Luxury and Performance Cars: 2011

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

VW Beetle (2011): the new spy photos

http://2012volkswagen-details.info/images/2011-volkswagen-lineup-3.jpg

These are the latest spy photos of the new 2011 Volkswagen Beetle, which will be unveiled this spring. Expect to see the new VW Bug around April/May time, away from the usual motor show schedule.

CAR's new spy pictures of the Beetle reveal the car in its most production guise yet. But you should discount the enlarged bumpers and exaggerated rounded wheelarches - designed to mimic the look of the outgoing Beetle first launched in 1999 (the cabrio arrived in 2003).

The flatter roofline, glasshouse and bonnet visible all belong to the new 2011 Beetle. Our sources suggest the 'three semi-circles' Beetle look has been dumped as part of the modernisation of the Beetle.

So the new 2011 Beetle will be more modern, less kitsch?

Yep. Top management has already pointed out there will be no flower holder in this Beetle. It's a sign that the 2011 Bug will be less wantonly retro, a touch more modern. We'll see the coupe first in spring 2011, followed by the cabriolet later in 2011.

The style is clearly derived from the 2005 Ragster concept, a squatter, butcher vision of the Beetle. Expect the new Beetle, dubbed VW324/325 in Wolfsburgspeak, to be around 90mm longer than before and with a wider track.

That stretch allows for a bigger boot - up around 40 litres - and some 30mm more headroom. Under the fresh looks lie the innards of a Mk5/Mk6 Golf, with a mix of TSI and TDI engines for Europe, stretching from a 1.2 TSI to a GTI-sourced 2.0-litre turbo mustering 200bhp. Twin-clutch transmissions will be offered this time.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

2011 Vauxhall VXR8

The previous Vauxhall VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8, the new VXR8 is now based on HSV E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia. The new are packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons.

The styling design get ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille.

The new Vauxhall VXR8’s race-bred chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system which adapts up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs.

Based on technology used in GM’s current Corvette ZR1 supercar, MRC works by sending an electric current through damper units filled with ’soft’ magnetic particles. These particles harden as the input reaches its maximum value, providing drivers with exceptional levels of ride, handling and stopping power.

It is equipped MRC is Launch Control, which is engaged when drivers select the ESC’s (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode. The system dictates the level of torque delivered to the rear wheels for maximum acceleration, according to surface conditions. All the driver has to do is floor the throttle and let the car do the rest.

2011 Vauxhall VXR8 powered by fourth generation 6.2-litre LS3 unit produces 431PS and a massive 550Nm of torque, enough to propel the VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. As before, drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a six-speed manual or auto transmission, working through a mechanical limited slip differential.

In interior there are tull leather trim is now standard, and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. A new instrument cluster and surround, centre stack and switchgear provide a cleaner and more integrated look, while standard equipment also includes Aux-in/USB inputs, iPod support and Bluetooth with phone book display and touch-screen dialling.

As before, Vauxhall has introduced EDI, or Enhanced Driver Interface. EDI connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car’s main 5-inch monitor. At the touch of the screen, drivers can access a variety of data such as vehicle G-forces, power and torque and lap times – even the degree to which their Vauxhall VXR8 is drifting. Completing the clever package is the ability for drivers to download data, such as track day performance, and analyse it using the MOTEC i2 software provided.

Vauxhall VXR8 Interior

2011 Vauxhall VXR8

Sunday, February 20, 2011

RS6 Avant hits 214mph

Fancy a 214mph RS6 Avant, anyone? Then give MTM a call. That's what its Audi clocked at a recent speed event on the Nardo high-speed bowl in Italy.

To hit that sort of speed, the Audi tune-meisters had some boffins look at the RS6's 5.0-litre V10, then fiddle with it until 702bhp was being sent to the wheels. No wonder it did 0-124mph (that's 200kph in German) in 11 seconds... which is still nearly four seconds off the Veyron's time. Hmm, disappointing.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Cinque Pagani Zonda Roadster

Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadser is the exclusive car because it only made 5 units by Pagani. And the car that will nampang at Earl Court London and NEC Birmingham is one of them. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadser release a price of £ 1.3 million or approximately Rp 18.5 billion.

Roadster was awarded the Mercedes-Benz AMG engine V12-powered 678 hp. It only took 3.4 seconds to penetrate the 100 km / hour.

"There are many changes between the Zonda Zonda Cinque including reverse carbon-titanium chassis for more hard and redesigning the exhaust," said Bob Forstner, Brand Manager Pagani UK.

MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show 2010 held in London (2-7 November) and Birmingham (11 to 14 November).

Technical Specifications

Mercedes Benz AMG engine

Power: 678 hp

Torque: 780 Nm

Carbon-titanium monocoque

ECU, Traction control, ABS by Bosch Engineering

Inconel/titanium exhaust system coated with ceramic

Suspensions in magnesium and titanium

Cima sequential gearbox (6 speed), robotized by Automac enginnering

APP monolitic wheels forged in aluminium and magnesium, front 9x19, rear 12,5x20

Pirelli PZero tyres, front 255/35/19, rear 335/30/20

Pagani leather/carbon fibre racing seats

Brembo brakes in carbo-ceramic self ventilated with hydraulic servo brake, Size: front 380x34 mm, monolitic 6 piston caliper; rear 380x34 mm, monolitic 4 piston caliper

Dry weight 1.210 kg

Weight distribution in driving condition: 47% front, 53% rear

Acceleration

0-100 km/h: 3.4 s

0-200 km/h: 9.6 s

Braking

100-0 km/h: 2.1 s

200-0 km/h: 4.3 s

Maximum side acceleration: 1,45 G (with road tyres)

Downforce at 300 kp/h: 750 kg