This week’s fresh “eco” air is a small review of some of the alternative fuels available for use. A simple fact is that humanity sooner or later will experience the necessity of their utilization. Hence, the aim of the article is not only to raise the ecological awareness, but also to lift up the veil of ignorance around the alternative vehicle fuels that can be successfully utilized. (more…)
Category: Car Makes
Car Makes
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Alternative Fuels: Biofuel, Alcohol and Hydrogen
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LSD Doors for the BMW Z4
Fancy a unique feature on your BMW Z4? Well, add some character with Lamborghini Countach style doors. Spread those wings and turn heads as you go – its the LSD-door hinges offered by LSD. That type of upgrade is a first among BMW Roadsters with a foldable hardtop.The standard door structure pretty much stays the same. It’s the hinges that make the difference. The package includes them and all the necessary wiring and mounting materials and accessories. The LSD door fittings are attached to the original mounting points of the dismantled original hinges. Adjustable, mechanical stops prevent the doors from opening too far or, when open, prevent the door from falling inwards or downwards. Thanks to the Guided Roller System (GRS), all of the processes can be executed precisely and safely.
All parts provided come with TUV certificates and, on the car, the doors fare just as good in crash tests. So the LSD solution for the Z4 turns out as a very clever and seamless way to add some spice to this iconic roadster. All and all, one has to pay $2.308 for that privilege.
BMW Z4 with LSD Doors 
Source: LSD
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Mercedes Benz SLK by Carlsson
Another Carlsson gem at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show – the Carlsson Mercedes-Benz SLK will showcase all there is to showcase in exclusive accessories. The interior has been adorned with some Nappa leather, the exterior with some aerodynamic bits and pieces along with some wheels and there’s a performance upgrade for that extra punch.Additional power comes from something called CB25 S. It’s a package for the SLK engine. Alongside a C-Tronic additional control unit from Carlsson’s Plug-and-Drive series, the kit also sees a new, larger intercooler. At the end of the day we have 176 kW (239 BHP) rushing out as apocalyptic thunder from the flow-optimized, stainless steel rear muffler.
Visually, the Carlsson SLK harbors an aerodynamic package similar to the one found in the AMG sports package. At the front there’s a Carlsson bumper with an RS lip spoiler made from carbon. Grille inserts made from electro-polished stainless steel replace the plastic honeycomb grille found in the front skirt of the series model. At the back we also have a new skirt insert along with the diffuser and a trunk lip spoiler. Thanks to a suspension tweak, the SLK sits lower by 30 mm on a set of Carlsson light metal alloy wheels measuring 8.5 x 19 inches at the front axle and 9.5 x 19 inches on the rear.
Inside a hand-stitched Nappa leather festival opens up as you step in. It’s called the Carlsson Signature Line and no matter what the temperature, the natural and exclusive material on the seats constantly assimilates to the temperature of your own body. In case you forget, Carlsson have scattered numerous reminders that this car is their child – Carlsson pedal overlays, Carlsson footrests, Carlsson door locking pins made from brushed aluminum, door sill panels and the glass wind deflector with the laser-printed Carlsson logo.
Carlsson Mrecedes-Benz SLK 
Source: Carlsson
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Efficient Volvo Revolution
It would seem that Volvo is now turning to efficiency after mastering the art of safety. Preparing for the Geneva Motor Show, the company has innovated (also downsized) a great deal of its technological arsenal. Now, some of the economy figures coming from the Volvo C30, V60 Plug-in hybrid and even the latest Volvo V40 are stunning. The cars will still be safe though.Within the Volvo fleet, overall four models will soon spew out less than 100 g/km of CO2. This spring the C30 will join the all-new V40 at 94 g/km. The other, D2 versions are the Volvo S40 and Volvo V50. They both have emissions of 99g/km. In addition, there are currently another four models with CO2 emissions below 120 g/km: the Volvo S60 (114 g/km), Volvo V60 (119 g/km), Volvo V70 (119 g/km) and Volvo S80 (119 g/km).
Volvo C30 (2012) Later on this year Volvo will also start selling the V60 Plug-in hybrid that boasts a fuel economy of 1.9 liters/100km (49 g CO2 /km) when in Hybrid mode. Alternatively, it run on pure electricity for at least 50 km or it can utilize both engine and motor. That means a combination of power that measures up to 215+70 BHP and 440+200 Nm of torque.
“The V60 Plug-in Hybrid boosts our pole position in electrification. None of our competitors can offer customers an equally ingenious car. It elevates hybrid technology to an entirely new level,” says Stefan Jacoby. “It is the perfect choice for the uncompromising customer who wants minimum carbon dioxide emissions and maximum driving pleasure.”
“We have also established a strong partnership with Siemens in developing the next generation of pure electric cars after the Volvo C30 Electric,” continues Stefan Jacoby.
Volvo V60 Plug-in hubrid 
The most important car here however is the all-new V40 – Volvo’s first 5-door proper hatchback. It looks dynamic and from what we hear it is dynamic. With a D2 diesel setup, you only get 3.6 l/100 km and, as we said earlier, 94 g/km of CO2 emissions.
In 2013, Volvo is planning to launch a new 4 cylinder engine range that is based on a platform called VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture). Both petrol and diesel engines will fall into that category and there will be something for everyone, assure us from Volvo.
“”It is time for the industry to stop counting cylinders. We will develop four-cylinder engines with higher performance than today’s six-cylinder units and lower fuel consumption than the current four-cylinder generation,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Corporation.
Volvo V40 
Source: Volvo
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Audi R18 e-Tron Hybrid Quattro
Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro is the world’s first LMP1 car to combine a highly-efficient TDI with a hybrid system. The race car will make its official debut on May 5 in the six-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and will compete for overall victory at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans in France on June 16/17.“Audi has always consciously selected championships and categories in racing that have a close relationship to production and therefore have technical relevance for the Audi customers,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who personally drove the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro onto the stage on Wednesday evening during its world premiere in the Audi Training Center at Munich airport – electrically and almost silent.
“Quattro, TFSI and TDI are three excellent examples of how motorsport has stimulated production development. A similar tendency is apparent with the e-tron quattro: we test a completely new technology on the race track before it’s introduced to the Audi production line.”, he added.
The R18 e-tron quattro uses recovered kinetic energy, which is fed as electric into a flywheel accumulator before being retrieved under acceleration again above a speed of 120 km/h. The extremely efficient V6 TDI diesel produces 510PS (375 kW) powering the rear wheels. Both systems complement each other to create the new drive principle e-tron quattro.
“The TDI engine invented by Audi is still the most efficient drive in the world,” said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.
“We are convinced that the TDI has even more potential. This is why Audi not only supports the hybrid in motorsport as it does in production, but in parallel also the further development of the conventional drive.”, he added.
Audi Sport Team Joest will field two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra prototypes in the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 16/17. The two hybrid cars are driven by last year’s winning trio Marcel Fässler (CH), André Lotterer (D) and Benoît Tréluyer (F) as well as Dindo Capello (I), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) who boast a total of 13 Le Mans wins between them. New signing
Audi R18 e-Tron Hybrid Quattro 
Source: Audi
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Vorsteiner V-GT Porsche 991 Coupe
Vorsteiner has released several pictures of one of their latest tuning projects – the new V-GT program for the Porsche 991. The tuning elements will fit both Carrera and Carrera S models and are made of carbon fiber.The exterior upgrades include: a new add-on spoiler with integrated brake duct collectors, a front GT replaceable center splitter for more downforce, a pair of side skirts with integrated carbon fiber blade extension, a new lightweight carbon-fiber bonnet, a rear add-on diffuser with integrated aero fins, a rear add-on ducktail wing spoiler, a lightweight replacement carbon fiber roof panel and sets of different forged alloy wheels in dimensions 20” or 21”.
Last, but not least, Vorsteiner offers Stainless & Titanium sport exhaust systems with valve control for better sound and some more power.
Vorsteiner V-GT Porsche 991 Coupe 
Source: Vorsteiner
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2012 Audi A3 world premiere in Geneva
Audi is going to air live broadcast of the world premiere of their new 2012 Audi A3 from Geneva Motor show, which is going to start next week. The debut is scheduled for Tuesday (6th of March) 8.45 a.m. (CET). With this step Audi brand is making possible the world debut to be witnessed by many more people. The live broadcast will be via satellite and web streaming, thus giving the opportunity to the public to watch Audi Press Conference. In addition, an array of digital formats will be making their world premiere together with the Audi A3, paving the way for a new way of exchanging information with journalists. The ultimate aim of this approach to communications is to show the 2012 Audi A3 from unusual perspectives.For more information on how you can be part of all this, please visit the official Audi web site.
Audi A3 Source: Audi
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2012 Mercedes-Benz CL Grand Edition
Mercedes-Benz is going to mark the 60th anniversary of “S-Class Coupé” with the launch of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL Grand Edition model. Since the start of the production of the sensational 300 S in 1952, the brand has established the lineage of today’s CL-Class. Hence, ever since then, the large S-Class Coupés have been considered the epitome of automotive refinement. These exceptional two-door luxury-class coupés deliver premium comfort of a prestige luxury saloon, in combination with the dynamics of a sports car. All this: in the form of an exceptionally elegant tourer. For the new “Grand Edition”, Mercedes-Benz has further enhanced the sophistication of the design of the iconic vehicle.
In details, to emphasise further the exceptional, hand-finished character of the limited edtion CL‑Class, the designer has furnished the “Grand Edition” with some of the finest ingredients from the exquisite designo range. Therefore, this makes possible for customers to choose between the three designo paint finishes: platinum black metallic, mocha black metallic and magno cashmere white. And to maket with even sportier appeal, there has been also added the AMG Sports package, with powerful front and rear aprons and distinctive side sill panels. This exclusive version sits on 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a choice of five-spoke or filigree 10-spoke designs. A “Grand Edition” badge provides a discreet indication of the CL Coupé’s exclusive-edition status.
2012 Mercedes-Benz CL Grand Edition Next, the interior of the Mercedes was exquisitely handcrafted and comes with high-quality aniline leather. Three leather colours are available: designo aniline leather armagnac, designo aniline leather deep black and the lighter designo aniline leather porcelain. The full range of CL trim finishes is available, including black ash and high-gloss burr walnut.
2012 Mercedes-Benz CL Grand Edition (Interior) Speaking in technical terms, the CL Grand Edition is no less exceptional than any other CL model. For instance, the active suspension system Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation sets the benchmark for driving dynamics and comfort on all rear-wheel drive CL models. In addition, exclusive safety systems are also included: drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE® automatic emergency braking, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist systems. To go even further into details, let’s review the engline range. The current V8 biturbo with a displacement of 4.6 litres and sophisticated spray-guided direct petrol injection system in the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY delivers 320 kW (435 hp), provides torque of 700 Nm. More importantly, it offers great fuel efficiency of only 9.5 l/100 km combined; and Co2 emissions of just 224 g/km. The same engine is also used in the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The pinnacle of the engine range is provided by the CL 600 with its astonishing 380 kW (517 hp) 12-cylinder biturbo engine.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
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2012 Lexus RX and 2012 Lexus RX F Sport to debut in Geneva
Exclusive news has just arrived from the Lexus brand. It is preparing a great exhibit at this years’ Geneva Motor Show, where it is going to showcase for the first time its “hot” new and exclusive models of 2012 Lexus RX and 2012 Lexus RX F Sport.Unfortunately, there isn’t any additional information (except for the picture-teaser below), concerning these models, so we have to patiently wait till 6th of March. However, the main attention in Geneva will be put on the European premiere of the Lexus LF-LC Concept Car. More vehicles to be previewed at the show are the all new Lexus GS 450h and of course – Lexus GS 450h F Sport.
2012 Lexus RX Source: Lexus
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2012 Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference
The new tuning made by Hartmann is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model. The interior of the vehicle is absolutely spectacular and combines luxury and refinement in every possible level. At its core the vehicle is a salon with two single seats and two swivel chairs. In addition, they are also covered with the best genuine Mercedes-Benz nappa leather in “Sunset red” colour or fine Alcantara in “Java” colour.Furthermore, they are heated as well. In the centre of this Sprinter is a seat and table rail system, which were created in colaboration with TÜV Nord. The side panels and the canopy were also covered in the high-quality leather.
In the rear part of the interior, Hartmann tuners installed different furnishings made of non-distorting boat plywood, which was additionally covered with makassar veneer on both sides, a 6-fold coat of paint and polished. Moreover, there are two highly luxurious roller front cupboards suitable for wardrobe and files, including two 12-Volt connections and an external 220-Volt connection for an additional power supply.
Adding to the spectacular interior there were also installed a catering cabinet for some dishes, a cabinet with an integrated compressor cooling box and a Nespresso coffee bar. The entire setup is lit by ambience lighting with warm-light LED lamps in the canopy and lighting under the rear worktables. Of course, the Sprinter was fully insulated to enhance even further the privacy.
Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference Interior (2012) Another refinement with leather and alcantara was made on the drivers and passengers area. In addition, the technicians installed a Pioneer head unit with route planner, Bluetooth phone, DVD-/CD-changer and Ampire low-range bass, as well as a sophisticated speaker system. The tuners didin’t miss the steering wheel: it was covered in special leather in black and sunset red.
There were also included individual carpets in dark red wool velour. In addition to all this, 2012 Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference comes with aluminium wheel set, equipped with 265/40R20 tyres; aerodynamics construction set, including front spoiler skirt, a side sill set and tail skirt create a skilfully sportive appearance.
Hartmann Mercedes-Benz Sprinter SP5 Conference (2012) 
Source: Hartmann Tuning
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Brabus Smart Electric Drive and Smart ebike
Brabus have been known to the world as a company that produces mad, torque bursting Daimler cars (Mercedes-Benz cars mostly). But they also have 10 years of experience with the Smart label and this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the public will be presented with the Brabus Smart Fortwo electric drive and the Brabus Smart ebike – ideas for future sports mobility.“Like all smart Brabus vehicles these two new models follow our philosophy of more style, more power and more exclusiveness”, says Bodo Buschmann, CEO of the Bottrop customiser Brabus. “In addition to classic Brabus customers they also appeal to smart electric drive customers who attach importance to environmental friendliness and also want even more sportiness and exclusiveness. Or to put it another way: we give the sporty soul a green heart.”
With the Brabus Fortwo electric drive, the company has further improved on its principles – maximum driving fun, now with zero emissions. The electric motor in the Brabus product is based on the standard forwto unit but with 60 kW of power it takes the lead among conventional Smarts. Torque is also up to 135 Nm and constantly available as expected from an EV. The ride has been lowered thanks to a Brabus suspension and with the addition of Brabus “Monoblock VII” alloy wheels measuring 16″ at the front and 17″ the sporty feel is almost complete. The thing that could have been left behind is the sound module – a device that produces fake engine noises is as useful as a smartphone Zippo application.
Other than that the exterior and interior is very pleasant. Those green and black motives on the finish and the trimmings make the Fortwo look like a training shoe… or an energy drink can. Dark Brabus headlamps add a dash of aggression while Brabus Xclusive aerodynamic body styling parts (a front spoiler and a special rear apron insert with double reflectors) complete the outside look. Inside, leather covers the seats and instrument and door panels. The dashboard and the hand-brake handle are custom made by Brabus (and so is the clock). A sports stearing wheel and gear lever leave the cockpit distinctive and compleate.
Brabus Smart Fortwo Electric Drive The Smart Brabus ebike also ticks out all the Brabus essentials for a successful project – more style, more power and more exclusiveness. An overall black frame with green leather handles and a green seat leaves the impression that the Fortwo and the ebike are related. Also in contrasting green are the pedals and the various nuts and bolts scattered all over the bike. A four-piston calliper is fixed upon the the front wheel disk while the wheels themselves have a unique four-spoke design made from carbon fiber. Other ways to tell that this isn’t your everyday Smart ebike is by looking at the Sport Contact tyres, weight-optimised cranks and pedals and the carbon seatpost.
With 500 watts the electric motor is twice as powerful as that on the Smart ebike. Because of all the carbon fiber components, the ebike is also 10 percent lighter. The assistance from the motor is regulated by four level with the forth one being the highest. Ultimately the ebike is capable of speeds of up to 45 km/h – a road legal bike!
Brabus Smart ebike 
Source: Smart
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MR Car Design Volkswagen Golf VI R32
MR Car Design has introduced their pimped Golf VI R32. The athlete is co-developed with BTS-Racing and the result is impressive. The engine conversion includes reinforced DSG gearbox and R 32 HPG Turbo-Kit. The result is whopping 465PS (342 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft).MR R32 also has a KW Clubsport suspension, a Stoptech 4-piston braking system with 355×32 mm discs. There are also H&R stabilizers – front and back as well as reinforced engine, transmission and suspension components. The chassis received polyurethane Superpro bushes.
The mighty tuned Golf R32 stads on OZ Ultraleggera HLT matt and powder-coated in two colours – 9J x 19“ ET45 with 225/35 ZR19 high-performance tires.
Last, but not least, a valve controlled 3“ sports exhaust system has been mounted, which delivers very good sound characteristics.
Car Design offers a wide range of the storage possibilities for interested customers, both in summer and in winter. When it comes to the maintenance of the sport cars it is extremely convenient service.
MR Car Design Volkswagen Golf VI R32 
Source: MR Car Design
