Saturday, August 23, 2008

The New Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport












The world's most significant celebration of the automobile takes place annually in Monterey, California. This year, it will see some of the most elegant, exclusive, and valuable vehicles ever produced in over 100 years of motoring, with Bugatti set to play a prominent role. On the evening prior to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the highlight of the event, the marque renowned for impeccable automotive solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics will unveil a second model to the world - the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport with a unique removable roof.

In response to customer demand, significant modifications have been made to the vehicle's complex structure to make possible open-top driving, thereby adding a new dimension to this high-performance sports car. Incorporating a host of new and innovative safety and equipment features, it is the world's fastest and most exciting roadster. It is immediately recognizable as a result of its slightly higher windscreen, stylized daytime running lights, and lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof.

The main challenge in developing the new Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport with removable roof resulted from the unique structure of the fixed-roof Bugatti Veyron. An optimum combination of rigidity and lightweight engineering ensures the monocoque passenger cell of the original model is extremely strong while weighing an absolute minimum - it is a central element of the vehicle's structure. As the roof is an integral part of this, removing it meant the load paths had to be completely redesigned to maintain the vehicle's rigidity and crash safety, and to offer additional protection from side impacts and rolling.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Specifications

  • Dimensions
    • Length: 4,462 mm
    • Width: 1,998 mm
    • Height, Normal Position: 1,204 mm
    • Wheel base: 2,710 mm
    • Curb Weight: 1,968 kg
    • Max. permitted laden weight: 2,280 kg
    • Tank capacity: 100 l
  • Engine
    • Motor Type/Number of Cylinders: W16
    • Cylinder Capacity: 7 993 cm3
    • Power output: 736 KW (1,001 hp) @ 6,000 rpm
    • Max. torque: 1,250 Nm @ 2,200-5,500 rpm
    • Gearbox: 7 Gear DSG
    • Drive: 4WD
    • Power distribution: Front axle differential with Haldex clutch; rear axle with with transverse differential lock
  • Suspension
    • Wheel suspension: Double wishbone front / rear
    • Tyre, front: 265-680 ZR 500A Michelin Pilot Sport Pax
    • Tyres, rear: 365-710 ZR 540A Michelin Pilot Sport Pax
    • Tyre pressure: 3.1 bar front, 3.1 bar rear
  • Suspension Heights (front / rear)
    • Standard: 125 mm / 125 mm - For town traffic and speeds up to 220 km/h. From 220 km/h, automatic configuration switches from Standard to Handling
    • Handling: 80 mm / 95 mm - For fast driving on country roads or motorways, or manually selectable for race tracks
    • Top Speed: 65 mm / 70 mm - For V-max driving (over 375 km/h), manually selectable with separate key
  • Brakes
    • Brake disk diameter: 400 mm front, 380 mm rear
    • Brake disk material: Carbon / ceramic front / rear
    • Number of wheel brake cylinders: 8 front, 6 rear
    • Number of brake pads: 4 front, 2 rear
  • Aerodynamics
    • CW Values
      • Standard: 0.39
      • Handling: 0.42
      • Top Speed: 0.36
      • Airbrake: 0.68
    • Wing/Spoiler Angle
      • Standard: Retracted / 2° cool-down position
      • Handling with roof: 6°/27°
      • Handling without roof: 20°/27°
      • Top Speed: 2°
      • Brake setting: 55°/27°
      • Special features: Central hydraulics
  • Fuel Consumption
    • In town: 41,9 l/100km
    • Out of town: 15,6 l/100km
    • Combined: 24,9 l/100km
    • Fuel type: Super lead free 98 RON / ROZ
  • CO2-Emission
    • In town: 999 g/km
    • Out of town: 373 g/km
    • Combined: 596 g/km
  • Performance
    • Top speed: 407 km/h
    • Acceleration
      • 0-100 km/h: < 2.7 sec
      • 0-200 km/h: 7.3 sec
      • 0-300 km/h: 16.7 sec
    • Braking distance (100-0 km/h): 31.4 m
    • Gearbox shift time: < 150 ms

Friday, August 22, 2008

The New Ford Ka












The exciting new Ford Ka, Ford's fresh, fun and funky small car, will take centre-stage at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October.

The all-new Ford Ka brings new levels of style and enjoyment to affordable city cars.

Twelve years after the original Ford Ka was launched to great acclaim, its successor captures the same youthful and cheeky spirit. The new model retains all of the qualities which made the Ford Ka so popular - its compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality - but presents them in a fresh new package.

Stylish Inside and Out

Ford designers have given the new Ford Ka a fashionable, modern appearance based around the company's 'kinetic design' form language. A number of visual cues provide a connection to the original Ford Ka, but with its distinctive face and chunky proportions the new model has its own unique character.

The interior of the new Ford Ka also has a stylish, dynamic design, combining bold contrasts and expressive colours which reflect the more adventurous tastes of the typical Ford Ka buyer.

Rebirth of a Design Icon

The new model is destined to continue the considerable success of the original Ford Ka, which is widely considered to be an automotive design icon. Launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1996, the Ford Ka was immediately praised for its exciting "New Edge" styling and class-leading driving dynamics.

Throughout its 12-year life the Ford Ka has remained tremendously popular among small-car buyers, inspiring fierce loyalty from its owners. In total, Ford Ka production has exceeded 1.4 million vehicles.

Further information on the new Ford Ka range will be released in time for the Paris Motor Show in early October 2008.

The New BMW X5 Security












BMW presents the ideal combination of state-of-the-art security standards with the adaptability of a sporting four-wheel drive vehicle. The new BMW X5 Security guarantees effective and tailor-made protection from criminal attacks and other hazards. Based on the successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) BMW X5 , the new BMW X5 Security has room for up to five passengers and provides a superior drive train and chassis technology, which allows drivers to master even challenging situations and terrain with confidence. Due to this combination, the new BMW X5 Security is unique in the security vehicle segment. It meets all challenges of day-to-day traffic as well as to situations that require special protection and flexible reactions.

Accelerating from naught to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The new BMW X5 Security has a strong 261 kW/355 hp V8 engine. The large, 4.8 liter eight-cylinder powerplant mobilizes a maximum torque of 475 Nm at 3,400 rpm. Accelerating from naught to 100 km/h in only 7.5 seconds, the BMW X5 Security's top speed is limited electronically to 210 km/h. In addition to the engine performance the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system ensures dynamic and superior thrust at all times. The constantly, electronically controlled all-wheel drive is networked via DSC Dynamic Stability Control to variably distribute the drive power between front and rear wheels. This way, xDrive promotes dynamic driving and on-road stability as well as off-road traction.

The new BMW X5 Security is the only vehicle of its segment to meet the requirements of the VR4 ballistic protection level. Its security options, which include armored passenger and baggage compartments as well as safety glazing, have been specially developed for this model and tested as part of the product development process. The integration of protective components has been taken into consideration during the development of the BMW X5 model and establishes ideal prerequisites for equipping the BMW X5 Security with highly effective security technology ex works.

On the safe side: Maximum protection off the production line.

In contrast to retrofitted security features, all components used for security vehicles that are manufactured by BMW are perfectly adapted to suit the model they are deployed in. The armored passenger compartment for example provides seamless protection of the entire interior. This way, critical areas such as door joints or transitional sections of the pillars safely withstand bullets or fragments and prevent them from penetrating into the passenger compartment.

The BMW X5 Security chassis is perfectly adapted to handle the extra weight. In order to achieve this, special measures were taken. Among others, specific chassis components such as suspension and dampers were integrated and the chassis management software was adapted to suit the specific requirements of security vehicles. Moreover, the BMW X5 Security is equipped with BMW Safety Tires. Even during complete loss of tire pressure- as a result of a shooting or after driving over sharp objects, for example - the tires still function. A fully loaded vehicle can thus continue safely for up to 50 km at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

Another benefit of the ex-works protection concept is the fact that all security measures are integrated without having any impact on the vehicle design. Even to the expert's eye, security vehicles manufactured by BMW are virtually indistinguishable from corresponding production models. This meets customers' wishes for discretion and provides extra safety for passengers.

Driving dynamics and comfort at the level of production models.

In addition to the outstanding security levels provided by the BMW X5 Security, the vehicle offers a multitude of impressive advantages such as maximum comfort, superior handling and an extremely sporting driving performance. Equipped with the intelligent all-wheel xDrive, the five-seater vehicle is not dependent on roads and expertly masters difficult off-road territory just as confidently.

The high-quality drive train technology and chassis management, which includes all elements of the BMW X5 production model, provides perfect conditions for safely mastering even extreme driving maneuvers and confidently evading any hazardous situations whenever required. The all-wheel drive and DSC Dynamic Stability Control are all networked via the Integrated Chassis Management (ICM), which allows an extremely precise drive power distribution to suit the driving situation at hand. Taking into account the data transmitted by the DSC sensors, the xDrive quickly shifts drive power to the axle with better grip. When dynamically navigating bends, the interaction between the xDrive and the DSC counteract the vehicles' tendency to oversteer or understeer in bends. Due to the situation-oriented, variable force distribution between the front and the rear wheels, DSC intervenes by applying the brakes separately on each wheel only if this is required by extreme situations.

The DSC version that was developed for the BMW X5 also includes a so called anti-fading support by setting off any decrease in brake power at extremely high temperatures by increasing brake forces accordingly. Moderate build-up of brake forces, in turn, also enhances brake standby in situations which may require spontaneous deceleration. Regular dry braking optimizes the performance of the brakes in the wet, while the start-off assistant facilitates the process of setting off on an uphill gradient.

The DSC system's range of functions include the special DTC Dynamic Traction Control mode. This mode is activated by a press of a button and raises the thresholds for intervention in the engine and brakes, allowing the vehicle to set off smoothly on loose snow or sand. Last, but certainly not least, DTC promotes an even more sporting style of motoring and navigating bends. In order to aid motorists navigating difficult terrain , the vehicle is equipped with Hill-Descent-Control (HDC). Networked via the DSC, the system allows a controlled descent of hills by means of automatically controlled braking interventions. Even steep off-road sections can be mastered safely and at constant speed.

Standard features of the BMW X5 Security: Adaptive Drive and Active Steering.

Boosting an even higher level of confidence in mastering challenging driving situations, the new BMW X5 Security provides Adaptive Drive as a standard option. The combination of active anti-roll stabilization and variable damper adjustment allows precise control of body roll and damping exactly as required at all times.

Using sensors, Adaptive Drive permanently monitors and gathers data on the road speed of the vehicle, its steering angle, forward and lateral acceleration, body and wheel acceleration, as well as height levels. Using this information, the system controls both the swivel motors on the anti-roll bars and the electromagnetic damper valves.

The FlexRay high-speed data transmission system is being used for the first time for fast and reliable coordination of all Adaptive Drive functions. BMW is the first manufacturer in the world to use FlexRay technology in production vehicles.

The new BMW X5 Security is available with Active Steering as a standard option. This system offers exactly the right steering ratio at all speeds and steering angle. Up to a speed of approximately 90 km/h steering behavior is predominantly direct. Moreover, parking is facilitated by the fact that is takes only two turns to proceed from lock to lock. At higher speeds, Active Steering transmission is more indirect, enhancing the directional stability of the vehicle and, accordingly, its driving comfort.

Active Steering is combined with Servotronic for better steering comfort through reduced steering forces dependent on the driving speed. As part of DSC Dynamic Stability Control, Active Steering is also networked via the ICM and actively stabilizes the vehicle when oversteering in a bend or during particularly demanding braking maneuvers. When applying the brakes on surfaces with a varying frictional coefficient (split-friction braking), for example, Active Steering generates a precise but discreet counter-steering effect to prevent the vehicle from swerving out of control. This way, even challenging driving situations can be mastered with maximum dynamics and utmost confidence.

Active and passive safety: BMW X5 is the ideal foundation.

Not only in terms of drive chain and chassis technology, but also in the areas of active and passive safety, the new BMW X5 Security benefits from substantial progress in development that was achieved up until the launch of the new version of the SAV production model. The torsional body stiffness, the arrangement of deformation zones, the crash safety of the passenger compartment and the high degree of safety features including their central control, the brake and lighting system have been significantly improved on the previous model.

The interior of the BMW X5 is equipped with frontal and hip/thorax airbags as well as curtain/head airbags at the side as standard features. These airbags inflate from the A-pillar covers and from the roof lining to protect passengers in the first and the second row of seats from injury. The BMW X5 is equipped with three-point inertia-reel belts on all seats. These restraint systems come with belt force limiters as well as with a belt latch tensioner for the front seats. ISOFIX child seat fasteners on the rear seats are featured as standard. In the event of an impending rollover, rollover sensors activate the curtain airbags and belt latch tensioners. Networked with DSC Dynamic Stability Control, these sensors guarantee an early and situation-related operation of the system. Due to this extensive package of measures for enhanced passenger safety, the BMW X5 meets the most stringent crash safety requirements. The BMW SAV was the first vehicle of its segment to be awarded five stars, the best result in the Euro-NCAP crash test.

The high-performance brake system in the new BMW X5 is supported by the wide range of DSC functions to ensure excellent stopping power in every situation. Inner-vented discs on all four wheels take up braking energy with maximum efficiency. Brake disc diameter on the BMW X5 Security is 365 millimeters at the front and 345 millimeters at the rear.

In conjunction with the Bi-Xenon headlights, the BMW X5 Security is also available with an optional adaptive bend-lighting system. The adaptive bend-lighting system adapts the illumination of the road to the corresponding steering angle. The headlights follow the progression of the bend, thus improving visibility of the stretch of road in front of the vehicle. In conjunction with the adaptive bend-lighting system, the vehicle can be equipped with an optional turning lights integrated into the fog lamps. With every turn, the fog lamps' light beam is guided to the side by a reflector to clearly illuminate the road ahead in the new direction taken by the turning vehicle.

BMW X5 Security: Extraordinary SAV, unique security vehicle

Safety, dynamics, protection - the new BMW X5 Security provides it all at premium level. It stands for both the extraordinary characteristics of a sporting BMW four-by-four and for the manufacturer's outstanding competence in the development and engineering of security vehicles. The BMW X5 Security imparts a feeling of confidence to the driver and a feeling of safety and comfort for the passengers, both of which is combined with a discreet appearance which helps maintain the passengers' anonymity.

Similar to the production model, the new BMW X5 Security is distinguished by its superior driving dynamics and impressive traction. Moreover, this model provides the comprehensive functional range of the successful BMW SAV model including five seats and the adaptive luggage compartment. The only vehicle of its segment to be certified to VR4 ballistic protection level, the BMW X5 Security combines sheer driving pleasure with the versatility of state-of-the-art safety engineering. This vehicle is prepared for mastering or preventing hazardous situations in more ways than one. The BMW X5 Security is both, an extraordinary SAV that is tailored to customers with a special focus on protection, and a unique security vehicle for a wide variety of applications and a high degree of day-to-day functionality.

BMW security vehicles: Development and engineering to standards of excellence.

All security vehicles are wholly manufactured by BMW to strict BMW quality assurance specifications for development and production. As with the production vehicle, the BMW X5 Security is manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. The protection components are integrated to BMW process specifications at the manufacturer's plant in Toluca (Mexico).

At the same time, BMW provides its customers with extensive support all over the world, ranging from discreet consultancy to comprehensive service and part supply. All security vehicles are designed to allow maintenance and repair in regular BMW branches. The service range includes a corporate pool of security and maximum security vehicles.

In addition to its customer service, BMW offers special Security Driver Training sessions. BMW has been conducting these training sessions for more than twenty years. Drivers have a choice of different levels of intensity depending on the prior knowledge of the participants. They are carried out in different locations all over the world and are conducted by highly skilled experts. The training provides an extensive insight into the theory as well as practical vehicle handling.

The New Opel Insignia Sports Tourer












Due to be unveiled at Paris Motor Show (October 4-19, 2008), Opel's new station wagon offers leading technologies wrapped in a sporty, premium body and reflects this in its name: Opel Insignia Sports Tourer.

The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, available in European markets in spring 2009, boasts the same athletic, powerful and elegant design as its sedan counterparts. "However," says Mark Adams, Vice President of GM Europe Design, "this is a stand-alone model and not simply a wagon version of the sedan. In fact, all the bodywork aft of the B-pillar is unique to the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer. We've also ensured that its design combines the sculptural artistry and technical precision found in the notch- and hatchback models."

Designers gave the rear of the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer a unique yet cohesive appearance by pulling the "wraparound" tailgate far into the flanks and accentuating it with large, distinctive, fully integrated tail lights.

This dynamic look encloses an interior that offers ample space for five occupants and a highly competitive luggage compartment. The luggage compartment offers a volume of 540 liters. The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer has retained an identical wheelbase of 2.74 meters as the sedan models and added around 80 mm to its length for an overall 4.91 meters.

wo new engines - a downsized gasoline turbo engine and a new turbo diesel - will join the seven engines already available from launch of the sedan models. In addition, an ecoFLEX variant with remarkably low fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels will be added to the range in the near future.

"Along with leading technologies and high safety standards, the elegant Opel Insignia Sports Tourer clearly expresses Opel's strategy to make innovation and attractive design accessible", says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer for GM Europe.

Its newly developed chassis, designed to offer a high level of safety and comfort, can even be enhanced with the innovative, integrated FlexRide mechatronic system which raises stability and provides real time, electronically controlled damping. FlexRide also gives the driver the choice between three driving modes. In addition to the standard adaptive mode, the driver can either opt for a comfort-oriented mode ("Tour") or a Sport setting. The Sport mode makes the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer driving experience more active, as it changes the set-up of interlinked functions such as the steering, throttle control, damping and even the ambient lighting of the dashboard. Moreover, Opel Insignia customers can even opt for the new, sophisticated Adaptive 4x4 system that proactively distributes torque to ensure superb stability while providing optimal traction and enhancing handling performance on all road conditions.

The introduction of the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer benefits from the high levels of technology showcased at the Insignia's launch, such as the innovative "Opel Eye" camera, which reads and memorizes traffic signs and warns drivers when they unintentionally veer out of their lane. Other innovative features are the new-generation AFL headlamps that adjust to prevailing traffic conditions with nine different lighting functions and the particularly back-friendly, orthopedically-certified ergonomic sport seats.

Like the Opel Insignia sedan models, the Insignia Sports Tourer was developed in GM Europe's Design and Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim. It will also be built in the Rüsselsheim plant, one of the most modern and efficient plants in the world.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

BMW M3 Cabrio from AC Schnitzer












The sun shines, the wind's in your hair and the engine note in your ears: almost no other vehicle on the road evokes such untrammelled emotions as the BMW M3 Convertible. Especially when the road leads via AC Schnitzer in Aachen. The 309 kW / 420 HP V8 engine is (as yet) untouched, but in the end, extra sporting performance can be achieved in a different way, as suspension guru Manfred Wollgarten knows: "With our racing suspension set up on the North Loop, we've thoroughly mastered the physics of driving".

The car is an out-and-out eyecatcher from the outside: with its new front skirt and strictly rectangular segments of the chromed grille insert, the vehicle has a strong, muscular look. The sporting presence is further underlined by the carbon spoiler lip with optional aluminium braces. The power dome on the bonnet hints at the powerful 4.0 litre V8. It is flanked by two AC Schnitzer Bonnet Vents, which emit a greedy intake howl during driving. At the sides, the open-air sports car shows its muscles in the form of flexibly moulded side skirts which emphasise the wheelarches.

The latter are perfectly filled by the 20" Type V lightweight forged rims. Their slender spokes give a clear view of the 8-pot high performance braking system by AC Schnitzer which mercilessly reins in the thrust when required. A deceleration performance which the AC Schnitzer BMW M3 Cabrio rarely needs for cornering, where it behaves totally neutrally.

A carbon rear diffuser helps the vehicle hunker down to the asphalt. The perfect driving experience is rounded off by the acoustic qualities of the powerful vehicle, provided by the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer with chromed tailpipes in "Racing" design. The sonorous note of the cabrio is heard at its best in narrow road tunnels. If only the sun would shine a bit more often there!

And naturally AC Schnitzer maintains the motorsport atmosphere in the driver's workplace, with attractive and ergonomically designed aluminium elements for the gear knob and handbrake handle, pedals and i-Drive controller. A carbon interior trim and sports airbag steering wheels are available on request, together with velours mats.