Friday, March 2, 2007

Audi Q7 4.2 TDI

The most powerful diesel SUV on the market
Audi Q7 4.2 TDI
PRESS RELEASE:
240 kW/326 bhp and 760 Nm of torque - Audi proudly presents the most powerful diesel SUV on the world market. A state-of-the-art eight-cylinder engine with common rail fuel injection and Piezo injectors not only stands out on account of its sheer output but also demonstrates outstanding efficiency: the 4.2 TDI has an average fuel consumption of just 11.1 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres.
The Audi Q7 places the concentrated power of the V8 TDI, an engine with a displacement of 4.2 litres, into a vehicle concept that impresses with its versatile sportiness. Even at its debut, the Q7 model series set new standards in its segment. Now the 4.2 TDI is moving the bar even higher.
Under the bonnet of the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is the most powerful diesel engine the brand has to offer. The 4.2-litre capacity of the V8, which already powers the A8 luxury saloon, generates an output of 240 kW/326 bhp and 760 Nm of torque at engine speeds between 1,800 to 2,500 rpm. The most powerful SUV on the market has the drivability of a sports car. The Audi Q7 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 236 km/h. These figures are also the new best marks in its segment.
The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI transmits its power through a six-speed tiptronic gearbox and a sportily tuned quattro driveline, which in normal situations splits propulsive force 40 percent to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear axle. Audi's "adaptive air suspension" is standard on this most powerful of diesels - it unites dynamic handling with the ride comfort of the luxury class.
The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is also at the top of the tree with its standard convenience equipment. The leather design package gives the interior a noble feel. The electric tailgate makes lighter work of loading. A new feature is the Audi lane assist system, which emits a pulse to inform the driver before he inadvertently crosses a line on the carriageway.

The engine: concentrated pulling power
Like all the engines in the Audi Q7 series, the 8-cylinder diesel heralds from Audi's new V-engine family. With a displacement of 4,134 cc, the large TDI has a maintenance-free chain drive on the gearbox side for its four camshafts and ancillaries. The angle between the cylinder banks is 90 degrees, the cylinder spacing 90 millimetres, the overall length just 520 millimetres. The crankcase is made of the high-tech material vermicular graphite cast iron. This forms the basis for the light weight of the engine - just 257 kilograms.
The V8 TDI is a masterpiece of engineering. The best examples: the crankshaft is forged from chrome-molybdenum alloy steel; the cylinders are of cast aluminium. Low-friction roller cam followers actuate the 32 valves; electronically actuated flaps give the intake air into a defined swirl.
Two turbochargers with variable-geometry turbines provide solid torque even at low engine speeds while still allowing a high power output. Large charge-air coolers reduce the temperature of the compressed air. The common rail fuel injection system contains compact Piezo inline injectors that are extremely precise and fast switching. They are capable of up to five injection sequences per working cycle.
The 4.2-litre TDI develops 240 kW/326 bhp at 3,750 rpm. Between 1,800 and 2,500 rpm it induces its impressive pulling power onto the crankshaft - 760 Nm of torque. The most powerful diesel engine in the SUV segment gives the Audi Q7 the sportiest performance of all diesels. The premium SUV sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds. On the motorway it can reach a top speed of 236 km/h.

The driveline: dynamic character
The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is equipped as standard with the six-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. The dynamic shift program (DSP) manages the gearshifts, whereby it orientates itself to the driver's style and to the characteristics of the road. A special sport programme - the S programme - supports a particularly dynamic driving style. The driver can intervene at any time, either at the gear gate for the selector lever or at the optional paddles on the steering wheel. As the tiptronic in the Audi Q7 was designed for high torque from the very outset, it does not need to be specially reinforced to team up with the V8 diesel engine.
Like all Audi Q7 models, the 4.2 TDI has a self-locking centre differential with asymmetric/dynamic torque split. In regular operation, it transmits the drive force with a ratio 40:60 to the front and rear axles respectively. If needed, torque is distributed at varying ratios between the front and read axles according to the level of grip: optimum traction is provided at all times. This ultramodern quattro technology provides for sporty characteristics reminiscent of a rear-wheel drive vehicle, for exceptional agility and for a steering precision that is to the greatest possible extent free of influences from the driveline.

The running gear: sporty performance
The running gear on the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI supports this dynamic presence. And it superbly masters all of these challenges - whether in rough terrain or on the road, where handling characteristics, driving safety and comfort set the standards. Adaptive air suspension, fitted as standard, rounds off the outstanding character - the combination of pneumatic suspension and electronically controlled damping with dynamic roll stabilisation forms the perfect synthesis of sportiness and maximum rolling comfort.
The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI driver can set the adaptive air suspension to any of three maps, from very sporty to very comfortable. In addition, the system allows five ground clearance settings. Up to 205 millimetres of air under the vehicle (offroad mode) is usually enough even on demanding terrain. The rear can be lowered by 71 mm for comfortable loading.
The Audi Q7 running gear is characterised by its high degree of sophistication. All four wheels are independently mounted on double wishbones. The axle components are made largely of aluminium. The servotronic steering is distinctively direct and precise, giving a feeling of excellent road contact. The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI runs on sporty 18-inch alloy wheels with size 255/55 tyres. Behind them, the four brake discs are internally ventilated and generously dimensioned - 350 millimetres in diameter on the front axle and 358 millimetres on the rear axle. The front brake callipers employ 6-piston technology, like on a top sports car.

The equipment: intelligent luxury
The leather design package is standard on the new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI. It includes inlays in three different types of wood or aluminium, and seat upholstery in Cricket leather. The front seats are electrically heated as standard. An on-board computer, cruise control system and multifunction steering wheel enhance comfort for the driver. The much-praised "MMI basic" control system is also fitted as standard. A practical tool is the electrically driven tailgate, whose opening angle can be programmed.
A range of assistance systems makes driving in Audi's performance SUV even safer.
A new technology that is enjoying its debut in the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is Audi lane assist. It informs the driver if the lane is inadvertently left upwards of a speed of around 65 km/h. If the system is activated and the driver has not indicated, then shortly before the vehicle crosses the line marking, which is detected by Audi lane assist, the system alerts the driver by making the steering wheel vibrate (only in conjunction with the 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel).
Optional Audi adaptive cruise control is a radar-supported cruise control system incorporating active distance control. If required it can be combined with the "braking guard" brake assist system.
Audi's "side assist system" employs radar technology to monitor the blind spot and inform the driver if it is dangerous to change lanes. The "Audi parking system advanced" uses a camera for the view to the rear. The aid lines on the monitor make parking an enjoyable task.
Numerous interesting features are available for the dynamic lines of the exterior and for the spacious interior of the 5.09-metre-long Audi Q7: 21-inch wheels, the "open sky system" glass roof or the rail system for the generous luggage compartment, which has a capacity of up to 2,035 litres. A deluxe climate control system is standard. The seats are extremely variable. Like all Audi Q7 models, the 4.2 TDI is available as a 5, 6 or 7-seater. A 4-seater version will be available at a later date.
The new Audi Q7 4.2 TDI will be in the showrooms in the early summer.

2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept

2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept

2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept
2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept 2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe ConceptSource: Spanish website KM77.com

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Audi A5

Audi A5 Audi A5 Audi A5 Audi A5 Audi A5 PRESS RELEASE
INGOLSTADT, Germany - Audi achieved new record figures for production, vehicle sales, revenue and profit before tax in the 2006 financial year. "Our excellent accounts for 2006 once again demonstrate how to achieve profitable growth. We are the fastest-growing premium brand in the world. This puts us well on our way to becoming the most successful premium car manufacturer in the world by 2015," remarked Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, at today's Annual Press Conference in Ingolstadt.

Over proportional growth in revenue and earnings
The revenue of the Audi Group rose by 17.1 percent in the 2006 financial year to the all-time record level of EUR 31.1 billion. This rate of increase is significantly higher than the growth rate for vehicle sales (up 9.2 percent). The brand with the four rings enjoyed an even steeper rise of 43.2 percent in the operating result, to EUR 2,015 million.
This huge success is attributable in particular to the steady improvement in the model mix that has been brought about by selling higher-value vehicles. Meanwhile the measures to cut costs, boost productivity and optimize processes exercised a positive impact on earnings.
Profit before tax reached EUR 1,946 million and therefore showed a rise of 48.5 percent. This is its highest ever level in the history of the company. "The disproportionately high increase in revenue and earnings when compared with vehicle sales provides us with an excellent basis, and is the best possible evidence of our long-term drive for qualitative growth," emphasized Stadler. Profit after tax was EUR 1,343 million, representing a rise of 63 percent.
The Audi Group achieved significant growth of 4.5 percentage points in the return on investment, to 14.2 (9.7) percent. This places Audi among the leaders in the car industry. The disproportionately sharp rise in earnings compared with revenue is also reflected by the increase in the rate of return from 4.9 to 6.2 percent.

Record vehicle sales for eleventh year in succession
The Audi brand established a new record for vehicle sales for the eleventh year in succession in 2006: it delivered 905,188 vehicles to customers worldwide, representing a rise of 9.2 percent or 76,079 vehicles (2005: 829,109*). Record numbers of vehicles were sold in 41 markets.
The company achieved its best sales figure ever in Germany: 257,792 (247,125) vehicles were handed over to their new owners in 2006, equivalent to a rise of 4.3 percent. Audi has consequently achieved a market share of 7.6 percent in its home market of Germany, its highest in 26 years.
"Audi is a successful company that operates increasingly on a global scale. The ten biggest markets account for around 80 percent of our unit sales," explained Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AG for Marketing and Sales, today in Ingolstadt. The biggest export market remains the USA with a record total of 90,116 units (83,066, up 8.5 percent), followed by UK on 86,003 (81,374, up 5.7 percent) and China (excluding Hong Kong) on 80,808 (58,128, up 39.0 percent). In China including Hong Kong, Audi increased its sales by 38.8 percent to 81,708 vehicles. "China is well on the way to becoming a second home market for Audi. That is where we believe our biggest potential for growth lies, so we are striving to build on our long-standing market lead for premium vehicles."
In Europe excluding Germany, the company enjoyed growth of 7.7 percent to 400,671 (371,995) units. The biggest rises in unit sales in absolute terms were achieved in Spain, France, Belgium, Italy and the UK.
The positive trend in Eastern Europe is continuing: the number of vehicles sold there rose by 31.7 percent to 27,083 (20,559) units. The most notable of these is Russia, where Audi is market leader in the premium segment with growth of 64.3 percent.
The subsidiary Lamborghini improved on the previous sales record from 2005 (1,600 units), selling 2,087 vehicles (up 30.4 percent).

Vehicle and engine production reaches record level
Car production (including Lamborghini) climbed by 14.1 percent in 2006 to the record level of 926,180 vehicles. With quattro versions accounting for 33.1 percent of this total, the Ingolstadt-based car manufacturer is now the market leader for four-wheel-drive vehicles in the premium segment. Engine production by the Audi Group climbed 11.8 percent to 1,895,695 units.

Quantitative and qualitative growth safeguarding jobs
Audi's recent choices of production locations have reaffirmed its faith in Germany as an industrial base. "Whenever we need to identify a production location for a new model, all the venues being considered naturally have to prove that they can build it on internationally competitive terms," explained Stadler.
The number of employees at December 31, 2006 was 52,463, and thus remained at the previous year's high level (52,430). 44,719 (44,970) people were employed at AUDI AG, including 31,304 (31,337) in Ingolstadt and 13,415 (13,633) in Neckarsulm. AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. employed a workforce of 5,373 (5,022) employees, the Lamborghini Group had 672 (681) and Volkswagen Group Italia S.p.A. (formerly AUTOGERMA S.p.A.) 875 (845) employees. With 2,231 (2,236) apprentices in 20 different trades, Audi has maintained the number of those in training at the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants at the previous year's high level.
The additional share of profits that the company paid out to employees for the first time last year will be even higher this time round, thanks to the record earnings: a total amount of EUR 81.5 million will be paid out to the workforce. On average this means EUR 1,959 per employee, virtually four times the payment of the previous year. It will be paid on top of the existing profit-sharing arrangements for employees.

Outlook for 2007: safeguarding sustainability
"Our strategy focuses on growth – in unit sales, revenue and earnings. You can see from our record figures that our corporate strategy is working. However, we will not be resting on our laurels. Our task for this and subsequent years is now to safeguard the sustainability of the sales, revenue and earnings figures that we have achieved, and to secure their steady growth," added Stadler. "Audi has got off to an excellent start to 2007. With unit sales of around 75,150, we can already look back on the best January in the company's history." This figure meant that Audi's vehicle sales worldwide were 8.0 percent up on the same month of the previous year.
In view of the above-average qualitative and quantitative growth it has enjoyed in recent years, the company expects the key figures for 2007 to be on a par with the previous year. "According to the principle of "Progressive Performance", which we also took as the title for this year's Annual Report, we will be adopting a variety of measures to secure further significant cuts in fuel consumption, and push ahead with the development of alternative fuels and drive principles," declared Stadler. The group will exploit growth potential in existing and new markets, further optimize corporate processes and systematically push forward with its product initiative: the new Audi A5 car line will be launched in the first half of the year with the appearance of the Audi A5 Coupé. Audi has furthermore just decided to build a compact, sporty small car. "Because we have ambitious objectives even if we will be taking the opportunity to catch our breath this year. We aim to push our unit sales beyond the one million barrier by the end of 2008. And we have set ourselves the sales target of 1.5 million vehicles by 2015," concluded Stadler at this year's Annual Press Conference.

Pagani Zonda R Revealed

Pagani Zonda RPagani Zonda RPagani Zonda RPagani's new Zonda R clubsport , official word has come from the Italian supercar builder on its newest model. The track-only Zonda R will get a 750-hp (523 ft-lbs of torque) version of the Mercedes AMG-sourced, 7.3-liter V12 that produces 680 hp in the Zonda F clubsport (594 hp in the street model). It'll be 40 cm longer nose to tail, with a slightly longer wheelbase. More pics to come from the land of the midnight cheese products.

jalopnik.com

EDAG LUV concept

Concept car EDAG LUVFulda/Geneva “Cast off!”
The new concept car from EDAG Engineering + Design AG will be making its first appearance on March 6, 2007, in Geneva – the “EDAG LUV”. The design concept of the “LUV” is based on an luxury-class SUV and incorporates a maritime look from bow to stern: oiled teakwood on the hood, as the flooring on the interior, and on the elegant cargo area conveys a maritime flair. But the “EDAG LUV” is a real eye-catcher in other respects as well: the cargo area, behind the two rows of seats with plenty of room for 5 passengers, has been outfitted with teakwood and distinctly resembles a quarterdeck – in keeping with the maritime look of the concept car.

Concept car EDAG LUVConcept car EDAG LUV The Module Concept of the “EDAG LUV” – An Economical Approach to Vehicle Derivatives But the maritime design of the “EDAG LUV” is just the covering for a modular concept which makes it possible to turn vehicles into derivatives or niche vehicles at reasonable expenditures of time and money. In coming up with their shell concept, the EDAG team of engineers, headed by project manager Andreas Funk, set themselves the goal of using the greatest possible number of carry-over parts. The group can certainly be proud of the results of the intelligent module concept: 90% of the parts required to perform the metamorphosis of a luxury-class SUV into the “EDAG LUV” come off the parts shelf of the basic vehicle. For example, the extension of the floor pan by 512 mm was realized using original parts. The wheelhouses were also used without any modifications, as were the parts for the rear-end finish, which includes integration of the standard power-lift system from the sedan. “In addition to our efforts to use a maximum number of identical parts, we were especially careful to keep the existing production concept of the basic vehicle in mind during the development of the ‘EDAG LUV’,” explains Andreas Funk. “The self-supporting body can be completely welded using standard tongs. It goes without saying that we used simulation models during the development of the entire body concept to test crash behavior and rigidity so that we could guarantee the highest level of quality and safety.” The advantages of the EDAG module concept are obvious. Thanks to the use of identical parts and taking into account the production concept, a vehicle concept which is visually completely new can be realized under economically interesting conditions. “More and more end customers are asking for niche vehicles, and this type of design turns the production of such cars into a ‘business case’ for the manufacturers,” points out Johannes Barckmann, Head of Design at EDAG, in describing the concept.
Concept car EDAG LUV

Concept car EDAG LUVConcept car EDAG LUVConcept car EDAG LUVConcept car EDAG LUV The “EDAG LUV” – A New Vehicle Segment
“LUV”, the name of the concept car, is not only a term used by sailors (it is German for “luff”, the windward side of a vessel), but also defines a new vehicle segment – the luxury utility vehicle. “In taking the maritime world as a leitmotif for the design of the ‘EDAG LUV’, we deliberately selected a niche theme. We wanted to demonstrate in exemplary fashion that it is possible to create a distinctive vehicle class and not only to give a vehicle a new look. And to do that with as little technical effort as possible,” is how Johannes Barckmann explains the intentions behind the design concept. So the cargo area of the “EDAG LUV” is elegantly tied in with the passenger cell by the harmonious lines of the body design. The utility vehicle character so often evident in pick-up models is no longer discernible in the “EDAG LUV”. On the contrary, the “EDAG LUV” radiates elegance and autonomy and cannot be classified by any of the vehicle segments existing today. Yet the luxury image which has been created is only one example for the idea of a versatile vehicle concept. Speaking of versatile: the pick-up module can be exchanged for a convertible or coupe module simply by releasing a catch mechanism integrated into the body of the “EDAG LUV”. A clever move by the EDAG developers so that additional derivative variants can be realized flexibly and at low cost.

Innovation in the Interior – The PC Takes Its Place in the Vehicle
The “EDAG LUV” has innovative solutions on the inside as well. The EDAG development team has integrated two UMPCs (UltraMobile PCs) into the headrests, bringing the PC world into the vehicle. The user can use a specially developed mechanism to insert the fully operational PCs easily into the headrests. Passengers in the rear seat can use their Office applications such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word in the vehicle, plus WLAN and UMTS provide them with Internet access, enabling them to download and answer their e-mails during the trip. Furthermore, integrated Webcams even make it possible to hold Net meetings during the trip. Users can also access their music or DVD collection from the car. The trick: The UMPCs are connected to the vehicle’s audio system so that the MP3 files or videos stored on the computer can also be used in the vehicle. The integration of the computer keyboards into the interior of the “EDAG LUV” has also been handled elegantly: modern form-fitting foil keyboards have been embedded in the folding tables available for use by rear-seat passengers. Background lighting makes it possible to work even while traveling at night and is yet another futuristic design element in the interior.
“The integration of so-called consumer devices into the vehicle architecture is a highly interesting topic for the manufacturers. This can result in a genuine additional value for the end customers by making the functionality of the PC world usable in the vehicle as well,” notes Dr. Robert Hentschel, Director of EDAG Electrics/Electronics. “Being a full-range developer of vehicles and an integrator in the field of electrics/electronics, we are determined to develop solutions in this area which are stylish, geometrically and functionally high-quality, and practical." EDAG is currently pursuing two solution approaches:
1. A second integration stage will tie the UMPCs into the vehicle architecture for luxury-class vehicles. The advantage: the driver can use operating elements – e.g., on the steering wheel – to access directly the functions or data of the UMPC.
2. The EDAG developers are planning the UMPC as an after-market product for compact and midsize cars. The aim here is to develop concepts for various models produced by car-makers so that the devices can be integrated ergonomically and geometrically into the interior without a jarring visual effect. What makes this especially enticing is the possibility of utilizing the UMPC as an on-board computer and high-quality display device by connecting it to the vehicle architecture, providing yet another service, as well as making the complete functionality of a PC available in the car. With this as a goal, EDAG is working closely with the Intel Corporation on the development of solutions for the electrical and electronic connection as well as on the integration of “nomadic devices” in the vehicle interior. EDAG will rely on the latest in Intel technology, processors, and chip sets. Especially small dimensions for the chips and low energy consumption are only some of the criteria for their use in cars. The Company is planning to present the “EDAG LUV” at the upcoming IAA in Frankfurt in the second integration stage, i.e., with access to the UMPCs via operating elements of the car.

Innovative Development Competence by EDAG
EDAG will be presenting the “EDAG LUV” in Geneva as proof of its competence, underscoring the capabilities of the world’s largest independent development partner to develop economically sound innovative vehicle concepts optimized for production. The project has been realized in only three months, from definition of the concept and design process to the development to the ready-to-roll prototypes, and is on the verge of being realized as a Premium Edition.
BRABUS is one of the partners in this project. The tuner from Bottrop contributed not only the 462 hp / 340 kW high-performance BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine for the EDAG LUV that allows this all-wheel-drive vehicle to accelerate to 100 km/h in a little more than six seconds for a speed of 250 km/h.
BRABUS also provides the classy 10Jx22 monoblock S wheels fitted with 295/35 ZR 22 YOKOHAMA tires, the air suspension module as well as the high-performance brake system from its product line-up. The 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and ventilated, perforated 380 x 36 millimeter front brake disks and the 6-piston fixed calipers and 355 x 28 mm rear brake disks reach a braking performance typically achieved only by genuine sports cars.
Exclusive all-leather appointments and attractive interior accessories are an additional BRABUS specialty. The BRABUS saddlery combined the finest white leather with black seams and cords for a superior interior finish of the EDAG LUV that leaves nothing to be desired.

Sports package for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-ClassMercedes-Benz SL-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-ClassMercedes-Benz SL-Class
Mercedes-Benz SL-ClassPRESS RELEASE:
Sports package for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Sporty looks and technical highlights.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is now available to order with a sports package comprising exclusive details that inject a new and thrilling sense of flair. Inside, it is primarily the silver-coloured contrast stitching, perforated leather and aluminium trim in a fresh new look that set the tone for the sporty and luxurious ambience. Outside, large wheels in a thrilling five-spoke design dominate the picture, while setting off the silver-painted front brake callipers to particularly stunning effect. Perforated brake discs at the rear wheels help endow the Roadster with excellent stopping power. Finally, the 7G-TRONIC Sport transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles further intensifies the sports car sensation felt when sitting inside the Roadster bearing the mystical letters "SL".
Ever since the world-famous 300 SL Gullwing Coupé was premiered over 50 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has ranked as one of the most fascinating and coveted cars in the world. Now in its fifth generation, the current SL-Class has lost none of this mystique and excels in all the same ways as its predecessors, by offering sophisticated design, groundbreaking technology, exceptional comfort and immense driving pleasure. A new equipment package from Mercedes-Benz, which is available to order now, gives the two-seater an even sportier, individualised look thanks to a host of refined details both inside and out.
The new large 19-inch wheels (8.5 inches at the front with 255/35 ZR19 Y tyres, 9.5 inches at the rear with 285/30 ZR19 Y tyres) are the most striking visual feature and deftly underscore the extra-special status of the SL-Class with sports package. Their sensational, newly devised design comprising five twin spokes with very straight lines and a hubcap cover featuring the Mercedes star and laurel wreath instantly attracts the gaze of any onlookers. The wheels' visual impact is reinforced by the fact that they afford an unimpeded view of the attractively styled front brake callipers, which have been specially painted in silver for the sports package and marked with the Mercedes-Benz lettering. The high-performance brake system lives up to these sensational looks, assisted by perforated brake discs at the rear wheels too. Dark-tinted tail light units form a further distinguishing feature.
Innovations on the technical side include a sports air cleaner that produces a richer sporty sound in the SL 350. The chief technical highlight of the new sports package is, however, the 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic transmission, the only passenger car transmission of its type in the world. Apart from a manual shift program, the new transmission also comes with steering-wheel shift paddles in both the SL 350 and the SL 500. The paddles allow drivers to shift through the seven gears without having to take their hands off the multifunction steering wheel, just like in a racing car. What's more, 7G-TRONIC Sport is capable of shortening gearshift times by as much as 30 per cent.
In the interior, silver-coloured contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, centre console, selector lever gaiter, armrest as well as the door linings (and in the rear of models with Exclusive nappa leather appointments) creates an unmistakable emphasis. The same applies to the borders of the high-grade velour floor mats. A roof liner trimmed in black fabric, new-look aluminium trim as well as the perforated leather adorning the steering wheel and selector lever further underline the car's sporty aspirations.
When the model received its most recent facelift one year ago, the engine line-up, driveline and suspension were all tuned for even sportier performance. Ever since, a new V6 and V8 power unit together with even more powerful V8 AMG and V12 engines have been delivering yet more dynamic motoring pleasure in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, allied to an even greater sense of effortlessly superior fun at the wheel. The second-generation "Active Body Control" suspension in the SL and its more direct steering for that extra touch of sportiness are equally as impressive.
The new sports package offers customers an enticing way of further enhancing and personalising this legendary dream car. It is only available for the SL 350 and the SL 500 in conjunction with black leather appointments (standard in the SL 500). It is priced at € 2975 (incl. VAT).

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

2008 Jaguar XJ debuts at the Geneva Motor Show

2008 Jaguar XJ 2008 Jaguar XJ The biggest change is at the front end, where a new grille features an enlarged version of the Jaguar “growler” badge – the roaring Jaguar face. The grille extends into the lower half of the bumper. This is not the grille that will be used on the Jaguar XF, the S-type replacement, however. That car will get a brand new grille that will feature on all new Jaguar saloons.
Other exterior changes include the wing-mounted vents, similar to the
Jaguar XK’s, lower sill covers and a reworked rear end incorporating new bumper designs and a subtle lip spoiler on the boot lid. New door mirrors now carry an integrated indicator.
Inside, the
Jaguar XJ’s rear legroom has been increased by redesigning the seat backs and cushions, and heated front seats are now standard across the range. The front seats themselves have been reworked as well.
However, reports that the
Jaguar XJ will share its future engine lineup with the upcoming Jaguar XF sedan. We've learned already that the Jaguar XF will feature an intriguing engine lineup that includes a base 4.2L V8, a supercharged 4.2L V8 producing 420 hp and a supercharged 5.0L V8 producing around 500 hp in the range-topping R-badged models.
Prices go up for the 2008 model year – the range starts at £43,540 for the 3.0-litre petrol Executive, an increase of £500. The range-topping XJR goes up by £600 to £60,150.

autocar.co.uk

2008 Jaguar XJ 2008 Jaguar XJ 2008 Jaguar XJ

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

2007 Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang

Parnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangThat Saleen S281 SC Mustang was a 2006 with 435 hp and a lot of "hey, look at me" add-ons. A real kick in the pants in a straight line, but not our first choice for the twisty roads we enjoy so much. When we returned that S281 to Saleen, they mentioned that their newest special edition product would be available soon. When the words "Parnelli Jones" escaped the rep's lips, we felt a surge of adrenaline that led to an involuntary, "How soon?"

The 2007 Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang was first shown at the New York Auto Show last year. It promised 370 hp and a beefed up suspension that would emulate the performance of the 1970 championship-winning Boss 302 that Parnelli Jones helped make famous back in the golden era of Trans-Am racing. With retro touches like the Grabber Orange paint, black stripes, rear wing, jutting front lip, chrome surrounds on the grille and rear lights, rear window louvers, Minilite-like wheels, and the Shaker hood, it instantly became our favorite Mustang.

Parnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangWe couldn't wait for our chance to get behind the wheel. We wanted this car in a most unhealthy way. That initial lust was put to the test however, as we had to wait almost a year for our chance to try it on for size. But as they say, anything worth having is worth waiting for. A couple of details changed from concept to production. Horsepower and torque both got a boost, eventually reaching 400/390, which is nice. Not so nice - The price also rose a bit from the "mid- 50s" estimate to an as-delivered price of $61,565, including gas-guzzler tax and delivery. Sixty grand for a Mustang might seem steep to some, but we faced pretty much the same dilemma with the GT500, Roush and S281. And in the case of the PJ, Saleen is fairly certain they will easily find 500 buyers who agree it's worth every penny.

Drivetrain
The heart of the Parnelli Jones Edition is its Boss 302 engine. Ford wants the Boss label for a future project, so although the 302 appears in oddly familiar script around the vehicle, the word Boss is nowhere to be found. That's ok. We see the similarities. In place of the 4.6-liter SOHC V8 of lesser 'Stangs, the PJ has a true 302. It starts out as a 4.6, but Saleen strokes and bores it to make it a Five-Point-Oh. They also add bigger injectors, ported aluminum heads, performance camshafts, forged-aluminum pistons, forged-steel connecting rods, a forged-steel crank and dual exhausts with bitchin' big oval tips. Oh, and that huge Shaker scoop up top.

Turn the key and it does indeed shake. It also sets off car alarms within 4 parking spots of yours. Really. It revs freely and keeps going well past what you feel it should. Especially if you've driven other recent muscle cars. The whole time producing a wonderfully sonorous wail. The difference between the powerband on this and on the S281 SC is like night and day. Where that model sported an on/off switch in place of the throttle, this one is incredibly smooth and so easy to modulate. Definitely not as much peak horsepower on tap, but always in that wide powerband. And constantly rewarding the driver with its quick responses to your inputs.

The transmission is possibly the weak link here. Saleen uses the standard Ford 5-speed manual, albeit with a nifty PJ billet short-throw shifter. Reassuringly firm, but a bit sloppy at times. Traction control is standard and helpful, rather than intrusive. You can spin the tires a bit before it intervenes, or shut it off and wait an extra tick or two before the tires hook up and launch you down the road. It makes for a very satisfying driving experience. Overall, this has to be one of the best naturally aspirated powerplants we've sampled. Easily feels as strong and nearly as smooth as a friend's 360 Modena or the V8s in the Aston Martin Vantage or Audi RS4. It might seem heresy to even dare compare a lowly Mustang to these European heavyweights, but this Saleen Boss 302 really is that good.

Parnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangSuspension
Watts linkage. Remember those two words. That's what takes this Mustang from acceptable to damn near perfect. As much as we liked that sweet-sounding, rev-happy motor, the suspension is what really convinced us this was the Mustang to have. The Parnelli still uses a solid-beam rear axle, but two Saleen-developed Watts links are added in place of the stock Panhard rods on each side. This allows Saleen to use PJ-specific RaceCraft Suspension pieces like a thicker anti-roll bar and stiffer springs, bushings and shocks all around.

For a car built to honor a Trans-Am racing legend, the PJ definitely feels likes it's game for some hot lapping. Sadly we didn't get any track time, but we still managed to drive it over a variety of winding roads and just kept loving it more and more. Those Pirelli PZero-wrapped 19-inch alloys did a fantastic job keeping the car planted and gripping the pavement. And the upgraded disc brakes (14-inch slotted, vented up front, 11.8-inch vented out back) were strong and held up well to repeated hard use. Great feedback through the pedal too.

While we griped that the previous Saleen Mustang we had was no canyon carver, this one practically begged to be taken to the twisties. The whole time we had it, we were impressed with the ride quality as well. That suspension provides a ride that is remarkably smooth for the level of grip available. Only the sharpest bumps produced a shudder inside. But nothing that felt like it would throw you off course mid-turn. If you can't tell by now, we really liked it. We couldn't keep out of the backroads, accumulating approximately 600 miles while we had the PJ at our disposal. Actually, we had two different PJs to review, including car number 1 of 500. Due to manufactrer scheduling conflicts, this happens sometimes.

Parnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangExterior
We already mentioned many of the bespoke styling touches that identify the Parnelli Jones Edition Mustang - The Minilite-like rims, the Grabber Orange paint, black stripes, Shaker hood, spoilers front and rear, and the louvers. What we didn't mention was how well the package works as a whole. It takes the retro styling of this generation Mustang to a whole new level. We had the privilege of seeing PJ Mustangs, old and new, nose-to-tail in Las Vegas during SEMA, and we think the new one stacks up pretty nicely. The details that make this one resemble that Trans-Am racer from 1970 really seem to work for everybody who sees it too. As much attention as the S281 SC drew, this one topped that by a good margin. Guys seemed to recognize the old-school racer in it, while the ladies just wanted to be near it. It has a very magnetic personality. The tail, in particular, drew a lot of admirers. The louvers? The spoiler? The clean tail with the chrome surrounded taillights? We'd say the whole package. It just looks tight, and oh so right. As an example, check out the fuel filler door. Might sound corny, but it is one quality piece of work. Seriously. If you ever happen to be close to a PJ, try the door.

The car just clicks and does it in an oddly understated way. Hard to justify that statement when it's bright orange (and wearing a huge #15 meatball and Parnelli's name above the door), but true. You can still see the clean lines of the Mustang in all that. It doesn't scream aftermarket. Sort of like a track-prepped version of the street car, which is basically what it is. A quick note about the number and name – those are reusable vinyl decals so you can unleash your inner extrovert at will. And for those who know they won't pass for Parnelli Jones, they can opt to put Steve Saleen's name in that place of distinction.

But why wouldn't you want to keep Parnelli's name on it? Along with Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt and Carroll Shelby, PJ helped define the multi-disciplined American auto racer in the golden days of racing. He won the Indy 500 in 1963, the Baja 1000 twice in his "Big Oly" Bronco (which makes a cameo along with Jones himself in the original "Gone in 60 Seconds"), his class at Pikes Peak in 1963 driving a Mercury stock car, and various sprint car titles, USAC championships, and of course, the 1970 Trans-Am championship in his Bud Moore Boss 302. He also went on to be a successful team owner and tire dealer in Southern California.

Parnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangParnelli Jones Limited Edition MustangInterior
The interior of the Parnelli Jones is going to be familiar to anyone who has sat in a Mustang. The requisite PJ badging and unique logos abound, but much remains the same. A few changes worth noting are the orange insert sport seats, the dual autographed dash, the unique gauges, and shifter, and the auxiliary gauge pod on top of the dash. Once you get past the orange, it's actually quite comfortable and tasteful. Really not a lot to say about it other than that. Oh, one nit to pick here. There was an isolated instance at some impossibly illegal speed where the driver's side window wanted to suck out of its track. To be fair that was on the high-test-mileage number 1 car after it had spent the weekend at a Saleen track event. The other car exhibited no such shenanigans, despite our attempt to duplicate the problem.

Conclusions
Do we really have to say it? This is one fantastic ride, even at $60,000. Sure there are a handful of more focused (and similarly priced) sports cars that can beat this Mustang on a track, but the unique look, back seat, trunk and, most of all, balance of this car make it a winner as a daily driver too. Add to that the limited edition nature of this model and the price makes a lot more sense.

If we were shopping in that price range, we'd definitely put this on the short list. It stacks up well against the competition and as an investment quality Mustang, it's a no-brainer. But it might be a moot point before long anyhow. Saleen tells us that half of the 500 PJ Editions have already been spoken for. And we're sure the rest won't be around much longer.

While we didn't get to take it to a track, some impromptu street encounters proved it has some serious stones. It's just as quick as a C6 Corvette from a stop. It can also keep up with an Elise in the canyons. Weighing in at 3550 pounds, that 400 hp should be good for a 0-60 of 4.5 or so and a quarter in the low 13s. Easily believable with some informal stopwatch runs. This car loves to run and rewards drivers who want a fun driving experience with few compromises. Yes, there are a few compromises.

One is that mileage plummets the more fun you have. Although overall we got about 15 mpg, we frequently saw single digit readings on the trip computer. Cruising on the freeway we were able to register 20 mpg though, so being judicious with the right foot will pay off at the pump.

The handling and braking were great, especially compared to the S281 we sampled. The word balance keeps coming to mind. The Watts links really make a huge difference in giving the driver the confidence it takes to truly take on the canyons. It begs to be driven harder, which is very endearing. The steering was nicely weighted and the pedals and other controls gave great feedback so you knew what was happening at all times too. It all adds up to a winner in our book.

Source: autoblog.com