Roadster – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

Brabus 800 Roadster – 800HP and 1420Nm

Brabus has introduced the stunning 800 Roadster, which is based on the new powerful SL 65 AMG. The 800 Roadster comes with both – styling and performance modifications. It will be exhibited at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, next week.

The 6.0 liter AMG V12 bi-turbo is boosted to whopping 800HP (588 kW) and 1,420Nm (1,047 lb-ft) of torque. However, the torque is restricted to “just” 1,100Nm, because of possible transmission failure.

0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of mind-blowing 350 km/h (217 mph). This is 0.3 seconds faster than normal variant and 100 km/h more in top speed.

The exterior boasts complete aerodynamics package, which has been developed in the wind tunnel. All components made of carbon fiber fit perfectly to the factory AMG package. They are finished in either matte or glossy finish matching body’s color.

The 800 Roadster rolls 20” alloy wheels fitted with 255/30 ZR20 and 305/25 ZR20 (front/rear) high-performance tires. For maximum traction, Brabus can fit the car with a LSD (limited-slip differential).

BRABUS adds even more luxury and custom features to the two-seat interior upon request as well. The product portfolio ranges from scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo and a speedometer with 360-km/h dial (220 mph) to carbon-fiber and wood trim sets in any color imaginable and with a variety of surface finishes.

The company upholstery shop crafts exquisite BRABUS interiors from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara.

Source: Brabus

February 26, 2013

BMW Z8 Roadster – Price €113,361

Always wanted to be “James Bond”? Here is your chance! Just get a nice suit, expensive watch and this awesome BMW Z8. Same car is used by Pierce Brosnan in the movie “The world is not enough”.The Z8 Roadster is powered by the famous S62B49 – naturally aspirated high-revving V8 with 400HP (300 kW) and 500Nm (370 lb-ft) of torque. The same engine is used in the E39 M5, but here it powers a roadster. The engine was located behind the front axle in order to provide the car with 50/50 weight distribution. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.This particular unit has 17,700 km on the clock. It is priced at 113,361, which is a lot more than it cost as brand new. Still, it is in mint condition and comes with a set of enormous 20” original Alpina Wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires . Equipment includes Full leather red and black, Air conditioning, floor mats, electric seat adjustment, hardtop including hardtop stand, cover, wind deflector, alarm, xenon lights, original board folder, the original operating instruction book, original tool kit, electric steering column longitudinal adjustment and many more.The car is for absolute collectors, but it also can be driven on the public roads.

January 31, 2013

Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster at Miami Airport Runway

Five brand new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadsters have been brought to the busiest US airport for international flights.

The take-off speed of a passenger airliner is around 150mph to 180 mph (240 km/h to 290 km/h). No current jet aircraft reaches 338 km/h (210 mph) on the ground, which was the clocked speed of the Aventador Roadster during the closed-course drive demonstration.

The Lamborghinis were joined by an American Airlines Boeing 777 and lined-up for a photo shoot on the runway. Due to integrated planning on behalf of Miami-Dade officials and the FAA, there was no impact on flight arrivals and departures.

LP700-4 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 with 700HP (515 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). The engine is coupled to a 7-speed ISR gearbox specially supplied by Graziano Trasmissioni Group. The shift time is just 50 milliseconds. The power is put on the road through a Haldex AWD system. 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

The price for each Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster is €300,000.

Source: Lamborghini

January 29, 2013

Petrolicious: Napa Valley Roadsters [VIDEO]

Napa Valley, Callifornia: fields full of grape vines, sun is constantly shining and birds are literally singing all the time. Sound like the place for the perfect vacation and it undoubtedly is. However, it is also the place where there is a community of people who are keen on vintage automobiles.

More importantly, they help one another with everything that concerns the parts and maintenance of those vehicles. On the spot this time, through the lenses of the professionals from Petrolicious are the vintage Datsun Roadsters, which are definitely one-of-a-kind and have thrilling engine “voice”.

Being a rear wheel drive the roadster is still capable of accelerating the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.4 seconds. It reaches its tops speed of 108 mph effortlessly, thanks to its naturally aspired I-4 engine. The latter generates 135 horsepower (100 kW) and has a 179 Nm (132 ft-lbs) of torque rated at 4400 rpm.

Now take a look at the video below and experience through the words of those lucky men what it is like to have a car such as the Datsun Roadster.

httpv://vimeo.com/55825845

Video Source: Petrolicious via Vimeo

December 20, 2012

2013 Mazda MX-5 Roadster enters European market this Autumn

2013 Mazda MX-5 Roadster is the newly-upgraded version of one of the most famous open-top sports car, and more importantly it will go on sale in Europe this autumn. It has improved safety and driving attributes, along with exterior and interior upgrades.

The first new thing around the upgraded MX-5 to be mentioned is the new front bumper design. It gives the Roadster more aggressive-visual appearance and additionally it contributes to optimal aerodynamic performance.

Furthermore, the MX-5 is now even more responsive to driver input. Throttle movement, and the degree to which the gas pedal is pushed, are now controlled separately on all manual transmission models. The effect of this is that it increases the feeling of linear acceleration, and gives the driver more control during acceleration.

The brake return control is enhanced as well, which is very advantageous when the driver brakes upon entering a curve. Another advantage after the upgrade is that Mazda has introduced a new “active bonnet” pedestrian protection system to the Roadster.

2013 Mazda MX-5 will go on sale across Europe in autumn 2012.

Source: Mazda

July 11, 2012

2012 MINI Roadster by Franca Sozzani – an inspiring design

2012 MINI Roadster by Franca Sozzani is the special car, designed by Franca Sozzani (chief editor of Vogue). This exquisite MINI car was made to mark the 20th anniversary of the Life Ball charity event in Vienna.

MINI Roadster served as a base model for this inspiring floral design of the vehicle. In fact, the Roadster is the first open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. It comes with 184 horsepower (135 kW) and has a top speed of 227 km/h (141 mph).

Franca Sozzani decorated the roof of the Roadster in a stylishly intricate floral design. All those floral motives are harmoniously combined with the trendiest color of all the Deepest Purple. It was applied as a matt paintwork over the car, and in addition is complemented by gold hallmark MINI rally stripes.

As you can see the overall appearance of the vehicle is more than impressive. In my opinion it is even a work of art.

The interior of the car is as inspiring and exceptional as the exterior itself. For instance, for the instruments and brass-colored touches on the circular elements is used printed leather.

The designer Sozzani spoke about the inspiration behind this unique design, which will stay in the history of the MINI:

“The concept behind the MINI customisation is inspired by the beautiful and elegant women who in the past used to wear a scarf draped around their head when driving a convertible. Flowers are a symbol of joy and life. And the Life Ball is always fighting for life and joy.”

2012 MINI Roadster by Franca Sozzani Interior

Source: MINI

May 21, 2012

2012 MINI Roadster by Franca Sozzani supports the Life Ball in Vienna

2012 MINI Roadster by Franca Sozzani is the lasted design concept which however has some unique qualities and is made with an aim of a special contribution.

For eleven years already, MINI brand has been a partner of the Life Ball, which annually takes place in Vienna. What is very specific about this event is that every year one special design comes under the imagination of a renowned designer to support the event.

For the 20th anniversary of the Life Ball the tradition is continued, with the donation of a vehicle which has been creatively transformed by an international celebrity. All the proceeds of this car will go to projects fighting HIV and AIDS.

In details, all in all the auctioning of these one-of-a-kind MINI models has accumulated inclome of more than 500,000 euros for this charitable purpose.

It is important to mention as well that these models have been designed in previous years by international fashion designers like: Joseph Corré for Agent Provocateur, Donatella Versace, Renzo Rosso for Diesel and Missoni, Mario Testino and The Blonds for Katy Perry.

The latest Life Ball MINI is created by the gifted Franca Sozzani, who is the chief editor of Italian VOGUE and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion 4 Development.

He describes the creative process and speaks about the inspiration which has provoked this unique design the following: “I thought at MINI as a beautiful woman who put a scarf on her head when she drives a Roadster.”

The Deepest Purple matt paintwork gives the MINI Roadster a thoroughly unmistakable look as are doing floral motifs and mannequins. Nevertheless the highlight of this year’s Life Ball MINI is the floral design on the roof of the MINI Roadster.

As you can see there are also added some steel-coloured accents on the exterior mirrors and alloy wheels. The typical MINI rally stripes are also in the same colour and they elegantly round off this unusual colour concept.

On the other hand the interior of the car is said to include the highest-quality of materials and a sophisticated seat design.

2012 MINI Roadster by Franca Sozzani will be auctioned in the Hall of Ceremonies at Vienna’s Hofburg palace as part of the AIDS Solidarity Gala.

Source: MINI

May 3, 2012

2012 SENNER Nissan 350Z Gold

Nissan 350Z is one of the most famous roadsters all around the globe thank to its sporting qualities and characteristics. 2012 SENNER Nissan 350Z Gold is a modification of the model vehicle, done by the German based auto-tuning company SENNER.

First, what grabs the eye is the incomparable Lemans Sunset Metallic. In addition the 350Z rides on new matt black polished 9 or 10×20 inch Barracuda Tzunamee wheel set, which is combined with supporting discs at front and back axes. The tires are Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta in the following sizes: 245/30 R20 90Y and 275/30 R20 97Y.

The running gear has an adjustable drag out and compression stages as well as the landing gear legs. In addition, for excellent command of the toe-in and camber angles there have been installed adjustable independent arm. The applied wheel-tyre combination can be mounted without any modifications of the car body-shell.

More importantly, 2012 SENNER Nissan 350Z Gold is originally equipped with the 3,5 liters V6 engine, which delivers 280 hp (206 kW) as a standard at 363 Nm (268 lb-ft) maximal torque at cranked shaft. What has basically the SENNER tuning team done here is to improve the performance of the compressor. Hence, the vehicle now can deliver up 411 hp (302 kW) at 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) of torque.

Moreover, the 350Z is equipped wit the catalyst Invidia Q300 stainless steel exhaust system, where the emissions can be carried out through the double flow system which includes a Y-type pipe and has an EG certificate.

At last, there is a LED Z-symbol on the back lights and the reflectors on the front bumper are grey. Nonetheless, the front WY21W type blinkers are in chrome and the rear blinkers on the bumper are lower to the left and they have no fog lights.

Source: SENNER Tuning

March 30, 2012

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster with market launch

What other car can deliver supreme sportiness, style and comfort other than Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster from Mercedes-Benz. In just in a day it is going to be available at all dealerships of the brand.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster has a body-in-white, which was produced from all-aluminium constructions as this happens for the first time. The customers can choose between two new powerful 6- and 8-cylinder engines featuring cutting-edge injection technology. In addition the ECO start/stop function comes as standard. What is specific about these newly developed engines is that they are saving up to 29 percent more fuel than their predecessors.

Additional innovations included in the Roadster are the Frontbass system for the ultimate in listening pleasure, and the MAGIC VISION CONTROL wiper/washer system. The altter applies the water to the windscreen directly from the wiper blade.

The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is all about lightness. May be you have no idea what the abbreviation “SL” stands for. Well, to answer thoe who still are wondering – it means “super-light”. Systematic weight reduction is one of the key structural design features of the new SL.

Furthermore, 2013 SL includes another debut: an all-aluminium body-in-white. Of course, all is done in the name of “lightness”. Combined with a host of other intelligent improvements to points of detail, this leads to an overall weight reduction of up to 140 kilograms in comparison to the predecessor model. What is more here is that the aluminium structure is also superior to the predecessor’s steel design in terms of rigidity, safety and comfort. Maybe this is one of the safest Roadsters in the world.

Moreover, the new SL-Class has high environmental compatibility: it reveals advantages over the previous model in all impact categories. Primary energy requirements have been reduced by 23% and NOx emissions by 16% over the entire life cycle. In addition, the new SL was built with higher percentage of high-quality recyclates and renewable raw materials. What has to be highlighted here is that for the first time in automotive industry, a secondary alloy has been qualified for aluminium inner panels in the body-in-white, thus minimizing the environmental impact in the manufacturing process.

Prices for the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster start at 93,534 euros.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

March 30, 2012

Audi TT RS Plus

Just when you think an Audi TT RS can’t get any better, a ‘plus‘ edition turns up and bends your perception of what is good and what is really good. When we say really good, we mean blisteringly fast, outstandingly fun and unmatched in terms of performance. Whichever ‘plus‘ you might choose, the Coupe or the Roadster, you can’t go wrong.

The standard 2.5 TFSI 5-line engine found in the RS is already powerful enough but the ‘plus’ sees a further power boost from 340 hp to 360 hp. Now an even more colossal torque figure of 465 Nm (342.97 lb-ft) passes trough the gearbox which can be an seven-speed S tronic or a six-speed manual. The S tronic is naturally a dual-clutch transmission and has its own launch control for that lightning performance from the starting line. All models come with the flawless quattro system that sends power to all four wheels.

Performance figures are a little bit in favor of the S tronic transmission coupled with a Coupe: a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time for the Coupe S tronic is 4.1 seconds with 4.3 seconds for the manual. The Roadster performs a tenth of a second slower in both configurations (4.2 with S tronic and 4.4 with a manual). The speed limiter for both cars kicks in at 280 km/h (173.98 mph). All of that stacks up pretty well against the economy figures which allow the RS to be driven on an everyday basis – 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 mpg) if you go with the S tronic.

That fuel frugality, as well as the agile acceleration, is partly due to the diet on which the RS had been put. (They should have called it the ‘minus’). The Coupé with manual transmission, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb). Other factors which might help the track performance include the four-piston calipers of the big ventilated front brake disks, the large fixed rear wing and the optional electro-magnetic damping suspension that has been a trademark the TT line for ages. The car itself sits on four 19-inch cast wheels (black with red lining on the rim) which are wrapped in wide 255/35 tires.

A striking feature that may give the car away as a ‘plus‘ version is the front grille – it’s a mesh of diamond-patterned design framed in what look like aluminum. Apart from that, there are the wing mirrors which are made from a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and the exhaust system which is distinguishable with its black oval tailpipe trims. A sound flap on the pipes, which enhances the roar from the engine is the car’s party piece.

In Germany, the ‘plus’ versions are priced as follows:

Coupe, manual transmission – €60,650 ($80,434)

Coupe, S tronic – €62,800 ($83,285)

Roadster, manual transmission – €63,500 ($84,214)

Roadster, S tronic – €65,650 ($87,065)

Source: Audi

February 10, 2012

2012 MINI Roadster: the first open-top two-seater model

2012 MINI Roadster will be launched this spring. It is the first open-top two-seater in MINI history and aims to bring more elegance, sportiness and compactness to the customers. Next to the stylish exterior design, the vehicle is also equipped powerful engine and precision suspension.

MINI has made a significant reproduction of its hallmark design language within the proportions of a roadster, bestowing on the open-top two-seater. Moreover the MINI Roadster’s soft-top can be easily opened by hand. In addition, the car has a 240-litre boot which offers versatility of loading options. The padded stainless steel roll-over bars and the windscreen frame are making the MINI look even more elegantly, while at the same functioning in safety terms.

What is more here, are the powerful engines in tandem with precisely tuned suspension systems. The front-wheel drive works in collaboration with the chassis technology thus ensuring excellent driving fun. In addition there is also included a standard-fitted Dynamic Stability Control system and optimal aerodynamics. And can you believe that even with the top down the MINI Roadster reaches 80 km/h (50 mph). This is due to the active rear spoiler.

The new MINI Roadster comes with an enhanced range of standard equipment, which features air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an MP3-capable audio system with CD player and AUX IN connection. The paintwork on the front of the exterior has a palette of two non-metallic and six metallic shades to choose from, as well as three Sport Stripes variants for the bonnet, boot lid and rear aprons. The soft-top is of course in black. On the other hand, on the inside, the MINI Roadster delivers again a big range of design options, with seat and upholstery variants ranging from sporty, to compact, to elegant. They include exclusive piped sports seats in the color shade Toffy, as well as black sports seats in Punch Leather with beige perforations, and any of six different trim strip options.

The model variants which are going to be available on the market are in four sporty versions, which feature: the ultra-sporty MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with a handsome 211 hp (157 kW), the elegant MINI Cooper S Roadster, the MINI Cooper Roadster, and MINI Cooper SD Roadster, which requires just 4.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (62.77 mpg imp)!

Source: MINI

February 7, 2012

Tesla Roadster 2012 Limited Availability

Tesla Motors is saying goodbye to their all-electric Roadster with style. A last revision of the sports car will be available in Europe, Asia and Australia.

Exclusivity in the last Tesla Roadster can be found within a range of new body colors – Cosmic Black, Galactic Gray and Magma Orange come with coordinated interior shades. It will also perform better in snowy conditions due to a provided snow cover and improvements on the motor and inverter systems. Because of that update the driver inside will also enjoy improved air conditioning. Other minor tweaks include xenon headlights, soundproofing and better connectivity (in Tesla terms that means that one will be able to plug in their car in almost any socket common for that region).

With a bit over 2000 Roadster units sold, do you think Tesla Motors is gathering pace towards a change in the automotive world and if so, is it for the better?

Source: Tesla Motors

January 12, 2012

Tag: Roadster