Brabus unveils a 611HP Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster at the Essen Motor Show

611HP Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Mercedes-Benz tuning house, Brabus, has chosen the Essen Motor Show, to reveal its customized Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

A performance kit that consists of newly calibrated engine electronics with special mapping for ignition and injection, and a high-performance, titanium exhaust system with four tail pipes that's 40 percent lighter than the factory unit, bumps maximum output from 571HP (563 bhp) to 611HP (600 bhp).

Additional hardware modifications include an adjustable sport suspension from Bilstein that lowers the ride height by up to 40 mm (1.6-inches) at the touch of a button while the driver can also choose between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or sportier ride than the production car.

As an option, Brabus offers a Front Lift System that can raise the front end of the SLS AMG roadster by 50 millimeters (2.0-inches) by pushing a button on the center console in order to navigate over speed bumps or parking garage ramps. The system works at speeds of up to 30km/h (19mph), at which point it reverts to its original position.
The car also rides on more aggressive rubber - 275/30 ZR 20 at the front and 295/25 ZR 21 at the rear - mounted on 21 inch wheels on the front axle and 22 inch in the rear.
In appearance, the SLS AMG Roadster gains a modified version of the carbon-fibre aero-kit that Brabus has previously developed for the gullwing-door coupe. It includes a front spoiler, covers for the upper air-ducts, side skirts with illuminated Brabus logos, side air-vent trim, gas tank cap, a new rear bumper with side air vents and a diffuser, plus a discreet boot lid spoiler.

Brabus offers all the aero components in a high-gloss finish, a matte finish or in any color they want.
The final touch is the reworked interior sporting a different speedometer with a 400-km/h (250-mph) dial, stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS logo, matte-anodized pedals and custom upholstery.

»»  read more

Special Edition/SSC Tuatara

SSC-Tuatura

Shelby’s latest supercar is reported to have a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8, has the potential to spit out an astonishing 1350 horsepower, and achieve an estimated top-speed of 275 mph, as well as an astonishing 0-62 mph in less than 3 seconds.

It will be fast, powerful, and really expensive (just under a million dollars).  Some recently released pictures of the interior of the SSC Tuatara for you to excitedly drool over

»»  read more

Infiniti Introduces New IPL G Convertible at 2011 LA Auto Show

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible

BMW has the M Division, Mercedes-Benz has AMG, Audi its RS and S lines while even luxury-oriented Lexus has the “F Sport” range to show for itself. Infiniti’s answer is IPL, which stands for Infiniti Performance Line.

With just one model though, the IPL G Coupe, it’s not really a line. Therefore, the Japanese carmaker chose the 2011 LA Auto Show to unveil its second production IPL model based on the G37 Convertible.
Displayed initially as a thinly veiled concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the production IPL G is distinguished by the redesigned front fascia and bumper with integrated fog lights, the sculpted side skirts, 19-inch split-rim 7-spoke alloys with graphite finish and the two exclusive body finishes named Moonlight White and Malbec Black.

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible-ii

The interior also gets two color trims –Stone and the IPL-exclusive Monaco Red-, as well as red-stitched leather front sports seats. The “Silk Obi” aluminum trim, aluminum-trimmed pedals and footrest and IPL logos on the front seatbacks and floor mats further distinguish the IPL G Convertible from the standard model.

The Japanese brand has tuned the 3.7-liter V6’s engine management system, raising the maximum output point by 400 rpm, to 7,400 rpm.

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible-interiors

A more linear torque curve and a revised exhaust system, help raise maximum output by 18HP to 343HP, and torque by 6 lb-ft to 273 lb-ft compared to the standard G37 Convertible.
Power is transfered to the rear wheels through an electronically controlled, seven-speed auto transmission that allows the driver to also change gears manually via the magnesium steering-wheel mounted paddles.
Finally, the Infiniti IPL G Convertible features an IPL-developed sports suspension, low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires and a more poten-t braking system.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

»»  read more

New Details of 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL released

Earlier this week, German magazine Auto Motor und Sport published a set of what appear to be official pictures of the next SL's body-in-white, along with some very interesting details.

The images suggest that the all-new luxury roadster will retain the familiar SL silhouette while adopting styling cues from other Mercedes models such as the boxy nose that is becoming the brand’s new “face” and the SLK’s “Magic Sky Control” retractable rigid roof.

According to AMS, the new SL roadster will be much lighter than the current model, despite being slightly larger in all dimensions. This has been achieved through the use of an almost all-aluminum chassis that weighs just 254 kg (560 pounds) reducing the car’s overall weight, by as much as 140 kg (309 lbs) with obvious benefits both in handling, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The new SL will be powered by a new generation of engines that feature direct injection and an auto stop-start system. The line-up will consist of a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 with an output of 435HP, as well as V6 and possibly V12 units.

AMG will develop the range-topping versions, with the SL 63 AMG being powered by the new 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 that will reportedly pump out 571HP.

The interior will follow the latest Mercedes design direction with highlights including the round vents surrounded by chrome rings and a large screen at the center console. Expect all the usual comfort and passive and active safety systems from Mercedes’ huge arsenal.

In addition, the 2013 SL will introduce two novel features. The first one is “Magic Vision Control”, a windshield wiper that encompasses the washer fluid system and which is said to be much more effective than a conventional unit . The second is a new audio system that uses the empty space in the aluminum-structured footwell as a resonance chamber to deliver more bass.

Source : AMS

»»  read more

Marvelous Mobile Home the luxury on the go

If you are looking for a house on the go as you explore the world by hitting the road, Vienna based Marchi Mobile, is all set to woo you with some brilliant examples of luxury-on-the-go. Their purposely misspelled eleMMent line, playing up the company’s double-M namesake, is the latest high-end luxury coach to include amenities that no one really needs in a roadworthy vehicle.

Marchi Mobile’s eleMMent Motor Coaches Combine Modern Luxuries With 1950s Design
Available in various configurations allowing them to be used for personal travel, commuting or as roaming promotional vehicles, the 40 foot long coaches manage to expand to a livable 430 square feet of space when parked. Including a master bedroom spacious enough to house a 40 inch flatscreen TV, and a pop-up sky lounge rooftop patio. The mobile home gives you everything you need right-from sun bathing to a all out night life party setup.

The amenities would also include the mini-kitchen where you could cater to your gastronomical needs, the integrated communications and location system which shall help you find your way out or simply navigate new zones. Since we are talking of the future, satellite television along with internet will always keep you in touch with what’s happening around the world.

Since they’re designed for consumers who probably aren’t that concerned with their price tag, the eleMMent coaches can be configured with everything from mobile internet, a working fireplace recommended for use only when parked, streaming video surveillance, heated flooring and rainfall shower.

The marvelous mobile home rests on a DAF XF 105 chassis equipped with a max 530hp, 6-cylinder and 4-valve turbocharged diesel engine. The home gives you a Motor sports package XXL with a dual sport exhaust system, Carbon rear diffuser, eleMMent design wheels 28 inch front axle, single-arm windscreen wiper with rotor drive, and a 25% reduction in fuel consumption thanks to an aerodynamic design.

Now exact pricing is still to be determined, since the eleMMent coaches will only be built on a per-order basis. But, three Marchi Mobile Motor Coaches (2 in Russia and one in Europe) are already being used by MM Promotions to publicize the Winter Olympic Games to be held in Sochi, Russia in 2014.

 [Marchi Mobile]

»»  read more

Vintage/ Gold Plated 1920 Pierce-Arrow 48 Coupe

Gold-plated and even more antique certainly attracts the attention. Exactly such an car is 1920 Pierce-Arrow 48 Coupe, probably the first one that can only be described as jewelry. This antique car is 3-passenger Coupe and is available for an asking price of $300,000 from Hemmings.

The Model 48 was powered by a T-head inline six-cylinder engine of 525 cubic inches with a 4-speed transmission on a 142 wheelbase chassis. First, it was designed for salt-mining entreprenuer Emerson Carey in Hutchinson Kansas, and later it was perfected and blinged by a subsequent owner in Great Bend Kansas during 1945. Every one of the Pierce-Arrows finely cast aluminum body panels has been meticulously prepared and plated in 23-karat gold, and the fenders and hood in bright nickel. The engine and chassis received the same treatment. The wood spoke wheels are gold leafed.

»»  read more

Exotic cars /Rizk Auto RA

Space age materials and technology meet mid-century design in the Rizk Auto RA ($180,000). Based loosely on the 1957 Aston Martin DBR2, the RA sports a striking, classic body made from aircraft-spec carbon composites, a full carbon chassis, adapted Aeron chairs for seats, height adjustable steering, reach adjustable Tilton pedals, a choice of 6- or 12-cylinder Jaguar E-Type engines or a LS3 Corvette V8, and NASA Aerogel Insulation — the same stuff used in the Mars Rover Program. So while you might not be able to visit the red planet, your car could.

»»  read more

Luxury Cars/Bentley Continental GTC

Output grows to 567 hp–up from 552 hp–from the 6.0-liter W12 powerplant. Torque also increases by 37 lb-ft to a rating of 516 lb-ft, reinforcing what Bentley has billed for years as awave of torque. The new Bentley Continental GTC has been described by Durheimer as having, Uncompromising quality, striking and contemporary design, unparalleled craftsmanship and unrivalled comfort, combined with breathtaking performance.

If you want one of your own New Continental GTC, grab the nearest $212,800 and phone up your local Bentley dealer. It goes on sale later this year.

»»  read more

Luxury Cars/Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition

At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Aston Martin has revealed details of a new special edition called the DBS Carbon Edition. Following on from the success of the DBS Carbon Black, introduced in 2009, the 2011 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition will be available in two new colours including Flame Orange and Ceramic Grey together with the existing Carbon Black.

As the name implies, the car is festooned with carbon fibre touches, with the lightweight material featuring on the side mirrors, the rear lights, the interior facia and the magnesium alloy gear shift paddles. Also, the DBS Carbon Edition features 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned wheels with a reversed diamond turned or full gloss black finish as an option. Complementing the wheels, black brake calipers will be delivered as standard with yellow, orange, red or grey as an option.

Inside, the usual swathes of leather are all present, in either obsidian black or Maranello orange. The coupe also receives a quilted leather headlining. The magnesium alloy paddles that control the Touchtronic II automatic gearbox are tipped with carbon fibre bringing the Carbon Edition direct to the fingertips. Along with the standard DBS, the Carbon Edition receives the vastly improved Aston Martin Garmin satellite navigation system. There are also new beam blade windscreen wipers that are said to reduce wind noise and provide a cleaner wipe even at high speeds. Just in case you forget you are in a Carbon Edition there is a unique carbonfibre special edition sill plaque with laser-etched metal inlay.

Performance remains the same with 6.0-liter V12 that makes 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, and the car has a 0-to-62-mph time of 4.2 seconds.
Given the unique and hand-crafted nature of the cars, they won’t come cheap. Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition prices start at £186,582 (€257,912/$287,576) for the coupe and £196,581 (€272,913/$302,576)

»»  read more

Luxury Cars/3 million bucks Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

One of the first big pieces of news to come out of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show has come from Lamborghini. The previously created concept car the Sesto Elemento will go into mass production! The word comes straight from the mouth of Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, confirming what has been rumored for a few months now.

The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, an all-carbon-fiber super sports car which made its debut as a concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, will enter production in a very limited run and expected to reach customers at the beginning of 2013. The Sesto Elemento is constructed through heavy use of carbon fiber, helping keep weight down to just 2,202 lbs. Built on the lines of the Reventon, the Sesto Elemento sports a 5.2-liter V10 that can hit 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds. The limited edition supercar will come with an e-gear six-speed paddle-shift transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

Engineering chief Maurizio ReggianiIn told: The structure of this car is at the centre of its function. It represents a revolutionary way of building a car. This method is a true breakthrough, and we are extremely excited about what it means for our future.

In addition to the cutting-edge design the tailpipes are made from Pyrosic, a glass and ceramic composite that can withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees celsius.

Unfortunately, there is some bad news about the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento. First of all, we can probably expect the Sesto to cost more than most of the people reading this article with make in a lifetime. Second, the company will only build 20 examples of the Sesto Elemento so even if you have a couple million (around $3 million) bucks laying around, it might be hard to get your hands on one. Finally, the Sesto Elemento will not be street legal as it is only intended for track purposes so you aren’t likely to see this new hypercar cruising into your local car show.

»»  read more

Brabus Rocket 800 – The World’s Fastest Street Legal Sedan

Over the years, German tuner Brabus has brought us the world’s fastest street legal sedans, like the Brabus Rocket back in 2006 and the Brabus SV12R from 2009. The world debut of the new Brabus Rocket 800 at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show now continues this unique success story. Capable of reaching speeds of 230 mph, the Rocket 800, based on the Mercedes-Benz CLS, is an ungodly fastest street-legal sedan in the world.

Based on the CLS sedan, the Rocket 800 uses the standard E V12 from the current Merc E-Class and tacks on a twin turbocharger, beefing up the already ample 5.5 liter displacement to a gorging 6.3 liters. Here’s where the Rocket and the 800 terms actually come to mean something. Brabus 800 V12 Biturbo engine produces 800 hp and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), which in the car is limited to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). Backed by a seven-speed automatic, Brabus’ own limited-slip diff and a range of final drive ratios, the Rocket 800 can reach an ultimate speed of more than 230 mph in certain configuaration, but is limited to just 217 mph for on-road excursions. 0-62 mph happens in just 3.7 seconds.

To cope with the added power, the Brabus Rocket 800 received numerous exterior updates that included large air intakes, widened wheel arches, a rear wing and a rear diffuser, in addition to other aerodynamic updates. Inside the Brabus Rocket, drivers are welcomed by an all-leather grey interior combined with high-gloss-polished black piano wood. The car also boasts of an ergonomic driver’s cabin design with a steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles, pedals and footrest.

With its lofty status as one of the fastest luxury sedans in the world, the Brabus Rocket 800 will cost you $582,000.

»»  read more

Special Cars/2012 BMW M5

The king of the luxury supersedans is back. Sporting an all-new twin-turbo V8 good for 560hp, a 0-62 mph time of 4.4 seconds and an optional top speed of 190, the 2012 BMW M5 ($TBA) is ready to get you and up to four passengers to your destination in comfort and style — quickly. Other features include a new body treatment, electronics galore, a seven-speed double clutch transmission, 19-inch light alloy M-exclusive wheels, and — thankfully — astonishingly high 28.5 mpg fuel economy.

»»  read more

World's first luxury city car by Aston Martin featuring Toyota

Aston Martin partners with Japanese automaker for the Cygnet, a city car that boasts the Toyota iQ's economy with a luxury trim.

Luxury carmaker Aston Martin has forged an innovative alliance with Toyota to develop what could be the world's first luxury city car. Aston Martin on Monday released a photo of the Cygnet, which is a Toyota iQ with restyled front sheetmetal.

Although officially billed a concept, reports in Britain say that Aston Martin will put the Cygnet on sale next year. At first, it will be offered to current Aston owners or those who have a car on order. But it will be offered to the public later.

The price? The equivalent of $33,000, or £20,000. That's a bit of a step up from the iQ's base price, which checks in at the equivalent of $17,800. Aston says a key part of the Cygnet is a new grille design for the automaker. There also are slight changes to the shape of the headlamps, and the addition ofAston's signature vents on the hood and front quarter panels.

Aston won't make mechanical changes to the iQ. Toyota will build the cars and ship them to Aston's assembly plant in Gaydon. There, Aston will trim out the car's interior with leather.

Reports say that Aston will build up to 2,000 copies of the Cygnet a year.

One important note: The addition of the Cygnet to Aston's vehicle fleet will improve the automaker's emissions ratings.

»»  read more