Cars

Saab 9-5 Sedan photos

carsteam — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:58:14 +0000

otocar reader Patrick sent us a collage with the first official photos of the all-new Saab 9-5 Sedan that is destined to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Saab 9-5 Sedan photos

BMW Z6 leads off growing Z-series

carsteam — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:16:24 +0000

: bmw

The BMW Z8 might have tanked a bit, but BMW isn’t phased… much. The replacement is the BMW Z6, which BMW will pit against the Mercedes’ SL class. The car will be produced in a higher volume at a lower price than the $130,000 Z8, and accompanied by two other Z-series vehicles, the entry level BMW Z2 and successor to the BMW Z4. The Z6 will use the BMW 5- and 6-series as a basis and sport “space-age” construction utilitizing such materials as aluminum and sport engines ranging from the twin-turbocharged 3.0 V6 to a “beefed-up” version of the 5.0L V10 found in the M5.

BMW C.L.E.V.E.R. Concept

carsteam — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:06:54 +0000

BMW just released official pictures of its co-developed three-wheeled, natural-gas powered micro-car called CLEVER (Compact Low Emission VEhicle for URban Transport). Although nothing official yet, but this concept that was funded by the European Commission (Fifth Framework Programme) could base the C1 successor, marrying the worlds of cars and motorcycles. Partners in the C.L.E.V.E.R project included:

BMW
Technical University of Berlin, Institute for Land and Sea Transport (TUB), Berlin, Germany
Cooper-Avon Tyres Ltd, Melksham, Great Britain
ARC Leichtmetall Kompetenzzentrum Ranshofen GmbH (LKR), Ranshofen, Austria
IFP
TAKATA-PETRI AG, Berlin, Germany
University of Bath, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Power Transmission and Motion Control, Bath, Great Britain
Universität für Bodenkultur Vienna, Institute of Transport, Vienna, Austria
WEH GmbH, Illertissen, Germany

The CLEVER concept, a €3.3 million (US$3.9 million) effort, is an enclosed two-seater that combines the safety of a microcar, and the maneuverability of a motorcycle, while being less polluting than other vehicles as it runs on compressed natural gas.

–>

Its strengthened frame will protect the driver in a crash and the vehicle will have a top speed of approximately 50 mph. The 230cc BMW engine—modified by Institut Français du Pétrole (IFP) to use natural gas—produces 12.5 kW (17 hp) of power and maximum torque of 15.5 Nm at 6,300 rpm.

Fuel consumption is estimated to be 2.4 liters/100 km gasoline equivalent (98 mpg US), with 59.5 g/km of CO₂ emissions. The compressed natural gas is stored in two removable gas bottles providing a range of 150 km (93 miles).

A problem with three-wheel vehicles with a symmetrical wheel layout is the tipping moment when cornering, which cannot be controlled at high speeds if the vehicle has a short wheelbase. To solve this problem the vehicle’s center of gravity can be moved towards the center of the corner—just as a motorcycle does when it corners.

The do this, the vehicle is a cabin tilter, with the system designed by the University of Bath. The cabin with the front wheel is connected to the power unit and the two rear wheels by a pivot bolt. The rotary movement of the cabin is produced by two hydraulic cylinders (actuators) that are installed between the cabin and the power unit. The actuators create the rotary angle of the cabin of +/-45° relative to the vertical power unit.

New 2009 Mercedes E-Class Leaked in German Automag

carsteam — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:52:29 +0000

Until then, these first photos enough to recognize that much fresh, different from the family. Like the front, the typical C-Class, with glossy, kantigem grille. Unlike the middle class keeps the most important image makers, however, the striking face-to-face. Only that it no longer round lights shining, but aggressively angular lights.

Due to the growing pedestrian protection E-Class to 4.91 metres in length, changing the wheelbase by two centimetres to 2.87 meters. The chassis will remain at the four-bar front axle, rear axle area handlebars and was only re-vote. Either swing the new E-Class on steel springs or air pillows improved “Airmatic”.

Read more (+photo an details)!!

Mercedes interior promises a touch more space, the trunk sets slightly. It attracts a surcharge equal to an entire column of electronic helpers: for example, lane departure warning system with steering intervention, night vision device, fatigue sensor and dead-spot monitoring. Tools that are already in the current S-Class used, or the model care measures still to be offered. Series protects the E-class passengers for the first time with a knee airbag. Also, the central control knob on the center console comes from the S-Class. Instead of a monitor are the instruments classic round, the dashboard is similar to the new terrain vehicle GLK.

The shares of the new E-Class several engines. Both the diesel and the petrol Stuttgart has large backlog of hybrid technology would grow. BMW continued to be “Efficient Dynamics” with start-stop automatic, Audi made great leaps in direct gasoline engines. And finally, yes finally, it is also progressing at Mercedes. The company continue pursuing the Mercedes Bluetec strategy. This means that soot filters plus two other catalysts catch nitrogen oxides in the exhaust tract to next year from the current Euro 5 emissions standard to meet. The E 300 with 211 hp is the strongest market for CDI, later followed by a six-cylinder with 252 hp, 2010 is expected to Mercedes‘ first diesel-hybrid. The petrol is the electrical support yet equally available – hybrid, there is only once in the S-class and in the large SUV. A new V6 with 204 hp, the entrance is the E 200 Kompressor (184 hp), and the top marked the 500th E On gasoline above 400 hp Mercedes waived only once.

Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series

carsteam — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:48:55 +0000

This is a picture from Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance. Raw. Real raw. That is probably best description of truly amazing new SL65 Black Series.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

carsteam — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:15:08 +0000

Mercedes just unleashed the long-awaited SLR McLaren Roadster which will go on sale from September 2007. Like the 1999 Vision SLR concept on which it’s based, the production version of the SLR McLaren Roadster retains the scissor-type doors of its coupe counterpart. Unlike the SL and SLK roadsters, the SLR features a retractable soft-top which is available in three different colors. The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, with the driver having to a little ��dirty�� work by unlocking the roof from the windscreen frame and briefly raising it, after which it folds away electrically. We have to say that, while we love the SLR McLaren Roadster��s appearance with the top down, we��re not so enthusiastic about the cars looks when its roof on.
Disproving rumors that Mercedes would prefer the upgraded 650Hp V8 of the SLR McLaren 722 Special Edition, the Roadster retains the ��stock�� 626Hp turbocharged V8 which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission. According to Mercedes, the Roadster sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in just 3,8 sec while it reaches a maximum speed of 332km/h (206mph) which identical to the Coupe��s performance figures -3,8 sec & 334 km/h (207mph) respectively.

Press Release

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster: An open-air adventure for all the senses

Stuttgart, May 04, 2007

Mercedes-Benz will in future also market its SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster with a top. In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it, too, will be made of carbon fibre, a material that will endow the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coup�� version. This gives rise, in combination with the racing-type chassis, to outstanding ride characteristics.

The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h, therefore at the same high level as the coup��. Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle’s suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.

Like the coup�� version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR leg-end of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.

The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.

The puristic top is suitable for high speeds

The exceptional qualities of the Roadster are attributable also to the fully retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the SLR McLaren. Its newly developed roof material, which is available in three different colours, not only guarantees complete suitability for everyday use in all weathers, but also endows the high-performance sports car with characteristics that are exception-ally unusual in a roadster. For example, at 332 km/h, the maximum speed is at the high level of the coup�� version. Conversation is still possible at well over 200 km/h on open-air journeys thanks to the favourable aeroacoustics.

The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, thereby combining the desire for convenience with the puristic character of the roadster. To open, the roof merely needs to be unlocked from the windscreen frame and be briefly raised, after which it folds away electrically. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when re-tracted.

Sophisticated aerodynamics and racing-type chassis

In the wind tunnel, the Roadster has been optimised for high speeds with regard to handling, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. It likewise employs the aerodynamic concept already known from the coup�� version, featuring an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffusor in the rear bumper to provide increased downforce on the rear axle.

The open two-seater is equipped with a racing-type chassis featuring high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs, thereby setting extremely high stan-dards. Its front-mid-engine provides for optimum weight distribution. With 460 kW/626 hp and a maximum torque of 780 Nm, the AMG V8 compressor engine, which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, accelerates the Roadster from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Unique safety and exclusive fittings

A high degree of safety is ensured by unique carbon-fibre crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. The comprehensive specification also features adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

The exclusive standard equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, like the coup��, is produced at McLaren’s Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, in accordance with stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria and will be available as from September 2007.

Mercedes S-Class Tuning: ASMA Design Eagle II Sport Edition

carsteam — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:12:36 +0000

What; an ASMA without a Darth Vader grille? Oh come on, that��s so, so disappointing. I guess ASMA��s latest Mercedes S-Class bodykit is addressed towards a more subtlety-bad-tasted crowd. But there��s no need to worry as all who which to make a fashion/taste statement through their ride ASMA is still offering the S-Class pacage. -

Press Release: ASMA Design Eagle II Sport Edition

The new Project becomes through our amazing performance kit a never seen experience on the roads of Germany. This amazing model is crowned with the name ��Eagle II��. The powerful wings of an eagle which are symbolized by the typical ASMA Design Air Intakes in the front fenders of the car, the perfect body kit with the typical ASMA Design elements and the bi-colour painting are creating this dominating presence.

Promises are promises and we keep our promises because we put another accent on the rear which makes you scared like the dominating front and the exhaust system.

Its body control is just stunning, its combination of comfort and structural integrity masterful. The ASMA Design wheels on the front axle in 9,5 x 21 inch and on the back axle in 11 x 21 are completing the excellent design of the car. The wheels are on the front axle vast 255/30/21 and on the back axle 295/25/21.

2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Scooped

carsteam — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:10:52 +0000

Unlike other rumours and renderings we��ve been seen lately, the C63 AMG is really coming to a Mercedes outlet near you either this fall or early 2008. AutoMotorundSport not only managed to scoop the top-end C-Class performing test runs in Germany but they also came up with a rendering giving us a preview of the car. While the previous gen C55 AMG wore a 5.4 V8 pumping out 367Hp, the 2009 C63 AMG will take advantage of the 6,2-litre V8 engine that��s fitted in the CLK63 AMG, E63 AMG, CLS63AMG etc. With the help of a compressor, the V8 will deliver around 500Hp, thus making the C63 AMG the most powerful kid on the German block, out-powering both the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. We don��t know if that��ll be enough to give its two German rivals a lesson, but it��ll sure give the C63 AMG a place in the spotlight when it��s unveiled.

Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe & Cabriolet Sport Edition

carsteam — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:57:49 +0000

Yep, it��s another ��sport edition�� and guess what? Don��t be shocked but, it gets an AMG bodykit with front and rear aprons, side skirts, 18-inch alloy wheels (front 225/40 R 18, rear 255/35 R18) and a sport exhaust tailpipe on the outside and black upholstery, sport pedals and velour floor mats with silver-colored edging in the inside! Totally insane isn��t? Before we let you check out the image gallery and the press-release, let us inform you that the ��Sport Edition�� package in only available for AVANTGARDE variants of the CLK models and it costs 3.332 Euro / 4.533 USD.
Press Release: Mercedes-Benz CLK Sport Edition: Exclusive Coup��s and Cabriolets now even more dynamic and attractive

Stuttgart, Apr 19, 2007

With its sporty appearance and sumptuous level of appointments, the immediately available Sport Edition is a new highlight among the Coup��s and Cabriolets of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. 18-inch light-alloy wheels in an exclusive design, AMG styling features in the exterior and bi-xenon headlamps as standard give this special model a particularly distinctive appearance. The sporty, exclusive atmosphere of the interior is especially characterised by the grippy AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, aluminium-look sports pedals and special velour floor mats.

The letter combination CLK has denoted excitement and driving pleasure for many years. The new “Sport Edition” special model now makes the Coup��s and Cabriolets of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class even more desirable. Both externally and in the interior, the Sport Edition further upgrades the CLK models and makes them even more attractive and dynamic.

The exciting design of the CLK-Class is accentuated by muscular AMG styling features for an even more dynamic appearance. These include a front apron with more pronounced contours, as well as the rear apron and side skirts which typify AMG models. Large, 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a new, six twin-spoke design (front 225/40 R 18, rear 255/35 R18) further enhance the sporty appearance and contribute to driving pleasure. The same applies to the perforated front brake discs. The brake callipers of Sport Edition models bear the lettering “Mercedes-Benz”.

The special CLK Sport Edition models are equipped with bi-xenon headlamps including dynamic beam control, cornering lights with an integral foglamp function and a headlamp washer system as standard. The Active Light System is also available as optional equipment. A large, chrome-plated exhaust tailpipe and a special rear silencer provide a sonorous, sporty exhaust note.

Sporty, masculine features

The new Sport Edition is based on the already sporty configuration of the luxurious AVANTGARDE design and equipment line. In models equipped with an automatic transmission, an AMG sports steering wheel with upper sections of perforated leather and steering wheel shift paddles ensures an even more sporty touch. Depending on the engine variant, a further technical highlight is available in the form of the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the world��s only car transmission of this kind. Its seven gears can be shifted either automatically, via a manual shift programme or by means of steering wheel shift paddles as in the motor racing world. Moreover, 7G-TRONIC Sport reduces gearshift times by up to 30 percent.

The sporty atmosphere of the interior is accentuated by black upholstery in a combination of high-quality ARTICO man-made leather and fabric. A black leather interior is also available on request. Other sporty touches include a sports pedal cluster with an aluminium look and non-slip studs, as well as velour floor mats with silver-coloured edging.

The special models of the Mercedes-Benz CLK Sport Edition are available as Coup��s and Cabriolets, with a choice of six powerful engine variants which are among the most economical in their class.

This attractive enhancement package provides a further individualisation option, and is only available for AVANTGARDE variants of the CLK models. The cost of this sporty equipment package is 3 332 Euro (incl. VAT).

Frustrated customer drives a Mercedes S500 into Cell Phone Office!

carsteam — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:55:37 +0000

Don��t get any weird ideas now; there��re other ways you can resolve your problems ��theoretically speaking of course�� According to Chosun, the 47-year-old from Seoul named Kim was quite pissed with his cell-phone carrier, SK for not fixing his Samsung-phone. After ��16 phone-calls and two visits to the company��s headquarters he decided to try his luck once again by visiting the SK offices. Kim parked the Mercedes S500 (which by the way was registered under the name of a friend), right in front of SK��s building and put signs on the windshields that said “Delinquent SK”. But before he managed to go in the building the security guard caught up with him and asked him to move the car. And that��s exactly what Kim did; he moved the car into the building!