2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec

2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec

2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec

2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec

2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: The New ‘Gullwing’

Long rumored, the new “Gullwing” is finally here. Officially dubbed the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the ‘Gullwing’ name still fits. It has those doors that have been copied by every wanna-be tuner as well as folks like Briklin and DeLorean. And since it’s a Mercedes it’s been engineered and designed to within an inch of what Stuttgart thinks a Gullwing for 2010 should be designed and engineered like.

The quick thumbnail sketch works like this: aluminum spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-liter V8 cranking out 571 hp, dry sump lubrication, seven-speed semi-auto dual-clutch transmission hanging in a transaxle out back and a aluminum double wishbone sports suspension. All that will add up to quite a car, because Mercedes wouldn’t let it be anything else (now would they).

Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH says as much: “Our customers will experience with the SLS AMG the expertise of our sports car manufacturer Mercedes-AMG, built up over 40 years of motor racing, along with the kind of scintillating design that only a top athlete from the Mercedes-Benz stable can offer.”

And Chairman of the Board Dr. Dieter Zetsche backs him up, “Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the guise of the new SLS AMG, which is bound to set the pulses of all car enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster. The SLS AMG is emotion pure and simple for the Mercedes-Benz brand and is set to become one of the most alluring sports cars of our era.”

Mercedes has paid a lot of attention to lightening the car as much as they could. Yeah, it’s still kind of porky, cause that’s Mercedes default, but at least they did carve away the pounds here and there. This is the first time, Mercedes-Benz is making a car with an aluminum chassis and body. This pares the curb weight down to 1620 kilograms excluding driver.

Naturally there’s a big mill under the bonnet. In the case of the modern Gullwing, it’s an AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine cranking out 571 hp at 6800 rpm. This gives the car a power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp. The engine’s torque comes in at 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. This is enough to scoot the Gullwing from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to top out at a speed of 315 km/h.

All that power and torque get to the tarmac via a dual-clutch transmission located out back, transaxle style and connected to the plant via a torque tube (just like they used to with their race cars way back when). This also helps with weight distribution for a front engined car – even if, as is the case with the Gullwing, the mill is set way back in the chassis.

And to haul it all down there’s a nice set of high-performance ceramic -composite brakes at all corners. Not only do these run at higher heat than metal brakes, but they also offer an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent.

Naturally the wheels and tires are beefy. They’re 9.5 x 19 inchers up front and 11.0 x 20 inches out back. The tires come in at 265/35 R19 for the front and 295/30 R20s for the rears. Or, to put it in hot rod terms, those are boss meats.

Price? Probably a lot. Find out what you could get for your first born on the open market, and then multiply that by 1.5.

2011 Ford Super Duty Truck Photos and Description

2011 FORD SUPER DUTY BOASTS REFINED TOUGHNESS ON EXTERIOR, MORE INTERIOR CONTENT, COMFORT

New inverted power dome hood restyled to complement all-new, more powerful diesel and gasoline engines of the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty; bold, vise-like industrial-grade grille strengthens the truck’s appearance, offers several chrome and body paint options
New, larger flow-through console offers flexible storage options, including lockable storage; designed to have the largest storage capacity in its class with more than 70 configurations
Interior upgrades include all-new seats with available 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, heating/cooling feature, lumbar support and lockable underseat storage
The design team for the 2011 F-Series Super Duty knows what customers demand of Ford’s hard-working pickup truck. The challenge is to deliver in new and exciting ways.

“Built Ford Tough is the most important and enduring attribute of the F-Series Super Duty truck,” said Ed Golden, chief designer. “For 2011, we’ve continued in that direction, evolving the Super Duty line with more boldness. Our customers demand a well-engineered truck, one that will perform the maximum duty they expect from it. Our design has to reflect that.”

Bigger and bolder defines the front end. With the addition of the all-new, more powerful 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel as well as a new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine, the hood was redesigned with a prominent inverted power dome that gives an indication of the significantly improved torque and horsepower each engine will deliver.

“The Super Duty is all about power and capability, and we wanted to make that obvious,” said Brad Richards, exterior design manager.

The grille surrounds especially emphasize the bigger and bolder look, with “Super Duty” stamped onto the upper grille. Combinations of chrome, black and body color are available on the multi-piece grille, depending on the series.

“One of the unique visual aspects of the Super Duty is the inlets at the outboard edges of the grille,” said Golden. “The center grille bars wrap in aerodynamically at the ends. From one side you see the bars, and from the other you see the openings – almost like a jet engine’s air intake.”

Bigger, stronger than ever

The theme of interlocking parts is echoed throughout the exterior, emphasizing the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty’s enduring strength.

The iconic Ford oval is bigger – by approximately 50 percent, to about 13 inches across – and bolder as well to complement the new front end. “It’s the biggest Ford oval anywhere except at the top of World Headquarters,” Richards quipped. “The owners of these trucks are very proud of their vehicles and like what the Super Duty says about them and their lifestyle. It’s not a bashful vehicle by any means.”

The grille openings have been optimized for maximum cooling efficiency and minimum drag. A deeper air dam – extended to about six inches – has been added to the front to deflect air away from the underpinnings for better aerodynamics, which also adds to fuel efficiency. A shorter air dam is available for off-road customers. The headlamps are the largest ever for a Super Duty.

The larger wheel lips and new wheel and tire lineup help emphasize Super Duty’s bolder look and stronger appearance, especially on two-tone models. Wheels range from 17-inch steel up to 20-inch polished units, depending on series: XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch®.

Exterior trim highlights

XL Decor package features chrome bumpers and chrome center caps on the wheels
XLT adds a chrome grille, fog lamps and chrome surrounds on the side vent badging
Lariat adds two-tone on wheel lip
King Ranch adds unique painted grille surround, wheels, Pale Adobe box top moldings and running board, and King Ranch badging
Available Tough Bed

Ford also offers Tough Bed®, a unique, military-grade, factory-installed spray-in bedliner. The polyol-based elastomeric film and isocyanate hardener are applied to the pickup box by a precision high-pressure automated sprayer to ensure one thin, smooth, even coat – unlike the traditional hand-spray application of aftermarket bedliners.

The finer application ensures the bedliner materials won’t run or sag on the inside walls of the box, and also minimizes unnecessary weight. Its uniformly textured surface also helps minimize load slippage while delivering a premium appearance.

All-new flow-through console heads interior upgrades

Leading the list of increased interior functionality is the flow-through console. The design team took advantage of Super Duty’s steering wheel-mounted gearshift to create a console that flows from the instrument panel to the backseat, brimming with large, customizable and versatile storage space. The larger space also provides room for two HVAC ducts to the backseat.

Highlights of the new flow-through console include:

The main storage bin, which is lockable, encompasses many attributes to help make the 2011 Ford Super Duty the perfect office on wheels. The base includes a rubber mat with a lip that aids storage of items such as laptops, notebooks or binders.
Customers can use the hanging tray for change – slots for pennies through quarters are provided – or to store other items such as screwdrivers or other tools. At least $7.53 in change can be held in the slots – $4.25 in quarters, $2.30 in dimes, 80 cents in nickels and 18 cents in pennies.
The hanging tray can be removed to create file storage with the available file hangers.
The underside of the console bin lid includes storage options for pens, pencils, highlighters, business cards, tire gauges, small flashlights and tissue, among other items.
Map pockets are provided on both driver and passenger sides.
A two-level front storage compartment accommodates four cup holders, which are in two identical, removable modules. Each module can be individually removed to create larger storage tray spaces, or both can be removed and easily stowed for even more open space. A false-bottom tray, sitting just below the cup holder modules, creates an additional storage compartment that also can be removed to create one deep tub of storage space.
Standard 110-volt inverter and socket at the rear of the console.
12-volt powerpoints at the rear of the console and inside the main bin; the powerpoint in the main bin is raised for easier access and a cord pass-through notch allows coiled cords or multiple cords to pass through the console with the armrest lid closed.
The cup holders – four in front and two in the rear – are modular and configurable. Each contains a rubber insert that can be removed for larger beverages. For a thermos – or a really big thirst – the front storage compartment contains a footprint for a 64-ounce beverage, which is accessible by removing the false-bottom tray and one cup holder module.

Enhanced seats provide more comfort

The seats of the new Super Duty are based off the well-received seats from the Ford F-150 and feature improved comfort and support, upgraded cloth and leather, and have available 10-way power adjustments. The front seats can be heated and cooled, and the driver’s seat has manual lumbar support standard. Lockable, underseat storage also is available.

2010 Abarth Fiat 500 R3T Details and Pictures

Abarth introduced its latest racing gem at the 51st Sanremo Rally. The new Abarth 500 R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

For Abarth, this marks a return to promotional trophy events, a niche it has made its own for more than thirty years. Since 1977, to be precise, when the first ever Autobianchi A112 Abarth Championship was held, followed by trophies for the Fiat Uno, Uno Turbo, Cinquecento, Seicento, Punto Kit and Super 1600, Stilo, Panda Kit.

The Abarth 500 rally version will be type approved for Group R3T, the category for turbocharged cars up to 1600 cm3 in capacity. This class will be the future of the specialism because it represents a good compromise between car cost and performance. Ideal for private drivers and young people who want to show their worth in a true racing car, capable of outstanding performance by any standard.

The Abarth 500 power unit is 1368 cm3 with a Garret GT 1446 fixed geometry turbocharger capable of delivering a power of 180 hp (132 kw) at 5500 rpm.

The gearbox is sequential, front meshing with 6 speeds and includes a multiplate self-locking differential, twin plate clutch and special half-axles.

Great care has been taken to ensure the suspension can be adjusted to obtain a ride suited to each driver's individual driving style. The racing shock-absorbers are adjustable, with coaxial spring and wheel to alter the ground clearance plus special shims to adjust the caster and camber angles.

The 7" x 17" OZ asphalt rims are designed for 19/62-17 tyres.

The Brembo brakes are all disc, ventilated at the front with 4 callipers, solid disc at the rear with brake distributor and governor. The handbrake is hydraulic.

The Abarth 500 is equipped with a special welded roll-bar integral with the body, the required safety devices and FIA type-approved seats with 6 seat belt anchorage points.

The weight is the lowest set by the regulations for this category: 1080 kg unladen.

Great care has also been taken over the details, beginning with a livery that is most decidedly in keeping with tradition, complemented by a lovingly crafted interior and instruments.

The Abarth promotional trophy regulation and timetable will be circulated in the coming weeks.

2010 Volvo C70 Facelift at the Frankfurt Motor Show

The facelifted Volvo C70 has been given the look of the S60 concept launched this year. Currently on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Volvo C70 has been fitted with redesigned front wings to give the car a wedge shape. New headlamps are angled upwards.

Giving the front end a more aggressive shape are larger intakes and larger recesses. According to Fedde Talsma, exterior chief designer of Volvo Cars, Volvo has redesigned the front and rear of the car so that they “harmonize” better with the bigger Volvo models. At the rear, clearly seen is the larger lettering across the boot. LED lamps also prominently show. Newly introduced is a Flamenco Red Pearl color. Aside from the redesigned instrument panel, another improvement was the use of better-quality materials. Engines range from a 134bhp 2.0 diesel to the 227bhp T5 petrol.

Renault Twizy ZE Concept

With a three-meter turning circle that makes it one of the most maneuverable vehicles on the road, the Renault Twizy certainly piqued a lot of interest at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The two-seat Renault Twizy is an urban runabout in the mould of the Smart EV. A 20bhp motor attached to the Twizy is said to deliver performance equivalent to that of a 125cc scooter.

Set for launch in 2012, the Twizy was displayed beside four Renault electric concepts. It will preview the manufacturer’s range. The Twizy ZE is slender due to the 1+1 configuration even as it has a four-wheel chassis. Many particularly applauded the wraparound bodywork that gives first-class protection for both the driver and the passenger. Urban mobility is an issue that the Twizy is designed exclusively for. It will be the third concept to arrive at showrooms when it goes on sale late 2011. Renault says the four wheels and low centre of gravity provide stability and excellent handling.

Audi S5 Sportback and its red tuxedo

Audi’s new S5 Sportback made quite a big splash at the ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show. The car is confirmed to be entering production in the spring of 2010. It uses the same 328bhp supercharged V6 as the S4 saloon. The S5 Sportback likewise gets quattro permanent four-wheel drive and a seven-speed twin-clutch S-tronic gearbox as standard. To be offered as optional is Audi’s Sport differential, which actively distributes drive between the car’s rear wheels. Audi claims that the S5 Sportback would be able to accelerate to 62mph in 5.4sec and achieve 155mph maximum speed. The car is slated to arrive in the dealerships at the beginning of the next summer.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Preview

The latest generation W204 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been on sale since 2007 and is now due for its mid-cycle facelift. While the new model isn’t expected to be launched for several months still, images of the car momentarily appeared on the automaker’s official German website.

As the leaked images suggest, Mercedes’ designers haven’t mucked around with the stylish look of the current model, instead choosing to focus on only minor changes such as new bumper, headlight and wheel designs.

Besides the styling changes to the exterior, there will almost certainly be some updates to the interior and a number of mechanical changes. The latter will likely include modifications intended to improve the efficiency of the C-Class and boost Mercedes’ fleet wide fuel economy and emissions averages.

Some of the changes will likely include the addition of new BluTec diesel powertrains and engine stop-start systems, as well as more direct-injected models.

Lotus Unveils Their New Evora Type 124 Endurance Racer With 400-HP

The first all-new Lotus since the iconic Lotus Elise made its debut in 1995, The Lotus Evora enters the sports car market as currently the world's only mid-engined 2+2. Powered by a Lotus-tuned 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 PS, and weighing just 1350 kg (prototype specification), the Lotus Evora promises breathtaking performance. During preliminary testing around the famous Nürburgring, the Lotus chassis engineers report that it is extremely agile and great fun to drive - even when clad with the full development disguise that hid the beautiful lines from the prying motor-industry paparazzi.

In addition to its excellent performance and exemplary handling, the Lotus Evora offers a more refined ownership experience than Lotus's existing smaller four-cylinder models. Its elegantly styled cabin is elegantly trimmed and its equipment list includes contemporary features such as an advanced touch-screen multi-media system and electric power-fold door mirrors.

Because one of the roles of the Lotus Evora is to attract new customers to the Lotus brand, much attention has been paid to its ease of use. Wider, taller door apertures and narrower sills make getting in and out of the cabin a less athletic undertaking than it is in Lotus's smaller sports cars (the Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven), while the design of the cabin itself will accommodate two 99th percentile (6ft 5in tall) American males in the front seats.

The 'convenience factor' of the Lotus Evora extends to less obvious areas of the car. For instance, beneath the skin the entire front-end structure is a high tech aluminium sacrificial modular unit, attached to the main extruded aluminium tub. This modular unit is designed to deform for maximum safety, and to reduce repair costs in the event of a frontal impact.

The Lotus Evora has been designed with global automotive regulations in mind, and future derivatives are planed, these including amongst others, a convertible.

The Lotus Evora will be hand crafted and built on a dedicated new assembly line within Lotus's advanced manufacturing facility at Hethel in the east of England; capacity limitations will restrict production to approximately 2000 cars a year, ensuring the dynamic new sports car's rarity and exclusivity.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc, has this to say about the exciting new model: "The Lotus Evora is the biggest milestone Lotus has achieved since the Elise was born 13 years ago and is part of our bold five year strategic plan, which includes the introduction of new cars and technologies to many more markets around the world. The Lotus Evora also represents Lotus core values of performance through light weight and efficiency and proves that you can have phenomenal performance, fuel efficiency elegant design and practicality all in a class leading mid-engine 2+2 sportscar, which will meet global safety and homologation standards"

Mike Kimberley continues, "Looking to the future, we will continue to research, develop and produce lighter, more efficient vehicles which are linked to our extensive and well-regarded work on all aspects of future fuels, alternative engines and electric and hybrid vehicle solutions for the future. We all have an environmental responsibility to future generations and the Lotus Evora is another example where Lotus is seen to make significant steps towards improving the efficiency and sustainability of the motorcar keeping Britain at the forefront of the high technology motor industry."

THE LOTUS EVORA IN DETAIL

Style or function? Have both... Designed 'in-house' by Lotus Design, the sleek and athletic form uses fluid forms and crisp surfaces to communicate velocity, agility and sophistication. Low and wide with modern cab forward proportions, muscular rear haunches and function optimised hip air intakes this is clearly a serious mid engined sportscar that skilfully hides the practicality of its two plus two capability.

Russell Carr, Head of Lotus Design, led the Lotus Evora's design team with Steven Crijns, Design Manager responsible for the exterior and Anthony Bushell, Senior Designer, responsible for the interior.

"A cornerstone of the design's success was working closely with the technical team to develop a package that allowed us to get the proportions correct," says Head of Design Russell Carr, "The asymmetric wheel sizes, the short rear overhang, long front overhang and cab forward visor screen all contribute to giving the car visual movement and an agile stance. This is incredibly important to us because we want the car's aesthetics to communicate its driving characteristics".

Lotus products have always embodied a perfect balance between form and function and the Lotus Evora successfully continues this heritage. "We never lost sight of the fact that, although this car must provide real world useability, sportscars are emotional purchases and that you have to seduce the customer through beguiling looks and exotic persona. We are, therefore, very proud that we have been able to use technical and user functionality to positively drive the design in key areas and create some of the car's most distinctive features". says Carr.

Ingress and egress, for example, dictated a minimal "step-over" to get into the Lotus Evora. We simply cut away the surface under the door and created a unique and dramatic piece of sculpture that enhances the stance of the car as well as its useability.

Elsewhere, aerodynamic considerations for drag, down force and cooling had significant but positive influence on the overall form and details such as air intakes. A desire to create balanced down force, that increases cornering performance, led to the adoption of, the now, "signature" top exit radiator vent, race car inspired diffuser and "floating rear wing". Drag limitation, drove the dramatic tear-dropped cabin layout and the curvaceous plan view has given the car a more muscular rear shoulder and conveys a level of sophistication appropriate to this market segment.

"We believe that our designs should be honest as well as dramatic and so we are really pleased with the fact that these iconic features all do a real job" says Steven Crijns, Design Manager.

This inherent understanding of the relationship between the technical and the aesthetic paid dividends the first time a full-scale model of the Lotus Evora was wind-tunnel tested - only minimal adjustments were required to the car's aerodynamic package to meet the targets for downforce and stability.

Steve Crijns continued, "Overall the design language shows a clear DNA link with its Lotus siblings, whilst establishing its own distinctive and contemporary theme. The undulating shoulder line is brilliantly mirrored in the lower part of the bodyside by the cut -away sill that creates a torseau-like muscularity."

"The front three-quarter view is really powerful" Russell Carr continues, "Your eye is drawn effortlessly, from our signature mouth, rearward by fluid surfaces and fast lines that create a sense of speed even when the car is stationary. From this angle you can also see how dramatically the visor screen sweeps around the teardrop form of the cabin and the gently waisted plan shape perfectly accentuates the muscularity of the rear fender. This is unmistakeably mid engined language and the Lotus Evora is unmistakeably a Lotus."

The view from the rear three-quarters is just as striking and the one that many will become familiar with as the car passes them on the road. The tapered cabin, diffuser, floating wing, centrally mounted twin tailpipes and distinctive engine bay vents all combine to create a completely unique look.

Moving right inside... The design language of the interior reflects that of the exterior - simple, fluid surfaces, soft forms and crisp feature lines wrap around the cabin cosseting the occupants. Unlike recent Lotus products that use a race car inspired, technical minimalism, the Lotus Evora employs a softer approach that utilises premium quality materials and finishes to create a contemporary but luxurious ambience that is unique to Lotus products.

It is, according to Head of Lotus Design Russell Carr, "A huge departure from what people might expect based on Lotus's recent past. We wanted the Lotus Evora's cabin to feel special and to be surprising as well as sporty. Precision engineered metal inserts and quality edge-lit switches are brilliantly juxtaposed against soft hand-stitched leather surfaces to give a modern interior with a classic twist."

Russell Carr continues, "The flat bottomed steering wheel, figure hugging sports seat, contemporary instrumentation and ergonomically positioned controls provide an intuitive environment that instantly forms a connection between driver and car ensuring that it becomes an extension of his or her body."

Anthony Bushell Senior Designer explained about the choice of materials in the Lotus Evora's interior, "Tactile quality is incredibly important within this segment and so we wanted the interior to use honest premium materials. Much of the switchgear is bespoke, and every metallic component is actually metal."

Focused courtesy lighting is used throughout the interior, giving a spectacular illuminated feel to the sculpture design feature of the cabin.

The extensive use of handcrafted, premium leather differentiates The Lotus Evora from other Lotus products and such is its importance to the character of the car that an entire new trim shop has been built at the Lotus Headquarters in the UK, dedicated to its production.

Even the entry level versions of the Lotus Evora will feature leather-upholstered seats, upper door trim panels and facia, but it is expected that most customers will opt for the full hide treatment. With a range of leather colours available, customers will have the opportunity to personalise their Lotus Evora.

High-tech treats

Contemporary technology also features in the Lotus Evora's cabin. A newly developed Alpine multi-media system with a 7 inch touch-screen provides advanced audio, satellite navigation, video, Bluetooth® hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for the Lotus Evora's optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system is removable, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your home, or take it with you to continue your journey in an unfamiliar pedestrian location.

The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement technology, it is able to cancel out sound imbalances, caused by the cabin window glass, for instance, creating echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies - resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.

A bespoke air-conditioning system developed by Bergstrom is standard on all models, and has been designed for the hottest climate or the closest humidity to help provide maximum occupant comfort. Lotus traction control and on-board tyre pressure monitoring will also be available.

One size fits all

The front seats themselves are very supportive and leather clad with a lightweight manual adjustment mechanism for fore and aft, rake and lumbar, designed to give a supported driving position.

The rear seats of 2+2 versions of the Lotus Evora are intended for children and smaller adults. There will also be a two-seater derivative with a luggage shelf in the back. To maximise comfort in the rear, there's a decent amount of foot-room under the seats in front, while both back seats feature ISOFIX mountings for secure child seat fitment.

When unoccupied, the rear seats provide a convenient stowage area, adding to the Lotus Evora's appeal as an everyday car. The 160 litre boot, which ingeniously features a fresh air cooling system to reduce the effect of any heat ingress from the engine bay, will also accommodate a full set of golf clubs.

Easy in, easy out

With the Elise and its derivatives, the no-compromise character of the car makes getting in and out across a wide sill and through a comparatively narrow door/window aperture part of the charm of ownership. For the Lotus Evora and its remit for the serious daily driver, and to attract newcomers to the Lotus brand, greater convenience and practicality is provided.

As a consequence the sill is now lower and slimmer (80mm wide compared with 100mm in the Elise), and the whole door aperture taller. The doors open wider than on the Elise and its siblings, while the height of the front seat is raised by 65mm.

But while the Lotus Evora is undeniably more 'lifestyle' in respect of its everyday practicality, once you're seated behind its flat-bottomed steering wheel, it feels every bit as exotic and sporting as you would expect a Lotus to be.

Safely does it

In common with the Elise and its derivatives, The Lotus Evora's bonded extruded aluminium chassis tub has incredible inherent strength, particularly in regard to side impacts. Additional torsional strength is given to the whole structure by the tubular steel seatbelt anchorage frame that also acts as a rollover structure.

Deformable sacrificial aluminium front and steel rear subframe modules are attached to the tub using joints which are designed to minimise damage to the tub, protecting the main passenger cell in the event of an accident.

Driver and passenger airbags are standard. The airbag on the passenger side is cleverly engineered to deploy vertically and then be deflected rearwards by the windscreen, to provide protection for children as well as adults.

Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models, as is Lotus Traction Control (LTC); these systems have been specially developed in co-operation with Bosch and enable up and coming drivers to consistently exploit the braking and acceleration capabilities of the Lotus Evora, whilst allowing skilled enthusiasts the freedom to enjoy the full Lotus driving experience.

The chassis: Production Low Volume Versatile Vehicle Architecture

The Lotus Evora's chassis is an evolution of the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) from the Lotus APX concept vehicle previously showcased at the Geneva Motorshow, and allows for the development of a range of vehicles up to a gross vehicle weight of 1,900 kg. This architecture has been designed to be more applicable to mid-volume applications by utilising our low capital investment manufacturing processes. The Lotus Evora structure progresses the Lotus 'bonded and riveted' technology used in the Elise family of vehicles with unique extrusions and folded panels, whilst providing contemporary ease of ingress/egress, build modularity and improved, lower cost repairs.

The Low Volume VVA architecture has been designed so that it can be extended in width, length and height. The strength and stiffness of the low volume VVA chassis can be modified cost effectively by varying the wall thickness of the extrusions, without altering the exterior dimensions. The ability to lengthen or shorten extrusions with the option to tailor the chassis stiffness, vastly increases the number of vehicles that can be developed from this vehicle architecture. Front and mid engine installations have been considered, as well as hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) applications.

The Lotus Evora employs a composite roof as a stressed structural member to give an exceptional vehicle stiffness of 26,000 Nm per degree, thanks in part to the seatbelt anchorage frame's secondary function as a roll over structure, and partly because the high-tech composite body panels are stressed items. However, despite this high stiffness, the complete chassis and modules weight just 200 kg (prototype weight), helping to keep the weight of the whole car to just 1350 kg (prototype weight).

To deliver this high performance structure, bonded and riveted high grade aluminium extrusions and simple and elegant folded sheet elements are used in the lower structure, building upon award winning research projects in this field. Lotus pioneered the technology of bonded aluminium extrusions for use in road vehicles and has successfully developed high performance cars for other car companies around the world.

The central tub is attached to an extruded aluminium subframe at the front and a lightweight welded steel subframe at the rear. These subframe modules also offer advantages in terms of convenience and low cost of repair, and during manufacturing can be brought to the production line fully assembled, ready to be attached.

The high technology Lotus Evora chassis will be manufactured at the new Lotus Lightweight Structures facility in Worcester, UK. LLS employs 120 skilled engineers, technicians and sales staff and will manufacture all the Lotus aluminium structures, including those for the Elise, Exige, 2-Eleven and Europa and aluminium and composite structures and components for Lotus's extensive global client base.

Suspended & animated

The Lotus Evora suspension wishbones are forged from aluminium to reduce the unsprung mass. These are similar in weight, and stiffer than the steel items found on the much smaller Elise, Exige and Europa vehicles, and have a far higher vehicle weight capacity. They are attached to the front and rear modules via bespoke bushes. The Lotus Evora will use Bilstein high performance dampers and Eibach springs with unique dual path top mounts for optimised vehicle refinement. Hydraulically assisted power steering is provided by a Lotus tuned TRW steering rack.

All in all, the Lotus Evora delivers. It has incredible Lotus handling and provides unsurpassable driving pleasure. In fact, word from the ride and handling team is that the new car is likely to become a class standard-setter for speed and agility.

Stop right now... Vented and cross-drilled brake discs - massive 350mm items on the front and 332mm at the rear - and high performance bespoke Lotus AP Racing 4 pot callipers ensure impressive stopping power.

Everyone connected with the brake testing programme, conducted on the punishing corners, climbs and descents of the Nürburgring, has described the brakes as 'phenomenal' with excellent thermal performance and outstanding feel even after extended sessions of extreme use.

Part of that testing programme was to finalise settings for the ABS system being developed in conjunction with Bosch. The system is set to very high thresholds and operates so progressively that drivers are often unaware that they have actually triggered the ABS.

Safe. Fun. Lotus Traction Control

The Switchable Lotus Traction Control (LTC) system has been developed simultaneously with the ABS and works through the engine management system to reduce power when required to maintain traction. Unlike many traction control systems, LTC has been tuned to complement the skills of the driver without taking over. The Lotus LTC is active above 5 mph (8 km/h) and operates much more quickly than many brake based systems. The system can be deactivated completely, giving no traction control intervention.

Keeping a grip - 18 inch at the front, 19 inch at the rear

Tyre choice is a vital component in the handling performance of every Lotus and for the Lotus Evora, Yokohama was chosen as development partner.

Lotus's long-term relationship with Yokohama was swiftly rewarded during development when initially the front tyre size did not generate the Lotus required lateral grip, the Japanese grip gurus went away and developed bespoke tyres especially for the Lotus Evora - a 225/40 ZR18 at the front and larger diameter; 255/35 ZR19 at the rear. Both have carcass construction and a rubber compound unique to Lotus and are identified by the letters 'LTS' on the sidewalls.

The V6 Engine - dual VVT-i ('intelligent' variable valve timing)

The exceptional working relationship that Lotus has enjoyed with Toyota over several decades, combined with the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception for the company's four-cylinder power units in the Elise and Exige, guaranteed the Japanese giant's inclusion on the shortlist for the Lotus Evora engine supplier.

The final choice was Toyota's all-alloy 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 DOHC, with dual VVT-i ('intelligent' variable valve timing). Lotus has painstakingly developed its own T6e engine management software for this engine to optimise its compatibility with the unique requirements of the Lotus Evora to give a peak power output to 280 PS at 6400 rpm, while boosting its maximum torque to 342 Nm at 4700 rpm (prototype figures).

Changes to the engine management and exhaust systems also allow the V6 to rev more freely and provide rapid throttle response; feedback from the development team suggests that the strength of the engine's mid-range torque means that gutsy performance will be easily accessible without having to thunder through to the redline. This makes the Lotus Evora a thoroughly satisfying car for everyday road use and a rewarding one when you just want to drive.

The 2GR-FE V6 engine is mated to a manual six-speed gearbox, again Toyota-sourced. A close-ratio version of this gearbox is also currently under development for the even more sport-focussed driver.

Many Lotus owners enjoy the blend of unique performance and efficiency that the brand's cars offer. True to the Lotus value of "performance through light weight" CO2 emissions are expected to be a class leading sub-225 g/km (prototype figures) while testers report fuel consumption in the region of 30+ mpg (pending formal homologation testing).

What'll she do?

At the time of its unveiling, full performance figures have yet to be compiled on a production specification Lotus Evora, Lotus has another 6 months development to conduct.

While for Lotus top speed is of less importance than stability at speed, early indications suggest a maximum speed of 160 mph; the 0-60 mph sprint from standstill is estimated at sub 5 seconds (prototype figures).

Test. Test. Then test some more

It's a global car, so the Lotus Evora has been tested around the world. From the icy wastes of the arctic to the heat of the desert, the high altitude of the Alps as well as the country roads around the Hethel factory.

It has spent hours howling around the Nürburgring and endlessly lapped Lotus's test track at Hethel. By the time the Lotus Evora enters production, prototypes will have travelled for hundreds of thousands of miles along some of the worst public roads in the world and been tortured for as many miles on some of the toughest proving grounds the motor industry has to offer including extreme pave tests, to Australia and even the Arizona outback.

It has been flung into barriers at low and high speeds, at a multitude of angles, including head-on; it has even had its roof compressed!

By the time the Lotus Evora reaches the Lotus showrooms from Spring 2009 onwards, it will be the most thoroughly tested Lotus car in the history of Lotus. It will also be one of the company's great milestones.

The order book is now open in the UK and across continental Europe, with markets around the world to start taking orders in due course. Final specifications, options and prices of the production Lotus Evora will be published closer to the sale date in the many Lotus markets around the world.

The 2010 Ford Grand C-MAX

The Ford C-Max is the first car based on Ford’s new global small car platform.

Ford will officially unveil the new 2010 Ford Grand C-Max at the Frankfurt Motor Show that starts next week where we will officially see the official images of the larger seven seater minivan. The latest C-Max images we have here are the leaked images which reveal a design very similar to that of the five-seater version.

The longer Grand C-Max will have power coming from a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine in the Ford EcoBoost range where it will have direct-injection. There are no power figures, but this engine is similar to the one found in the Lincoln C Concept with 180-horsepower.

Images and details coming very soon, stay tuned.

Chevrolet Cruze Price UK

Keeping an eye on money has never been more topical, and the good news for Chevrolet customers is that the all-new Cruze will be true to the brand’s traditional value-for-money ethics despite its premium styling and build quality.

The newcomer, which has the stance of a four-door coupe, will start from just £11,545 on-the-road, and will arrive at UK Chevrolet retailers in July.

It will be offered with a choice of four engines – 1.6 (113PS) and 1.8-litre (141PS) petrols featuring variable valve timing for maximum performance and efficiency, plus two diesels, both 2.0-litres and with a choice of 125PS or 150PS power outputs. Automatic transmission will be offered on the petrol models.

The range will kick off with the 1.6 S, which enjoys a comprehensive list of standard equipment despite its value price tag. As well as remote central locking, the model features follow-me-home lighting, a feature normally reserved for premium cars, a quality CD-radio system, electric front windows, a fully-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, six airbags, ESC, upmarket soft-touch cabin materials, and premium blue-backlit dashboard dials. The 1.6S A/C model, at £11,995, also adds air conditioning.

The LS model, expected to be the best-seller in the range, starts at only £12,595 for the 1.6 manual variant and includes air conditioning as standard, plus other upmarket features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome edged radiator grille, front fog lights and reverse parking sensors.

Flagship of the range will be the LT, which comes in 1.8 petrol or 2.0-litre diesel guise, starting at £13,595. For that, you get a list of specification that’s truly befitting of a luxury car, including cruise control, climate control, an automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror, an upgraded high-output stereo, electric rear windows, chrome detailing and 17-inch alloy wheels, plus the option of an integrated satellite navigation system.

The Cruze will also spearhead Chevrolet’s campaign in the 2009 World Touring Car Championship, which kicked off on March 8 in Curitiba, Brazil. The UK round of the WTCC takes place at Brands Hatch on July 19 – just in time to coincide with the car’s UK introduction.

full list of prices follows below:

Model On-the-road price
1.6 S £11,545
1.6 S A/C £11,995
2.0 VCDi S A/C 125PS £13,495
1.6 LS £12,595
1.6 LS auto £13,695
2.0 VCDi LS 125PS £14,095
1.8 LT £13,595
1.8 LT auto £14,695
2.0 VCDi LT 150PS £15,195

Corvette c6 Pictures and Info 2010

Chevrolet Corvette C6 is the sixth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette sports car. Introduced in 2005, is the first, the exposed headlamps C1-generation Corvette, the 1962.
Corvette c6

Corvette c6

Corvette c6

Corvette c6

Corvette c6

Audi TT Roadster Images and Specs

In 2008, the first Audi to offer diesel version of the Audi TT Quattro model in coupe and roadster, the market.
Audi TT Roadster

Audi TT Roadster

Audi TT Roadster

Audi TT Roadster

Audi TT Roadster

Lotus Europa Pictures and Review

In 2005, Lotus has the pictures for a new type of car called GT Lotus Europa SA was officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the 2006th Lotus Europa S production started in July 2006. The engine is a 2.0-liter turbo delivers 200 hp (197 kW hp/147) at 5400 rpm, with maximum torque of 272 Nm (200 ft lbf) at 5400 rpm. Delivery of 0-60 km / h in 5.6 seconds (0-100km / h in 5.8 sec.) With a maximum speed of 143 mph (230 km / h). Lotus has no plans to EsportMaßnahmen in relation to the states as well as Europe before 2008. Although the Dodge manufacturer is developing an electric vehicle in Europe, known as the "Circuit de Dodge, which is responsible for the release in the United States of 2010.
Lotus Europa

Lotus Europa

Lotus Europa

Lotus Europa

Lotus Europa

2009 Aston Martin DB9

The 2009 DB9 is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury sports car, or convertible sports car, available in two trims, the Coupe and the Volante.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, V12, 470-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is optional.