standard mode to deactivate the F-Cantronic. Accordingly switching back will make it work again.

    Due to the multiple possibilities of our software we are also able to consider individual convenience and customize the F-Cantronic to your personal needs. An example is a higher suspension setting for more ground clearance off or on bad roads, a better handling with trailers or for an easier boarding. Please do not hesitate to contact us concerning your requirements.

    The F-Cantronic is available for following cars:

    • Audi A6 C6
    • Audi A6 C6 allroad
    • Audi A8 D3
    • Audi Q7
    • Bentley Continental GT
    • Bentley Continental GTC
    • Bentley Flying Spur
    • Porsche Cayenne
  • Engine Specialist Opts for Toyota Reliability

    As one of the UK’s leading engine manufacturers and importers, E. P. Barrus Ltd knows all about power plants. Now its awareness of the reliability of Toyota engineering has encouraged the company to switch its car and van fleet to that badge. Over 20 units have already been delivered to the company’s headquarters in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The vehicles have replaced some of the existing Barrus fleet, which consisted largely of Vauxhalls and Jaguars. (more…)

  • HAMANN front bumper unit for BMW M3 E 92 Coupe & M3 E 93 Cabriolet

    The new HAMANN front bumper unit including 2 LED Tagfahrleuchten. Includiing cutout for PDC and headlamp cleaning system.  HAMANN LED daytime running lights: (more…)

  • New genuine carbon bonnet for the Lamborghini Gallardo

    genuine carbon lamborghini gallardoHAMANN bonnet “VICTORY” in 100% genuine carbon
    With the new HAMANN genuine carbon bonnet you can give your Lamborghini Gallardo a unique sporty look! Made in 100% genuine carbon our new bonnet  fascinates by the exact fit, as well as the unique & sporty design! From now on the HAMANN bonnet “VICTORY” can be ordered for all current Lamborghini Gallardo models under the item-no.: 15 100 115. (more…)

  • MMC provides i MiEV electric vehicles for use at G8 Summit

    Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that it would provide 10 i MiEV*1 electric vehicles for official use at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit. The electric vehicles will be used as transport for visiting world leaders and members of the media. Additionally, the vehicles will comprise one part of an on-site display*2 and test drive. (more…)

  • Next generation Porsche 911 powers ahead with direct fuel injection and double-clutch gearbox

    The Porsche 911 stirs emotions in sports car enthusiasts the world over. Timeless emotions that have been experienced by generations since the model series was first launched in 1963. This summer, Porsche is introducing the next generation of the 911: a car that exemplifies the core 911 principles of distinctive design with inner strength. (more…)

  • Targeted upgrade for the G 55 AMG: Classic with Added Appeal

    Following its most recent makeover, the G 55 AMG from Mercedes-AMG is now even more attractive. Boasting an upgraded performance of 373 kW/507 hp, this offroad classic has also been given a fresh look, incorporating a reworked radiator grille and new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, the exclusive interior features the latest generation of telematics equipment and optional climatised seats in combination with designo leather upholstery for enhanced passenger comfort. (more…)

  • Opel Insignia: Design of Opel’s Future

    The design of the Insignia takes Opel to a new level, showcasing the brand’s new confidence with a bold, dynamic and sophisticated car. Understanding the concepts and cues that went into the creation of Insignia is vital to appreciating the driving experience.

    (more…)