autotop10news: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe set for Geneva Mo...www.google.com: "Still puzzled as to why Mercedes-Benz killed off the CLK a couple of years ago? Puzzle no more, friend, for your answer is here. You see,..."
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
autotop10news: First Drive: 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
autotop10news: First Drive: 2012 McLaren MP4-12C: "Let's see now. You've got your Ferrari 458 Italia, your Porsche 911 GT2 RS and 911 Turbo S and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera 570-4. A..."
autotop10news: New Lancia Ypsilon heads to the UK
autotop10news: New Lancia Ypsilon heads to the UK: "This is the new Lancia Ypsilon, and we're not getting it over here. Well, not as a Lancia anyhow. We'll see this stylish little city car re..."
autotop10news: Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon to return in 2014
autotop10news: Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon to return in 2014: "While going through its bankruptcy restructuring, General Motors ended up killing a lot of models that it soon brought back to life. Two o..."
autotop10news: Toyota to show iQ-based EV in Geneva
autotop10news: Toyota to show iQ-based EV in Geneva: "The minicar will have an electric powertrain based on the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system and a new flat lithium-ion battery pack that T..."
autotop10news: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Roadster Concept
autotop10news: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Roadster Concept: "BMW has unveiled their latest concept dubbed Vision ConnectedDrive. The open top two-seater study showcases innovative driver assistance s..."
autotop10news: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Roadster Concept
autotop10news: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Roadster Concept: "BMW has unveiled their latest concept dubbed Vision ConnectedDrive. The open top two-seater study showcases innovative driver assistance s..."
autotop10news: Renault Captur Concept Unveiled Ahead Of Geneva De...
autotop10news: Renault Captur Concept Unveiled Ahead Of Geneva De...: "Unveiled today by Carlos Ghosn, ahead of its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Captur is the second concept car to demonstrate ..."
autotop10news: Audi A8 L Security Revealed – Ready For Extreme Si...
autotop10news: Audi A8 L Security Revealed – Ready For Extreme Si...: "High-security version of the Audi A8 soon to be launched Audi A8 L Security meets strictest security guidelines Roughly 450 hours of work..."
autotop10news: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Debuts At The Chicago Auto Sh...
autotop10news: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Debuts At The Chicago Auto Sh...: "CHICAGO – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show. It is the highest-performing Camaro and the most technic..."
autotop10news: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Debuts At The Chicago Auto Sh...
autotop10news: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Debuts At The Chicago Auto Sh...: "CHICAGO – The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 debuted today at the Chicago Auto Show. It is the highest-performing Camaro and the most technic..."
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Debuts At The Chicago Auto Show
Motivated by a supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW), the Camaro ZL1 will be the fastest Camaro ever offered by Chevrolet. And more than just power, the ZL1 features technologically advanced and highly developed chassis and suspension systems that help it deliver balanced, track-ready handling and braking power to complement its high engine output. Rigorous development of the ZL1 is ongoing, and official estimates of the car’s capabilities will be released later in 2011, as testing nears completion.
Major elements of the ZL1′s design are a new front fascia and hood with air extractors, designed in tandem to create aerodynamic downforce to aid handling. The car’s hood includes a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber and rendered in satin black finish. New rocker panels, wide tires, 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips portray the car’s handling and power.
The ZL1 badge appears on the grille, hood and the brake calipers, all key areas portraying the technology within.
Tech overview
Supporting the dynamic track and street performance of the ZL1 is the LSA 6.2L supercharged engine, which will produce an estimated 550 horsepower (410kW) and 550 lb.-ft. of torque (677 Nm), with specific features for the Camaro. Built on GM’s legendary all-aluminum, small-block V-8 architecture, the LSA features an intercooled supercharger system, premium heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and other details designed to ensure its exceptional performance is delivered with smoothness and refinement. Components and design elements that contribute to the LSA’s performance include:
* Balanced, lightweight reciprocating assembly
* High-strength hypereutectic pistons
* Sixth-generation Eaton supercharger with four-lobe rotors
* Piston oil squirters.
Exterior – ZL1′s signature from the front is the redesigned fascia and aluminum hood with a raised, carbon fiber insert. The fascia includes a front splitter and new vertical fog lamps. The fog lamp area includes air intakes designed for brake cooling. The hood features front-mounted air extractors that direct air precisely over the car. Visually, this center section, in satin black carbon fiber, communicates the car’s high-performance intent as a visual contrast to the car’s exterior color. Functionally, the air extractor is a key in connecting airflow closely to the bodywork, creating aerodynamic downforce. The carbon fiber center section reduces the mass of the hood. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and fog lamps are standard. The rear of the car includes a diffuser and spoiler, also functional elements that enhance the car’s aerodynamics.
Interior – ZL1 is tailored for high-performance driving. The front seats feature microfiber suede inserts. Other enhancements include a redesigned steering wheel, alloy pedals, Head-Up Display with unique performance readouts and the “four-pack” auxiliary gauge system featuring a boost readout.
Engineers have already driven Camaro ZL1 prototypes extensively at demanding road courses in the U.S. and Germany, with final testing being completed through the balance of 2011.
Audi A8 L Security Revealed – Ready For Extreme Situations
Audi A8 L Security meets strictest security guidelines
Roughly 450 hours of work go into the making of the armored luxury sedan
Fuel consumption reduced by three liters compared with predecessor
Audi is introducing a new, exclusive model – the A8 L Security. The long-wheelbase high-security version of the A8 meets the strictest guidelines in force for civilian vehicles, with a host of special security features available in addition to its heavy armoring. At sales launch Audi will offer the W12 engine, with another unit to follow in 2012. Both engines combine superior power with high efficiency.
Body
At 5.27 meters (17.29 ft) in length, the Audi A8 L Security is a large, representative luxury sedan, hardly distinguishable to the eye from the production version. The LED headlights, which use light-emitting diodes for all functions, lend a striking expression to its front. They are part of the standard package in the A8 L Security W12.
When developing the basic design for the A8 model line, Audi engineers already had the high-security version in mind from the very outset. The result is a totally integrated concept far superior to any retrofit solution currently available on the market. All of the major components were analyzed with regard to their deformation properties, giving the A8 L Security an excellent crash performance that is also mindful of the other party involved.
The armored sedan’s custom security modifications are performed by hand in a small, well-guarded workshop – on a production floor with specially secured doors, where the use of cellular phones is strictly prohibited. The basis for the high-security car is a previously modified aluminum production body constructed at the Neckarsulm plant as per the Audi Space Frame (ASF) principle. Specially trained technicians put in roughly 450 hours of work to incorporate the security features – in the uncompromisingly high quality Audi is known for. When this stage of the process is complete, the car returns to the factory for final assembly.
The A8 L Security has been officially certified by a German-government ballistics testing facility in Munich for compliance with the class VR 7 ballistic protection standard (tested as per BRV 2009 guidelines). The abbreviation BRV stands for Bullet Resistant Vehicles. The car’s resistance to explosions was tested as per ERV 2010 guidelines (ERV = Explosion Resistant Vehicles). Class VR 7 ballistic protection imposes the strictest standards on civilian high-security sedans. The sheet metal and glazing in the passenger cell must withstand firing with NATO hard-core ammunition. In certain areas, the armoring on the Audi A8 L Security even complies with the criteria for class VR 9 and VR 10.
The interior of the A8 L Security is captivating, with its spacious design and workmanship on a craftsman’s level. The comfort on board is first class – the standard package includes a four-zone climate control system with an ionizer to freshen the air, electric rear blinds, the sonorous Bose surround sound system and a TV tuner. In the rear are two individual, seats with power adjustment. Also featuring a versatile adjustment range, the front comfort seats offer heating as well as optional massage and ventilation functions. In addition, the A8 L W12 Security comes with a standard full-leather package.
On request Audi will install the “relaxation seat” – a widely adjustable right-hand rear seat with a power-adjustable footrest, heating and massage. Also available is a full-length center console with large storage compartments, complemented by the rear seat entertainment system with two 10.2-inch displays. Optional features such as a folding table, a refrigerator and a parking heater make the time spent in the car even more pleasant.
Audi is launching the new A8 L Security with a superb engine – the W12. The direct-injected gasoline engine owes its name to the W-shaped layout of its cylinders – four rows of three cylinders each, merged into two banks. From a displacement of 6.3 liters, the compact, lightweight W12 pumps out 368 kW (500 hp) of power and 625 Nm (460.98 lb-ft) of torque, with the latter readily available at 4,750 rpm.
The W12 is captivating, with its smooth running performance, its subtle, musical sound and its power. It accelerates the A8 L Security from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.3 seconds. In consideration of the tires, top speed is limited to 210 km/h (130.49 mph). The high-security sedan consumes just 13.5 liters of fuel on average per 100 km (17.42 US mpg) – by far the lowest figure among its direct competitors (performance and consumption figures are preliminary). Compared with the predecessor model generating 331 kW (450 hp), fuel consumption has dropped by 3.0 liters per 100 kilometers – that’s an improvement of 18 percent.
In the coming year, Audi will offer a second engine version, which will combine outstanding pulling power with surprising efficiency. Its average consumption of 10 to 11 liters per 100 km (23.52 to 21.38 US mpg) will earn it a best-in-class ranking in terms of fuel efficiency.
In both engine variants, power is transmitted via an eight-speed tiptronic featuring a large overall gear spread. Its control system is electronic, operated with an elegant selector lever or rocker switches at the steering wheel.
Renault Captur Concept Unveiled Ahead Of Geneva Debut
A sporty crossover with a flowing and athletic body language, it conjures up visions of two people exploring the world
Its Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine concept combines driving fun, enjoyable performance and low CO2 emissions
At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault revealed its new brand identity which puts people at the forefront of its concerns. The new, ambition design strategy that resulted from this is founded on different stages of the human life cycle with each phase taking the form of a specific concept car. The first, the two-seater DeZir, expressed ‘falling in love’, the passion present at the beginning of any new adventure. Now Renault Captur, which will debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, addresses the second phase of this cycle, that of two people exploring the world around them.
Just like its predecessor, Captur defines the simple, sensuous and warm style that will be progressively extended to future Renault car designs. “Captur is a fun and sporty crossover, ideal for a young couple about to discover the world”, explains Director of Design, Laurens Van den Acker. “It takes as its basis the fundamental design language introduced on the DeZir concept car but adds a more technical dimension – more functional but still highly sensuous,” adds Axel Breun, Director of concept cars.
A CROSSOVER THAT’S ALL MUSCLE IN MOTION
In its proportions and fluid curves, Captur evokes movement and lightness, yet at the same time displaying powerful and muscular all-terrain cues. Just as with DeZir, angles, corners and lines have given way to sensuous and natural forms. For the exterior designer, Julio Lozano, the main sources of inspiration were athletes and radical sports. “In designing Captur, I began with the image of a sprinter on the starting blocks, his muscles tensed, and the energy unleashed when the starting pistol is fired,” he explains The design also references equipment such as helmets, gloves and other protective gear used in radical sports, combining high technology with sophistication and lightness.
Captur adopts the new frontal identity first presented by DeZir. As with this, the identity has as its centrepiece a large Renault logo, set vertically against a dark surface so as to stand out as clearly as possible. Substantial, matt-finished wings reinforce the design’s visual strength. LEDs relay the direction indicator signal in a wave effect running the whole length of the vehicle.
The interior of Captur is designed to be both welcoming and occupant-friendly. The impression of lightness expressed by the exterior is dominant here, too, with the front seats attached to the centre console as if suspended in mid air. The passenger compartment is restrained and pure, with no superfluous equipment. Innovative and ingenious materials have been employed, allowing the designers to play with light and optical effects. The centre console, door casings and dashboard are formed using a translucent material rather like a second skin. At the front of the cabin, this includes a glimpse of the high-tech fibre ropes, luminescent in places, which have been used for most of the passenger compartment. “The whole of the interior is designed around this network of stretched elastic ropes which bring to mind the worlds of sailing or mountain climbing, They use graphics and light to bring rhythm to the overall design and reinforce the dynamic feel of the vehicle while also ensuring a lighter feel inside the cabin,” explains the interior designer, Magali Gouraud-Borgers.
The aluminium pedals, carbon bucket-style front seats and steering wheel trimmed in grey textured leather reassert the sporting side of the design, in keeping with the original brief.Captur makes use of the Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine concept, developed from the new Energy dCi 130 that will eventually replace the 1.9 dCi. Downsizing is a key element in Renault’s strategy to meet its declared objective of being Europe’s leading automaker for low CO2 emissions. The range of electric vehicles will run alongside internal-combustion engined models that combine performance with reduced fuel consumption. The Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo fits perfectly within this strategy. It produces 118kW (160hp) from a capacity of 1.6 litres – that’s a specific power output of 100hp per litre. Peak torque (380Nm) is available from as low as 1,750rpm, giving powerful acceleration from low revs, as well as refined performance under all driving conditions. Paired with a dual clutch EDC gearbox, this driveline promises genuinely enjoyable driving with CO2 emissions of less than 99g per kilometre.
BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Roadster Concept
BMW has unveiled their latest concept dubbed Vision ConnectedDrive. The open top two-seater study showcases innovative driver assistance systems and mobility networking systems, along with a unique and bold exterior design. As with most futuristic concepts, it features an all-electric powertrain. No specs have been revealed yet, but as we are talking about a concept it does not matter much, all it needs is to be able to roll to the show floor and back.
Surely an interesting concept that we look forward to seeing live at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive employs a layering principal in its design, demonstrating the bond between the driver, passenger, vehicle and the surrounding environment. This is visualised by the complex light installation which shows the path of data exchange with the driver and passenger as the start and end point of each interaction.
The interior is divided into three layers – comfort, infotainment and safety – each with a corresponding light installation. Each layer is defined by a colour, rhythm, motion and texture and, through the transparent surfaces the path taken by the information can be seen via fibre optic lighting. The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive showcases the current and future capabilities of BMW’s ConnectedDrive technologies. Advanced Head-Up Display takes the technology currently available in production BMWs even further, placing a three-dimensional display of key information in the direct sight line of the driver, eliminating the need for the driver’s eyes to refocus. The three-dimensional display allows the real view to be overlaid with virtual information, highlighting hazards allowing the driver to assimilate all of the information quickly and take appropriate action.
Surely an interesting concept that we look forward to seeing live at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive employs a layering principal in its design, demonstrating the bond between the driver, passenger, vehicle and the surrounding environment. This is visualised by the complex light installation which shows the path of data exchange with the driver and passenger as the start and end point of each interaction.
Novitec Rosso Race 606 Based On The Ferrari California
Ferrari tuner Novitec Rosso will show a a new model dubbed Race 606 based on the Ferrari California at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
The supercharged 4.3 litre V8 engine is developed specifically for this front-engine sports car and produces an impressive 606bhp and 445 lb-ft of torque. The stock engine in the California has 460bhp and 358 lb-ft of torque.
With this new engine the California/Race 606 sprints from 0-62mph in less than 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 202mph. Other upgrades include a new aerodynamic body components from carbon fibre, custom interior, three piece wheels, Pirelli tyres, sport springs and a hydraulic front lift system that can raise the front of the car by 40 millimeters.
The supercharged 4.3 litre V8 engine is developed specifically for this front-engine sports car and produces an impressive 606bhp and 445 lb-ft of torque. The stock engine in the California has 460bhp and 358 lb-ft of torque.
With this new engine the California/Race 606 sprints from 0-62mph in less than 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 202mph. Other upgrades include a new aerodynamic body components from carbon fibre, custom interior, three piece wheels, Pirelli tyres, sport springs and a hydraulic front lift system that can raise the front of the car by 40 millimeters.
World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2011:
The NOVITEC ROSSO RACE 606 Based on the Ferrari California
606-hp / 446-kW Compressor-V8 for 325 km/h in a Racing Suit
606 hp / 446 kW from an eight-cylinder supercharged engine propel it to a top speed of 325 km/h and its ultra-sporty racing suit with carbon-fiber components fits it like an aerodynamic second skin: The NOVITEC ROSSO RACE 606 based on the Ferrari California will celebrate its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2011.
At the heart of the supercar lies the supercharged 4.3-liter V8-engine, which the NOVITEC ROSSO specialists developed specifically for this front-engine sports car. This engine is available for the special model RACE 606 and for any standard California model.
The compressor system consists of a mechanical supercharger driven by the crankshaft via a cogged V-belt. It produces a maximum boost pressure of 0.4 bar. The conversion also includes a water-to-air intercooler, a newly designed intake manifold and larger injectors.
For better exhaust-gas flow the high-performance engine is fitted with a flap-controlled NOVITEC ROSSO high-performance exhaust system with sport catalysts. The stainless-steel exhaust system features four black-coated tailpipes and offers various sound settings that are controlled by the Manettino button on the steering wheel. The driver can choose between a more subdued and a markedly sporty exhaust note.
The high-tech components are coordinated by newly calibrated engine electronics that ensure extraordinary power yield, everyday suitability beyond reproach and compliance with strict Euro IV emission standards.
The NOVITEC ROSSO engine conversion bumps power output from standard 460 hp / 338 kW to 606 hp / 446 kW at 7,900 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque jumps from 485 Nm to 603 Nm at 5,500 rpm.
Powered by this engine the NOVITEC ROSSO RACE 606 delivers impressive performance: The sprint from 0 – 100 km/h takes less than 3.8 seconds. Top speed increases to 325 km/h.
At this level of performance favorable aerodynamic properties are essential. The NOVITEC ROSSO designers went into the wind tunnel to develop body components that further reduce lift on front and rear axle and thus contribute to further optimized directional stability at high speed.
All parts of the aerodynamic-enhancement package are made from matte clear-coated carbon-fiber, making them especially light and yet highly resistant. The front and rear spoilers together with the rear diffuser create an optimal aerodynamic balance and are essential for the racing look of the sports car. Rocker panel blades, side air outlets in the front fenders, mirror covers and the rear molding add further thrilling highlights.
Also made entirely from carbon fibers is the hood centerpiece, the radiator grille, the outer skin of the folding hardtop and the taillight surrounds.
The motorsports look is rounded out with a matte carbon-fiber coating of the three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 wheels. To further emphasize the wedge shape of the sports car the wheels were manufactured in a staggered combination of size 9Jx21 for the front and in size 11.5Jx22 for the rear axle. The matching PZero high-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 and 315/25 ZR 22 are supplied by technology partner and Formula 1 supplier Pirelli.
Specifically calibrated to this tire/wheel combination are the NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs, which lower the ride height of the Ferrari by some 35 millimeters. They are combined with a feature designed to further improve any California’s suitability for everyday use. The hydraulic front lift system is activated at the push of a button in the cockpit. It raises the front of the car by 40 millimeters and facilitates navigating speed bumps and parking garage ramps. At a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 80 km/h the front reverts to its original position.
The interior of the NOVITEC ROSSO RACE 606 can also be customized extensively. The options include scuff plates made from the same material as the aerodynamic-enhancement components and longer shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Upon customer request NOVITEC ROSSO creates especially exclusive or extremely lightweight interiors in any desired color. Request for more individualization can be fulfilled with carbon-fiber elements that match the exterior and a safe-grip steering wheel covered with suede or Alcantara.
Toyota to show iQ-based EV in Geneva
The minicar will have an electric powertrain based on the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system and a new flat lithium-ion battery pack that Toyota claims will give the car a potential driving range of up to 105 kilometers (65 miles) on a single charge.The EV prototype will be tested on European roads this year, with a potential market introduction through a leasing program expected in 2012. Toyota has already announced its plans to bring the car to market in the U.S. and is also investigating its viability in other regions.
Just a little larger than the SmartForTwo, the gasoline version of the Toyota iQ costs 11,900 euros ($16,089) in Germany. Toyota has not published prices for the iQ EV, but in November the automaker said the battery-powered iQ will be cheaper than rival electric cars such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV or the Nissan Leaf. Both are larger than the 3+1-seat iQ.
Toyota EV projects
The iQ is being developed in-house, but Toyota is also working with luxury EV maker Tesla Motors Inc. on an electric version of its RAV4 compact SUV. U.S. sales of the SUV are planned for 2012.
The electric cars are part of a push by Toyota to boost its range of environmentally friendly vehicles that will include the introduction of 11 hybrids by the end of 2012, including all-new and redesigned models. A Prius-based plug-in hybrid will also launch by early 2012 in Japan, the United States and Europe, with targeted sales of more than 50,000 units a year, priced at 3 million yen ($36,000) in Japan. The car can be plugged in to an electricity source to enable longer-distance driving using only electricity.
Just a little larger than the SmartForTwo, the gasoline version of the Toyota iQ costs 11,900 euros ($16,089) in Germany. Toyota has not published prices for the iQ EV, but in November the automaker said the battery-powered iQ will be cheaper than rival electric cars such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV or the Nissan Leaf. Both are larger than the 3+1-seat iQ.
Toyota EV projects
The iQ is being developed in-house, but Toyota is also working with luxury EV maker Tesla Motors Inc. on an electric version of its RAV4 compact SUV. U.S. sales of the SUV are planned for 2012.
The electric cars are part of a push by Toyota to boost its range of environmentally friendly vehicles that will include the introduction of 11 hybrids by the end of 2012, including all-new and redesigned models. A Prius-based plug-in hybrid will also launch by early 2012 in Japan, the United States and Europe, with targeted sales of more than 50,000 units a year, priced at 3 million yen ($36,000) in Japan. The car can be plugged in to an electricity source to enable longer-distance driving using only electricity.
Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon to return in 2014
While going through its bankruptcy restructuring, General Motors ended up killing a lot of models that it soon brought back to life. Two of those models happened to be the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon pickups. Both models are scheduled to end production at GM’s Shreveport, La., by June 2012, however, that’s not the last time we’ll see them.
Sources told PickupTrucks.com that the work is underway on the next-generation 2014 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon for the United States and Canada. The new models will be based on GM’s all-new GMI 700 body-on-frame global small truck platform.
The first time we’ll see the GMI 700-based Chevy Colorado will be at the 2011 Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok.
Sources told PickupTrucks.com that the work is underway on the next-generation 2014 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon for the United States and Canada. The new models will be based on GM’s all-new GMI 700 body-on-frame global small truck platform.
New Lancia Ypsilon heads to the UK
Well, not as a Lancia anyhow. We'll see this stylish little city car rebadged as a Chrysler, when it makes its world debut at the Geneva motor show next month.
The Ypsilon has been built in Italy since 1996, and this new model is just under 300mm longer than a Fiat 500 (on which it is based), and will be offered with four engines: a 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol and the Top Gear award-winning 85bhp TwinAir, a 1.3-litre diesel and the dual-fuel 1.2-litre petrol/LPG unit as seen in the Punto Evo.
The Ypsilon's new five-door body houses three interior trim levels - Silver, Gold and Platinum - the latter offering glossy and matt finishes, contrasting materials and matt leather.
Key to the Ypsilon's appeal will be its customisation options, and there are quite a few. 600, in fact. Lancia says you can mix and match from 17 body shades, three trim levels, six upholstery options and three sets of alloys. If you want to modify it some more, Lineaccessori Lancia has developed extra kit, including side skirts, tinted headlights and satnav
First Drive: 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
Before we've dropped into the Recaro support-o-rama seats of the MP4-12C, one of the Queen's lairds of the realm announces, "Be prepared to drive the best handling sports car in history." What do you say to Sir Ron Dennis, boss of the newly formed McLaren Automotive Company (a.k.a. the MAC daddy), when he puts pressure on like that? It's like Bill Gates looking at us and asking enthusiastically, "So, don't you just love that Windows 7?" What happens if you don't?
But as luck would have it, the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is quite possibly the best handling supersports road and weekend track car in history. Yes, this will certainly take some 'splainin', but bear with us. We're just pleased that no royal beheadings will now be called for, as Sir Ron is not renowned for his merciful treatment of dissenters.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe set for Geneva Motor Show debut
The subject of many spy shots and leaked photos, the new C-Class Coupe has finally been officially revealed by the factory ahead of its official debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. There, the new Benz coupe will arrive with two engine options: The Mercedes-Benz C250 coupe gets the 1.8-liter direct-injected turbo four with 201 horsepower, while the C350 coupe is equipped with the 304-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6. Both are mated exclusively to Mercedes' 7-speed automatic transmission, which drives the rear wheels. 4Matic all-wheel drive will not be offered on the C-Class coupe. (The AMG version of the coupe is tipped to come along in another month at the New York Auto Show.)
So what else separates the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe from the sedan it's based on? Two fewer doors and a slightly lower roofline. That's about it. The C-Class coupe's wheelbase is the same, the front end is the same, the luxury touches and the cutting-edge electronic wizardry... it's all the C-Class we know, only coupier. Will that be enough to steal sales away from the likes of the BMW 3 Series coupe and Audi A5, both of which are more distinctly differentiated from their four-door compatriots? We'll find out once the two-doors hit showrooms.
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