2009 Mercedes C63 AMG Performance Package

Enhanced driving dynamics ex factory for the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG: the new Performance Package Plus is an attractive optional extra that is designed to appeal to the power-hungry sports driver. The Performance Package Plus increases output by 22 kW/30 hp to 358 kW/487 hp. As a result, the C-Class approaches the level of performance offered by C-Class DTM vehicles, which deliver 377 kW/500 hp. The Performance Package Plus is available for the saloon and estate models and includes an AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology on the front axle, a carbon fiber spoiler lip (saloon) and an AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara.

With the Performance Package Plus, the Mercedes C63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 13.9 seconds. This beats the 336 kW/457 hp standard model by up to 1.2 seconds (0–100 km/h: 4.5 seconds; 0–200 km/h: 15.2 seconds). The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The improvement in power output to 358 kW/487 hp is due to the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine's modified engine compartment: the forged pistons adopted from the new SLS AMG super sports car together with new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft translate into a weight saving of three kilograms.

Reduced inertia boosts the agility and responsiveness of the uprated V8 engine, which is recognisable from the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey. New engine management completes the powertrain measures in the Performance Package Plus for the Mercedes C63 AMG.

Key data at a glance:
Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG with Performance Package Plus
Cylinder arrangement V8
Cylinder angle 90°
Valves per cylinder 4
Displacement 6208 cc
Bore x stroke 102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio 11.3:1
Output 358 kW/487 hp at 6800 rpm
Max. torque 600 Nm at 5000 rpm
Maximum engine speed 7200 rpm
Engine weight (dry) 196 kg
Fuel consumption NEDC combined 13.4 (13.6) l/100 km
CO2 emissions 318 (323) g/km
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 4.4 (4.5) s
Top speed 250 km/h*

*electronically limited; figures in brackets: estate model

AMG high-performance braking system featuring composite technology

The Performance Package Plus braking system has been adapted to the enhanced driving dynamics. A new AMG high-performance braking system ensures greater stability when driving dynamically, with compound brake discs on the front axle and red painted brake callipers all round showing the AMG logo. The brake discs feature a composite design and are connected to an aluminium bowl to avoid temperature peaks. The connection between the disc and bowl is new: instead of the usual screw connection, the aluminium bowl is now connected to the brake disc via cast-in arms. The advantage is more homogenous temperature distribution on the brake disc.

A further identifying feature of the Performance Package Plus is the AMG carbon fiber spoiler lip on the boot lid (saloon). In the interior, the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with a grip area trimmed in Alcantara feels good, while at the same time making a striking visual impact.

The new AMG Performance Package Plus is available for Mercedes C63 AMG saloon and estate models and can be ordered now. The sales price is €7080.50 or €6426

(saloon/estate; prices include 19% VAT) with the market launch taking place in December 2009.

Extended appointments in black designo leather

New black designo leather as an optional extra will enhance the interior even further and covers the upper section of the dashboard, the upper door trim and the armrest on the centre console. This high-quality feature is available in conjunction with nappa leather appointments for €2856 (price includes 19% VAT).

The internationally successful Mercedes C63 AMG model

The Mercedes C63 AMG is one of the most popular vehicles in the Mercedes-AMG model range. In 2008, 8100 units of this high-performance car were sold worldwide. The Mercedes C63 AMG demonstrates its sports credentials in international motorsport as well as on the road. For example, the Mercedes C63 AMG estate is used as the official F1™ medical car and the Mercedes C63 AMG saloon acts as a safety car in the DTM German Touring Car Masters.

Inden Design Mercedes SL500

On the basis of SL 500 the INDEN-Design launches a special model which is convincing with a lot of design work and also with the horsepower. The specialist from Haiger concentrates on changes especially in the external design. To give SL sport appearance it will be equipped with the specially-designed wheels. INDEN Champion light aluminium rims 10,5x20 and 11,75x20 inches with 255/30-20 and 305/25-20 high-capacity Pirelli tires correspondingly guarantee dynamic driving. In addition, star rim spokes were varnished in black / lackluster and the high-grade steel outside rims were given luster. These provide for controlled speed at the sport-car level. Furthermore, SL is equipped with the integrated ABC-sport suspension module with adjustable height up to about 50 mm.

Now let’s take a closer look at the vehicle from the outside. The complex modification to SL 65 AMG consists of a front spoiler, a rear valance with carbon diffuser, side skirts and a rear spoiler as well as rear lights. The door handles, mudguards and radiator grill are also painted black/lackluster. The sport silencer with the 65th exhaust pipe made of high-grade steel perfectly completes the outside appearance.

There are also positive changes in the vehicle interior. To improve the interior, black decorative features were covered in SL 500 with clavier varnish. In addition, an AMG Black Series steering wheel of 360 mm in diameter was installed. The roof-control module or the roof provide a wide view at the speed of max. 50 km / h.

However, the tuning program includes more than that: due to the INDEN design, power augmentation reaches the racing 330 HP, accompanied by Vmax increase. INDEN improvement will certainly make SL 500 more athletic!

Modification costs:
- SL 65 AMG Bodykit incl. varnishing and installation 5,498.00 euros

- SL 65 rear lights AMG incl. installation 548.00 euros

- The third brake light from facelift in white 119.00 euros

- Black Series steering wheel 1,059.00 euros

- Clavier varnish black decorative features 950.00 euro

- Pure carbon interior 1,998.00 euros

- Adjustable sport suspension module 1,398.00 euros, installation 250.00 euros

- Inden Champion wheel set 10.5 and 11,75x20 with 255/30 and 305 / 25R 20 (star lackluster black, high-grade steel and polished rim base) 11,700.00 euros

- Body works necessary for the wheel set 2,200.00 euros

- Stainless steel exhaust system with the 65th exhaust pipe 2,498.00 euros

- Pure carbon rear diffuser 1,448.00 euros

- Roof control module 298.00 euros

- Door handles and mudguard in lackluster black incl. disassemble and installation 820.00 euros

- Door handles and mudguard in pure carbon incl. disassemble and installation 1,420.00 euros

2010 BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo LWB Official Revealed

This will be the 20th Tokyo Motor Show that ALPINA, in partnership with its Japanese importer of over three decades, NICOLE Automobiles, has partaken in with its own exhibition stand.

The first car that was delivered to Japan in 1979, a BMW ALPINA B7 Turbo, is still being driven to this day. Chance has it that the 3000th car bound for Tokyo left the factory gates this year, after precisely 30 years.

Furthermore, the new ALPINA flagship, the BMW ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo long-wheelbase, will be officially shown to the public for the very first time. This is were it the numbers get even more curious because it turns out ALPINA has altogether delivered 330 7 Series to Japan.

Also shown will be the BMW ALPINA D3 Bi-Turbo, in itself quite remarkable because it is the first clean performance diesel that is available in the Japanese market, a market in which diesel engines could, up to now, only be found in trucks.

Enough reasons hence for ALPINA to again be present at the Tokyo Motor Show,

especially considering that the turn out of other European manufacturers is very thin indeed – with Lotus being the only other one

2010 Mercedes E63 AMG Unleashed

Official information regarding the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan has been released along with the first batch of official photos. The E63 AMG now makes 518bhp (386kW) and 465lb ft (630Nm) of maximum torque compared to the current car's 507bhp (378kW) and the same amount of torque. Mercedes-Benz is sticking AMG's 6.3-litre naturally aspirated V8 on this one. Performance should be similar to that of the outgoing E63 with figures of 4.5 seconds for the 0 - 62mph sprint and a top speed of 155mph (249km/h).

Despite the minimal increase in power the car is said to quaff 12 percent less fuel resulting in an average consumption of 22.4mpg. One of the components credited for this is the Speedshift MCT 7-speed gearbox found in the SL63 AMG. It has four driving modes namely Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport Plus and Manual.

The standard car comes wearing 18-inch AMG alloys with size 255/40 front and 285/35 rear tyres. There is an optional 19-inch rim available. In terms of exterior cosmetics the big AMG gets LED daytime running lights, a more aggressive front spoiler, a rear diffuser and four tailpipes as per current AMG standard issue.

It is expected that the new E63 AMG sedan will go on sale in the UK in September. It is also expected that the public will get first live glimpse at the 2009 New York International Auto Show next week.

[Editor's Note] Press release first mentions 6.3-liter V8 engine and then later states 6208 cc. To comply with German law, Mercedes-Benz is required to round up the displacement figure to 6.3 when used for marketing purposes.

2010 Volkswagen Golf R and Volkswagen Scirocco R

2010 Volkswagen Scirocco R






Golf R and Scirocco R top models now available to order

-The most dynamic Golf ever consumes 21 percent less
-Scirocco R: after successes on the track, now also at dealerships
-R Line equipment for the sporty outfit
-1 million downloads of Scirocco R 24h Challenge for the iPhone

Volkswagen are proving that fuel consumption can be reduced even in the sporty high-end class with the 199 kW / 270 PS strong Golf R, which is now available to order. Thanks to a turbocharged high-tech TSI engine, it uses only 8.5 litres - 2.2 litres or 21 percent less than its predecessor.

In place of the six-cylinder engine, which has been typical in this class up to now, the new R models use turbocharged 2-litre, four-cylinder TSI engines. The four-wheel drive Golf R (350 Newton metres of torque at between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm) sprints to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (5.5 seconds for the Golf R DSG) and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Two of the many visually distinguishing features of the completely individualized, exceptional Golf are LED headlights and newly developed LED rear lights. The Golf R is available to order in Germany from €36,400 (Germany).

The Scirocco R is an equally exceptional powerhouse with its sharp 2.0 TSI engine, front-wheel drive, unique look and exclusive equipment. Output: 195 kW / 265 PS. Advantages: High performance and torque values with significantly reduced fuel consumption. An average of merely 8.0 litres (DSG) of Super Plus per 100 kilometres flow into the combustion chambers via direct injection, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 187 g/km - the best possible value for a 250 km/h (electronically limited) fast sports car. Eagerly anticipated following its successes at the Nürburgring 24-hour race, the model is now at dealerships from only €33,475 (Germany).

For all of the customers who wish to have especially dynamic bodywork and interior design in the spirit of the enhanced version of the R models, but a petrol or diesel vehicle with less power, the finishing specialists at Volkswagen Individual have designed the R-Line. The Golf R Line and Scirocco R Line can now also be ordered with exclusive features. These include distinctive 17-inch "Mallory" alloy wheels (18-inch optional), roof edge spoilers, R-designed bumpers, high-gloss radiator grill and a likewise black diffuser in the rear section. In the interior, sill panel strips show the R Line family resemblance. Sport seats in new design "Kyalami" with R Line logo in the headrests, a sport steering wheel, pedal covers and footrest in stainless steel round off the sporty image.

The Scirocco R is also successful in the virtual world. In just three weeks, the iPhone application Scirocco R 24h Challenge achieved over 1 million downloads. The high-speed racing game reached the App Store's number 1 spot in 32 countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Norway, Japan, Poland, Portugal and Mexico, and is already Volkswagen's second successful form of mobile marketing after the successful Polo Challenge at the beginning of this year.








2010 Volkswagen Golf R

2010 BMW M3 V10 Estate

Attention all sporty, family men! The new BMW M3 is also available as a four-door saloon. That means it's very easy to justify buying a new plaything to your sceptical wife (or, in fact, to your own conscience). It's just a shame that the Bavarian company hasn't yet been able to bring itself to make an M3 estate.

The tuners at Geilenkirchen-based Manhart Racing probably thought the same thing when they built the car that BMW didn't want to build; an M3 touring. To produce it, the team centred around legendary mechanic Günther Manhart, furnished the E91 bodywork with the front apron, front side panels, side skirts and of course, the characteristic powerdome bonnet from the M3 saloon, designed their own M3-style rear apron and widened the rear wheel-arches to give them that M3 look. The aerodynamic rear-view mirrors really topped it all off. However, Günther Manhart knows that you obviously can't just make a car look good; it has to have something under the bonnet too. The axles, the tank, the complete steering system and a range of other hidden but otherwise essential parts have all come from the M3.

V10 power in the E91

So it only remains to talk about what really makes the M3: The 4.2-litre V8 engine. But wait! At this point it should be mentioned that Manhart Racing specialises in fitting various BMW models with the formidable 5.0-litre engine from the M5 E60. And so the V10 engine found itself used in another BMW model, the E91. After optimising the electronics and incorporating HJS's stainless-steel four-pipe exhaust system with two 200-cell racing catalytic convertors, the heavy-duty unit manages an extremely impressive 550 PS, which is kept on a tight leash by the 7-speed SMG gearbox, also taken from the M5 and by the corresponding 100% limited slip differential
With the vehicle possessing such an armoury, it can catapult itself from 0 to 100km/h in only 4.3 seconds and on the motorway it easily cruises past most other performance saloons and estates (including the ‘true' M3 and M5 models) with its top speed of 324km/h.
It's a good thing then, that Manhart Racing has equipped the car with tunable Bilstein PSS10 coilover suspension and an extremely stable Stoptech Sport Trophy Kit braking system with a six-piston calliper with grooved 380mm brake discs at the front and a four-piston calliper with 355mm brake discs on the drive shaft.
The RÄD Monza three-part forged wheels with black rims fit perfectly with the character of this vehicle, and they are available in 9.5" and 10.5" x 20" sizes.
Flat, size 255/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20 Hankook S1 Evo tyres aim to provide higher levels of longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

Performance interior

A detailed look at the interior is also very much worth your. Driver and passenger both sit in outstanding BMW sports seats, and the back seats can be upholstered with leather or Alcantara to match those in the front. Likewise, the leather interior with Alcantara roof and door linings as well as the carbon fittings and the BMW performance steering wheel with illuminating indicator switches really give the car that racing look.

Manhart Racing has set the purchase price for the complete car package at around €120,000. If desired, your current basis car can be upgraded.



Technical facts

Vehicle: BMW M3 E91 5.0 V10 SMG

Bodywork: M3 E90 front apron, M3 E90 front fenders, M3 E90 bonnet, M3 E90 side skirts, M3 E90 wing mirrors, Manhart Racing-designed, M3-style, rear apron, widened rear wheel arches in the style of the M3.

Engine: 5.0-litre V10 from the M5 E60, modified engine electronics, lifting of the Vmax limiter, complete stainless steel exhaust system with 2 x 200-cell HJS catalytic converters and 4 x 86mm exhaust pipes, tank from the M3 E90, 550 PS.

Transmission: 7-speed SMG from the M5 E60, 100% limited slip differential from the M5 E60, front and rear axel from the M3 E90.

Chassis: Bilstein PSS10 coilover suspension, steering system from the M3 E90.

Brakes: Stoptech Sport Trophy Kit front and back, 6-piston callipers and 380mm slats in the front, and 4-piston callipers and 355mm slats at the rear.

Wheel/Tyres: three-part RÄD Monza aluminium rims in 9.5" x 20" ET20 and 10.5" x 20" ET20, Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Tyres in sizes 255/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20

Interior: heated BMW performance sports seats, leather-covered back seats in the style of the front seats, full leather interior with Alcantara roof and door lining, BMW performance steering wheel with illuminating indicator switches, acceleration and ¼ mile time displays.

2010 Audi R8 V10 Spyder Price UK

Stunning new open-air R8 helps to inaugurate world's largest Audi Centre in London

-New ‘convertible' R8 powered by ten cylinder FSI petrol engine makes its UK debut at the new West London Audi today before ordering opens next month - first customer cars due here in the first quarter of 2010
-Six-speed manual version will cost £109,580 OTR and R tronic automated manual £114,670 OTR
-Standard UK specification includes innovative new seatbelt microphone system, all-LED headlights, Audi magnetic ride and Bang & Olufsen audio
-West London Audi, the world's largest Audi Centre, will officially open to the public on Monday October 19
-The flagships of the Audi model range and the Audi Centre retail network will combine to stunning effect today (Monday October 12) as the new open-top R8 Spyder takes pride of place within the new 190,000 square-foot West London Audi for the Centre's grand inauguration ceremony.

Making its debut in front of over 300 guests at the new West London landmark, the new R8 Spyder with fully automatic lightweight fabric hood brings added wind-in-hair intensity to the already extreme driving experience delivered by the lightweight aluminium, mid-engine and quattro-equipped super car. Based on the 525PS, 5.2-litre FSI model, but featuring a bespoke body incorporating additional weight-saving carbon fibre composite panels, the new open-air R8 will be available to order in the UK from November in six-speed manual and six-speed R tronic automated manual forms priced at £109,580 OTR and £114,670 OTR respectively. UK deliveries will start in the first quarter of 2010.

The conversion process in the striking new soft-top is typically quick and easy, the electrohydraulically controlled hood opening and closing at the touch of a button in 19 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. When lowering it folds like a Z beneath the automatically activated cover of its storage compartment above the ten cylinder engine.

Unique all-LED headlights
Standard equipment for the R8 Spyder includes all-LED headlights - a world first for Audi in the R8 V10 - and inside an extended leather package featuring Fine Nappa leather, the Audi Music Interface iPod connection system (or a CD changer as required) linked to a Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated seats, DVD satellite navigation and unique new seatbelt-mounted microphones which make it possible to talk on the phone even with the top down on the motorway.

Like its Coupe relative the Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro, which was developed in cooperation with quattro GmbH, delivers absolutely uncompromising performance. The naturally aspirated V10 engine, much of which is hand-built, produces 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 rpm and peak output of 525PS at 8,000 rpm as it revs freely to its 8,700 rpm limit.

Performance reflects this awesome potential: 0 - 62mph in 4.1 seconds; 0 - 124mph in 12.7 seconds; a top speed of 194mph for the six-speed manual version - all delivered with a heady ten-cylinder soundtrack that is of course even easier to savour in this open-top model.

Handling is optimized by quattro permanent all-wheel drive that distributes power to all four wheels with a heavy rear bias, and by Audi magnetic ride, which uses magnetic fields in the shock absorbers to adjust their response to road conditions within milliseconds and adapt to the driver's style.

The limelight is likely to be stolen from the beautiful new open-top to a certain extent by the building that will house it for its UK debut. West London Audi - the world's largest Audi Centre - is the result of an investment of six years and £45 million by Audi UK, and will house up to 116 display cars on three of the seven storeys that make up its 190,000 square-foot ‘footprint'. Many of the cars on display from the now 33-strong Audi model range will be visible from the elevated section of the M4 which flanks the imposing new London landmark.

The highly distinctive new Centre will be operated by the Sytner Group, and will be staffed by around 100 personnel. Within 12 months of the doors officially opening to the public on Monday October 19, approximately 30,000 customers are expected to have passed through its doors.

Picture caption
Audi R8 spyder descends on London - The new soft-top R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro makes its UK debut this week at a grand inauguration ceremony for the new West London Audi, the world's largest Audi Centre sited alongside the M4 elevated section. The latest variant of the acclaimed super car opens for order next month priced from £109,580 OTR.

The Audi brand exceeded the milestone 100,000 sales mark in the UK in 2007 and 2008. Globally, the brand exceeded 1 million deliveries for the first time in its history in 2008. With its programmes for both road and race cars the brand continues to maintain its upward trajectory. On the road it has extended its reach into important new segments with new models such as the A3 Cabriolet, the Q5, the TT RS and the R8 5.2 FSI quattro, and in the near future will break further new ground with the A1 compact hatchback, the Q3 compact SUV and the A5 Sportback five-door coupe. On the race circuit Audi Sport has contested the Le Mans 24-hour marathon eleven times since 1999, achieving a podium finish on all of these occasions and outright victory a total of 8 times.