Opel Insignia: Sculptural artistry meets German precision

With the Insignia, we have redefined our design vocabulary. The Insignia is athletic and powerful, yet very elegant. It has movement; surfaces flow harmoniously, with crisp intersecting lines that define the dynamic form, so that you never tire of looking at it. Our aim was to develop a confident look which reinforced the car’s superb driving dynamics but also one that made it clear that this was a beautiful vehicle with premium appeal.

Mark Adams, Vice President of Design for GM Europe

The Exterior Design

The overall goal for the design team was to create a simply beautiful car that would herald the next generation for Opel. The exterior’s hallmark is its flowing graceful silhouette. The body’s sculpted shape is accented by sweeping front and rear light designs and enhanced by a bold radiator grille. A distinctive “blade” feature runs through the body side from behind the front wheel, further emphasizing its taut and rakish lines.

The Interior Design

The same design cues are expressed inside the car as well. On opening the doors, the first impression is of the bold wrap around interior. This is dominated by the signature “wing” theme that flows from the front of the instrument panel and dives into the door panels in a downward dynamic curve. The bold surfaces from the exteriors “blade” feature are echoed in the shape of the interior door grab handle, where the bright accent material sweeps dramatically into the door armrest. This sweeping accent is repeated in chrome shapes on the steering wheel and at the front of the center console. All of the materials work together, to create a harmonious, classy feel to the interior. The overall interior has taken a light, spacious approach that is both sporty and welcoming.

Opel Astra OPC Nirbungring Edition

Russelsheim. Opel unveils the Astra OPC “Nirburgring Edition”, a limited special edition version of the successful three-door model. The “Nirburgring Edition” emphasizes the connection between the racetrack steeped in tradition and the Opel brand. The Nirburgring, and in particular the legendary Nordschleife, are rightfully known as Opel territory, as this is where Opel production cars are extensively tested during their development stage. Manuel Reuter first highlighted the OPC models’ performance power in 2005, when he set a circuit record with the Astra OPC in this vehicle class. With the special Astra OPC “Nirburgring Edition”, Opel now raises the connection to the Nordschleife to a new level.

The “Nirburgring Edition” is particularly eye-catching thanks to the sporty white lacquer, large rear spoiler, as well as exterior mirrors and B-pillars in carbon look. The racing circuit’s red signet also adorns the B-pillars. The second-generation IDS^Plus2 chassis is familiar from the Vectra and Zafira OPC models and ensures even greater driving dynamics in the Astra OPC “Nirburgring Edition”. Weight optimized white rims, a two-millimeter wider track and ultra high performance tires complete the high-performance package. The interior features special full leather trim, carbon-look decor and a badge on the glove compartment with engraved serial number. An image of the race track is also engraved in the head rests. The special edition’s 177 kW/240 hp 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine takes it from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and to a top speed of 244 km/h. The front-wheel drive model comes with a sportily tuned six-speed manual transmission.

“The special edition model is a tribute to the Nirburgring and our customers, who have made the Astra OPC the best-selling OPC model of the current generation,” says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Adam Opel GmbH. The special edition Astra OPC “Nirburgring Edition” goes on sale in the first quarter of 2008

New Opel Agila

Opel is introducing their new Agila model. Official presentation will be at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007) and market premiere will be in spring 2008.

Outline of new Opel Agila would be:

• Design: Five doors, seating for five adults

• Functional: Versatile thanks to practical details

• Styling: Balanced proportions, distinctive lines

• Powertrain: Two gasoline engines, one turbo-diesel, automatic transmission

Overview of new Agila dimensions:

Length - 3740 mm

Width - 1680 mm

Height - 1590 mm

Wheelbase - 2350 mm

Track front/rear - 1470 / 1480 mm

Turning clearance - 9.6 m

Tiguan HyMotion Fuel Cell Concept

Tiguan HyMotion highlights the current state of Volkswagen’s hydrogen fuel cell research and development. The Tiguan HyMotion features a

hydrogen fuel cell system, which provides over 107 horsepower and produces zero tailpipe emissions (clean water vapor is its only bi-product). The innovative new Tiguan builds upon Volkswagen’s ongoing development of the fuel cell as previously demonstrated with the Touran HyMotion.

The Tiguan HyMotion concept features a fuel cell system integrated in the engine compartment capable of 107 horsepower. With an assist from the electric motor, the Tiguan HyMotion advances to 134 horsepower. The top speed of the Tiguan HyMotion is 93 mph and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 14 seconds.

A lithium ion battery with a charge capacity of 6.8 Ampere-hours (Ah) serves as an auxiliary energy storage device with a maximum power output of 22 kW. The battery is charged by recovered braking energy (recuperation) or by the fuel cell. This increased functionality and efficiency does not impair the interior space of the vehicle. The battery system is installed in the trunk beneath the dual cargo floor available on the production Tiguan. The 700 bar hydrogen tank was integrated in the area beneath the floor in the rear bench seat and cargo area. It can hold up to 3.2 kilograms of hydrogen (H2).

The new BMW 7 Series

The launch of the fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets a new benchmark in automotive luxury, technical innovation and class-leading driving dynamics, combined with emissions reducing and fuel saving technology.

The flagship of the BMW model range debuts in November with a host of world firsts and will initially be offered with a choice of three powerplants, one diesel and two petrol engines. The two petrol-powered cars will be offered with a long-wheelbase body too. All three engines produce more power yet use less fuel and produce less emissions than the models they replace.

Model	Power (Hp)	Torque (Nm)	0-62mph (sec)	Top Speed (Mph)	Combined (Mpg)	CO2 Emissions (g/km)
BMW 730d	245	540	7.2	153	39.2	192
BMW 740i	326	450	5.9	155*	28.5	232
BMW 740Li	326	450	6.0	155*	28.2	235
BMW 750i	407	600	5.2	155*	24.8	266
BMW 750Li	407	600	5.3	155*	24.8	266

* Electronically-limited.

The BMW 730d sets a new benchmark in terms of drivetrain performance. The new all-aluminium 3.0-litre straight-six cylinder diesel engine produces 245hp at 4,000rpm. Its effortless real world driving smoothness comes courtesy of a peak torque figure of 540Nm attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm.

The 2,993cc powerplant posts the lowest ever CO2 figure of any previous BMW 7 Series and it is also the most economical 7 Series ever. Its 192g/km emission figure is class-leading for conventionally powered luxury cars, while no other competitor comes close to its 39.2mpg combined consumption figure. It can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a 153mph top speed.

The Bold And Beautiful : Chrysler ME 412

This car was introduced at Detroit Auto Show in 2004. Chrysler ME 412 has a bold design and equipped with 12 cylinder engine. This sport car also has carbon fiber and aluminum body and chassis which make this car more bold and beautiful..

Specifications :

General :

Engine Location : Mid
Body / Chassis : Carbon Fibre & Aluminum
Weight : 2880 lbs | 1306.4 kg
Combined MPG : 0.00

Performance :

0-60 mph : 2.9 s
¼ Mile : 10.6 ONDS AT 142.0 MPH seconds.
Top Speed : 248 mph | 399 km/h

Engine :
Engine Configuration : V
Cylinders : 12
Aspiration/Induction : Quad Turbo
Displacement : 6.00 L | 366.1 cu in. | 6000.4 cc.
Horsepower : 850.00 BHP (625.6 KW) @ 5750.00 RPM
Torque : 850.00 Ft-Lbs (1152.6 NM) @ 2500.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio : 3.4 LB / HP
HP / Liter : 141.7 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio : 9.0:1
Transmission : Manual
Gears : 7
Standard Payload : 0.00
Seating Capacity : 2

Dimensions :

Length : 178.801 in | 4541.5 mm.
Width : 78.701 in | 1999 mm.
Height : 44.901 in | 1140.5 mm.

Brakes :

Front Brake Size : 15.001 in | 381 mm.
Rear Brake Size : 15.001 in | 381 mm.

Tires / Wheels :

Front : 265/35ZR19
Rear : 335/30ZR20

The Sexy Design of Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

This car was first introduced at the 2003 Frankfurt Motorshow. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione has a georgeus and sexy body which was designed by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile. The interior has elegant sporting design and punctuated with the Alfa logo stitched into the rich leather. The cockpit elements was fit and work together beautifully.

General specifications :

Country of origin : Italy
Numbers built : N/A Prototype
Produced in : 2003

Engine :

Configuration : 90º V 8
Location : Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction : alloy (block), head (block)
Dispalcement : 4.244 liter / 259 cu in
Bore / Stroke : 92.0 mm (3.6 in) / 79.8 mm (3.1 in)
Valvetrain : 4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed : Fuel Injection
Aspiration : Supercharger

Drivetrain :

Chassis / Body : Carbon Fibre Monocoque
Suspension (fr/r) : dual wishbone
Steering : rack and pinion, power assisted
Brakes : vented discs, all round
Gearbox : 6 speed (Manual)
Drive : Rear Wheel Drive

Dimensions :

Weight : 1500 kilo / 3306.9 lbs
Length : 4278 mm (168,4 in)
Width : 1900 mm (74,8 in)
Height : 1250 mm (49,2 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r) : 2595 mm (102.2 in) / 1610 mm (63.4 in) / 1580 mm (62.2 in)

Performance :

Power : 400 bhp / 298 KW @ 7000 rpm
Torque : 441 Nm / 325 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
BHP / Liter : 94 bhp / liter
Power to Weight : 0.27 bhp / kg
Top Speed : 300 km/h / 186 mph
0-60 mph : 4.4 s

Porsche RS Spyder LMP2 Race Car

The Porsche RS Spyder was designed and built specifically to compete in the the 24 Hours of Le Mans, American Le Mans and Le Mans racing series, where it falls under the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class. Sponsored teams include the Penske Racing Porsche RS Spyder, and the Porsche race car continues to notch up wins, both class wins and overall wins, in endurance racing series around the world. As per LMP2 regulations, the Porsche RS Spyder has an engine displacement of just under 3.4 Liters, and runs on 10 percent bioethanol fuel.

The German-sourced race car has had great success in the American Le Mans racing series, taking home more wins in the LMP2 class in recent years than any other competitor. According to official American Le Mans racing series documentation, Porsche is the only manufacturer with an entry in the series which can claim that their Porsche RS Spyder Le Mans cars are built on the same assembly line as the Porsche German sports cars offered to the buying public.

Far from being just about bragging rights and drumming up interest, the Le Mans endurance racing series the Porsche RS Spyder competes in are about testing new technologies which hope to trickle down into Porsche, and other competitors' parent companies, consumer model lines.

Because the LMP2 Porsche Spyder competes in the prototype class, rather than the GT classes, Porsche is not required to produce RS Spyder-spec cars for road use, as is the case with BMW's M3 GT2 endurance racing cars or Porsche's own 911 GT3 Cup Car, for example. Still, prototype endurance racing is an exciting sport, which gives automakers a chance to try out their newest technologies on the world stage.

Jaguar XKR-S: Car Review

Quick quiz time- What's the fastest Jaguar ever, not counting the XJ220? Answer: you're looking at it. This new XKR-S has been de-restricted, so the standard XK-R's limited top speed of 155mph does not apply. Good.

This baby will run all the way to 174mph, which seems a lot more Jaguarish to me than a computerised restrictor. Here's a thought - remove the restrictors from all Jaguars. Just a thought.

Few owners will ever hit this car's maximum, but it's nice to know it's there. And the S is an improvement over the standard car in many other ways, all of which add up to a full and proper justification for the extra £9,000 on the list price.

Not least of the improvements is the superb body kit. This is instantly recognisable as the ultimate Jaguar XK, and a good many buyers will wear the extra cost for that reason alone. Lower front, side and rear skirts are subtle yet still striking, and work beautifully on the XK's fundamentally gorgeous shape - to such an extent that a couple of people asked me what the car was.

The rear diffuser combined with the larger rear wing really transforms this car's back end - the haunches look a lot more muscular and the bespoke wheels are absolutely perfect. Once again, this is a Jag that cocks a finger in the direction of Aston Martin, and I don't think there's an Aston to touch it, really.

Then there's the suspension upgrades. Jaguar's chassis gurus are surely the greatest in the business this side of Lotus. They've done some of their best work with the XKR-S, which is significantly harder all round for better response through corners, yet somehow maintains its cosseting ride.

If there's any GT car in the world with a better ride and handling compromise than this XKR-S, I haven't driven it.

The engine remains the same - a 4.2-litre supercharged V8 with 420bhp and 413lb ft - and so does the transmission, the six-speed auto by ZF - and I guess these are the only two areas that need updating. New, more efficient engines are on the way later this year, but there isn't a lot wrong with the drivetrain now. I'd like to see more controllability built into the auto 'box, though, like in the XF - it's an improvement Jaguar should make straightaway.

That's nit-picking, though. The way this car goes, stops and steers makes it the best Jaguar on sale, and probably the best GT too.

2009 BMW 7-Series: High Res Images & Official Details

Finally got a hold of high resolution images of the new BMW 7-Series and the initial technical details on the Bavarian carmaker’s flagship saloon. From a design standpoint there are few things worth mentioning: the absence of the horrid Bungle booty; the transmission selector has been transferred from the steering column to the center console; the high waistline and the return of both the driver orientated centre console and the classic instrument cluster with four circular instruments, all of which are more than welcome.

Overall, and despite being a tad larger in both height and length than its predecessor, the new 7-Series hides its size well enough and if anything else, the styling is no where near as controversial as the previous 7-Series.

Technically speaking, as one would anticipate, the new 7-Series boasts an array of features and systems, including Active Blind Spot Detection, Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection, Side View and Back-up Cameras, Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability and a new Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW’s front Active Steering system.

In terms of power, unfortunately the North American press release refers only to the 750i which is equipped with the recently introduced in the X6, 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 delivering 400 hp and 450lbs-ft of torque. That’s compared to the outgoing 750i’s naturally aspirated 360hp 4.8-liter V8 engine. The twin turbocharged V8 is matted to revised 6-speed automatic transmission. According to BMW, the 750i can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds – not bad for a limo…

We could go on and on about the 7-Series, but we gather it’s better to let those interested to check out the full press release after the image gallery. However we would like to comment on something. BMW says that it now delivers the owner’s manual electronically, via the revised iDrive. According to the Bavarian carmaker’s own words “in just seconds, the user can access information on virtually any detail of the vehicle’s equipment, systems, operation, etc…like a traditional owner’s manual, only better”.

If there was one thing that we could rely on getting us out of trouble with the iDrive, that was the manual….

The 2009 7-Series will make its global debut at the Paris Show in October with the North American premiere following in November at the Los Angeles International Autoshow. U.S. sales are expected to begin by spring 2009.

BMW Creates a Two-Wheel Drive Off-Road Bike

A rider needs to be just a bit off their rocker to have any chance of winning a European hill climbing event, but some really effective machinery can make the task slightly easier. With that in mind, BMW, long considered to be a rather staid and proper bike manufacturer, has gone off the deep end by creating a two-wheel drive off-road hill climbing machine. Powered by slightly modified version of the parallel twin engine used in the German marque's F800 and new GS machines, the liquid cooled mill should offer nearly one-hundred horsepower to both wheels. Getting that power to the ground in front is what appears to be a hydraulic pump and motor system mounted to the beefy front forks. Spinning forces originate from a dual sprocket with chains leading to the rear axle and up into the bodywork.

With dedicated racing machinery like this and the new 450cc four-stroke dirt bike project, BMW is most definitely leaving its mild roots behind. Unfortunately, no production plans are currently in the works for the impressive hill climbing bike, though we look forward to seeing what else comes from the fertile minds at BMW Motorrad.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart: One Less Reason to Look at the WRX

Filling a performance hole left between the ho-hum 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer and the scorching 2009 Lancer Evolution, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart offers desirable specs in the performance department at a price that fills the sweet spot in Mitsubishi’s lineup and poses the AWD small sports sedan as a direct competitor to the new 2009 Subaru WRX.

The Lancer Ralliart’s engine has quite a pedigree, being the same basic 2.0 liter block and head used in the Lancer Evolution, though detuned, with less boost, for application in the Ralliart. An interesting inclusion at this price point is Mitsubishi’s TC-SST transmission, a paddle shifted, dual clutch sequential manual.

The styling is more Lancer Evolution than Lancer throwaway econobox, and manages to maintain the snarling look of the Evo while staying subdued enough to appeal to compact sports car fans who may be turned off by oversize hood scoops and picnic table rear spoilers.

This is not to say that the Lancer Ralliart is conservative in any way. Think of it as the Lancer Evolution on a diet: plenty of performance, chiseled and eye-catching design, and a price and driving dynamics that anyone can appreciate.

Engine
Power bhp: 237

Torque lb-ft: 253
Type: Turbocharged Inline 4 Cylinder

Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.5 Seconds
Fuel Consumption : 17 city /25 highway mpg

IMSA Lamborghini Gallardo LP560

Lamborghini and Audi tuning specialist IMSA has launched a new sport package for the recently facelifted Gallardo LP 560. The German firm’s Spartan press release states that the package includes a new set of lightweight alloys (without mentioning the diameter) and a sport suspension set up, than can be combined with a carbon fiber rear-wing spoiler and a new sport exhaust system that not only coddles the driver with acoustic delights but it also increases the Gallardo LP560 V10’s output to 584Hp (+24Hp).

European hunting season cancelled: Cadillac CTS-V not crossing Atlantic

Cadillac's wicked new CTS-V may have the likes of the BMW M5 in its sights, but it appears that it won't be hunting down the best that Munich, Stuttgart and Ingolstadt have to offer on their Autobahn home turf. According to Top Gear, Caddy's U.S. minders don't think the V's blown V8 is good for Europe, so the car apparently won't be making the boat trip across the Atlantic. Unfortunate, as it would have been interesting to see how America's ultimate muscle sedan would have fared when euro journos pitted it against all the hometown favorites. Sure, we'll see comparos done Stateside, but it would have been fun to see Cadillac put on the "away" jersey to try and add some luster to that long-tarnished "Standard of the World" mantle against Europe's top performance machines -- including the ones we don't see here, like the new Audi RS6 .

The Black Ops: Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

This is the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series.
MB describes it as the 'exclusive high-performance coupe for the discerning motorist'. By 'discerning' we presume they mean 'totally and utterly crazy in the heed'.
The SL Black - the third Black series car after the SLK and sensational CLK - is based on the latest SL 65.

The 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine has been tweaked by AMG to 670bhp and 1000 Nm of torques - that's 737lb/ft in old money or 152lb/ft more than an SLR...
The standard SL 65 AMG has a measly 612bhp.

The SL Black also gets a chunky wide-arch bodykit, modified intake system, two trapezoidal tail pipes and a carbon roof. The SL's trick vario roof folding hardtop has been junked in favour of an integral roll cage.

Composite brakes are fitted, as are 20-inch alloys and a retractable boot spoiler. The Black is 250kg lighter than the SL 65 AMG.

0-62mph comes up in 3.9seconds and top speed is limited to 199mph - figures near identical to the SLR and all for $90,000 less than the bigger Mercedes.

Which begs the question, why spend the extra?

BMW 335i Coupe & Cabriolet Get M3’s 7-Speed Double-Clutch Gearbox

Parallel to the market launch of the facelifted 3 Series sedan and touring models, BMW announced the availability of its new 7-speed semi-automatic gearbox with double-clutch for the 335i Coupe and 335i Convertible models. Named DKG, the new double-clutch transmission was introduced for the first time on the M3 Sedan. It offers the driver the choice of controlling the gearbox changes through a shift lever on the centere console or via paddles on the steering wheel.
Equipped with this gearbox, the 335i Coupe with the 306Hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.4 sec or 0.1 sec faster than the model fitted with the 6-speed manual transmission and 0.3 seconds faster than the 335i Coupe with the previously available 6-speed automatic.

Furthermore, the double-clutch gearbox helps drop consumption in both the 335i Coupe and Cabriolet by up to 5% compared to the equivalent models with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. In particular, the 335i Coupe & Convertible models with the DKG achieve an average fuel consumption in the combined EU test cycle of 8.8lt /100km (26.7 mpg) and 9.1lt/100km (25.9 mpg) respectively.

2010 Honda S2000 Roadster Rendering

While I still haven’t got any official word on the S2000 replacement, Japanese car magazines are at it again drawing up their own renderings of Honda’s next generation rear-wheel-drive roadster. According to T.L. who sent us this latest scan, the unnamed Japanese magazines says that new S2000 is expected to be unveiled in 2010 with worldwide sales starting in 2011. It is stated that Honda’s S2000 will offer buyers more options in terms of powertrains, including two new engines, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder V-TEC unit delivering approximately 250Hp and a 3.5-litre V6 V-TEC unit with about 350Hp.

THE NEW LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO SUPERLEGGERA

THE NEW FERRARI CCXR SERIES

THE NEW SERIES OF JAGUAR CARS

NEW BUGATTI VEYRON-STYLISH GALLERY