27/02/2014

Preview

That's what you will expect at the Geneva Motor Show

26/02/2014

World’s Fastest: 270.49 mph - 435.31 km/h

On February 14, 2014, the Hennessey Venom GT set a new world speed record for 2-seat sports cars by reaching a top speed of 270.49 mph (435.31 km/h). The run was performed at the Kennedy Space Center on the 3.2-mile Space Shuttle landing runway. Brian Smith, Director of Miller Motorsport, experienced race driver and a former Michelin tire test engineer, drove the Venom GT to its record speed.

A representative from Racelogic, world-renowned maker of GPS data-acquisition systems, was on hand to independently verify and document the Venom GT’s speed record. “The Venom GT attained a maximum speed of 270.49 mph as measured by our VBOX 3i GPS system,” said Racelogic engineer Joe Lachovsky. The VBOX GPS data showed that the Venom GT was still accelerating at an average rate of 1 mph per second as it took just 10.1 seconds to go from 260 to 270 mph. The record run was made over a distance of 2.4 miles, which allowed the Venom just eight-tenths of a mile to stop. Thankfully, its Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes were able to haul the car down from 270 mph well before the end of the runway’s 1000-ft. threshold.

“I knew the car had it in it, but it’s a thrill to officially validate the Venom GT’s 270-mph speed,” said Hennessey CEO Don Goldman. “Venturing anywhere above 200 mph—let alone 270—is not to be taken lightly, and we’re elated to have accomplished our goal.”

The Hennessey team can now add absolute top speed to its growing list of speed records. The Venom GT also owns the title for world’s fastest from 0-300 km/h (13.63 sec.) and 0-200 mph (14.51 sec.). With a curb weight of 1,244 kilograms (2,743 lb.) and a power output of 1,244 bhp from its 7.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine, the Venom delivers 1 horsepower per kilogram of curb weight, making it the hardest-accelerating and fastest series-produced vehicle in the world.

Achieving the world record is a dream realized for company founder and president John Hennessey. “I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid. Neil Armstrong was my childhood hero. Even though the astronaut thing didn’t work out for me, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to set our speed record on the hallowed grounds of the American space program,” said Hennessey. “Building and validating our Venom GT as the world’s fastest has been a long journey and a lot of hard work. But as President Kennedy once so eloquently said, ‘We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.’ As a result we have built a better car and a better team at Hennessey Performance (HPE).”

“It was still pulling,” said driver Brian Smith after the record run. “If we could run on an 8-mile oval we could go faster than that. On the very top end there was a little wandering but, hey, we’re going 270 mph! The Venom GT didn’t required any big corrections, and the Michelins held traction really well.”

To date, HPE has built and delivered eleven Venom GTs to owners around the world. Each vehicle is built to order and takes six months to complete. As the production run will be limited to a total of just 29 units worldwide, the Venom GT is not only the fastest but also one of the most exclusive hypercars ever produced. Its components and systems, by necessity, need to meet the extraordinary demands inherent in achieving such rarefied velocities, and the Venom GT’s Pennzoil Platinum synthetic motor oil is no exception. Said Chris Hayek, Global Brand Director for Pennzoil: “We constantly pursue the latest advancements in technology, and we couldn’t be more excited that Hennessey Performance achieved this world speed record using Pennzoil’s new full synthetic motor oil made from natural gas.”

23/02/2013

Hamann "Soltador"

That the Hamann-Motorsport team completely understands how to refine fourwheeled vehicles has been demonstrated very clearly by them in almost 30 years of automobile tuning.

The finest components, and typical Hamann design elements adorn the imposing
figure of the Cruiser: Frame, rocker, air filter, exhaust and, in particular, the rims of
the Hamann "Anodized" Race Edition in XXL size unmistakably show the hand of
the specialists from the southern German town of Laupheim near Ulm.

The airbrushs (“paint & airbrush by Marcus Pfeil Custompainting, Austria”) applied at customer request with motifs from Porsche's history remain custom-made, though. But the bike will also only make a handful of bikers happy. Hamann will limit their production of two-wheelers manufactured to the highest standards of craftsmanship to five copies.

The custom bike will be driven by a powerful 1900ccm² (series:1590ccm²)
displacement Harley-Davidson Twin Cam B engine. Thanks to the finely machined
channels, valves and valve seats the large volume two-cylinder engine will distribute a full 160 hp to the rear tyres in the 18 inch XXL size. This accelerates the 290 kg bike to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.

21/02/2014

Porsche Inspecting Engines of Current 911 GT3 Models

The sports car producer Porsche is inspecting all engines of 911 GT3 vehicles of model year 2014. Porsche is informing the owners of the affected vehicles directly and recommending that they stop using their vehicles. The company is offering to pick up the vehicles and take them to a Porsche Centre immediately.

Safety is a number one priority at Porsche, and the company takes its responsibility seriously. After engine damage occurred in two vehicles in Europe and the vehicles then caught fire. Porsche decided to inspect all 785 delivered vehicles worldwide. There was no traffic accident and no personal injure. Internal studies to determine the cause of the engine damage have not been completed yet.

Porsche will report on any new findings immediately.

20/02/2014

Now all we need is the summer to drive the Audi S3 Cabriolet

17/02/2014

The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

The arrival of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (fuel consumption combined: 6.0–4.1 litres per 100 km [47–68.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions: 139–109 g/km)* sees BMW expand its portfolio into another new model segment. The newcomer in the premium compact class skilfully blends comfort and functionality of space with the trademark BMW strengths of dynamism, style and elegance. Following on from the Coupe as the second member of the new BMW 2 Series range, the harmoniously proportioned Active Tourer oozes sportiness from every angle. Measuring just 4,342 millimetres long, 1,800 millimetres wide and 1,555 millimetres in height, it combines compact dimensions on the outside with a strikingly spacious feel on the inside, making it perfectly suited to cope with the growing challenges of urban mobility.

15/02/2014

Cigarette Racing50 'Vision GT Concept

Two legendary brands with legendary visions have been united once again at the Miami International Boat Show. Cigarette Racing and the Mercedes-Benz high-performance brand AMG join forces for the fourth consecutive year to present futuristic visions, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Concept car and the Cigarette Racing 50’ Vision GT Concept.

For the new PlayStation®3 racing game Gran Turismo® 6, Mercedes-Benz designers developed the ultimate concept of a super sports car – the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo. Extreme proportions, sensual contours and intelligently implemented high technology blend to form a body that visually brings to life the breathtaking performance of the AMG V8 front-mid engine with 577 hp (430 kW) and 590 lb-ft of torque.  Realised as a 1:1-scale model, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo celebrated its world premiere on November 19, 2013 at the opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Center in Sunnyvale, California. The super sports car with its hallmark Mercedes gullwing doors made its motor show debut in Los Angeles on November 20, 2013 and then took to the virtual racetrack when the new racing game went on sale in December 2013 – as the first of the "Vision Gran Turismo" series of vehicles.

To mark the 15th anniversary of the popular Gran Turismo® series in 2013, Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of Gran Turismo and president of Polyphony Digital Inc., called upon the world's leading automotive manufacturers and design studios to look forward into the future. Using the theme "Vision Gran Turismo," these creative teams were to develop concept models which give a unique insight into the further development of the automobile. As virtual vehicles that nonetheless function just like a real car, the visionary concepts will be gradually unveiled in and integrated into the new game Gran Turismo® 6 through online updates. The Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo was the first concept of the "Vision Gran Turismo" series to be integrated in the game, released in December. The Mercedes-Benz concept car perfectly embodies the design philosophy of sensual purity. The technical details engineered with utmost precision, such as the headlamps, the front grille and even the tailpipe trim, create a deliberate contrast to the sensual design idiom of the vehicle body and bolster its breathtaking appearance on the road. While this concept car is a vision that is not committed to production, it does preview design inspirations for the future of Mercedes-Benz.

Extreme proportions and striking design

The sports car proportions that are a typical Mercedes feature are reinterpreted in the Vision Gran Turismo: the long bonnet has a flowing transition into a compact greenhouse offset to the rear, which takes the form of an aerodynamically efficient water drop to descend slightly at the rear, where it rests on the rear end with broad shoulder contours. The dynamic aura is accentuated by an extended, dramatic side contour and a pronounced bulge to the wheel arches, which blend into the low-slung, muscular bodyshell. The extraordinary headlights, with their colour scheme and determined look, convey a sense of sportiness and readiness to leap forward. This impression is reinforced by the hood with its expressive forms and motorsport details, such as the release catches on the bonnet and the fuel cap, for example. The red-glowing contour lines on the lower part of the vehicle create an effect similar to that of exterior ambient lighting and stand out from the silver-painted bodywork. This makes the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo look even more expressive.
The exterior design of the Vision Gran Turismo, which is systematically and passionately geared to motor racing, is congenially mirrored in the interior of the two-seater. Inspired by the Formula 1 cockpit, the red integral sports seats blend into the black flooring of the footwell to form a protective shell. The form of this flowing, sculptured shell suggests enormous forward thrust. The dashboard also creates an equally dynamic effect. It has been designed in the form of two gullwing doors which are positioned on each side of the steering column. As a result the actual doors themselves appear to be an extension of the instrument panel.

A natural collaboration with Cigarette: Crafted lightweight performance

Virtually simultaneous to the development of the Vision Gran Turismo was the special development of the Cigarette Racing 50’ Vision GT Concept, a one-of-a-kind special model which is the most powerful production twin engine performance boat ever developed and built by Cigarette Racing.  The collaboration between Cigarette Racing Team, Mercedes-AMG and Polyphony Digital Inc. created one-of-a-kind elements for the Cigarette Racing 50’ Vision GT Concept, incorporating a stunning Alubeam painted exterior that includes a custom matte black hull and accents.
The Cigarette Racing 50’ Vision GT Concept has twin 1650 hp Mercury Racing engines, which roar at 300 hp per engine higher than the standard engines used in the 50’ Cigarette Marauder.  Lightweight construction has allowed for approximately 1000 lbs to be removed from the standard spec weight, thereby allowing the boat to have an estimated top speed of more than 140 mph at a length of 50’ and a width of 8’.
No detail was left untouched when designing the interior of the Cigarette Racing 50’ Vision GT Concept.  The crafted interior is black with black Alcantara® accents, and uses carbon fibre dash panels inside the boat with silver face gauges.  User interface technology is also maximised with Bluetooth, computerised controls, four high-definition displays, and the next generation integration of Garmin and Cigarette navigation and audio.

The price of this one-of-a-kind boat from Cigarette Racing Team is USD $1.5 million.

13/02/2014

The Macan is a Porsche through and through

Porsche is expanding its range to include a whole new class of vehicle. The Macan is the first Porsche model to break into the compact SUV segment and is poised to set new standards in the field of driving dynamics and enjoyment – on both pavement and off road trails.

The Macan combines the typical handling characteristics that Porsche has represented right from the start: highly competitive acceleration and braking figures, impressive engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision. What's more, all of these features are combined with a high level of comfort and everyday drivability. The sporty DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is immediately recognizable in the design. This Sport Utility Vehicle is unrivalled in its flat and broad profile on the road. The wraparound hood and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporty elegance and powerful dynamics. Many of the design elements have been taken from other Porsche sports cars and enhanced for the Macan, making it clear at first glance that the Porsche Macan
heralds the first sports car in the compact SUV segment. The Macan is “Made in Germany", produced at the Leipzig plant. Porsche has invested 500 million euro in the plant and has established an entire production line there just for this dramatic new vehicle.

The line is set up to produce around 50,000 vehicles per year – all manufactured with the utmost precision and to the highest level of quality. Just what you would expect from Porsche. Two models comprise the Macan product range at market launch.

The Macan S is equipped with a 3.0 liter V6 twin turbo engine delivering 340 hp and features active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch. This all-wheel drive system is fitted on all Macan models. A seven-speed double-clutch transmission transfers power as required and almost without any interruption in tractive force, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds (or 5.0 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package).
The Macan S reaches a top track speed of 156 mph. As the top model in the Macan model line, the Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful vehicle in the compact SUV segment.

The 3.6 liter V6 twin turbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the very first time, achieves an unrivalled 400 hp and catapults the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. With the Sport Chrono package, it is possible to achieve such a speed in 4.4 seconds. The Macan Turbo top track speed is 164 mph.

10/02/2014

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10/02/2014

Bugatti Veyron joins Dubai Police

Major-General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police said the new model of Bugatti Veyron will now be part of the Dubai Police luxury fleet.

Al Mazeina added that the number plates of the new car will sport the ‘My Dubai’ logo, the initiative launched by Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, which aims at reflecting the image, history and life in Dubai and showcasing the country as a city of luxury.

Al Mazeina said it was the police’s endeavour to modernise their patrols and intensify their presence in important tourist areas. The newly introduced luxury patrol cars belong to the Dubai Government and they have been allocated to the Dubai Police to patrol tourist and heritage areas. They will be stationed near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Burj Al Arab, Shaikh Mohammed Boulevard and other places frequented by tourists.

09/02/2014

Dynamics at their most beautiful

The Audi RS 7 Sportback

Audi is expanding its RS model lineup: The RS 7 Sportback stands for dynamics at
their most beautiful. The large five-door coupe uses a 4.0 TFSI engine producing
412 kW (560 hp). The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes just 3.9 seconds, and the speed governor can be deactivated upon customer request to permit a top speed of up to 305 km/h (189.52 mph). Despite this superior performance, the Audi RS 7 Sportback consumes on average just 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.00 US mpg).

07/02/2014

Mansory customises the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

The company Mansory Design & Holding GmbH once again demonstrates its great expertise in the customisation of a top-class Coupé.

A series-production CLS is already among the most exclusive vehicles on our streets – but it looks positively conventional beside the Mansory wide-body version. From the upthrust-reducing body design to the powerful performance enhancement and an elaborately designed interior, the customisation specialist from Brand, near Bayreuth, Germany, has turned its attention to every aspect of the luxury body, bringing its exclusive customers' dream cars to life. The complete modification by the Mansory carbon-fibre experts consists of extremely light autoclave-prepreg carbonfibre and, along with the front and rear wings, includes new side sill sets and cladding. This broadens the Coupé by 50 millimetres at the front axle and a stately 80 millimetres at the rear axle. The newly designed bonnet provides an optical and aerodynamic pièce de résistance for the front-on view. The front apron, with its proprietary daytime driving lights, provides an additional accent to the over all look. At the rear, too, the company's technicians have come up with something special to polish off the CLS modification: Under the new rear apron, Mansory installs a powerful diffuser that simultaneously increases the vehicle's downthrust in cooperation with the rear spoiler.

Maintaining optimum contact with the road are 20-inch rims with 265/30ZR20 tyres at the front and 305/25ZR20 tyres at the rear. The sporty and elegant look of the ultralight forged wheels fills out the wheel arches perfectly. The design of the Mansory CLS not only looks sporty; the modification also has plenty to offer under the bonnet. From the V8 unit of the Mercedes-Benz CLS (5.5l, 557 PS, 700 Nm), the Mansory engine technicians have managed to squeeze out 640 PS / 471 kW and a maximum torque of 900 Nm at 2,000 to 4,500 crankshaft revolutions. The modifications required for this include a newly programmed control unit, as well as a sports air filter for optimised oxygen supply to the high-performance engine. Mansory drivers can look forward to a skilfully modified interior that easily matches the quality of the exterior look. Aluminium pedals and footrests supplement the elaborately designed full-leather upholstery, along with deluxe entry sills and floormats with exclusive embroidery.

06/02/2013

The new BMW X3

It was back in 2003 that BMW founded the new mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with the launch of the X3. That means the BMW X3 has been a paragon of sporty dynamics, premium ambience and robust agility, coupled with low fuel consumption and emissions, for over 10 years now – racking up sales figures of more than one million units in the process. The second generation of the successful BMW X3 has made a compelling case for itself since its introduction in 2010, boasting the best interior and boot measurements and the greatest versatility in its class.

And now the new BMW X3 (fuel consumption combined: 8.3–4.7* l/100 km [34.0–60.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193–124* g/km) is set to build inexorably on its segment leadership. A pair of new-generation diesel engines, producing more power but once again burning less fuel, serve to improve dynamic performance and reduce pollutant emissions. The exterior and interior design of the new BMW X3 reveal stylistic revisions and also add further depth to the car’s practicality with detail solutions responding to customer requirements.

Dynamic appearance and exclusive ambience.

The new BMW X3 cuts a visually more powerful figure with its new, modified twin circular headlights (LED headlights are optional), a more eye-catching kidney grille, new front and rear bumpers, and exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators – shining an even brighter spotlight on signature BMW X model design features. A high level of perceived quality and exclusivity also defines the interior of the new BMW X3. Chrome applications, a centre console with optional automatic climate control system in high-gloss black-panel look, and new cupholders with a sliding cover for the centre console underline the car’s premium appearance. New exterior colours, upholstery designs, interior trim strips and light-alloy wheels enable even more refined individualisation. The new xLine equipment package, meanwhile, allows owners to lend greater emphasis still to the dynamic and robust SAV character of the BMW X3. And the Smart Opener for the automatic tailgate and storage package (both optional) further enhance the already impressive functionality of the BMW X3.

* Figures with optional reduced-rolling-resistance tyres on 17-inch Streamline style 306 wheels.

05/02/2014

The KWID Concept and its Flying Companion

The KWID Concept was designed with inputs from Renault Design India and is covered by the ‘Explore’ petal of Renault’s lifecycle-based design strategy. The vehicle’s exciting proportions and dimensions as well as very short overhangs give the impression of a bouncing vehicle, while its oversized wheels protrude past the fenders and make the KWID Concept look like a buggy car.

The playfulness of the vehicle’s exterior design is offset by a robust appearance due to its protective guards and chunky wings, which exude an impression of strength. The vehicle comes with a two-wheel drive transmission, but projects the facade of an off-road car.

The interior of the KWID Concept  is designed to serve as a snug cocoon and is inspired by a bird’s nest. The vehicle’s seats, suspended over a solid base in white, give an impression of lightness, while their 2-tone elastomer material provides a sense of brightness. The KWID Concept also features rear air conditioning with controls on the driver seat’s back as well as ventilation through concentric perforations. The dashboard is an integrated tablet for commanding the navigation of the Flying Companion.

Beyond the playful and imaginative styling of the KWID Concept , the concept car also comes equipped with a host of technology-driven features, led by its Flying Companion. Aimed at offering a safe as well as fun driving experience, the Flying Companion is the first of its kind in the automotive world. Taking off from the rotating rear portion of the KWID Concept’s roof, the Flying Companion can be operated in one of two modes – the automatic mode using a pre-programmed flying sequence and GPS location as well as the manual mode, which enables the companion to be controlled using a tablet inside the vehicle. The Flying Companion can be used for a variety of purposes, including scouting traffic, taking landscape pictures and detecting obstacles on the road ahead.

03/02/2014

The Felino corporation has been involved in motorsports for about ten years. In 2010, it committed to developing a concept car, building it from the ground up and offering a true high-performance two-seater sports car. While the cB7 is purpose built for the track, it will possibly be street legal. The Felino cB7 is primarily designed for the international market; however, a limited series will be available in Canada.

Felino took four years to develop and build the concept cars which will be unveiled at the 2014 Montreal International Auto Show. Although there are still a few details to iron out, Felino now has the capacity to produce more composite and carbon fibre bodies and store a comprehensive parts inventory for this high-performance sports car. Felino will now phase in pre-production models and will take them to the track and the street in 2014.

03/02/2014

The "Quant" - A electric athlete for four?

The carmaker Nano Flowcell AG is to stage a world premiere as part of the Geneva International Motor Show 2014: the Quant e-Sportlimousine – the first car equipped with nanoFLOWCELL® drive.

With the new Quant, head of development Nunzio La Vecchia and his team of engineers and designers are presenting a very special research vehicle: At over 5.25 metres in length, the four-seater sports car offers a unique combination of innovative technology, outstanding design and an entirely new energy storage system: the nanoFLOWCELL® technology. First navigable prototype is set to generate new and innovative ideas for ongoing research into battery development, specifically in the field of flow-cell technology.

The Quant e-Sportlimousine will make its world public debut at the Geneva Motorshow 2014.

02/02/2014

Say "Buon giorno" to the new Lamborghini Huracán

at the Geneva Motorshow

With a total volume of 14,022 cars produced, the Lamborghini Gallardo has been the most successful Lamborghini ever and, in its ten-year lifecycle, lifted the Lamborghini marque to a whole new level. Its successor, the new Huracán, has been developed from scratch down to the very last detail and, like the Gallardo and most other Lamborghini models, derives its name from the world of bullfighting. The fighting bull Huracán of the Spanish Conte de la Patilla breed was known for his outstanding courage and strong sense of attack. He fought in Alicante in August 1879, showing his unrelenting character and remaining defiant and invincible, thus entering into the legend of fighting bulls’ history.

The new Huracán revolutionizes the design language of the Gallardo and is pure in its lines: precise technology and top level craftsmanship meet an audacious design with sharp edges, monolithic and sculptured volumes and precise surfaces. The starting point is the silhouette of the Huracán, born out of the desire of creating an automobile, whose profile is defined by only one line that merges the front with the cockpit and the rear of the car. The lateral windows come together to create a hexagonal form inserted like a glass jewel in the car’s profile.

The interior is dominated by an innovative cockpit. A 12.3 inch full-color TFT instrument panel delivers all car information to the driver, from rev counter to navigation maps and infotainment functions, and can be configured by the driver in different setups. Fine Nappa leather and Alcantara distinguish the interior, with several color combinations offered to ensure broad individualization options. The design of dashboard and central tunnel underline a new lightness in the interior. Superb craftsmanship guarantees the highest quality and sense of luxury throughout.

Systematic lightweight design and Automobili Lamborghini’s extensive expertise in carbon fiber come together in the Huracán’s new hybrid chassis – an integrated structure of carbon and aluminum elements. With a dry weight of 1,422 kg it enables not only the excellent power-to-weight ratio of just 2.33 kilograms per horse power, but also guarantees race-car precision with outstanding stiffness.

The new 5.2 liter V10 engine delivers a maximum power of 448 kW / 610 HP at 8,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 560 Nm at 6.500 rpm. In the new “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” (IDS), direct and indirect gasoline injections are smartly combined. This results in more power and torque with lower fuel consumption and emissions compared with the Gallardo V10 engine. The top speed of over 325 km/h and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds only partially describe the dynamic experience at the wheel of the Huracán. Also thanks to the Stop & Start technology, the combined EU consumption figure has been further reduced to 12.5 liters per 100 km (290 g/km CO2 emissions). The engine complies with EU6 emissions regulation.

The power of the V10 engine is brought to the road via the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission “Lamborghini Doppia Frizione” (LDF) and fully electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. The different driving modes of the Huracán can be selected via a driving dynamics selector switch in the steering wheel – from traction-oriented on the road to extreme performance on the race track, with three setups of the dynamics system: STRADA, SPORT and CORSA. The different modes ensure extensive modification in road behavior of the Huracán. In particular they influence the set-ups of several systems, such as the gearbox and engine behavior, the sound, the four-wheel-drive system and electronic stability control. The Huracán’s carbon-ceramic brakes are a standard feature for consistently superb braking performance. The “Lamborghini Dynamic Steering” variable steering ratio system and magneto-rheologic suspension damper control are both available as options for further customization of the Huracán’s dynamic behavior. They are also calibrated via the three different dynamic set-ups.

The Huracán is produced at the Automobili Lamborghini headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese on an entirely newly-equipped production line. Delivery to the first customers is planned for spring 2014. From next month, it be the protagonist of over 130 private preview events in more than 60 cities throughout the world.

The Lamborghini Huracán will make its world public debut at the Geneva Motorshow 2014.

01/02/2014

The S 63 AMG - The new powertrain with the AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine

The top-of-the-range S-Class V8 model, the Mercedes-Benz
S 63 AMG, is to benefit from a completely newly developed powertrain. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a peak output of up to 420 kW (571 hp) and a torque of up to 900 Nm, in combination with the unique AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7- speed sports transmission, contributes towards a considerable reduction in consumption and emissions, while at the same time increasing maximum power and torque. With a fuel consumption of 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), the new high-performance Saloon not only undercuts its direct competitors – it is also more than 25 percent more economical in terms of its fuel consumption than the previous model with naturally aspirated V8 engine.

The new S 63 AMG marks the start of a new chapter in the "AMG Performance 2015" drive strategy: Mercedes-AMG is continuing this impressive story and is meeting its promise to continuously reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models with the new engine/transmission combination – while reaching new heights with the central AMG brand value of "performance".

According to Ola Källenius, head of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "We are heading into a new era with the S 63 AMG: for the first time we have combined spray-guided direct petrol injection with biturbocharging and the start/stop system. Together with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, we have reduced both fuel consumption and emissions significantly – while at the same time increasing output and torque."

The new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine will play a significant role in the
Mercedes-AMG model strategy over the coming year. The unique AMG
SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission will also help to ensure that
future high-performance AMG vehicles benefit from an exciting and at the same economical transmission of power too. The new engine/transmission combination marks a further milestone in the successful history of Mer-cedes-AMG, which
began back in 1967.

01/02/2014

McLaren P1 joins the exclusive Sub-Seven Minute Club at the Nürburgring

The McLaren name was born on the racetrack and, 50 years on, is the most successful name in global motorsport. That desire and determination to push for every extra tenth of a second, and obsessive focus on perfection, has seen the final development objective for the now sold out McLaren P1™ achieved: a sub-seven minute lap time of the Nürburgring circuit.

From the outset, the McLaren P1™ has been developed with one clear goal: to be the best driver’s car on both road and track. To achieve this, the development programme has focussed on ensuring the McLaren P1™ pushes the boundaries in terms of sheer performance, with testing carried out in some of the harshest conditions around the world. But one challenge remained, and that was arguably the toughest of them all.

20.8 kilometres driven at an average speed in excess of 178 km/h. Sounds easy, until you add in more than 150 corners, 300 metres of elevation changes and cornering forces of up to 2g. All in less than seven minutes…