22/03/2014

One:1 - A real mega car!

Koenigsegg is creating six uniquely developed and designed production cars – the One:1 program.

This is one of the most exclusive production car program ever envisaged.
The hp to kg curb weight ratio is an astonishing 1:1. This is the  “dream” equation previously thought impossible. On top of this the One:1 is the first homologated production car in the world with one Megawatt of power, thereby making it the world´s first series produced Megacar.

These are the reason for naming the car One:1.

The 2014 One:1 truly raises the bar of performance. The One:1 features new and unique solutions to enhance track perfomance without compromising top speed or everyday usability, with a stunning visual appearance to go with it.

Examples of features; unique track optimized aero winglets, extended venturi tunnels and side splitters, Le-Mans inspired active wing configuration and optimized active undertrim air management. Large air vents for improved cooling, roof air scoop to support the 1 Megawatt of power. 8250 RPM rev limit, complimented with Custom made Michelin Cup Tires, upgrade rear triplex suspension with carbon bevel springs and active shockabsorbers and ride hight, combined with upgraded revolutionary Koenigsegg Aircore carbon fiber wheels.

Koenigsegg was the first extreme car manufacturer to take steps toward green technology with the release of the biofuel CCXR in 2007. The One:1, a sibling of the highly competitive Agera R, follows in the footsteps of the CCXR as it also runs on E85 biofuel, Racefuel or normal Petrol.

In order to give the One:1 maximum flexibility when it comes to power delivery, Koenigsegg has implemented its patented variable turbo geometry technology in the One:1 Program. This technology gives improved response and more low end torque than otherwise possible. As an example the One:1 engine has over 1000 Nm of torque between 3000 to 7500 rpm, which is truly unheard of.

16/03/2014

BMW i8 deliveries to customers starting in June

Performance and fuel economy specifications further improved – Real life fuel consumptionreaches small-car level – World’s first production car with innovative laser light technology.

With the completion of the development work and final preparations for production at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, the launch of the BMW i8 approaches its peak. Delivery of the first customer cars will start in June 2014, beginning with the main European markets. Beforehand, special public events will be held in various regions all over the world to meet the enormous interest in the BMW i8. For this purpose BMW i agents will be equipped with separate demonstration vehicles. The start of series production of customer vehicles will commence in April. Customers have already been able to place pre-orders for the BMW i8 in all major markets since autumn 2013.

However, demand for the BMW i8 is already exceeding the planned production volume during ramp-up.

Further improvements to the BMW i8 specifications

In parallel to the completion of the statutory type approval the BMW engineers were also able to achieve a further improvement of key driving performance and fuel consumption data. Thanks to its novel  powertrain concept BMW eDrive in plug-in hybrid configuration, the i8 combines a 0–100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 4.4 seconds with an  EU test cycle average fuel consumption of 2.1 litres/100 km (134.5 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The related electricity consumption was measured at 11.9 kWh per 100 km .

Every-day fuel economy substantially better than all conventional sports car concepts

Although the results achieved in the EU test cycle allow for quick comparisons with other vehicles and despite their relevance for a favorable taxation in many countries, the BMW i8 engineers hat a particular focus on low fuel consumption in real life.

As a result the BMW i8 shows extraordinary efficiency not only in standardized testing procedures, but also in the practice of everyday traffic: In typical everyday commuting, with the battery fully charged at the beginning, the BMW i8 can return a fuel consumption below 5 litres/100 km (more than 56 mpg imp) around town. If the commute includes extra-urban or motorway driving less than 7 litres (more than 40 mpg imp) are achievable.. Even in longer-distance operation at higher speeds, drivers can keep their average fuel consumption below 8 litres/100 km (more than 35 mpg imp). Overall, the fuel consumption of the plug-in hybrid model therefore works out around 50 per cent better than that of conventionally powered sports car models.

World’s first production car with laser light

Introduction of the optional BMW laser headlights is scheduled for autumn 2014, when the BMW i8 will become the world’s first production car to offer this innovative lighting technology. BMW laser headlights are around 30 per cent more energy-efficient than the BMW i8’s standard LED headlights and provide considerably more powerful road illumination, with a range of up to 600 metres. Highly concentrated beams of light from high-performance laser diodes act on a fluorescent phosphor material inside the headlight, which projects a sharply focused beam of light onto the road. The laser headlights produce a light similar to natural daylight and are therefore always easy on the eye.

Want to know more about the laser light? Click here!

BMW eDrive: Sports car powertrain of the future.

The BMW i8’s plug-in hybrid system comprises a 170 kW/231 hp, 320 Nm (236 lb-ft)  three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a 96 kW/131 hp, 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) hybrid synchronous electric motor. The BMW eDrive system also includes a lithium-ion high-voltage battery (with a usable capacity of 5,2 kWh) and intelligent energy management that uses the combined output of 266 kW/362 hp to provide breathtaking performance and maximum efficiency, while always taking into account the driving situation and driver requirements. The excellent balance between driving pleasure and fuel economy is aided by a low vehicle weight of 1,485 kg (DIN kerb weight) and an unusually good drag coefficient (Cd) for a sports car of 0.26.

In zero-emission all-electric mode, the BMW i8 has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and a range of 37 kilometres (23 miles) within the EU test cycle. Depending on whether the plug-in hybrid sports car’s lithium-ion battery is recharged at a household power socket or BMW i Wallbox, or at a public charging station, charging times range from less than two up to three hours. In Sport mode the BMW i8 offers mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 2.6 seconds. The electronically governed top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).

14/03/2014

The Gumpert Story Continues

It is the advent of a new sports car, set to be premiered at the Geneva Motor Show 2014. In this Roland Gumpert is continuing a never-ending story, one that so often provides moments in which we are left amazed and astounded. One of these moments is called explosion, and it is here and now. In this two-seater sports car, Roland Gumpert satisfies the expectations of allt hose who believe that this kind of car is madness. And it’s true. But this time it is not about a racing sport as a flipped-over airplane on wheels, even if the Gumpert explosion would be more than capable of zipping round the circuit. It is far more serious. A car with 4-wheel drive, distributing its 420 hp and a torque of 520Nm over all four wheels. A start like a catapult, banging on the door of 0 to 100 km/h inside of 3.0 seconds. These values have more incommon with motorbikes. And it comes as no surprise that a ‘3’ is first in line when it comes to maximum speed. Given its components, the purpose of this car’s manufacture is the sole logical, reasonable conclusion: the thrill of driving with positive and negative acceleration values otherwise seen only in the confines of racing sport. And yet it is entirely a Gumpert – built for the road. It doesn’t take long to work out where this car feels most comfortable, seemingly suggesting winding roads, mountains and coastlines. We can fairly assume that Gumpert explosion is one of those cars whose brake lights disappear from our field of vision as if they were never there.

These values are delivered based on Gumpert’s typical consistently rigid, lightweight construction using a tubular frame and bodywork made of a carbon, glass fibrereinforced plastic and aluminium mix. The communal pool of ideas by young engineers and designers, combined with Roland Gumpert’s racing sport experience and uncompromising style, were also preserved. The designer Martin Frank is responsible for the fine lines on the Gumpert explosion. What is presented here is the first pre-series model to be finished; the handcrafted work involved in series production, along with individual manufacture, has already commenced. The first models in the premiere series are planned for this year. Starting at a new price of €105,000, the sports car delivers what a large swathe of motor sports enthusiasts are looking for.“We want to convey to all those drivers who love motor sports what it feels like to sit behind the wheel of a rally car”, says Roland Gumpert. The vehicle was developed and constructed by a small team from GSM Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH centred around Mr Gumpert, based out of the interim workshops in and around Ingolstadt.

08/03/2014

The new BMW X4

The new BMW X4 is based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3, but displays a sporting character very much its own and takes dynamics to another new level. That much is clear when you view the new model head-on. The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the character lines in the front apron allow the BMW X4 – with its signature BMW twin headlights and front fog lamps (both optionally with LED technology) – to maximise its visual presence on the road. The roofline reaches its highest point above the driver and then swoops down smoothly to the trailing edge of the tailgate, mimicking the design language of a classical sporting coupe. The signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models is split into two on the X4. The first section rises dynamically from the front wheel arches to the rear door handles, while the second part draws the eye to the muscular sculpting of the rear wings. The rear end, complete with L-shaped LED lights in exclusive X4 design and diffuser-look styling, likewise highlights the outstanding dynamic ability of the new BMW X4 – even before it turns a wheel.

The driver and front passenger sit 20 millimetres lower than in the BMW X3. In conjunction with the two-seat look of the rear, this accentuates the coupe character of the new BMW in the classy and exclusive interior as well. At the same time, the X4 offers generous levels of space for up to five people and – thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest – impressive variability.

06/03/2014

Star of the bullring

Hamann has taken the bull by the horns and puts the ultimate finish on one of the most striking and powerful sports cars of all time. Even more uncompromising, even more spectacular: the independent body concept of the factory in Swabian Laupheim has turned the martial Lamborghini Aventador into a personalized masterpiece – with unique design details and an impressive increase in power of almost ten per cent.

The leitmotif of the Hamann "Limited" is uniqueness in every way. The front boasts custom-made carbon air vent inserts. The optical counterpart of the lightweight nostrils is the two-piece front spoiler made of the same high strength racing material, which provides for racing grade down force and gives the front wheels increased grip. To optimize the aerodynamics, the new eye-catching side skirts help calm the airflow on the underside.

The greatest optimisation requirement for motorsport specialist Hamann was at the rear of the Aventador. The redesigned features were thus particularly extensive here.Hamann replaced the rear apron and rear diffuser with their own designs and constructions made of ultra-lightweight carbon fibre. The adjustable rear spoiler is made of the same material, as well. Hamann also developed the sport final muffler specifically for the "Limited." There is also a special race version available with backfire.

The voluminous air intake slots on the engine compartment lid supply the huge twelve-cylinder unit with plenty of cool air. Here, Hamann has integrated very high quality clear-coated carbon fibre, which allows a clear view of the Lamborghini power package.

The specialists of Hamann push the performance of the potent Italian to new heights. 700 hp (515 kW) and 690 Nm were the numbers to beat – and that's what motor racing professional Hamann clearly managed to do. The completely redesigned software of the control unit of the twelve-cylinder in the "Limited" now reaches 760 hp (559 kW). The maximum torque of the 6.5-liter V12 increases with the identity field optimisation to a raging 735 Nm.

 04/03/2014

03/03/2014

F SPORT Completes All-New Lexus RC Coupe Line-up

And F SPORT makes three. Driving enthusiasts, get ready for more Lexus RC options from which to choose. When the all-new model launches in the U.S. this fall the 2015 Lexus RC 350 F SPORT will join the recently introduced RC 350 sport coupe and RC F performance model.

The RC 350 F SPORT will make its world debut at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show. The RC is a stand-alone model rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan although it is built on the GS sedan platform. It has the same width as GS and a shorter wheelbase than the IS sedan to help achieve spirited handling and agility.

The RC 350 F SPORT, based on the RC 350, will feature exclusive design elements and enhanced driving performance. The F SPORT’s dynamic upgrades include Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and the available Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. These features provide drivers with an even more rewarding and engaging driving experience.
 
Design

Readily identified by a model-specific “F” mesh design, the RC 350 F SPORT features a further evolution of the Lexus spindle grille. The unique 19-inch F SPORT mesh alloy wheels feature machine-finish and dark metallic paint. The RC 350 F SPORT also inherits a descendant of the innovative LFA driver’s meter with a moving center ring, and an F SPORT perforated leather steering wheel and shift knob. The interior design is completed by Silver Performance trim, an F SPORT-exclusive Rioja Red interior and seats with unique contrast stitching.
 
Driving Dynamics

Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is part of the F SPORT package. In response to driving operation, vehicle body motion and road surface conditions, AVS automatically and independently adjusts the performance of the damping at all four wheels. When the vehicle’s SPORT+ drive mode is selected, AVS changes to allow the driver to feel improved body control and precise responses to steering input.

The suspension enhancements of the RC 350 F SPORT are complimented by the available four-wheel steering benefits of the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. This leading edge platform technology offers the integration of Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).

Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering.

The LDH system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input up to a maximum rear wheel angle of 2.0 degrees. The front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions at lower speeds, and in the same direction at higher speeds.

01/03/2014

ABT Sportsline at the Geneva Motor Show 2014

 ABT Sportsline goes to the Geneva Motor Show 2014 with full throttle. Besides the powerful RS6-R with its 730 HP and 920 Newtonmeters the Bavarians present a cool RS QS3 that offers 32 percent more power than the standard car – now an 410 HP and 530 Nm. Lovers of compact cars will enjoy the Golf VII GTI Dark Edition with its 300 HP, a beautiful body kit and not least perfectly designed wheels. As for the fact that ABT will be the only german team participating in the brand new FIA Formula E one of the race-cars can also be seen in Geneva. And there is even more to come: ABT also introduces a graphic interface for its performance upgrades that can be used with an app or an in-car display, called ABT Performance System.