V8 engine has ever been evolving throughout our lives. Mostly we see it increases in power and torque but as always decreases in fuel efficiency. Can we get a powerful v8 engine but with exceptional fuel efficiency. Probably we can with the new engine from Mercedes AMG. It's a naturally aspirated(Na) 5.5 liter V8 engine found in the new SLK 55 AMG. The engine is based on the twin turbo 5.5liter v8 (M157) but comes with a bespoke cylinder heads, new air intakes and new crankcase. It is also featured with AMG cylinder Management which deactivates four cylinders when traveling at a cruising pace.
On paper, the engine cranks out 416hp and 540Nm of torque. It can drive the SLK 55 from 0-60mph in 4.5seconds and reaches a topspeed of 155mph. Fuel efficiency an average 8.4 l/100km (28 mpg US / 33.6 mpg UK)
Here are some of the new concept cars revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show:
1. Jaguar C-X16
Jaguar Opens Frankfurt Motor Show With The C-X16 Concept Car
Excitement on the eve of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show gained momentum as the Jaguar C-X16 production concept car made its public debut at the Palais Thurn und Taxis, Frankfurt.
Jaguar C-X16
Tracing the Jaguar sporting lineage through the years, 50 stunning heritage vehicles drove through the city of Frankfurt including XK120's, C types, D types and E-types. Starting at the Villa Kennedy in the early afternoon, the convoy passed key locations in Frankfurt and finished at the Palais Thurn und Taxis at 16:00 where Jaguar's vision of future sports cars made its debut to the world's media.
Driving a D-type, Frank Klaas, Global Head of Communications for Jaguar Land Rover commented "What better way to start the motor show than by driving such a selection of beautiful sporting vehicles through Frankfurt, culminating with the global debut of the future of Jaguar sports cars - the C-X16."
The C-X16 is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 375 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The engine is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission which has an integrated electric motor that contributes an additional boost of 95 PS 94 hp and 235 Nm of torque. The C-X16 is capable of rocketing from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 300km/h.
[Source: Jaguar Press Release]
2. Volkswagen Beetle R concept
VW Beetle R Concept
The Beetle as sports car:World debut of the design study Beetle R Concept
Beetle R Concept has customised front and rear sections and 20-inch wheels
Sport seat system of Beetle R Concept is upholstered in luxurious Nappa leather
At Volkswagen, the letter "R" as an added identifier promises top-notch performance. Currently, this claim is being validated with turbo pressure by the Golf R (199 kW / 270 PS) and Scirocco R (195 kW / 265 PS). In a world debut at the IAA, Volkswagen is now showing a third variation of this sporty theme: the Beetle R Concept. It is based on the 21st Century Beetle. Like the Golf R and Scirocco R, the R version of the Beetle was also created at Volkswagen subsidiary Volkswagen R GmbH located near to Wolfsburg. The Beetle R Concept is still a design study. Those who are familiar with the Beetle 2.0 TSI (147 kW / 200 PS) know the dynamic potential of this new car. As an "R", the Beetle could demonstrate a performance potential similar to that of the Golf R and Scirocco R.
Exterior with 20-inch wheels
Visually, the Beetle R Concept, painted in "Serious Grey", offers a glimpse of what a production version might look like. Outside, the concept is equipped with 20-inch "Talladega" alloy wheels - the same design used on the Golf R and Scirocco R. However, 18- and 19-inch wheels are mounted on those cars. Easy to spot on the Beetle's wheels, which feature 5 triple spokes, are the blue brake callipers in R design. Newly sculpted bumpers are wider
Designers completely redesigned the front and rear bumpers that were widened by 30 mm. In front, the bumper module practically consists of 3 air intakes, which are styled in contrasting "Black High Gloss". The middle air intake supplies the engine with oxygen, while the outer two contribute to cooling the brakes. The front spoiler, also painted in "Black High Gloss", is designed as a flat splitter (with a chrome strip); splitters of this kind are typically used in motorsport. To maintain temperature regulation of the engine within an optimal range, even under extreme conditions, ventilation slots are found on the right and left sides of the engine bonnet.
The rear bumper also has air slots - air exhaust vents - that are integrated in the aerodynamic concept of the Beetle R Concept. There is also a diffuser that is integrated in the lower bumper area. Together with the rear spoiler - which is significantly larger than the production models with up to 200 PS in power - and its black trailing edge, ideal downforce values are attained at the rear axle. A visual and acoustic highlight is the exhaust system with its 2 sets of dual chrome tailpipes.
On each side, the bumpers transition into the free-standing wings; they were also widened: 15 mm per side. The side sills are styled in "Black High Gloss"; a high-end chrome trim strip is incorporated here. Also painted in "Black High Gloss" are the roof, the upper part of the bootlid connecting to it, the door mirror housings and door handles.
[Source: VW Press Release]
4. Ford Evos Concept
Ford Evos Concept Car
Ford's new design direction The Ford Evos Concept was specifically developed to introduce the new Ford design direction. Key design elements will be applied to forthcoming Ford vehicles.
The new global design DNA provides the company's worldwide design teams with a common framework to guide the creation of new products, enabling them to shape a coherent family of distinctive vehicles sharing the same fundamental design character.
"We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading - shaping vehicles that are fun to drive, have a strong premium visual appeal, and above all, are stunningly beautiful," said J Mays, group vice president, Design and chief creative officer.
"Our exciting new design DNA has been developed and refined by an intensive effort by all of our talented global design team," said Mays. "As a team, we wanted to create a more technical design vocabulary to help communicate the smart technology that is now core to the Ford brand. In addition, we worked particularly hard on meeting the high-expectations of a new generation of buyers - a group of consumers who have grown up surrounded by beautiful, premium design work on even the most affordable products."
Dramatic fastback design with unique proportions To provide a fitting vehicle to introduce the new design language, the Ford Evos Concept was conceived as a dramatic fastback concept, combining a striking new profile with innovative proportions. Attention-grabbing lines conceal a unique new format, with a four-door, four-seat layout which combines dynamic appearance with surprising practicality.
"This is an exciting new interpretation of the fastback bodystyle, with a really innovative silhouette as well as dramatic and very modern proportions," Mays said.
With the length of a typical C-car, but with width of a CD-car, the Ford Evos Concept has a powerful, sporting stance. The forward position of the cowl, the strongly rounded front screen and the A-pillars set further to the rear enabled the designers to create the impression of a classic GT car, but with a very contemporary feel.
The concept's spectacular hinged gullwing-style doors, both front and rear, provide outstanding access to the spacious four-seat cabin.
The concept car measures 4.50m (177in) long, 1.97m (77in) wide and 1.36m (53in) high, with a wheelbase of 2.74m (108in).
[Source: Ford Press Release, Video by Marchettino]
4. Peugeot HX1 Concept
Peugeot HX1 Concept MPV
This is Peugeot's HX1 Concept MPV. The design of the car itself is a work of art. This is probably one of the most hottest MPV, we have ever seen. Unfortunately like any other concept cars, only few bits of pieces of the actual design make it through to the production.
The HX1 fitted with Peugeot's new HYbrid4 technology. It is an all-wheel drive diesel-electric comprises of a 2.2 liter HDi unit with 204 PS to power the front-axle while a 95 PS electric motor drives the rear wheels.
The plug-in hybrid HX1 has a range of up to 30 km in all-electric mode with a fuel-economy rating of 3.2 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions of 83 g/km.
Just recently at the 2011 Targa Newfoundland rally, a 850horsepower Ferrari Enzo went out of control and ended up diving into the Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately no one was hurt except the car of course. The Enzo was driven by Zahir Rana (owner of ZR Auto exotic car dealership).
A1 a premium compact car from Audi coming this year
Audi sales volume up 17 percent in August
About 94,100 cars delivered worldwide
Up 20.2 percent in Germany thanks to growing list of corporate customers
Audi A1 for Brunei end of this year
Growing demand in the world’s biggest sales markets have presented AUDI AG with yet another record month. The company delivered 94,100 cars in August, around 17 percent more than during the same month last year. The brand with the four rings confirmed its leading position in China with 28,068 cars sold, up 25.5 percent; in the United States, Audi continued its double-digit growth with an increase of 11.1 percent. Sales figures rose in Europe by another 13.7 percent – thanks in part to strong growth in the German market.
Audi sold 18,506 cars last month in the company’s home market, up 20.2 percent. Aside from the sustained popularity of Audi’s SUVs – the Audi Q5 and the Q7 – the significant gains for the Audi A4 Avant show that it is attracting large corporate customers. Sales of Germany’s top-selling model rose in August by 14.4 percent compared to the same month last year, to around 3,800 units.
In Europe Audi sold a total of around 44,200 cars, up 13.7 percent compared to the same month last year. Overall sales, at round 484,800 units, were 12.8 percent above the same period last year. In the United Kingdom, the third-largest export market for Audi, sales figures in August rose by 24.8 percent to 3,613 cars; total sales were 12.5 percent higher than in the same period of 2010. Sales declined in Spain and Italy; in contrast, Audi doubled its sales figures in Belgium in August to 2,777 units (+107%), and Audi achieved increased sales figures in Austria (1,268; +6%) and the Netherlands (1,289; +37%) as well. The significant growth in almost all Eastern European countries was led by further increases in demand in Russia – Audi sold 2,010 cars here, an increase of 35.9 percent compared to August 2010.
In China (incl. Hong Kong), Audi concluded the month of August with sales of 28,068 cars, an increase of 25.5 percent. From January to August, Audi sold 196,534 cars here, an increase of 28.6 percent compared to the same period in 2010.
In the United States the delivery figures for Audi of America grew by 11.1 percent: 10,201 customers chose an Audi brand car; for the year to date, this amounted to 75,256 customers, 15 percent more than in the same period of 2010.
Meanwhile the local Audi dealer/importer will soon introduce the Audi A1 for the premium compact vehicle segment with six different packages to suit the customer who has an appreciation for customization options. Featuring the 1.4 TFSI engine with 90kW output and 200Nm of torque the award winning A1 will also be introduced with the 7-speed S tronic transmission, for more information on the A1 call the Lambak showroom on 2390725.
The All new Hyundai Elantra now available in Brunei from Setia Motors Sdn Bhd
The All-New Elantra 2011
Born to lead, never to follow The 5th Generation Elantra, Showing the new way Sharpened to perfection, the latest Elantra compact sedan is everything and more you would expect from Hyundai, the most-talked about car company today. In a world of lookalike sedans, Elantra’s bold but elegant design sets it miles apart. And to keep you ahead of the pack, Elantra comes with a new engine and gearbox whose silk-smooth power delivery is as impressive as its fuel economy. The beautifully-appointed cabin offers many more reasons why the new Elantra should be at the very top of your list.
Style • Born under the Hyundai Company’s design philosophy of Fluidic Sculpture, ELANTRA embodies the concept of Wind Craft which comes motif from the natural phenomenon of wind blowing, producing a Sleek and Sophisticated styling. • The sharp character line that flows along the hood stretches all the way to the grill and the bumper, enhancing the sleek, strong, and durable look of the exterior. • The front fog lamps are neatly recessed and mounted low for optimal optical performance in foggy conditions - very sporty and elegant. • The entire interior of ELANTRA including the driver’s seat fuses the modern and posh feel of a high-tech design with a comfortable, convenient and elegant design. • Elantra boasts an elegant and unique interior design with its sophisticated, high-tech Centre Fascia and Supervision cluster as well as the luxurious High-Gloss Black Finish.
Performance • Major engineering improvements went into Elantra’s all-new family of engines and transmissions. Equally as refined and sophisticated as Elantra’s head-turning styling, these powerplants are made of lightweight aluminium and incorporate exotic new technologies such as CVVT (Continuosly Variable Valve Timing) to reduce fuel consumption and emmisions to an absolute minimum while increasing power output for quicker acceleration. By squeezing the maximum amount of energy from each drop of fuel, these engines deliver class-leading fuel economy and lower operating costs, provide another enticing reason to drive Elantra. • New Engine - Nu 1.8 MPI Dual CVVT Hyundai’s stated goal is to become the world leader in fuel efficiency and these engines prove it. The aluminium 1.8L Nu engine is capable of a maximum 150ps while its peaktorque rating of 18.2 kg•m is reached at 4,700rpm. • The adoption of a 3-point design for the insulator improves ride quality and the 6-point reinforcement of cross member improves stability and handling characteristics. CTBA type rear suspension with a blushing diameter that has been widened to 6mm thereby provides a smooth riding experience doubled with exceptional safety. • Elantra’s aerodynamic design minimizes air resistance thereby improving fuel efficiency. Design features work to minimize air resistance making Elantra one of the most fuel efficient cars around.
Safety • The Elantra is designed to effectively disperse and absorb the shock from front and side impacts as well as low-speed impacts. • The Electronic Stability System or ESP is a safety mechanism that senses the vehicle’s speed and vibration, and controls the engine and brake accordingly. • VSM – Vehicle Stability Management that senses the vehicle’s speed, vibration and even steering to adjust the engine and brakes
Convenience • Button start with smart key: Easy to start and stop engine • The auto control switch providing an audio menu and volume control, permitting the driver to effortlessly turn on and adjust the music while driving without taking the hands off the steering wheel. This feature is not only convenient but also safe. • Completely automatic and equipped with a fantastic touch system, the outside mirror with LED Side repeaters offer outstanding visibility, increasing not only the safety of the passengers but style at the same time. • The driver side power seat is designed to move in 10 ways for the comfort and convenience of the driver. • The foldable keyless entry allows the remote opening and locking of the car including the trunk. The foldable key makes it easier and more convenient to carry around. • Elantra supports the playback of CD, MP3, and other multimedia files. It is possible to connect USB and AUX device and iPod as well. Not only that, with the Steering Wheel Audio Remote Control, it is easy to adjust the volume and make a music selection while driving. • Parking Guidance System: when the car is in reverse, the sensor beeps whenever any obstacle.
The new Hyundai is available at Setia Motors Sdn Bhd Showroom in Beribi
