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Switzer Porsche Panamera Turbo

Switzer Performance has introduced a new tuning package for the luxurious sports saloon Porsche Panamera Turbo. The project name is P680 and as you may suggest, the number means the horsepower.Switzer Panamera P680 boosts the mighty 4.8 liter twin-turbo V8 up to 680HP (507 kW) and staggering 970Nm (716 lb-ft) of torque. The power improvement is significant, because the stock variant of the car produces “just” 500PS. So, Switzer Porsche Panamera Turbo will be capable to chase the new BMW M5. Still, M5 F10 is expected to have tuning packages as well, because of its brutal 560PS twin-turbo V8.Switzer Panamera P680 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and the top speed is way over 200mph barrier – 346 km/h (215 mph). Nice!The price for this additional 189PS is not little – $22 000 as the performance package includes two new turbochargers, a custom intercooler and a revised ECU.

June 27, 2011

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee UK

Jeep has announced the new 2011 Grand Cherokee UK, which boasts superb material quality, improved fuel economy and nice off-road capabilities.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee UK features new turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 CRD engine with 237BHP (177 kW) at 4000RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque between 1800 and 2800RPM. This means up to 10 per cent more power and eight per cent more torque than the engine it replaces.

The engine achieves staggering 8.3 litres per 100 km (34 mpg) on combined cycle and 218 g/km of CO2. From a retail perspective the improvement in CO₂ emissions represents a saving of £1 220 in current VED taxation over a five year period compared with the outgoing model.

The engine of course meets EURO5 regulations. The performance is perfect – 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 203 km/h (126mph).

The Grand Cherokee range starts from £36 795 OTR with the 3.0 CRD V6 Limited, while the flagship Overland starts from £43 995 OTR.

Check out the trim levels and pricing, below!

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee UK:

All of the following equipment comes as standard on both trim levels:

Sentry Key^® Theft Deterrent System
Thatcham Category 1 Alarm and Immobiliser
Active head restraints
Advanced Multi-Stage front airbags
Side curtain airbags
Supplementary side airbags
Anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes
Centre rear 3-point seat belt
Child seat upper tether anchorages
Electronic Stability Control
Enhanced Accident Response System
Traction Control
Front seat mounted side airbags
Laminated front door glass
Power locks
Rear fog lamps
Anti-sway damping system

The top-of-the-range Overland version possesses exclusive and state-of-the-art features, which are options on most of the Grand Cherokee’s rivals:

Uconnect navigation system with Media Centre 6.5” touch screen display and 30GB hard drive
Blind-spot and rear cross path detection (Overland only)
Adaptive cruise control (Overland only)
Forward collision warning (Overland only)
Quadra-Lift air suspension

Limited

This specification features a high degree of equipment in all areas: comfort, capability, in-car entertainment, technology, design and luxury:

Quadra-Trac II® 4WD system
3.0 CRD V6 237bhp
Thatcham Category 1 Alarm and Immobiliser
Selec-Terrain™ system
Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with headlamp washers and auto-levelling
Rain sensitive windscreen wipers
Air-conditioning with dual zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC)
Media Centre with 6.5” touch screen display and 30GB hard drive with 6700 song capacity
Keyless Enter-N-Go™
18” Alloy wheels
Fog lamps
Illuminated entry
Hill Descent Control
Hill Start Assist
Bright exhaust tailpipes
Uconnect Bluetooth with voice command
iPod® connector with remote USB port
ParkSense® front and rear park assist system
ParkView® rear back-up camera
Leather trimmed seats
Heated front and rear seats
Power 8-way driver and passenger seat memory
Power tilt / telescopic steering column
Alpine surround sound system (9 speakers and subwoofer)
Tyre pressure monitoring display
Power folding multi-function door mirrors

Limited – Options

This trim level can be further enhanced with the following options:

Rear DVD with single sunroof
CommandView panoramic sunroof
Performance pack (20″ wheels with 265/60 R20 performance tyres, performance brakes and sports suspension)
Navigation & Luxury pack (Uconnect navigation system, heated steering wheel and power liftgate)
Deep-tint sunscreen glass

Overland

The standard equipment on the Overland reaches unparalleled levels for the segment, using the most refined materials together with advanced technological features. On top of the Limited specification, the Overland model adds the following items:

20” alloy wheels
Performance brakes with sports suspension
Cargo net
Door courtesy lamps
Premium Nappa leather trimmed seats with contrast stitching
Ventilated front seats
Leather covered dashboard
Dark wood interior trim inserts
Deep-tint sunscreen glass
Power liftgate
Heated steering wheel
Quadra-Lift™ air suspension
CommandView panoramic sunroof
Overland interior detailing
Uconnect navigation system
Blind-spot and rear cross path detection
Adaptive cruise control
Forward collision warning

Pricing

The Grand Cherokee range starts from £36 795 OTR with the 3.0 CRD V6 Limited, while the flagship Overland starts from £43 995 OTR. Optional special paint on all models comes at £670 RRP, while prices for the other options are as follows:

Rear DVD with single sunroof (Limited) £1,700 RRP
Rear DVD with single sunroof retrofit (Overland) £700 RRP
CommandView panoramic sunroof (Limited) £1,200 RRP
Performance pack (Limited) £2,000 RRP
Navigation & Luxury pack (Limited) £1,500 RRP
Deep-tint sunscreen glass (Limited) £350 RRP

Source: Chrysler UK

June 27, 2011

Bentley Continental GT Mulliner

Bentley Continental GT is now more exclusive with the new Mulliner Styling Specification including a range of nice options boosting the road presence of the luxurious coupe.

The new Mulliner Styling Specification’s Classic Pack includes a unique front bumper splitter, strakes integrated into the front intake grilles, side extension blades and a rear diffuser, all made from high-gloss, black carbon-fibre.

There are also carbon-fibre rear spoiler and door mirror cowls as well as huge black 21” Elegant alloy wheels and dark mesh front wing vents with black carbon-fibre bezels.

“The Mulliner Styling Specification, with its sharper lines and darker, lower appearance subtly underscores the extrovert, flamboyant nature of our new Coupe. It delivers a more personalised, sportive interpretation of a luxurious, refined GT.”, commented Raul Pires, Bentley’s head of exterior design.

A series of high performance V-Max tests and wind tunnel appraisals were undertaken to ensure that the handling and performance credentials of the new Continental GT are not compromised by the addition of the Mulliner Styling Specification

The Classic Pack is available to order from June 2011 onwards and the optional design features can be ordered from authorised Bentley dealers from Autumn 2011.

“To ensure complete peace of mind for our customers, the Mulliner Styling Specification is underpinned by the Company’s exhaustive aerodynamic and durability testing programme and is backed by a full Bentley warranty.”, finished Steve O’Hara, Aftersales Director.

Source: Bentley

June 27, 2011

2012 Buick LaCrosse 3.6 liter V6

The era of the slow low revving huge American engines faded. GM has introduced a new engine, which will be installed in the 2012 Buick LaCrosse. It is a more powerful and fuel-efficient version of the 3.6 liter V6, which will be a no-additional-cost alternative on select trim levels to the standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine with eAssist.

The new aluminum-block 3.6 liter V6 with direct-injection and variable valve timing develops 303PS (223 kW) and 358Nm (264 lb-ft) of torque. All that power is delivered to the front wheels. Still, it returns 17 mpg in city and 27 mpg on highway, which is around 13.8 liters and 8.7 liters per 100 km.

“The changes we’ve made to the 3.6L V-6 represent greater refinements to an already well-balanced package,” commented Tom Sutter, global V-6 chief engineer.

“We are using the latest designs, lighter-weight components and enhancements to improve the engine’s performance, efficiency and durability.”, he added.

“Thanks to increased use of lightweight components and other enhancements, the new 3.6L V-6 offers 2012 LaCrosse buyers improved acceleration with no hit to fuel efficiency,” said Doug Osterhoff, LaCrosse product marketing manager.

“This new engine is an attractive option on the car that’s been widely hailed as one of the most attractive luxury sedans on the road today.”, he finished.

Source: GM

June 24, 2011

Lexus LS 600h Landaulet

Lexus LS 600h Landaulet will be the wedding car of is Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and Carlene Wittstock in Monte Carlo on 2 July. The car features a one-piece transparent polycarbonate roof, full hybrid powertrain and unique comfort.

The car is built by Belgian coachbuilder Carat Duchatelet, working closely with Lexus engineers based in Brussels. The project took more than 2 000 hours to complete, with a focus on maintaining the levels of quality and technological sophistication that are fundamental to every Lexus, and preserving the performance, safety and dynamic attributes of the original LS 600h L.

Lexus LS 600h Landaulet was finished in an elegant Midnight Blue livery, applied by hand using several coats of a bespoke, water-based paint, adding to the car’s environmental credentials.

The biggest feature is the transparent roof, which was real challenge in both design, as a large, single piece with no reinforcements or pillars, and in manufacturing. Lexus co-operated with a French company that specialises in supplying similar components to the aerospace industry, such as helicopter windscreens and fighter jet canopies to make this part.

The roof is a single, lightweight polycarbonate shell that is 8mm thick and weighs just 26kg. Fixed to the body of the Lexus through two intermediary parts, it allows a perfect view in and out of the car.

The final stage of the conversion, re-assembly and finishing took a team of 10 specialists working with Lexus engineers more than two weeks to complete, to ensure the highest quality levels were achieved.

On the day of the wedding the LS 600h Landaulet will be used by the royal couple to tour the principality after the marriage ceremony. For most of this distance the car will operate in its fully electric mode, with zero tailpipe emissions. This is very important, but we don’t want to know, how much emission are made during the preparation of this vehicle.

After the celebrations the car will be displayed at the Media Centre and later the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco.

Source: Lexus

June 24, 2011

Audi R8 V10 Spyder Chrome

Audi has unveiled a special edition R8 V10 Spyder, which will be auctioned at at this year’s White Tie and Tiara Ball. The car features stunning mirror-like chromed finish and brutal V10 engine.

“Sir Elton John’s fundraising ball really is a golden ticket event that is as glamorous as it is hugely effective in fundraising terms,” commented Jeremy Hicks, Director of Audi UK.

“We are delighted, and enormously proud, to support it for a ninth year with the donation of what is arguably our most fittingly glamorous model,” he added.

Audi R8 V10 Spyder is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 with 525HP (386 kW) and 530N/m (393 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.1 seconds and the top speed is 312 km/h (194 mph). The car features a fully-automatic lightweight fabric roof, Quattro all-wheel drive and manual gearbox. The base price is £117 710 OTR.

The White Tie & Tiara Ball, now in its 13th year, is the EJAF’s foremost fundraising event, and has been supported by Audi with special auction lots for the past eight years

Source: Audi

June 24, 2011

Aston Martin Cygnet Colette Special Edition

Aston Martin Cygnet Colette Special Editio
Aston Martin has introduced Cygnet Colette special edition, which is designed by the Paris fashion house. Only 14 units of the limited edition Cygnet & Colette will be produced. All of them are handcrafted and there are limitless options personalised precisely to customer specification through the brand’s world famous Works Service facility.

The Works Tailored team has created unique “Cygnet & Colette” elements including:

Stainless steel hand formed and engraved door handle badges

‘Cygnet & colette’ branded hand enamelled boot badging manufactured by Thomas Fattorini

Quilted Alcantara sun visors to complement the quilted leather door and seat inserts

Hand trimmed, quilted colette blue leather occasional cushions for the rear seats

‘Cygnet & colette’ branding on satellite navigation start up

A unique ‘Cygnet & colette’ key ring machined from solid aluminium with blue enamelling

“Aston Martin and colette are both cool brands that successfully blend modernity and innovation. It made perfect sense to work together and create this limited piece of automotive fashion for the city.”, commented Aston Martin Director of Design, Marek Reichman.

“The colette car is the first of the exclusive ‘Cygnet &’ collaborations. These cars will give Aston Martin a relevant platform to reach out to new customers in urban areas.”, he added.

Prices start from €48 995.

Source: Aston Martin

June 23, 2011

Volkswagen’s Temporary Auto Pilot

Volkswagen has introduced the Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP), which includes some semi-automatic functions.

“Above all, what we have achieved today is an important milestone on the path towards accident-free car driving,” commented Leohold at today’s final presentation of the EU research project HAVEit in the Swedish city of Boras.

“Nonetheless, the driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control,” continues Leohold.

“The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it.”, he finished.

TAP always offers the driver an optimal degree of automation as a function of the driving situation, acquisition of the surroundings and driver and system states. It is intended to prevent accidents due to driving errors by an inattentive, distracted driver. In the semi-automatic driving mode – referred to as Pilot Mode, for short – TAP maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, drives at a speed selected by the driver, reduces this speed as necessary before a bend, and maintains the vehicle’s central position with respect to lane markers.

The system also observes overtaking rules and speed limits, which is kind of stupid, because it can be crucial in some situations, when you need to go really fast to prevent accident.

Stop and start driving manoeuvres in traffic jams are also automated. With TAP, it is possible to drive at speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour on motorways or similar roads. Drivers must still continually focus their attention on the road, so that they can intervene in safety-critical situations at any time.

In contrast to previous research vehicles such as “Junior” and “Stanley”, TAP is based on a relatively production-like sensor platform, consisting of production-level radar-, camera-, and ultrasonic-based sensors supplemented by a laser scanner and an electronic horizon.

“One conceivable scenario for its initial use might be in monotonous driving situations, e.g. in traffic jams or over sections of a driving route that are exceedingly speed-limited,” said Leohold.

Source: Volkswagen

June 23, 2011

MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance

MINI has introduced a specially prepared Endurance version of the new John Cooper Works Coupe. It will line up at this year’s 24-hour race at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife circuit, previewing the series-production version of the car due to be unveiled to the public in autumn 2011.

It is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit with a twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. The total power is 250HP and 330Nm in Overboost. Top speed is over 240 km/h.

The John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package further enhances the Coupe’s already supreme handling; the front spoiler, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing generate downforce, optimising the balance between the front and rear axle.

The MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance achieves an exceptionally high level of safety thanks to features including a roll cage welded to the body and a sports bucket seat with six-point safety belt and Formula One-style HANS (Head And Neck Support) system.

It is also equipped with with Race ABS from MINI Challenge and specially tuned DSC dynamic control system.

Technical data. MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance
Engine	Tuned version of series-produced MINI John Cooper Works engine with adapted engine management. Four-cylinder in-line engine (front/transverse-mounted) with twin-scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection. Racing exhaust system
Displacement	1,598 cc
Output	Approx. 184 kW / approx. 250 hp
Max. torque	Approx. 330 Nm (incl. Overboost)
Top speed	> 240 km/h
Power transfer	Front-wheel drive, sequential six-speed gearbox with electronic differential lock
Suspension	Independent race suspension (KW Suspension) with adjustable compression and rebound, adjustable front strut brace
Tyres	Racing tyres (Dunlop) / slicks: 215/45 R17, wets: 205/620 R17, 17-inch racing rims (Borbet)
Body	John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package, adjustable rear wing, rear diffuser acc. to regulations, pneumatic jack
Safety	MINI Challenge braking system with Race ABS, race-tuned DSC, welded-in roll cage, six-point safety belt, racing seat (Recaro) with HANS system, main switch concept with electronically controlled fire extinguishing equipment
Interior	Racing steering wheel (Sparco), Drive Data Display with shift display
Weight	965 kg
Wheelbase	2,467 mm
Tank capacity	100 litres

Source: MINI

June 23, 2011

Mazda rotary engine – before and after

A sports car is a low car with a huge engine, true or false? Mazda says false. 1,3 naturally aspirated and stunning 250HP in the latest RX8. The RX7 even features a sequential twin turbocharged 1,3 with 280HP.

Especially for the newer generations, the Wankel engine is considered a Mazda engine only. A thorough look at the years after 1950s proves otherwise. The first Wankel engine was started in 1957 and produced 21 hp. It has many design differences compared to what we can see nowadays. Alfa, Ford, Nissan, Porsche and Suzuki are just some examples of companies that tried to take advantage of the new technology. So, the Wankel engine is lighter, simpler, has less moving parts and has twice the power coming from the same displacement. So there must be something wrong, look around, 4 pistons, 4 strokes, all around us. The seal system of the Wankel engines has improved significantly through the years, but it still remains the main drawback of this engine. It turns out that MPG wise it is comparable to a V8 with the same performance.

1999 Mazda RX7

After all, who is using these engines nowadays? The answer is Mazda. The sporty coupe with RX badge is powered by this technology. And it turns to be a successful one through the years. The RX7 has sold more than 800 000 units till it was replaced by the RX8 in 2003. Through its 24 years of manufacturing the RX7 always somehow managed to find its niche on the market. In the late 1970s and early 1980 it used to be a participant in some of the greatest motorsport events. The world rally championship, the Australian Touring Car Championship, 24 hours of Le Mans and so on.

What is the future? The RX9 it seems. According to some press releases it will more resemble the RX7 rather than the RX8. Mazda seem to be sticking to modern technologies and is going turbo again. Unlike the RX8 the new RX is expected to have plenty of torque not being naturally aspirated. Combined with a LSD transmission it will definitely be a great fun to drive. Less than 1250 kg, expected 290 hp and the REVs of the Wankel engine promise to make 2014 a good year. Yet another reason to hope 2012 is not fatal.

June 23, 2011

Volkswagen Golf24 is ready to hit the Nurburgring

The fastest Volkswagen Golf will compete tomorrow at the Nurburgring-Nordschleife in the legendary 24-hour race. The spectacular Golf24 has been prepared specially to take place at the race – June 23 to June 26, 2011. Fitting the 35^th anniversary of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen Motorsport has developed a thorough-bred racing version of the world’s highest-volume production car.

It is powered by a 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine with 440PS (324 kW) and 540Nm of torque. It features four-wheel drive, a sequential 6-speed gearbox with paddle shifters and, last but not least, an impressive body shell.

Check out Volkswagen driver line-up, below!

Volkswagen Golf 24h Rollout - Oschersleben 2011 — Volkswagen Golf 24h Rollout – Oschersleben 2011

The Volkswagen driver line-up for the 2011 Nurburgring 24-hour race:

#35 – Golf24 – white / red

Peter Terting (D) / Nicki Thiim (DK) / Franck Mailleux (F) / René Rast (D)

#135 – Golf24 – white / blue
Thomas Mutsch (D) / Fredrik Ekblom (S) / Patrick Simon (D) / Edoardo Mortara (I)

#235 – Golf24 – white / yellow
Johnny Herbert (GB) / Patrick Bernhardt(D) / Mark Blundell (GB) / René Rast (D)

#116 – Scirocco GT24-CNG – blue / silver
Dr Ulrich Hackenberg (D) / Vanina Ickx (B) / Peter Wyss (CH) / Bernd Ostmann (D)

#117 – Scirocco GT24-CNG – blue / orange
Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q) / Carlos Sainz (E) / Giniel de Villiers (ZA) / Klaus Niedzwiedz (D)

Source: Volkswagen

June 22, 2011

DMC Ferrari FF

After the tuning package for Lamborghini Aventador, the German tuned DMC has announced their package for the staggering Ferrari FF. The project is called Maximus and includes both styling and exterior upgrades.

The new aerodynamics kit includes new front and rear bumpers, side scoops, rear diffuser, trunk spoiler and a rear wing. Furthermore, the car will benefit from a huge weight saving of 70 kg (154 lbs), because all parts are made from carbon fiber.

The performance package for the brutal 6.3 liter V12 consists of twin superchargers, a stainless-steel sport exhaust with 90 mm tailpipes, a new intake manifold, larger fuel-injectors, high-flow air filters and a large intercooler. As you may suggest, the power increasing is significant – a whopping 222 PS (160 kW) and 179 Nm (132 lb-ft) over the series edition. The total number are 888PS (653 kW) and 862Nm (636 lb-ft) of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, to 200 km/h in 9.1 seconds and top speed is 340 km/h (211 mph).

Maximus Ferrari FF stands on 21” wheels at the front and 22” at the rear fitted with ultra-performance Pirelli Pzero tires. For better handling and stance, there are also lowering springs and a front-axle lift system.

Source: DMC

June 22, 2011

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