2010 Kicherer Mercedes SLS AMG 63 CP Conceptualized

The Carrera was held all through Mexico along the famous Panamerican Hgihway and supported by the Mexican government. An especially notable race took place in 1952. Mercedes were only successful in the legendary Mercedes 300 SL with wingdoors after a fright. The co-driver was hit and injured by a low flying vulture. As a result the Mercedes mechanics built a grid in front of the windscreen to prevent such a thing happening again. A curious win which is spoken of even today.

The story is so well known to the KICHERER engineers that they built - and even named - the new AMG Mercedes SLS in honour of this sporty example. That's why as hommage the abbreviation CP can be again found in the type description.

True to the firm's philosophy to only make conclusive additions to the basic AMG form and to keep the lines of a vehicle an in essence even more sporty version of the wingdoored car was developed. Especially the aerodynamics were able to enjoy a final high class polish. In addition the developers conceived and mounted a front spoiler lip, a roof ..., a rear diffusor and larger air intakes to better cool the 6.3 litre V8 engine. All new elements developed by KICHERER are, of course, made of high class Carbon.

An immediate eye-catcher on the front of the SLS is the large handcrafted frontgrill made of stainless steel, which is optionally also available in a discreet gold tone. The optics of the vertical struts are meant to remind one of the window grill on the original Pan-American vehicle. A further highlight on the sportscar are the 3 part 20 inch RS-1 lightweight wheels. The classic double spoke design harmonises perfectly with the equally classic sportscar silhouette of the KICHERER SLS 63 CP.

At the rear of the vehicle KICHERER lets the stainless steel exhaust with four oval endpipes melodiously release the exhaust gases into the air. An integrated valve control gives the driver - fitting to the occasion - the choice between a sonorous and a discreet tone.

Various performance enhancers for the 575 PS strong aggregate are optionally available but initially only on demand.

2010 Caractere Volkswagen Golf 6

The Belgian tuning company Caractere has released its new styling package for the famous Volkswagen Golf 6. Actually, the new aerokit upgrades the all-rounded body of the Golf and improves the safety level, as each of its elements are finished in PURim.

The Caractere VW Golf 6 bodykit is consist of a complete front, rear spoiler, sport or classic roof spoiler and side skirts. The car body styling company also offers a set of beautiful 18 or 19-inch 5-double spoke design CW1 wheels.

Caractere’s new styling kit will be available on the market from the spring of 2010.

2010 BRABUS B63 S Mercedes E 63 AMG

Even more power and exclusive accessories for the latest top-of-the-line E-Class model, the E 63 AMG: With BRABUS B63 S engine tuning, power output of both sedan and wagon jumps to 555 hp (547 bhp) / 408 kW and their top speed jumps to 320 km/h (200 mph). BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) also offers exclusive accessories such as sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement components, custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations up to 20 inches in diameter and custom interior options.

-World Debut at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW 2009
-555 hp / 408 kW, 320 km/h Top Speed and Exclusive Accessories

The fast-revving 6.3-liter V8 becomes even more powerful with the BRABUS B63 S performance kit. The conversion consists of two sport air filters, free-flow metal catalysts and newly programmed engine electronics. The tuning kit bumps power output of the engine from standard 525 hp (517 bhp) / 386 kW by 30 hp (30 bhp) / 22 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 630 to 650 Nm (464 to 479 lb-ft) at 5,400 rpm. BRABUS recommends fully synthetic ARAL high-performance motor oil.

Equipped with the BRABUS B63 S kit, the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened to 4.3 seconds and in combination with the BRABUS V/max unit top speed jumps to up to 320 km/h (200 mph), depending on the speed rating of the selected tire/wheel combination.

To transfer the increased power to the road with as little slip as possible BRABUS offers a limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent for the E 63 AMG.

Minimizing aerodynamic lift is essential in a car as fast as this one. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop aerodynamic-enhancement components that are as stunning as they are effective. These components are manufactured from clear-coated carbon fiber. The production front apron of sedan and wagon can be upgraded with a spoiler lip. The aerodynamics of the sedan's rear can be further improved with a diffuser and a rear spoiler.

On the front axle BRABUS aluminum sport fenders with lateral air outlets improve venting of the wheel houses and add a decidedly sporty note to the car's appearance.

BRABUS also offers custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations for all E63 models. They are available with diameters of 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest homologated version features Monoblock VI, E, Q or S wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in sizes 9.5Jx20 or 10.5Jx20 in back. They are fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance tires in size 245/30 ZR 20 in front and up to size 295/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

Exclusive BRABUS-refined interiors are also available for the Mercedes E 63 AMG. The list of accessories ranges from stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to a speedometer with 360-km/h (225-mph) dial. The company upholstery shop creates luxury interiors from a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara to each customer's exact specifications. The perfect complements are precious-wood and carbon-fiber inlays in any desired color and with various surface finishes.

All components are backed by the incomparable BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers / 62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).

2010 Nissan Cube Price

The pricelist for 2010 Nissan Cube is now announced by Nissan North America, Inc. The vehicle is on sale now at Nissan dealers across the country. There are three trim levels and a special Nissan Cube Krom Edition.

The starting price for Nissan Cube 1.8 Base is $13,990 USD.

Cube is powered by 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine developing 122hp combined with Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual gear-box.

The 2010 cube Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) are:

Engine/Transmission MSRP
cube 1.8 Base 1.8L I4 M/T $13,990 USD
cube 1.8 S 1.8L I4 M/T $15,030 USD
cube 1.8 S 1.8L I4 CVT $16,030 USD
cube 1.8 SL 1.8L I4 CVT $17,130 USD
cube 1.8 S Krom Edition 1.8L I4 CVT $20,120 USD

Because of the standard 6 air bags, which Nissan Cube features, it is named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The equipment of Cube is at descent level. It includes Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel audio controls as a standard for Cube S and SL models. There are also Interface System for iPod®, MP3 CD-ROM playback capacity, Radio Data System (RDS), speed-sensitive volume control (SSV) and two additional speakers (six total). Sapphire Black color for the exterior is added.

The additional extras for 1.8 S Krom Edition are a new 4.3-inch color audio display with USB connectivity and RearView Monitor, along with Nissan Intelligent Key™ with Push Button Ignition.

So, if you need a Mini MPV vehicle at low price and good equipment – Nissan Cube is your choice.

2010 PIECHA Mercedes C Class Estate

The T-models from Mercedes-Benz are extremely popular, since they combine luxury, sportiness and the generous passenger-compartment space of an estate car in perfection. At the same time, it is to be noted that particularly the sportiness has increased in the past years, and the actual storage space has become smaller from generation to generation as a negative effect of the perpetual search for a body design that is as streamlined as possible. But the times are gone when estate cars were still misused as workhorses and only pushed off in the direction of Africa after 300,000 or 400,000 km. Nowadays estate cars are absolute lifestyle models which are not necessarily driven by a father of a family, but also gladly by fashion-conscious single men or women.

Marcus Piecha, Managing Director of Piecha Design, who once again proves a fine hand in technical design terms, also shows himself to be strong in terms of trend. All components, and there are many, fit harmoniously into the body designs predetermined by Mercedes and conjure up a genuine exclusive lifestyle design vehicle from a simple estate car! In addition to a two-lamella grille made of chrome, which is simply exchanged with the original part, Piecha also treats the C-Class front to a headlight mask set made of PU-RIM, which are securely and easily affixed, and transform the large parking light area into a modern LED light-band look. The front spoiler lip, which in addition is easily mounted on the AMG styling front spoiler, is available in a primed model or optionally in black genuine carbon or, as used here, coated in silver genuine carbon. Custom-fit daytime running light elements – which are delivered ready to install and can be very easily exchanged for the original grille including fog lamps – have been integrated into the AMG styling front apron. Effective immediately, the LED daylight running light elements are also available for the serial bumpers and not only for the AMG styling.

Perfectly integrated into the back of the T-model, the AMG bumper obtains a diffuser set which is available in three surface versions, once in a black-structured version, then coated in silver carbon or classic in black carbon. The “Quadro” 4-pipe exhaust system, whose end pipes are very easily welded in place of the original end pipes, are also integrated in the AMG rear bumper. For all 6-cylinder models Piecha also offers the possibility to make a conversion to the original C63 AMG exhaust system.

In order to lend the grandiose 4-pipe look the necessary kick, Piecha has now also developed and installed a power converter for the C-Class. As a result, the lethargic start is eliminated and a noticeably better vehicle response with much better engine power is realised. The switching procedures from the upper gears go much quicker and are presented in a much sportier fashion as a result. A positive secondary effect: in addition to considerably more sportiness, a reduction of fuel consumption is achieved through the more sensible foot on the gas pedal and the more spontaneous vehicle response. Installation is conceivably simple and also a veritable plug & play solution. Incidentally, the CS power converter is also suitable for the new E-Class sedan W212 and the E-Coupe W207.

Exclusive Piecha dp2 Phantom wheels with a press-fitted stainless steel rim well polished to high gloss turn in the wheel housings. They are optionally available in classic high-gloss silver or also in trendy satin black. This wheel/tyre combination not only provides perfect grip conditions, but also an enhanced sporty look in the format 8.5 x 19 ET38 with 225/35 ZR19 in the front and 9.5 x 19 ET45 with 255/30 ZR19 Dunlop Sport Maxx in the rear. This wheel/tyre combination can be installed without body retrofitting. The lower suspension setting of the chassis is taken over by custom-built sports performance springs which are optionally available with a 20mm or 35mm lower suspension setting. As with this exclusive estate car, Piecha provides an individually adjustable threaded suspension for the perfect tuning of vehicle height with simultaneously outstanding comfort.

Prices

PIECHA daytime running light elements with fog lamps; set: 499 euros
PIECHA front spoiler lip for AMG styling (primed): 398 euros
alternatively coated in genuine carbon: 849 euros
PIECHA headlight masks; set: 238 euros

PIECHA two-lamella grille: 299 euros
PIECHA CS power converter: 429 euros
PIECHA Quadro 4-pipe retrofitting for left/right exhaust: 398 euros
Conversion to original AMG C63 exhaust system: 1,890 euros incl. installation
Diffuser set (black, structure-coated): 275 euros
alternatively coated in genuine carbon: 699 euros
PIECHA dp2 Phantom, 8.5 x 19 & 9.5 x 19 with 225 series and 255 series Dunlop tyres: complete wheel set: 2,590 euros
Spring set: from 246 euros
Threaded suspension: 1,190 euros

2010 Toyota Aygo Platinum Price

Toyota introduces the price list for top-of-the-range Aygo – Platinum. This small car offers great value for money and even if it is ordered until the end of December, you can avoid the 1 January increase in VAT.

Platinum model includes all specification of the Aygo+ model and additional 14-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, Crystal Silver metallic paint, six-speaker audio system, Alcantara and leather upholstery and leather gear knob trim.

Aygo Platinum is powered by 1.0 litre VVT-I petrol engine with Toyota Optimal Drive. This is the winner of the sub-one-litre class of the International Engine of the Year awards for the past three years.

The small engine delivers 68hp and 93N/m and it has extra low fuel consumption. Dynamics of the car are perfect, because of the good power to weight ratio. The power is put on the road through 5-speed manual transmission as standard, with the option of Toyota’s Multimode system.

Toyota offers Aygo Xtra Protected pack for Platinum, priced at £380, it includes rear parking sensors and additional side and rear protection mouldings. For additional safety, Vehicle Stability Control is available for just £340.

Toyota Aygo Platinum prices

MODEL OTR PRICE
Aygo Platinum 3dr 5MT £8,995
Aygo Platinum 5dr 5MT £9,335
Aygo Platinum 3dr 5MT with A/C £9,485
Aygo Platinum 3dr Multimode with A/C £9,975
Aygo Platinum 5dr 5MT with A/C £9,825
Aygo Platinum 5dr Multimode with A/C £10,315

2011 McLaren MP4 12C XP - Video, Detail

McLaren Automotive today launches the first in a series of broadcast-quality short videos, which present a rare insight into a performance car testing program from the development team behind the new McLaren MP4-12C.

As a brand new car company, McLaren Automotive has a unique and engaging story to tell prior to its first model going on sale in Spring 2011. Meanwhile, 2009’s intense testing and development program is clearly demonstrating the 12C’s potential and McLaren Automotive is presenting rare company footage and insight that reveals its plans, processes and challenges.

In a short film entitled ‘Inside McLaren: developing the MP4-12C’, viewers take the first steps to understanding how McLaren Automotive will fulfil its ambition to launch the MP4-12C as a genuine challenger to the world’s best high performance sports cars. Highlights include:

An introduction to the McLaren Technology Center (MTC) and the MP4-12C test program by McLaren Automotive Technical Director, Dick Glover
Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin on how the 12C performs in extreme test conditions
An overview by senior engineers of the integrated approach to development on roads and tracks around the world and, virtually, back at MTC 12C development (XP) prototypes on road and track in England and Germany, and extreme hot weather testing in Bahrain

The challenging and comprehensive development programme has taken in some of the world’s most famous race circuits and most inhospitable driving environments; from the dry and cold, ice and snow of the Arctic, to the hot and humid, sand-soaked air of the Middle-East.

Combined with cutting-edge simulation programmes, Formula 1 techniques, personnel and processes, and thousands of miles of ‘real world’ on-road driving on the UK’s notoriously poor tarmac surfaces, the tight-knit testing team has taken giant strides through 2009 in the 12C’s development. The result is ‘pure’ McLaren: a revolutionary high performance sports car that features unique engineering solutions to deliver new standards in comfort, driving dynamics, economy and performance in the ‘core’* sports car market.

*’Core’ market according to McLaren Automotive are performance sports cars priced between £125,000 and £175,000

Dick Glover, Technical Director at McLaren Automotive is responsible for the 50-strong Testing and Development team and the eight development (XP) cars that have featured in the 2009 programme: “I am really proud of what the team has achieved this year,” he said.

“Having to develop a brand new range of cars from scratch to the standards expected of McLaren, featuring ground-breaking new structures and powertrain is the ultimate challenge and one we are relishing. Sure, we have challenges – that is why we go to these places that absolutely push the cars to their limits and beyond – but now we know just what the 12C is capable of, we are able to push on into 2010 and deliver cars of which McLaren will be rightly proud.”

The 2009 testing programme has focused heavily on two of the most famous tracks in the world – the notorious Nordschleife Nurburgring and the circuit seen by millions on-screen, the BBC Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome. Both tracks push cars to their limits. But the success of the programme will also rest on McLaren’s technological innovation and experience.

The results of a testing session’s road and track performance are rapidly assessed within MTC. Simulation and rapid engineering practices – two core aspects of a successful Formula 1 team – are then employed to re-calibrate the XP test cars in-situ ready for the following day, or night’s, development targets.

Chris Goodwin, professional racing driver and Chief Test Driver at McLaren Automotive, summed up the self-imposed pressures on the development team: “McLaren has always set itself the highest standards. We are the most successful ever motor racing team, we designed and built one of the world’s most iconic sports cars in the world in the McLaren F1, and pioneered carbon fibre development on race and road cars.

“We took those standards into the development programme for the MP4-12C in order to launch a new high performance sports car comparable with past achievements and offering new levels of performance for the future. For us, these targets were simply starting points and that attitude requires the most thorough development possible. We believe that our global testing is delivering incredible strides for the 12C.”

Other highlights:

Simon Andrew (Vehicle Development Engineer) sends back detailed daily reports from all test sessions to McLaren Automotive personnel in a wide range of functions, not just other members of his team. This ensures that the full range of the company’s engineers, designers and management are able to contribute their experience.
Rob Tyers is one of many team members introduced from the McLaren Racing division, bringing their experience of rapid decision-making in a highly competitive environment to bear on a traditionally slower-paced industry. No other car company in the world offers this combination and experience of motor racing and road-car development personnel under one roof.
McLaren Automotive has developed a unique programme inspired by the rapid development requirements of Formula 1. This brings together the whole development team at one venue over a period of up to two weeks. Huge strides are gained during these intense testing periods as all car systems are stretched to their limits in combination and as a whole, rather than part by part in sequence.

2010 Bufori CS

Malaysian luxury car manufacturer BUFORI Motor Car Company (BMCC) is extending its model range and will soon be launching a new generation of modern sportscars.

The BUFORI CS, which stands for "Compact Sports", is a purist and powerful 2 door coupé. Unlike previous generations of BUFORI motorcars, the BUFORI CS is intentionally modern-styled. Powered by a 2.0L turbo-charged engine, the sportscar will feature a lightweight composite body and offer the typical BUFORI craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality. The BUFORI CS is expected to be launched in Malaysia at the beginning of 2010 and more details will be revealed towards the end of the year.
The BUFORI CS is fully designed and developed by BMCC in Malaysia. It was recently decided that BUFORI wanted to have a race version of the car, in order to prove the vehicles capabilities and performance under extreme conditions and directly apply proven racing technology to the on going development of the road car.

This lead to the creation of the newly established BMS (BUFORI MOTOR SPORTS), which is the motorsport division of BUFORI. Through the collaboration with AXLE MOTORSPORT, a company dealing in high-tech motor racing development, BMS and AXLE MOTORSPORT jointly developed the BUFORI BMS R1 using a team of Formula One engineers, employing only the highest quality components and materials.

The BMS AXLE RACING team will take part in the upcoming 56th Macau Grand Prix (weekend of 19th November 2009) with the BUFORI BMS R1, the race edition of the all new BUFORI CS.

"After two years of hard work in designing and developing our new sports car, the BUFORI CS, we are very proud that a racing version of our car has been developed and will have its first public appearance at such a prestigious event as the Macau Grand Prix. We could not have wished for a better occasion. Our intention is to transfer the racing technology to the road version of the BUFORI CS and bring in all the qualities for which BUFORI is renowned" says Felix Haller, General Manager Marketing & Operations of BMCC.

"BMS AXLE have followed a very tight working schedule, in under 10 weeks, to create this race car, and we are looking forward to being a part of this racing event and making history with BUFORI, the first Malaysian sportscar to run at the Macau GT Cup" says Joe Lim, the BMS Team Principal and Managing Director of Bufori Sales & Marketing (BSM), the global Distributor of Bufori vehicles. "This race marks the beginning of a new era for BUFORI. With the BUFORI CS, the company is expanding its portfolio to purist, modern styled sports cars, with the usual uncompromised BUFORI quality." he adds.
BUFORI is the first Malaysian manufacturer to participate at the Macau GT Grand Prix.

The Guia Circuit of Macau is a street circuit with a combination of fast straights and tight corners. It is recognised as one of the most challenging and demanding circuits in the world.
About the BUFORI CS

The BUFORI CS marks the beginning of a new era for BMCC.

Unlike previous BUFORI models, the design of the BUFORI CS is intentionally modern, boasting elegant flowing lines and subtly pronounced fenders. Four circular LED rear lights give an additional sporty dimension to the overall, timeless elegant body.

The monocoque body is made of ultra-light and rigid reinforced Carbon Fiber & Kevlar and lies on a space frame chassis.

The unequal upper and lower arm front and rear suspension with coil over shocks are fully adjustable and provide excellent road holding.

The BUFORI CS is fitted with a front mounted 4 cylinder 2.0L turbo-charged high performance engine that delivers effortless power and offers an exhilarating driving experience.

The BUFORI BMS R1, the race edition of the BUFORI CS, which is homologated to FIA GT3 requirements, was jointly developed by BMS & AXLE using a team of experienced Formula One engineers, employing only the highest quality components and materials. Besides building a competitive race car, the focus was put on producing an extremely light vehicle, with a very favourable power to weight ratio.

About BUFORI

The BUFORI MOTOR CAR COMPANY is a manufacturer of hand-crafted luxury cars combining modern technology with a timeless classic design. The company was established in Sydney, Australia in 1986 by the 3 Khouri brothers and is headed by its founder and chief designer, Gerry Khouri. The company moved to Malaysia in the 90's and is responsible for the design, development and manufacturing of the entire collection of Bufori motor cars.

BUFORI motor cars are painstakingly hand-crafted to international standards, using only the finest materials and the latest technology. Each vehicle is made-to-order and customised to the specific requirements of its distinguished owner.

The privately owned corporation is currently offering the BUFORI La JOYA, a contemporary classic two-seater coupé powered by a rear-mid-mounted 2.7L V6 engine with state of the art creature comforts and driver aids. New models such as the BUFORI MKVI & Bufori CS are in the pipeline and will be released in the near future.
About BMS

BUFORI Motor Sports, known as BMS is the newly established motorsports division of Bufori specializing in high-performance cars. BMS is created to market a range of high performance and racing editions under the BUFORI name plate. BMS aims to supplement the BUFORI vehicles portfolio with specially modified and customized higher performance models.

In comparison to regular BUFORI models, the BMS versions will be fine-tuned for the race-track. Aerodynamics, performance, stability and handling are specifically adapted for motorsports use.
About BSM

BUFORI Sales and Marketing (BSM) is the official exclusive worldwide distributor for BUFORI vehicles and merchandise. BSM plans to open a unique automobile boutique to showcase Bufori and BMS car models while at the same time providing a very intimate and luxurious sales experience. Plans to disribute cars in China, India, Asia and the Middle East are also under serious consideration.

2009 Ferrari California

Refining super sports cars is more than just business for the company HAMANN Motorsport. Their passion for detail, for something special and unique is the main incentive for extraordinary modifications. The latest stroke of genius once again confirms this. The HAMANN interpretation of the Ferrari California with its exclusive and extensive refining program does not only make the hearts of real Ferrari fans beat faster.

Most of all, the car body kit proves that HAMANN does not only focus on changing the visual appearance. Apart from design elements such as a bonnet made of carbon fiber, specific modifications at the front, sides and back boost the aerodynamics.

Thereby, the front spoiler reduces the lifting forces of the California which significantly improves the handling and agility. Moreover, the unobtrusive side skirt set calms the airflow between both axles. And moreover, a back spoiler increases the contact pressure. Here, the HAMANN engineers agreed on a small wing profile which considerably enhances the car body design. As the combination with the perfectly integrated and three-part rear diffuser renders enough grip for the road. Mainly on country roads with many curves, the HAMANN aerodynamics kit unravels its power and generates pure driving pleasure.

The extra agility and handling gives room for more performance. Also here, HAMANN-Motorsport contributes its know-how. An adjustment for the motor management is in preparation and a sport exhaust system will also be especially engineered for this sports car. This combination will advance the performance of the serial 4.3 liter V8 engine with 460 hp by up 20 percent.

Another technical highlight in the offered tuning program is the multi-part HAMANN aluminum wheel called EDITION RACE. The black varnished rim star and the titanium bolting of the high-gloss polished rim flange emphasize the racing character. As the wheel is produced in forged technology, it is extremely light. This reduces the unsprung masses which noticeably improves both the acceleration and the braking response. The recommended wheel-tire combination measures 9.0Jx21 inches with 245/30ZR21 tires for the front and 12.5Jx21 rims with wheels measuring 345/25ZR21 are fitted at the back. The wheel-tire combination is perfectly enhanced by the suspension which is used in order to lower the sports car.

Also in the interior, HAMANN has a lot to offer to its customers. In addition to the serially offered interior, HAMANN Motorsport offers an extensive program, ranging from personalised floor mats to a perfectly finished complete leather interior.