31/01/2014

Super Sports Study for Geneva Motor Show: Opel Astra OPC EXTREME

Opel will reveal a true super sports car at the 84th Geneva Motor Show
(March 6 – 16). The study follows the tradition of the Astra OPC X-treme Concept shown in 2002. Then, as now, a real race car found its way from the racetrack to public roads. While the red OPC X-treme from 12 years ago remained a single specimen, the new EXTREME in typical Opel motorsport colors is to be the foundation for a low-volume production run. This OPC EXTREME will be the fastest street-legal Astra ever, true to the Opel Performance Center motto: “OPC. Pure Passion”.

The Opel Astra OPC EXTREME is a direct derivative of the Astra OPC Cup racecar from the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (VLN) – and street-legal! High quality, carbon components reduce its weight compared to the 280 hp Astra OPC launched in 2012. An integrated safety structure, racing seats and six-point seatbelts means it comes equipped for the racetrack.

The OPC EXTREME sports coupé features uncompromised racing technology for use on public roads – including the occasional detour to the Nürburgring Nordschleife. That’s where the idea for the Astra OPC EXTREME was born, at the Opel Performance Center which is based right next to the legendary track. Be it the Corsa OPC, Astra OPC or Insignia OPC – all Opel sports stars must successfully complete extensive, full-throttle test drives and a grueling 10,000 kilometer endurance program under the toughest conditions on the Nordschleife.

31/01/2014

The new MINI: more innovations, more space, more driving fun.

The latest generation of the MINI is once again a pioneer of individual style, premium quality and high-end technology. The evolutionary refinement of its design, entirely new engines and innovative driver assistance systems make the new MINI more athletic, efficient, expressive and progressive than ever before. The car's characteristic go-kart feeling is now enhanced with optimised ride comfort, adjustable dampers being offered as an optional extra for the first time. More interior space, optimised functionality and detailed refinements in terms of material and finish likewise reflect the maturity of the latest generation.

All four seats of the new MINI tangibly increase freedom of movement and the luggage compartment has been expanded by 30 per cent. A new display and operating concept, innovative driver assistance systems and the latest MINI Connected features also allow even more intensive interaction between driver and MINI. And the new MINI is the first automobile in its class to be fitted with LED headlamps and a Head-Up Display.

The new MINI is due to go on the market in the USA in spring 2014. There will be a choice of the models MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S at the market launch. Both can be fitted with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 6-speed automatic transmission according to preference. The transmissions and engines have both been newly developed. The entire drivetrain technology along with an extensively optimised suspension provides the perfect basis for maximum driving fun in the small car segment. At the same time, the engines and transmissions, a weight-optimised design and improved aerodynamic properties along with extensive MINIMALISM technology all contribute to the enhanced efficiency of the new MINI.

30/01/2014

Hamann's "Mi5Sion"

Hamann introduces the most ferocious BMW M5 of all times Understatement is so yesterday – let's lay your cards on the table. Hamann Motorsport introduces the most ferocious BMW M5 of all times (Type F10)

With each generation, BMW decided to make its top 5 Series more powerful; however, but cut back on its cultured, luxurious image. Conclusion: The fifth generation of the M5 has grown up but is more conservative. Now, Hamann turns on the tap again. "Mi5Sion" makes no compromises, and the top-notch racer finally looks how he always was meant to look.

It starts with the front spoiler, where the high-voluminous air intakes, deep front splitter, and LED daytime running lights are not enough. Up front, the new dual kidney-shaped grille pushes daringly into the wind and covers the headlights completely, which duck deeply inside the cavities.

The perfect, tailor-made wider body of the 5-series adds 30 mm on each side and at the same time receives some weight treatment. After all, the components are made completely of real carbon but bring no more than 3.2 kg to each side to the scale. This includes the sporty wings, the side skirts, the door fixtures, and the broad rear wheel housings. The latter flow smoothly into the new rear apron with the air exhaust behind the fender wells. The integrated diffuser houses two stainless steel tailpipes on the left and right of the new rear silencer, which delivers just the right sound for the car's ferocious looks. The roof spoiler bravely faces into the wind, providing much better contact with the pavement.

The new, much wider wheel housings are now filled

with 21-inch forged wheels – the „Unique Forged Formula“ or as an option, rims of the type “Anniversary Evo Hyperblack“. In front, the "Mi5Sion" boasts 265 mm wide tyres, while the drive axle is fitted with 305 mm wide. The wheels fit perfectly into their housings since the sport suspension brings the Hamann M5 35 mm closer to the asphalt.

30/01/2014

Mansory Stallone - Exclusive powerhouse based on the Ferrari F12

The Mansory Stallone has become a feast for the eyes due to the high-quality body parts. The engineers and designers have delved very deeply into the matter, which explains the consequent use of carbon fibre. So for example, the front was completely reworked.

Part of the expressive front is a newly designed bonnet as well as a downforce-generating front spoiler with special air intakes, which seamlessly merges into the wing sections. With the broadening Mansory has given the Ferrari F12 a more masculine appearance. It also fits the side skirts, which in addition calms down the air flow between the axles.

The newly designed rear end, with a discreet rear wing and the integrated diffuser ensures not only a perfectly shaped end, it also stabilizes the rear axle and provides for the necessary addition of downforce. Mansory has given special attention to the performance optimisation, which provides the car from Maranello even more handling and acceleration in allperformance classes.

The Mansory technicians are responsible for the newly developed engine components. The power kit consists of a modified ECU together with a sports exhaust system. This increases the performance of the 6.0 litre twelve-cylinder engine from 740 to 775 hp (570kW).The torque lies at an additional 35 Nm (Series: 690 Nm). The stainless steel sports muffler with its impressive sound underlines the sporty appearance of the Mansory Stallone.

27/01/2014

From Virtual to Reality? Toyota FT-1 Concept!

Toyota virtually blew the doors off the North American International Auto Show with the reveal of the stunning FT-1 sports car concept.  First devised by Calty Design Research in the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo game environment, FT-1 leapt from the screen to the stage in a race-inspired press conference at COBO Hall. The name says it all. FT-1 stands for “Future Toyota,” and the number “1” represents the ultimate. According to its designers at Calty Design Research, the FT-1 Concept is the ultimate expression of a Toyota coupe design, building upon Toyota’s rich sports coupe heritage dating back to the 2000GT, Celica, Supra, MR2 and most recently Scion FR-S. In addition, the concept draws inspiration from Calty’s more recent sports car concept work such as FT-HS (2007) and the Lexus LF-LC (2012).

The project started nearly two years ago and represents a labor of love by a passionate, dedicated and gifted Calty design team. “The FT-1 is a dream-project for a designer and car enthusiast like myself,” said Alex Shen, Calty’s Studio Chief Designer. “Our team was heavily influenced by Toyota’s sports car past, especially Celica and Supra, and we sought to capture some of that history.  It is an aggressive, track-focused sports car concept with a presence that has been amplified for shock and awe.”  

The FT-1’s audacious design represents the pinnacle of Calty’s 40th year of operation. Guided by the Toyota design ethos of Vibrant Clarity, a unique fusion of both emotional and rational factors that delivers a more exciting and dramatic design expression with unique Toyota identity, the concept is a spiritual pace car for Toyota Global Design. The goal of this ideological shift is to develop future generations of products that better connect emotionally with Toyota’s global consumer base.

27/01/2014

We got it - 2000 Followers on Instagram, but we want more!

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25/01/2014

Volvo Concept XC Coupe Wins "Best Concept Car" Award at NAIAS 2014

The Volvo Concept XC Coupe won two prestigious design awards this week, further raising the excitement around Volvo Car Group’s new design language. The Concept XC Coupe was awarded the title “Best Concept Car” at the 2014 EyesON Design Awards at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show, while Volvo’s latest concept vehicle also won the award for “Best use of Color, Graphics and Materials”.

The 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit hosts the world premiere of Volvo Cars’ new Concept XC Coupe – the second of three concept cars that showcase the company’s future design direction. Like the highly acclaimed and award-winning Volvo Concept Coupe, the Concept XC Coupe demonstrates the design possibilities of Volvo Cars’ new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that will underpin most cars from Volvo Cars in the future, starting with the all-new Volvo XC90 that premieres later this year.

24/01/2014

BMW M Performance parts for the new BMW X5

will be available in March 2014

As of March 2014 a large selection of BMW M Performance parts will be available for all model variants of the Sports Activity Vehicle, giving the new BMW X5 an even more athletic look as it lines up at the start. Its powerful appearance can be further highlighted by means of a black decorative grid for the BMW kidney grille, a front splitter and exterior mirror caps in carbon, air ducting elements, a diffuser insert for the rear apron and side sill foils with M Performance inscription. For individual flair with a sporty touch in the cockpit, there is the BMW M Performance sports steering wheel with red central marking, gear lever with carbon surface, accelerator, brake pedal and driver footrest in high-grade steel and BMW M Performance floor mats. The product range in the suspension area comprises an BMW M Performance brake system with brake calipers finished in blue and 21-inch BMW M Performance light alloy wheels in Bi-Color finish.

The BMW M Performance Power Kit available from spring 2014 for the BMW X5 xDrive35i provides an increase in output which does not affect fuel consumption. A precisely modified engine control system puts peak output up by 15 kW/20 bhp to 240 kW/326 bhp. Maximum torque is likewise raised by 50 Nm to 450 Nm. The spontaneous response of the engine can now be felt even more intensely due to an optimised accelerator pedal set-up. This optimised performance is noticeable both when accelerating from standing and in terms of elasticity, and when the driving experience switch is set to SPORT mode it is accompanied by a striking engine sound  Another option available for the BMW X5 xDrive35i is a BMW M Performance silencer system. All variants of the new BMW X5 can be fitted with M Performance tailpipe trim elements in chrome or carbon.

24/01/2014

Tony Soprano would definetely like the new Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac introduced the all-new 2015 Escalade, a sophisticated luxury SUV designed to establish new benchmarks for hand-tailored craftsmanship and technology.

The fourth-generation Escalade is an entirely new design yet instantly recognizable. Much of the story of Cadillac’s redesigned flagship SUV is on the interior, where new levels of luxury combine with the latest technology.

24/01/2014

The newly redesigned 2015 Audi A8 makes its debut at NAIAS

The Audi A8 sedan receives an even more dynamic look for the 2015 model year. New LED headlamp design and powerful creases in the hood as well as newly designed grille, bumper, and splitter combine to give the A8 model line fascia a wider stance and a more dynamic presence. The rear of the A8 and S8 receive a new tail lamp and a new tailpipe design that further support the sportier exterior. The S8 also receives an available sport exhaust that allows passengers to audibly experience its powerful drive train.

23/01/2014

Mercedes-Benz introduces its new C-Class vehicles

Mercedes Benz took the wraps off its all-new C-Class vehicles in a world premiere at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.

The C-Class represents a look at the German automaker’s new generation of vehicles. It is 220 pounds lighter than the previous model.

Introduced were the C300 4matic with a 2.0 liter turbocharged direct injection in-line four-cylinder engine and a C400 4matic with a 3.0 liter turbocharged direct-injection V6.

“We’re very proud that the new C-Class will be the first German car in this segment built in the U.S. for the U.S.," said Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG, head of Mercedes-Benz cars.

Ola Kallenius, executive vice president of sales and marketing, worked with the American team on the C-Class and will continue in that role as Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its models built in the United States.

“The C-Class is the new benchmark for modern luxury,” Kallenius said. “We fine-tuned every aspect of the interior.”

Thomas Weber, member of the board management of Daimler AG for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, said the C-Class contains many of the features that were in the S-Class.

One new feature—"Stop and Go Autopilot"—allows a driver to autonomously follow the vehicle in front, said to be useful in certain high-traffic, low-speed situations.

“We can turn into your personal driver," said Weber. "It’s all about supporting the driver."

He added that a significant 60 percent aluminum content delivers 20 percent less fuel consumption while offering "exemplary" crash safety.

The C-Class is the top selling model series from Mercedes-Benz. Sales of the preceding model, launched in 2007, totaled more than 2.4 million.

21/01/2014

The world premiere of a modern classic

At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Porsche is introducing two new models to the 911 range: the 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S. These models are the first to combine the classic Targa concept with cutting edge, innovative roof technology. Just like the legendary original 911 Targa of 1965, the new models feature the distinctive Targa roof bar, a movable front roof section, and a wraparound rear window. But unlike the classic 911 Targa, the roof segment can be opened and closed at the push of a button. The fully automatic roof system stows the Targa top behind the rear seats.

Both 911 Targa models exclusively come in AWD version, featuring the wider rear track and body, and the same Porsche Traction Management (PTM), found in all 911 all-wheel-drive models. It is an active all-wheel-drive system that helps to ensure the optimal distribution of drive power for optimum traction in most road scenarios, whether on long straights, through tight corners, or on surfaces with different friction coefficients. The combination of the wide body, the Targa bar, and the wraparound rear window results in an extremely sporty and low-slung profile.

The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a horizontally opposed 3.4-liter 6-cylinder engine with 350 hp. Equipped with the optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono package, the 911 Targa 4 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and is capable of a top track speed of 174 mph (175 mph with the manual transmission). The 911 Targa 4S delivers 400 hp from its 3.8-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine, and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds when equipped with optional PDK and Sport Chrono package.  The 911 Targa 4S is capable of reaching a top track speed of 183 mph when equipped with a manual transmission and 182 mph with PDK.

The 911 Targa 4 will have an MSRP of $101,600 (on the European Market ~ 109.338€) while the 911 Targa 4S model will have an MSRP of $116,200 (on the European Market ~ 124.094€). Both cars also have a destination charge of $995.  Deliveries of the 911 Targa in the U.S. are scheduled to begin this summer.

20/01/2014

The next chapter in the life of the iconic pony car begins...

The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the visceral experience that makes drivers just want to get in and hit the road. With more options to choose from, there is a Mustang to fit any lifestyle. The upgraded V6 and V8 are joined by an all-new 2.3-liter EcoBoost^® engine that brings state-of-the-art technology to Mustang.

Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that yield more than 420 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. A new intake manifold improves low-speed breathing for better fuel economy, idle stability and emissions.

“This EcoBoost engine delivers where a Mustang driver expects it to, with a broad, flat torque curve that pours out when you stand on it for easy passing or hustling down a twisty road,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer.

The Mustang EcoBoost engine uses direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver plenty of usable performance and projected segment-leading fuel efficiency. A unique intake manifold and turbocharger housing enable it to deliver the performance Mustang drivers expect with output projected at more than 305 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.

With at least 300 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque on tap from the standard 3.7-liter V6, even the most accessible Mustang delivers the performance customers expect.

Drivers will appreciate smoother shifts from the updated manual gearbox, while a reworked automatic transmission features new steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for drivers who want the choice between convenience and control.

19/01/2014

Bentley unveiled Limited Edition Mulsanne

On the 14th of January Bentley Motors unveiled a new Limited Edition model exclusively for European customers, the Birkin Mulsanne.

Taking inspiration from Sir Henry ‘Tiger’ Tim Birkin – the legendary Bentley Boy who travelled and raced extensively around Europe in the 1920s and 1930s – this new model features numerous unique styling details and represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring in its most discerning form.

The Limited Edition of just 22 cars is available in three colour specifications: a fresh and contemporary Ghost White, Damson for a more vibrant touch, and a sophisticated contrast of Fountain Blue and Dark Sapphire, offering a modern interpretation of the classic two-tone Bentley paint design.

Numbered door sill plaques, a unique 21" wheel design inspired by those on the original Mulsanne concept car, and a striking 3D ‘Flying B’ logo stitched into the vehicle headrests and inlaid into the wood of the front fascia and rear picnic tables, identify the Birkin models.  In addition, all three specifications feature a stunning tailored luggage set – each one hand-crafted, individually numbered and matched with the interior of each car.

Items have been selected for the Birkin Limited Edition from the Mulsanne’s extensive options list for the well-travelled connoisseur and the Mulliner Driving Specification delivers an engaging motoring experience thanks to a unique ‘Sport’ setting on the Drive Dynamics Control system.  An intricate diamond quilting pattern to the seats and door panels, complemented by an indented leather headlining and ‘knurling’ details to the interior metalwork, create a contemporary and tactile finish to the cabin.

For those travelling in the rear of the Birkin Mulsanne’s spacious cabin, the Entertainment Specification offers a luxurious and comfortable space to work or relax while on the move.  Each car features exquisitely-packaged twin 8" LCD screens in the rear of the seat headrests, a DVD player, a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Naim for Bentley premium audio system and iPads integrated into the hand-crafted solid wood picnic tables.

19/01/2014

The BMW 2 Series Coupe

A new dimension in dynamics

This is not the first time that BMW has treated the compact segment to its customary brand of driving pleasure. The BMW 1 Series, for example, has fulfilled this role for almost 10 years now, its standout position among its rivals rooted most prominently in its rear-wheel-drive concept (still a unique proposition in this class), powerful engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a compelling premium character. And now the BMW 2 Series Coupe takes the levels of driving pleasure on offer in a compact model to even greater heights. The new two-door cuts a particularly impressive figure with its distinctive body design, a range of extremely powerful engines and specially configured chassis technology.

There is clear water between the BMW 2 Series Coupe and the BMW 1 Series, the new model assuming a character all of its own. This differentiation is immediately recognisable in the design of the new car, but it also makes its presence felt in terms of performance. The BMW 2 Series Coupe is an even more eye-catching creation than its predecessor, the resoundingly successful BMW 1 Series Coupe (of which more than 150,000 units have been sold worldwide). As well as a standalone appearance and increased dimensions, there is also greater depth to its product substance in terms of both technology and standard equipment. The result is a new dimension in driving dynamics, aesthetic appeal and premium allure in the compact segment, highlighted by the “2” in the new car’s model designation. The number 2 has denoted the presence of a supremely sporting driving experience in a compact two-door car for over 45 years – ever since the introduction of the BMW 02 range.

16/01/2014

World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz S 600 in Detroit

No other car lives up to the standards so famously set by company founder Gottlieb Daimler quite as comprehensively as the top model from Mercedes‑Benz. The S 600 with V12 biturbo engine is the top model in the already successfully established S-Class and is available exclusively with long wheelbase and with a luxurious package of equipment and appointments. Its performance data: 390 kW (530 hp) and 830 Nm of torque. The S 600 will have its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show, with the market launch to follow in March 2014. But the S-Class is about to get even better in other ways, too: the models in the current range will be upgraded with the addition of a head-up display, touchpad and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS.

16/01/2014

Winning touch: BMW Group Design claims five prizes in the GOOD DESIGN Award 2013

BMW Group Design earned fivefold recognition for its outstanding work in the GOOD DESIGN™ Awards 2013. In the category “Transportation 2013”, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, the MINI Paceman, the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé and the BMW R 1200 GS were all awarded this prestigious prize. The “Graphics/Identity/Packaging 2013” category, meanwhile, saw honours go to the film “The BMW Concept Ninety Story”.

The GOOD DESIGN™ Award is the world’s oldest design prize and ranks as one of the most distinguished accolades in this field. Founded in Chicago in 1950 by architects Eero Saarinen, Ray and Charles Eames and MoMa curator Edgar Kaufmann Jr., it is presented by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art Design and Urban Studies. For more than 60 years, this coveted prize has been awarded to designers and manufacturers in recognition of exceptionally innovative and visionary products, concepts and ideas that go beyond the normal horizons of everyday product design.

In 2013 the Chicago Athenaeum received thousands of submissions from leading enterprises in 48 countries. In all, the jury selected more than 700 high-quality products covering a wide range of categories. All of them were persuasive in form, function and aesthetics; the winners will be published in the 2013/2014 GOOD DESIGN yearbook.

Exceptional long-distance ride comfort in a unique lounge atmosphere is a key aspect of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, which marries the sporty-dynamic genes of the Sedan with the functionality and versatility of the BMW 3 Series Touring. The independent personality of its exterior is distinguished by doors with frameless windows, a coupe-style roofline sloping gently towards the rear, and a large, automatically opening and closing electric tailgate.

The MINI Paceman is the first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium small and compact car segment. Its combination of sporty design, a coupe-like silhouette and a lounge-like interior make the MINI Paceman a pioneer in the urban traffic scene.

The BMW R 1200 GS convinced the jury thanks to its well-resolved fusion of a distinctive design language and an athletic off-road stature. Sporting the typical GS-style BMW Motorrad design, this new rendition of the world’s most popular travel enduro is a case study in the stylistic perfection of an iconic two-wheeler.

BMW and Pininfarina are two of the most tradition-swathed names in the motor industry. Each is in equal measure a byword for cutting-edge technology coupled with style, dynamism and aesthetics.

With the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé, the two companies present the result of their first cooperation. This one-off is the exclusive interpretation of a luxurious BMW Coupe as seen through the eyes of Pininfarina. The design teams worked in close collaboration to create a new, character-laden automotive persona for the high-end luxury class: it is typically BMW while boasting the refined signature of Pininfarina.

The BMW Concept Ninety Storyis a film that traces the genesis of the eponymous motorcycle, which was born of a partnership between BMW Motorrad and custom bike manufacturers “Roland Sands Design” to mark the 90th anniversary of BMW Motorrad. The body of this exclusive evocation of the BMW R 90 S was hand-built and reflects the harmony of man and machine in purist, emotional guise.

In recent years BMW Group Design has been recurrently honoured in several categories of this renowned award. Last year’s winners included, for example, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW M6 Coupe, the MINI Roadster, the BMW Travel & Comfort System and the BMW M5.

13/01/2014

BMW Group posts record sales for 2013

The BMW Group sold more vehicles in 2013 than ever before in the company’s history. A total of 1,963,798 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles were delivered worldwide, an increase of 6.4% from the previous record year of 2012 (1,845,186). All three brands reported record deliveries for 2013 and the company strengthened its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of premium vehicles.

The BMW Group finished the year strongly, with a total of 186,786 vehicles sold in December, an increase of 2.9% over the same month last year (181,571 units). Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing BMW: “The BMW Group posted record sales once again in 2013 and is clearly the number one in the premium segment. Our success can be attributed to our attractive and innovative models, the strength of our premium brands and our strategy of balanced sales across all continents. Despite the prevailing headwinds in many markets, we aim to increase sales and make 2014 another record year.”

BMW Group sales in/up to December 2013 at a glance

11/01/2014

More than 1.57 million deliveries in 2013

A new all-time record for AUDI AG: In 2013, the company sold around 1,575,500 automobiles worldwide, 8.3 percent more than in 2012. The premium manufacturer’s sales thus increased by more than 100,000 units for the fourth consecutive year. Major growth drivers over the past year were Audi’s three biggest export markets, all of which reported double-digit growth: with China up 21.2 percent, the United States up 13.5 percent, and the UK up 14.9 percent. In Europe and China, the four rings again led the premium segment in 2013 as the top-selling brand. Audi concluded the year with a 18.4 percent growth to around 130,700 global deliveries in December, increasing sales in all regions of the world compared to the same month of 2012.

10/01/2014

Mercedes-Benz on record course