BRABUS SLR Roadster with ULTIMATE 112

Renowned Mercedes-Benz tuner BRABUS has found a way of incorporating an idea from the world of yachts into the motoring industry by unveiling the oddly but purposeful pairing of a BRABUS tuned SLR supercar and its tender, the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112, both with absolutely identical paint and equipment.

Available for all owners of an SLR or Maybach, the two exclusive speedsters with special snow-white paint, the SLR McLaren Roadster is fitted by BRABUS with more than just a top-quality white carbon-fibre skin. The exterior is treated to an aerodynamics update, engine tuning and custom-tailored 20-inch wheels further optimise handling and performance, and the interior adds even more touches of exclusivity. High Performance cars

Equipped with a tweaked 5.5-litre supercharged engine consisting of special camshafts and a fuel-cooling system, power is rated at a staggering 478 kW for a 0 - 100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 337 km/h.

Awesome performance no doubt but the amount of usable power around town or in traffic is very little not to mention the hassles of parking such a wide and low beast which is where the "tender to the SLR" in the white BRABUS fleet comes in. The BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 drop-top two-seater based on the latest smart fortwo Cabrio represents the ideal complement for city driving. Finished in the same paint/fabric/leather including the waffle-patterned leather footwell trim, the tender gets a power bump to 82.4 kW.

Performance is never going to be earth shattering with those kinds of figures but the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 is capable of sprinting from rest to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds which is very acceptable for a daily driver in the inner-city.

The package price for these two exclusive Brabus'? 699,000 Euros.

The Official Brabus Press Release:

World Debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2008

Tender to

An idea from yacht design finds its way into the automotive world: The SLR McLaren roadster BRABUS and its "Tender for the City," the ultimate city sports car BRABUS ULTIMATE 112, both with absolutely identical paint and equipment. BRABUS offers both exclusive speedsters with special snow-white paint for a package price of 699,000 Euros; a very special offer from BRABUS for all owners of an SLR or Maybach.

The sportiest drop-top Mercedes of all time, the SLR McLaren Roadster, is fitted by BRABUS with more than just a top-quality white carbon-fiber skin. The exterior is treated to an aerodynamics update, engine tuning and custom-tailored 20-inch wheels further optimize handling and performance, and the interior adds even more touches of exclusivity.

To give the SLR even better looks while at the same time reducing lift on the front axle the BRABUS designers have developed a front spoiler that is attached to the stock bumper. This aerodynamics component was optimized in the wind tunnel. It is made from exposed carbon fiber, making it especially light and extremely robust. The rear apron is upgraded with a BRABUS diffuser also made from exposed carbon fiber. It replaces its production counterpart.

The sportier appearance of the SLR Roadster is further characterized by the BRABUS Monoblock VI 20-inch Platinum Edition wheels that fill out the wheel arches perfectly. The fully polished three-piece wheels with six double spokes are mounted on the sports car in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11.5Jx20 on the rear axle. Thanks to their high-tech design that features a forged aluminum rim and a billet aluminum center the BRABUS 20-inch wheels are lighter than the 19-inch turbine-design wheels optionally available for the SLR ex factory.

High-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 20 and 305/25 ZR 20 are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOMAMA. The tire/wheel combination is custom-tailored for SLR coupe and roadster, and has more than just a visual effect: handling benefits from the switch to even lower aspect ratio tires and the lower rim weight.

Thus equipped the drop-top SLR is fit for BRABUS engine tuning. The tuning kit for the 5.5-liter supercharged engine consists of special camshafts and a fuel-cooling system. Power output increases by 24 hp / 18 kW to 650 hp (641 hp SAE net) / 478 kW at 6,500 rpm.

BRABUS also offers a special clutch-type limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent for the SLR. It optimizes traction and thus acceleration performance further: The tuned SLR Roadster rockets from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 337 km/h (211 mph).

Exclusive BRABUS cockpit design is characterized by precision handwork down to the last detail. The company-own upholstery shop created a striking combination of lipstick-red leather and black Alcantara. The waffle-pattern stitching of the SLR leather footwells alone - a special BRABUS exclusive - uses some 7,800 meters of the finest red thread.

The BRABUS sport steering wheel for the SLR is a sporty and highly functional BRABUS option. The wheel has a flattened bottom for easier entering and exiting and provides optimal grip with its combination of perforated leather and Alcantara. The BRABUS steering wheel features buttons integrated into the spokes for manually shifting the gears of the SLR's automatic transmission without taking the hands off the wheel.

Sporty BRABUS carbon-fiber applications for dashboard, center console and door trim transfer the racing look of the BRABUS exterior components into the interior. The interior components are made from exposed carbon-fiber and can be color-coordinated with the leather color upon customer request.

The "tender to the SLR" in the white BRABUS fleet is the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112. It represents the ideal complement for city driving. The drop-top two-seater is built based on the latest smart fortwo Cabrio.

In addition to its special paint identical to the SLR the ultimate city sports car features a muscular body kit with front spoiler, rocker panels and BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares front and back.

The larger wheel arches provide space for a tire/wheel combination that for this class of cars is highly unusual. The liquid-white BRABUS Monoblock VI double-spoke wheels are mounted on the front axle in size 7Jx18 with size 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires. 8.5Jx18 wheels with size 235/30 R 18 tires on the rear axle provide slip-free traction for the 112 horses under the hood.

The height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over suspension is specially calibrated to the ultra-low profile tires and the wider track. It combines direct, safe and sporty handling with excellent ride comfort.

With these modifications the ULTIMATE 112 offers the perfect platform for the powerful BRABUS three-cylinder turbo engine. It produces a maximum power output of 112 hp (110 hp SAE net) / 82.4 kW at 5,600 rpm. Even more important for everyday driving is the peak torque of 150 Nm, available on a plateau from 3,330 to 3,900 rpm, an exceptional figure for a car in its class.

Shifting in the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 is done either automatically or the sporty F1 way with shift paddles on the ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel.

With sprint times from 0 – 60 km/h (38 mph) of 3.9 seconds, 9.5 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) and an electronically limited top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph) the snow-white roadster is the ultimate city sports car and thus the optimal "tender to the SLR."

The car's performance is accompanied acoustically by the sounds of the BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust with its characteristic dual cast aluminum tailpipes.

Exquisite highlights also abound in the interior of the ULTIMATE 112: Like its big brother its interior is upholstered in a combination of especially soft and breathable lipstick-red BRABUS Mastik leather and black Alcantara.

Embossed BRABUS emblems are part of the exclusive concept as are accents such as speedometer, tach and clock, instrument bezels, dashboard trim, turn signal lever and door handles, all color-coordinated with the exterior color. Stainless-steel foot pedals with rubber pads and an aluminum shifter and emergency brake lever add a bit of racing atmosphere.

Climate control system, radio and a navigation system for quick navigating in the city are also part of the two-seater's standard equipment package.

Both vehicles in the white BRABUS fleet are available as a package or separately. Customers can freely choose their personal exterior and interior colors.


[Source: Brabus]

2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru North America has today confirmed details from the earlier 'leaked memo' that the 2009 Impreza WRX will receive a hefty power boost, plus a re-tuned suspension and minor styling tweaks in anticipation of the arrival of Mitsubishi's Lancer Ralliart Sportback.

Courtesy of a larger turbocharger, larger-diametre exhaust and low-density catalyst for reduced backpressure, power from the 2.5-litre 'Boxer' engine has been lifted to 195kW (265 hp) at 6,000 rpm from 165 kW. Torque has also been increased to 244 lb.-ft. from 226 lb.-ft. in the 2008 version.

New front upper strut mounts adopted from the STI, stiffer springs (26.5 N/mm to 38 N/mm (f); 24 N/mm to 34 N/mm (r)), larger stabiliser bars and re-tuned suspension dampers have significantly improved handling response and sharper, more precise turn-in.

Cosmetic changes include a new STI-type grille with WRX badge and a carbon black checquered upholstery accented by red stitching.

Subaru has also announced the introduction of a new Impreza 2.5GT model for 2009, powered by a 165 kW (224 hp) turbocharged inter-cooled horizontally opposed engine mated to a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with SPORTSHIFT.

While we await for Subaru Australia's confirmation on these changes to the 2009 Impreza WRX line-up for the local market, it is safe to assume that these changes (engine-wise at the very least) will apply to the international market and not just for North America.


[Source: Subaru]

2009 All-new Toyota Prius

The next generation Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle has been unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit and features an optional roof mounted solar panel that powers an interior recirculation system while the car is parked, to help lower interior temperatures and reduce the load on the air conditioning thus improving the car's fuel efficiency.

Powered by a larger and more powerful 100 kW 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine, the third generation Toyota Prius is the most fuel efficient yet and consumes just 50 MPG (US EPA test schedule). This is achieved via a combination of innovative technologies including the aforementioned solar panel and new engine plus a coefficient of drag (Cd) value of just 0.25.

Other advanced equipment on the new Prius includes a remote air-conditioning system which is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone and can also be remotely operated so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car. Power-saving LED (light emitting diode) lamps are used for low beams and also in the tail and stop lamps.

Built on an all-new platform, the third generation Prius boasts improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabiliser layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

Generous weight-saving has been achieved through use of aluminum in the bonnet, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. The new Prius is also quicker from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) with a time of 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster than its predecessor.

Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise.

The new Prius features a futuristic cabin with improved cargo space, a smooth-flowing centre stack and touch sensors on the steering wheel switches which have been designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. This system, called Touch Tracer, is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.

The third generation Toyota Prius goes on sale late spring in the US. Australian deliveries are expected to begin shortly afterwards.

2010 PRIUS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN

1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i
Engine horsepower: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Engine torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
Electric motor power output: 80 hp/153 lb-ft torque
Hybrid system net horsepower: 134 hp
Emission rating: SULEV (with AT-PZEV)
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Drive System: Front-wheel-drive
Hybrid battery pack: Nickel-metal hydride
Estimated fuel economy: 50 mpg (combined)*

DIMENSIONS (inches)

Overall Length: 175.6
Overall Width: 68.7
Overall Height: 58.7
Wheelbase: 106.3
Ground clearance: 5.5
Coefficient of Drag: 0.25
Wheels: 15-inch alloy wheels
17-inch alloy wheels (optional)
Tire Size: 15-inch: 195/65R15
17-inch: 215/45R17 (optional)
Seating Capacity: 5
EPA class rating: Midsize

* Preliminary figure based on Toyota’s internal testing. Actual mileage will vary.


[Source: Toyota]

Race-prepped Volkswagen Scirocco

German car maker Volkswagen is entering the 24-hour endurance race at the world famous Nurburgring with a race-prepped version of the all-new Scirocco sports hatch.

Three Scirocco race cars will feature at the May 24-25 event sporting a tweaked version of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine which develops 221 kW of power and mated to a DSG gearbox with steering wheel mounted paddles among other things.

Double Le Mans winner Hans Stuck will pilot the Scirocco around the treacherous 25km Nordschleife track in a marketing exercise which Volkswagen hopes will showcase the performance capabilities of this exciting coupe.

However, the Scirocco will have big shoes to fill - a Golf GTI fitted with the same engine topped its class and finished eighth overall at the same event last year.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Hi-res Volkswagen Scirocco images leaked

Images of the upcoming Volkswagen Scirocco have quickly found their way onto internet forums ahead of a rumoured debut at the Geneva Motor Show - this possibility was given weight after an official Scirocco mini-site was unveiled by VW about a week or so ago.

The latest round of images leaked are hi-res versions and shows off the vehicle's sleek lines beautifully while also highlighting how far removed the Scirocco is from the rest of the VW range in terms of styling.

The only official information we have of the Scirocco at the moment is that there will be a four-cylinder model powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine. This should be followed by other models such as a tweaked version of the Golf GTI's 2.0-litre turbocharged FSI engine and a flagship performance V6 model using the Golf R32 or Passat R36 engine. Both FWD and AWD models will be on offer.

More news on this model should it make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show this month as expected.

[Source: Various]

2009 Volvo S80 T6 AWD

Swedish car maker Volvo have announced a new addition to the Volvo S80 range with the S80 T6 AWD equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder T6 engine plus permanent all-wheel drive.

Replacing the old 3.2-litre six-cylinder powerplant, the force-fed 3.0-litre six-cylinder T6 engine featuring multi-valve cylinder heads with twin overhead camshafts, along with a twin-scroll turbocharger develops 210 kW and a useful 400 Nm of torque (available from 1500 rpm).

This compact T6 engine features a direct-driven alternator fitted to the engine block while the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor sits unconventionally behind the engine. Coupled with the engine block integrated vibration damper, this frees up a lot of longitudinal space.

With power sent to all four wheels through a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, the T6 is capable of accelerating the S80 from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.

Boasting the S80's signature 'Floating Centre Console' that contributes to a sense of space in the front compartment and right through to the rear seats, large, ergonomic seats provide sumptuous comfort for both front and rear passengers and, at the front, can be specified with an optional ventilation system to provide extra cooling in hot Australian summers. Front seat heating, which takes the edge off cold winter days, and electric power adjustment are standard on all S80s.

A list of new features for 2009 include changes to the auto-closing buttons for the windows and sunroof which now have side ridges preventing unintentional activation, a new range of interior colours, optional sun curtains, a new claret walnut wood trim, tyre pressure monitoring system, revised front head restraints and refinements to the audio systems.

The 2009 Volvo S80 T6 AWD is priced from $78,950.

The Official Volvo Press Release:

The dynamic and luxurious Volvo S80 enters the 2009 model year ready to expand its presence in the luxury segment with the introduction of a compact, turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder T6 engine to the Volvo S80 range.

The new S80 T6 AWD model joins the high-performance S80 V8 AWD, featuring a 60-degree, 4.4-litre all-alloy V8 and producing a powerful 232 kW and 440 Nm, along with the S80 D5 featuring Volvo's 2.4-litre turbodiesel that develops 136 kW and a surging 400 Nm of torque to provide sports sedan performance combined with outstanding fuel economy.

With a sparkling 210 kW and a muscular 400 Nm of torque (developed from just 1500 rpm) at its disposal, the T6 engine replaces the previous 3.2-litre six-cylinder powerplant to further raise performance levels and add to the refinement of Volvo's flagship sedan.

The T6 engine features multi-valve cylinder heads with twin overhead camshafts, along with a twin-scroll turbocharger that provides extremely swift responses comparable to a twin-turbo system.

The S80's optional Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSE) now gets larger 8-inch screens on the back of the front-seat head restraints that have been designed to further improve viewing in daylight conditions, while the High Performance and Premium Sound systems now have a USB port enabling easy connection with an iPod, MP3 player, or even a digital camera. Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all models.

The S80's Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) effectively reduces the amount of particles, pollen, gases and odours entering the passenger compartment. In addition, all textiles and leather are certified under Oeko-Tex Standard 100, an international standard that ensures fabrics and hides have been thoroughly tested to check for certain allergy-inducing substances and emissions.

The S80 can also be optioned with Volvo's Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP) - an advanced system approved by the Swedish Association against Asthma and Allergy - that provides healthier air quality inside the passenger compartment. When the car is unlocked via the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated for about a minute if the outdoor temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.

Advanced dynamics - an essential element in the Volvo S80
The dynamic abilities of the S80 are underpinned by an all-independent suspension system using MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink axle at the rear, as well as Volvo's FOUR-C Active Chassis, which is standard on T6 and V8 models.

This advanced, electronically controlled system "reads" the road and adapts instantly to constantly varying driving conditions, combining precise, accurate handling with the smooth, comfortable ride expected by luxury segment customers.

By continuously modifying the damper rates to suit prevailing circumstances, the FOUR-C Active Chassis maximises comfort while resisting the tendency to squat, dip or roll under acceleration, hard braking or while cornering.

The system offers the choice of three settings:

COMFORT - for a relaxed, ultra-smooth ride
SPORT - more controlled body movements, faster steering response
ADVANCED - firm damper control, maximum road holding

In emergency driving situations, FOUR-C automatically adjusts to provide maximum stability.

The Haldex all-wheel drive system, which is standard on T6 and V8 S80 models, employs an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch that constantly balances the power bias between the front and rear wheels to ensure optimal roadholding in all situations.

In its latest iteration, the S80's all-wheel-drive system features Instant Traction, which sets a bias (approximately 1500 Nm) favouring the rear wheels when starting on slippery or loose surfaces.

The S80 is also fitted with Volvo's Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) - a yaw-sensor-based stability system that reduces engine output and selectively applies individual brakes when necessary to avoid under or oversteer.

Advanced safety features are a given with Volvo S80
Volvo has long been a pioneer of automotive safety engineering and has acquired a vast knowledge through intensive studies that include real-life accidents as well as sophisticated laboratory testing.

The S80 benefits from this accrued know-how with systems such as Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, inflatable curtain airbags and emergency flashing brake lights.

Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which advises the driver if another vehicle is travelling behind the B-pillar (or in the 'blind spot') along with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which is equipped with the driver fatigue monitoring system Driver Alert Control (DAC), are standard with the new Teknik pack and optional otherwise.

Exterior changes identify 2009 Volvo S80 range
The sweeping, elegant shapes of the Volvo S80 brought a fresh new look to the Australian luxury market when it was introduced here in 2007.

The 2009 S80 range adds to the dynamic appearance with a wide range of wheel choices including the striking new "Cassini" 17-inch alloys and, at the rear, is identified by a more pronounced Volvo identification.

All S80s are fitted with active bi-Xenon headlights with washer function as well as Home Safe and Approach lighting systems.

Key Standard Features
Comfort

* Personal Car Communicator inc. keyless entry & alarm
* Bluetooth
* Front & Rear Park Assist
* High Performance Sound with 6-CD (8 speakers)
* Dual Zone Climate Control
* Humidity Sensor
* Auto Dim Rear View Mirror
* Rain Sensor Wipers
* Electric Park Brake
* 18" Alloys

Safety

* Dynamic Stability & Traction Control (DSTC)
* 4C - Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept
* Active Bi-Xenon Headlights
* Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
* Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
* Inflatable Curtains (IC)
* Laminated Side Windows

Packages add value
The 2009 Volvo S80 is available with two optional packages - Teknik and Travel:
Teknik

Volvo Navigation System (VNS)
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
Adaptive Cruise Control with collision warning and auto brake
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Driver Alert Control (DAC)
Compass
Total Value: $13,000
RRP: $9,500

Travel Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
Rear Headphone Sockets
Ventilated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Total Value: $6,300
RRP: $4,500


[Source: Volvo]

2009 Wiesmann GT MF5

The latest to emerge from German sports car marque Wiesmann is news on the hand-built GT MF5 sports car.

Loosely based on the previous MF4 coupe, the new MF5 will feature a 500 hp BMW-sourced M5 V10 engine and seven-speed SMG gearbox to offer blistering performance - try 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and a top speed in excess of 300 km/h!

Weighing in at around 1380kg, the car has spent considerable time testing in a wind tunnel to develop a rear diffuser and spoiler to help keep it planted at high speed. Seven double-spoke 19-inch wheels and wide rubber (245f, 275r) provides plenty of grip while any excess power is kept intact by BMW's ABS and dynamic stability control (DSC) systems.

The interior is simple yet beautifully crafted with centrally mounted rev counter and speedometer, custom made seats and plenty of carbon fibre and aluminium inserts.

[Source: Wiesmann]