Mercedes C63 AMG DTM Safety Car

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Allen Walker

Mercedes has planned to bring a new safety car, 2011 Mercedes C63 AMG in the upcoming 2011 German touring car championship starting in May.

What we think that the C63 AMG doesn’t need any customization and modification for being a safety car as it is in itself a complete car that is powered by 6.3-L V8 engine capable of generating 487 HP and also contains an AMG performance pack including high performance brakes, optimized ESP system and up-rated chassis and suspension. In addition to these, the vehicle also features a SpeedShift MCT 7-speed transmission along with four driving modes plus a Race Start launch control system.

Some of the important features of the C63 AMG DTM Safety Car include distinctive DTM Safety Car logos, the LED light bar on the roof, the stroboscopic flashing LED lights at the front and rear. Besides these, the Safety Car also gets a number plate illuminated with LEDs and the words ‘Safety Car’ on the boot lid so as to keep visibility of the car intact even in extreme weathers. A Radio system and a TV monitor are also introduced in the interior so as to facilitate communication with Race Control. The Safety Car also includes AMG sports bucket seats with four-point seat belts.

It was in 2000 when Mercedes for the first time provided DTM with Safety Car and since then Mercedes has been delivering Safety Cars to DTM.

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Rolls-Royce Unveils New Ghost Extended Wheelbase

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Allen Walker

Recently, Rolls Royce has revealed its lineup for the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. This lineup contains a new Ghost Extended Wheelbase.

Unlike the standard models, the new Ghost Extended Wheelbase is 170 mm longer in length. This extended wheelbase now offers more leg and knee space than the standard Ghost models. This extended wheelbase also complemented with a panoramic sunroof that make this new Ghost more like a limousine particularly for those who cannot purchase Phantom.

The only thing that make is different from the Standard Ghost is its extended wheelbase and rest remains the same. The car is powered by 6.6-L twin-turbo charged V12 engine that is capable of generating 563 HP and torque of 780 Nm per 1500 rpm. The car sprints from 0 to 100 km in just five seconds. To achieve balance and smooth handling, an impressive four corner air suspension is introduced in the Ghost Extended Wheelbase.

The company said that only limited number of this car will go into production in 2011 depending on the order, however, it will officially go into production in 2012.

On the unveiling of the new car, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “This latest Rolls-Royce is a model of outstanding design and unrivalled luxury. Ghost Extended Wheelbase delivers all the poise and dynamism enjoyed by discerning Ghost owners, with the indulgent experience of an extended wheelbase car. It is the very best of both worlds.

“This is the first time we have undertaken a world launch of a Rolls-Royce car in China, underscoring the strategic significance of this market and the Asia Pacific region. We expect to build on last year’s record growth, with further strong demand for Rolls-Royce models and a positive economic forecast throughout the region,” he added.

Besides the Ghost EWB, Rolls Royce also brigs bespoke models to China:

Bespoke models showcased

A highly bespoke China Edition Ghost is displayed for the first time, showcasing the company’s unique bespoke capabilities for the Chinese market. Featuring a stunning consort red interior, gold twin-coachlines, gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy and stainless steel pinstripes, the model is available to order in limited quantities by discerning Chinese customers. Three exclusive paint colours (Deep Garnet, Black Ember and Infinity), silver and gold packages (e.g. specially plated Spirit of Ecstasy, coachlines, Rolls-Royce inlays) and a number of other features have been developed for the China market.

Also presented for the first time in the Asia Pacific region are two highly-bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection models featuring a host of design details that celebrate 100 years of the world’s most famous hood figurine. Specially commissioned for Auto Shanghai 2011, Phantom Extended Wheelbase Saloon is exhibited with a Rhapsody Black exterior and a sumptuous mix of Ardent Red and Seashell interior with Piano Black veneer. Also on the stand is a Phantom Drophead Coupé in Maiden Blue exterior, Navy Blue and seashell interior with Straight Grained Oak and Ebony.

Customers from China and the rest of the Asia Pacific region represent the largest proportion of buyers worldwide for Centenary Collection cars, of which only 100 limited edition models are being built. Demand for bespoke Phantom models is also among the highest in the world. Through the Rolls-Royce Bespoke programme, customers can tailor individual features to one-off accessories for their cars, all designed and developed in-house at the Rolls-Royce Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant at Goodwood in England.

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IIHS Ranked 2011 Hyundai Equus Top Safety Pick

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Allen Walker

It not surprising for us that the 2011 Hyundai Equus is awarded with ‘Top Safety Pick’ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as it has cleared all the safety test and attained the highest rating of ‘Good’.

If we talk about the safety features of other Hyundai models then its hatchbacks are also earning five-stars so for a car like Equus which has to stand against its competitors like Mercedes S Class and BMW 7er should fulfill all the safety requirements. The Hyundai Equus passed all tests including front, side, rollover, rear crash protection and also a roof strength test for rollover protection, resisting force of about 4.87 times the entire weight of the car. Those vehicles which have the strength-to-weight ratio of four or higher given a rating of ‘Good’. However, the federal standard at this time is 1.5 times weight.

Equus features Hyundai’s newest safety innovation, the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system. VMS governs ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control, the collision warning sensor and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety. The seatbelt tensioning system in the Equus works through sensors, which detect critical driving situations and retract the seatbelts accordingly to prevent passenger movement. The Equus’ dynamic safety package is further enhanced by the Lane Departure Warning System and driver’s knee airbags.

Other safety features include nine standard airbags (advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags), electronic active front head restraints with power controls, electronic seatbelt pretensioners and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

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Four-Cylinder BMW Z4 sDrive28i Arrives in US

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Allen Walker

It seems that the BMW Z4 Roadster becomes the first model that is powered with four-cylinder engine appears in the United States. In US, it will be known as Z4 sDrive28i.

It was in February when we heard the news that BMW is bringing four-cylinder vehicles back to America along with 2.0-L TwinPower Turbo 4-Cylinder units. These models will be available for sale by Fall 2011 and these 240 HP and torque of 260lb-ft engine will generate the same power as that of 3.0-L straight six and that too with 20 percent of better fuel efficiency.

BMW said that the details and pricing plan for the Z4 sDrive28i will be disclosed later sometime, however, following are given the technical details of how this twin-scroll turbo four-banger actually operates:

The 4-cylinder engine with its all-aluminum crankcase is lighter and more compact than a 6-cylinder engine of equivalent power. The turbocharger is a twin-scroll system. The exhaust streams leaving the two pairs of cylinders are kept completely separate as they flow through the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger, taking a spiral path to the turbine wheel. This configuration results in very low exhaust back pressure at low engine rpm, and allows the energy of the exhaust gas pulses to be optimally managed and translated into powerful rotation of the turbine blades, without a delay in throttle response.

The patented BMW VALVETRONIC system with seamlessly variable intake valve lift control dispenses with the throttle valve system typical of conventional engines. Instead, combustion air mass is controlled inside the engine, resulting in much faster response. Pumping losses are kept to a minimum, making the engine more efficient. The High Precision Injection direct-injection system also helps to improve efficiency.

Centrally positioned between the valves, solenoid injectors with a maximum injection pressure of 200 bar (2,900 psi) precisely control the supply of fuel. The fuel is injected very close to the spark plug, resulting in clean and homogeneous combustion.

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Subaru Announced XV Concept

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Allen Walker

Subaru has recently unveiled the pictures and specs of the Subaru XV Concept. This new concept car from Japanese car maker will appear at 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.

The XV Concept is a compact stylish car and it is likely to be a 4×4 car as it is based on the Subaru’s rally-proven drivetrain which almost used in all the models of Subaru. The main idea behind bringing this car to show is to show people its design as no final specifications are confirmed by the company yet. Interesting fact about this car is its design theme ‘Protren’ as they called it. What they told us that the term ‘Protern’ is taken from: Pro from ‘Professional Tools’ and Tren from ‘Trendy Design’. Impressive! Isn’t it?

Subaru said XV is solid, dynamic, stylish, trendy and much more. The car is certainly has a lot to boast about except for its awful ‘Electro Yellowgreen’ color. Let us have a look at the interior of the car where it gets Silvery White leather for seats, sporty mesh in selected areas, and yellowgreen piping. The car shows off three different displays, one for navigation, one for car audio and one for vehicle information that features touch panel technology. Besides these, the car also includes a Subaru’s advanced driving assistance system called EyeSight.

This Subaru XV Concept comes with 2.0-L four cylinder Horizontally-Opposed DOHC engine coupled with a Lineartronic CVT gearbox. The whole structure of the car is supported by 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels along with 245/45 ZR19 tires.

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2012 Nissan Tiida

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Allen Walker

Nissan Tiida is known to be one of the most popular hatchback models of Nissan and it’s been quite a long that people are waiting for its new model. Nissan is finally announced the 2012 Nissan Tiida.

According to the Nissan, this new facelift version of Tiida will be revealed in the upcoming 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. The tweaks made on the Tiida has made it even sportier and enticing to young drivers. If you look at it closely, you may find its looks like that of Hyundai i30.

The facelift Tiida features new grilles, lamps, body lines, enhanced rooflines and C-pillar. In the interior, the car is more spacious with increased usability. In the new model, Nissan has extended the wheelbase to 100 mm so as to achieve best-in-class rear knee room.

2012 Nissan Tiida will get Nissan HR16DE engine along with turbocharger and dual injectors to get maximum performance coupled with an Xtronic CVT and a secondary transmission. These specifications are surely for the Chinese market and it will get different specifications for different regions for sure.

Presently, Nissan Tiida is available for sale in 165 countries.

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GM China Baojun 630 to Make Debuts in Shanghai

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Allen Walker

GM China (SAIC-GM-Wuling: SGMW) recently, revealed the detail of its new Baojun 630 mid-sixe sedan, one of the most reasonable priced vehicle for average people.

Baojun 630 will make its world debut in the forthcoming Shanghai Auto Show 2011 and will go on sale after few days of Shanghai Auto Show. Most of the features including designing and styling of the vehicle complements to the user-friendly GM styling and also are based on the local market preferences. Though, it is made for Chinese market, the car maker claims that it has some global elements as well.

The front grille in the front gives the car more stunning looks. Baojun 630 has got a wheelbase of 2640 mm with ample amount of space in the interior that is, with over 22 individual storages spaces.

As Baojun 630 is claimed to be a pure family car, so it has got some remarkable security features as well such as high-strength steel and anti-lock brakes along with electronic brakeforce distribution, reverse drive radar, child safety seat fasteners, safety locks, and three-point seat belts with early warning restraints.

This vehicle will be powered by a 1.5-L DOHC engine that is capable of developing 81kW/5800 rpm and torque of about 146 Nm/4200 rpm. These figures show that the emphasis is given to make it more economical one instead of a performance vehicle. It gets an average of 6.9 liter/100 km and totally in consent with the Euro IV standard.

The production site for Baojun 630 is at SGMW’s facility located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The government of Guangxi is very keen to promote this upcoming passenger vehicle and for this reason they are providing their assistance in production.

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Ssangyong KEV2 Concept

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Allen Walker

Korean car maker has done a great job by revealing its Ssangyong KEV2 Concept. In this vehicle, the car maker has introduced its new electric drivetrain and also exhibit the next generation Korando.

The idea of KEV2 Concept is established upon the existing Korando that is powered by a 120kW electric motor giving a maximum of 180km with the 35kW lithium-ion battery pack. The maximum speed that is attains is 150km/h. The new KEV2 weighs about 750kg. The battery packs are positioned into the lower part of the trunk so as to provide maximum interior space to offer more comfort and practicability.

Charging time has always been a concern for every EV and KEV2 is also one that has a long charging time on conventional electricity supply, eight to ten hours. However, on higher-voltage rapid-charge outlet, it takes 30 minutes to charge.

As far as designing and styling is concerned, the KEV2 is far more impressive than the present Kornado. It features LED lights at the front, a number of cool vents, chrome detailing, and also got big wheels to support on. In the interior, the car features a tablet PC fixed in the center console that provides the driver with a minute of details with a convenient touch screen.

The KEV2 is a new iteration of the 2011 Geneva show’s extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). Ssangyong EREV has seating for five and is slightly smaller than Korando and weighing in at just 1300kg. It is part of Ssangyong’s dual EV strategy and uses an IC-EV plug-in hybrid configuration combining an 80kW electric motor with a 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a conventional ‘back-up’ engine to extend its range. It would have the same 150km/h maximum speed, but the batteries could be recharged in 15 minutes on quick-charge or around five hours using a conventional outlet providing a 60km range on electric power alone or 400km using the engine as well.

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Mercedes E63 AMG Gets 5.5 Liter Biturbo V8

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Allen Walker

Currently, the production version of Mercedes E63 AMG is coming with the 6.3-L naturally-aspirated V8 engine, similar to one used in C63. However, for the next E63 AMG executive saloon, Mercedes aims to use a new biturbo 5.5-L V8.

Previously, this 5.5-L Biturbo V8 engine was only reserved for the high-end models like the latest CLS and the CL, but now you can order this engine for E63 as well. This bitrubo engine is far more powerful, efficient and sturdy than the previous 6.3-L engine. This will certainly appeal the people who want shear power.

This bitrubo engine lets the car sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. When this engine is mated to the AMG performance pack, it will give an impressive 300 km/h. Besides the performance factor, this engine also offers good fuel consumption as well, to say 10liter/100km.

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More Leaked Pictures of 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Appeared on the Scene

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Allen Walker

We have already seen the leaked pictures of 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and now yet again General Motors revealed another official picture of 2013 Malibu just two days earlier to the car’s official debut. However, this picture shows us a car with fatter blue finish having a Chinese number-plate along with a background giving us an impression of Chinese scenery. This model may perhaps appear in the Shanghai Motor Show. However, the picture revealed earlier was red Malibu. It seems that red color give it a sportier looks than this blue one. But still we have to wait and find out what actually Chevrolet is bringing for its fans. Stay tuned!

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