Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Mercedes-Benz S600


The 2009 S-Class is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the S550 to the S600. Upon introduction, the S550 is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 382-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway.
A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The S600 is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V12, 510-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2009 S-Class is a carryover from 2008.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Bmw X6 Concept


Today was the long-awaited premiere of one of the most anticipated vehicles this year - a concept BMW X6. This crossover with the silhouette coupé launch new compact SUV class called SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle), which means "a sports car for active lifestyles."


Presentation Model X6 place in the international automobile exhibition in Frankfurt.


Visitors could not see the serial version, a concept, though, as claimed by Bavarii, car almost ready for production and will be in car dealerships as early as 2008.



According to Boss BMW designer Chris Bengla (Chris Bangle) for a good concept in the serial model requires very little time. "And, without a doubt, the new X6 falls in that category.

Designer Pierre Leclair (Pierre Leclercq), which owes its car appearance, said that X6" is a sports car, a BMW spirit.

BMW X6


BMW will once again introduce a ground-breaking idea to the world and the creation of a new segment with the debut of its all-new X6 Sports Activity Coupe at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. The all-new vehicle redefines the very notion of a coupe - with five doors and four sculpted seats, a higher ride and loads of cargo space. It defies coupe conventions in one jaw-dropping look, combining coupe agility and SAV versatility, taking the coupe to a higher level.

As the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6 will be available in two engine variants: the xDrive50i (4.4 V8 engine, 400 hp, 450 lb-ft torque) and the xDrive35i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb-ft torque), both with Twin Turbo and direct injection. The BMW X6 offers unique features and performance ability in a combination unmatched by any other vehicle. The new BMW X6's design combines the sporting elegance of a large BMW Coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW X model.

The BMW X6 comes as standard with BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control for variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles, consistently adjusted to driving conditions at all times and in all situations.

Featured for the first time as standard in the BMW X6, Dynamic Performance Control likewise ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels. Dynamic Performance Control incorporates an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential incorporating two planetary gearsets and two clutch packs that enables the system to multiply torque on an individual rear wheel. The result is that Dynamic Performance Control can help steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of the rear wheels. Unique the world over, this cutting-edge technology is effective whether the driver is accelerating or decelerating and significantly enhances steering precision and, as a result, the agility of the vehicle at any speed. In fast corners with abrupt steering manoeuvres or with the driver suddenly releasing the gas pedal, Dynamic Performance Control serves to improve the stability of the entire vehicle, thus allowing the driver to safely enter and enjoy new dimensions of driving dynamics. Finally, on slippery or uneven surfaces, Dynamic Performance Control provides the further advantage of even safer and more stable traction.

The new V8 engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection, is likewise making its world debut in the BMW X6. Displacing 4.4 litres, this eight-cylinder with maximum engine output of 400 hp and peak torque of 450 lb-ft available over an unusually large range of engine speed from 1,800 to 4,500 rpm, is the most powerful engine ever seen in a BMW X Model.

The new eight-cylinder is indeed truly impressive not only through its outstanding thrust and pulling force, but also through its compact dimensions. For this is the first eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world to feature its turbocharger in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders.

Hence, the BMW Sports Activity Coupe is an absolutely exceptional vehicle also beyond the direct range of BMW X Model competitors, ensuring unparalleled performance in all situations, regardless of road and surface conditions.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster


Mercedes-Benz will in future also market its SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster with a top. In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it, too, will be made of carbon fibre, a material that will endow the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupé version.

This gives rise, in combination with the racing-type chassis, to outstanding ride characteristics. The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h, therefore at the same high level as the coupé. Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.

Like the coupé version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR leg-end of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.

The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series


The new Black Series from Mercedes-Benz is an even more driver-focused variant of the V8-powered SLK 55 AMG Roadster, using motorsport-inspired technology to deliver scintillating performance and enhanced driving dynamics. Output from the 5.5-litre AMG engine is boosted from 360 hp to 400 hp and 45 kg has been shaved off the kerbweight through the use of lightweight components including a new fixed hard top. As a result, the 0 to 62 mph dash drops from 4.9 to 4.5 seconds, while 125 mph is, where permitted, clocked up in just 15.5 seconds – a full two seconds quicker. Top speed is no longer restricted to 155 mph, and the car can reach 173 mph.

The exclusive nature of the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is signalled by even more muscular front wings made from ultra-light carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP) and a restyled AMG front skirt with carbon fibre inlays. Large air intakes and side air outlets ensure a sufficient flow of air to the enlarged engine oil cooler and new transmission and steering oil coolers.

The SLK’s standard vario roof with its hydraulic closing mechanism has been replaced with a purposeful fixed hard top which has a central section in black carbon-fibre CRP. It means that not only is the car’s centre of gravity lower, there is also a significant weight loss – it now tips the scales over seven stones lighter than the standard car, at 1,495 kg, and the power/weight ratio improves from 234 hp/tonne to 268 hp/tonne.

The motorsport theme continues inside: two specially developed AMG sports bucket seats without side airbags offer superb lateral support and are trimmed in a black pearl velour complete with silver AMG logos. They are complemented by a leather and Alcantara trimmed steering wheel derived from that used in the FIA Formula One World Championship Official Safety Car, and lightweight AMG carbon fibre internal door centre panels.

The V8’s power output of 400 hp at 5,750 rpm compares with the standard AMG model’s 360 hp, produced at the same engine speed. It develops an even more muscular 520 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm, up from 510 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Key enhancements include a modified air intake, an AMG sports air filter and a newly-developed exhaust system. Power continues to be fed through an AMG Speedshift 7G-TRONIC transmission with a manual drive programme and steering wheel-mounted aluminium shift paddles.

Naturally the chassis has been modified to match the increased performance capability of this special series SLK 55 AMG. Racetrack-optimised, AMG height-adjustable torsion suspension, including adjustable dampers permits even more impressive cornering ability. 19 inch ultra-light AMG forged alloy wheels with 235/35 ZR 19 (front) and 265/30 ZR 19 (rear) Pirelli P Zero Nero tyres replace the 18 inch items of the standard car. Greater body rigidity is provided by a brace across the engine bay, and for those looking for even sportier handling, there’s a limited slip differential available, priced at €3,475.

2010 Aston Martin Rapide


Aston Martin has released first official pictures of the of the upcoming Aston Martin Rapide saloon. The car bares strong resemblance to the Aston martin Rapide Concept first shown in 2006 and is designed to compete with cars like the Porsche Panamera and the production version of the recently previewed Lamborghini Estoque Concept.

AMG CLK63 Black Series

What a BEAUTY! Yes, I know what you're thinking.. "Black Series"? But it's WHITE! However, AMG likes to call anything they add carbon bits to as Black. And this thing is impressive! here are some quick stats.

Total displacement: 6,208 cc
Horsepower: 500 hp at 6,800 rpm
Torque: 465 lb-ft at 5,250 rpm
Maximum engine speed: 7,000 rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph1: 4.1 seconds (estimated)
Top speed: 186 mph2 (electronically-limited)
Wheels,3 front: 9.0x19
Wheels,3 rear: 9.5x19
Pirelli PZero Corsa high-performance tires, front: 265/30 R19
Pirelli PZero Corsa high-performance tires, rear: 285/30 R19

No word on price yet.. but rest assured it'll cost you some type of body part. Read more for Wallpapers and Press Release.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

FIRST SOLAR CAR RACES

Hans Tholstrup and Larry Perkins were the first solar car racers who completed a Solar Trek from Perth to Sydney, Australia in 1983.

Next in 1986, Denis Bartel drove the first solar powered vehicle named 'The Spirit of Adelaide", to cross Australia from North to South (Darwin to Adelaide).
Denis Bartel and 'The Spirit of Adelaide' - Alice Springs 1986
In part, this was a tribute to a famous explorer; John McDouall Stuart, who on horseback opened up the centre of Australia in 1861, to the 100th anniversary of the motor car, and to celebrate South Australia’s 150th Jubilee Year

Then in the 1987 race, the GM Sunraycer completed the same North-South 3010 km trip with an average speed of 67 kmh, setting the scene for an extensive research and development program among the teams.
Sunlight is an excellent energy source, providing 1,000 watts per square meter on bright days. Hence, the future of using solar power is very exciting, except that to date conversion efficiencies are around the 18% mark for commercially priced cells. Solar-powered cars all get their fuel from the same place - the Sun. The cars use hundreds of photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Each cell produces about half a volt of electricity.
When the Solar Race teams design their electrical systems they have to allow for variations in sunlight. The Sun's energy powers the car's motor and charges a battery for use when the Sun is hidden by a cloud. If a car is designed to put all of its energy toward driving and keeps nothing in reserve, it will come to a halt in cloudy weather. If too much energy is diverted to the battery, the engine runs too slowly to keep up in the race. The ratio of energy stored and energy used directly, is therefore quite an important compromise.
While engineers and still have many problems to tackle before solar power becomes an efficient and economical way to fuel vehicles, it is hoped that the constant development from racing events, will hasten a solution. The best bit about using solar power for transportation is that it's pollution free and inexhaustible.