PRESS RELEASE A Fabia concept car will present the design of the new model in an attractive elegant combination of colours in 
Well, not much of a concept since Skoda has announced that it’ll offer a white-painted roof for the new Fabia (photos below). Only difference is that this one draws its uniqueness due to the silver painted roof & mirror covers and the pearl-black body color. So, I guess at the Frankfurt show we’ll see a Fabia concept with a white colored roof "dressed" with the British err, sorry I mean the Czech flag? -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release and more photos
Technorati: Skoda+Fabia, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007
GENEVA: Skoda Fabia "bi-colour" concept
TechArt GTstreet: Official pics of the 630Hp Porsche 911 Turbo based coupe
Wrapping-up our reports on the 2007 Geneva Show we’ve got the first official pictures on TechaArt’s insane GTstreet. Unlike the other “clockwork orange” show car, Lumma Design’s CLR 500 RS, the GTstreet lived up to our expectations in terms of design though personally, I think a “Polar White” colour would be have been a better choice.
Featuring a supped-up version of the 997 911 Turbo’s 3.6-litre boxer engine that develops 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,800 rpm and 820 Nm at 4,500 rpm (up from 480 hp / 353 kW & 620 Nm), the GTstreet accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 3.2 seconds and to 200 km/h (124mph) after just 10.9 seconds while it has a maximum speed of 345 km/h – 215mph. Insane? Definitely but so is its price: 245,000 EUR or 321.600 USD… Via: Autoblog.it & TechArt -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release & a high-res image gallery
PRESS RELEASE
The Next Generation: TechArt GTstreet Based on Porsche 911 Turbo
The TechArt TA 097/T3 engine conversion comprises two special VTG turbochargers, a new air box with sport air filter, high-performance manifolds, intercoolers and a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with high-performance catalysts. The precise optimal interaction of all modifications is ensured by a newly programmed engine management system.
Power is transferred to all four wheels via a modified transmission with TechArt gear-throw shortening. Thus equipped the TechArt GTstreet delivers performance that firmly places it among the world’s fastest sports cars: 0 – 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, 200 km/h after just 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 345 km/h speak volumes.
The body kit for the TechArt GTstreet was created in the wind tunnel, and offers an optimal symbiosis of aerodynamic downforce, minimized drag and striking design. The front fascia of the GTstreet with retractable carbon-fiber splitter produces downforce on the front axle and provides radiator, oil coolers and brakes with more cooling air, thanks to its large, striking air inlets. The auxiliary headlamp units with daytime running lights and fog lamps improve active safety. They also give the car even more passing clout.
The TechArt GTstreet fender flares on the front axle add 10 mm to the two-door’s width and give it an even more dynamic appearance. But that’s not all: The air outlets behind the front wheel houses optimize brake venting. The larger air ducts in the rear sidewalls provide engine and intercoolers with a larger supply of cooling air. For an optimal transition between front and rear fenders the TechArt designers have developed rocker panels that complement the new contours. TechArt mirror and headlamp moldings provide the finishing touches.
The TechArt roof spoiler extends the roofline and optimizes airflow to the adjustable rear airfoil of the GTstreet. The TechArt GTstreet rear fascia with integrated carbon-fiber diffuser contributes to the strong downforce generated on the rear axle. It also provides the perfect backdrop for the quad exhaust of the TechArt high-performance exhaust system.
TechArt Automobildesign offers a number of versions of its popular Formula wheel in sizes 8.5Jx20 in front and 12Jx20 on the rear axle. GTstreet buyers can choose from several color combinations and between the one-piece Formula and the multi-piece Formula II designs. The Formula II wheel features an exchangeable wheel lip. For optimal tires TechArt chose ContiSportContact 3 high-performance tires in sizes 245/30 ZR 20 and 325/25 ZR 20.
The large 20-inch wheels also provide the necessary space for the especially powerful and durable TechArt high-performance brake system. It features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 390-millimeter discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 365-millimeter discs and four-piston fixed calipers.
The TechArt GTstreet comes with a TechArt VarioPlus coil-over suspension that is based on the electronically adjustable PASM damping system of the 911 Turbo. This chassis allows individual ride-height lowering by up to 25 millimeters and push-button selection of two different damper settings, “
The cockpit of the TechArt GTstreet also differs distinctly from the stock 911 Turbo. Among the differences is an exclusive leather interior with color-contrasted stitching and sporty CarboBlack highlights. The coupe is further equipped with an ergonomically shaped TechArt sport steering wheel, aluminum foot pedals, foot rest and shifter, as well as with illuminated door sills sporting the TechArt logo.
TechArt GTstreet – Technical Specifications
Engine:
Watercooled six-cylinder boxer twin-turbo engine with TechArt TA 097/T3 performance tuning consisting of 2 special turbochargers with variable turbine geometry, airbox with sport air filter, modified intercoolers, sport induction pipes, TechArt stainless steel high performance exhaust system with special manifolds and steel-bed high performance catalysts and a recalibrated ECU. TechArt engine design package.
Displacement 3,600 cm³
Bore x stroke 100 x 76.4 mm
Max. power 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,800 rpm
Max. torque 820 Nm at 4,500 rpm
Max. revs 7,000 rpm
Power output per liter 175 hp per liter capacity
Transmission:
Permanent four-wheel drive. Six-speed manual gearbox with modified transmission-ratio, TechArt gearshift travel shortage and additional gearbox-oil cooling
Chassis:
TechArt VarioPlus „Clubsport“ Coil Over Suspension
Wheels:
TechArt Formula GTS light alloy wheels, one-piece, 8.5Jx20 in front with 245/30 R 20 ContiSportContact 3 tires, 12Jx20 in rear with 325/25 R 20 tires.
Brakes:
TechArt high performance brake system
Front: 390 mm x 34 mm vented and perforated discs with 6-pot aluminium Monobloc fixed callipers
Rear: 365 mm x 28 mm vented and perforated discs with 4-pot aluminium Monobloc fixed callipers
Bodywork:
2+2 seater coupe with TechArt GTstreet bodystyling kit, consisting of: front apron with extendable Carbon splitter, headlight moldings, aerodynamics fenders front and rear (10 millimeters wider on each side), side skirts, side mirror moldings, roof spoiler, adjustable rear wing, rear apron with integrated Carbon diffuser.
Length 4,450 mm
Width 1,852 mm
Height 1,275 mm
Wheel-base 2,350 mm
Tank capacity 67 liters
Curb weight 1,592 kg (manual gearbox)
1,627 kg (Tiptronic S)
Performances: manual gearbox Tiptronic S
Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h: 3.4 s 3.2 s
0 – 200 km/h: 11.4 s 10.9 s
Maximum speed: 345 km/h 345 km/h
Retail price: from 245,000 Euro
Technorati: TechArt+GTstreet, Porsche+911+Turbo, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007
Honda presents CR-V "Aero Performance Pack" at Geneva
Along with the Small Hybrid Sports Concept (what an ingenious name…) Honda also presented a bodykit for its new CR-V. The sport pack consists of "Aero" bumpers, aerodynamic running boards, a tailgate spoiler, sports suspension and 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. Overall, we like Honda’s "Aero Performance Pack" since it gives the otherwise dull, CR-V a more dynamic and distinct look without going overboard.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery
Technorati: Honda+CR-V, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
GENEVA: Hyundai QarmaQ SUV Concept Video & Press Pack
More of a technology showcase vehicle than your typical design study, Hyundai’s QarmarQ s features over 30 key technologies, which, according to the Korean company, will be selectively incorporated into Hyundai’s new models from 2008-2014. Among others, QarmarQ features polycarbonate glazing materials that are about 50 percent lighter compared to your usual glass and an “Elastic Front” safety system that significantly improves pedestrian protection. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & more high-res images
PRESS RELEASE: Hyundai Unveils QarmaQ
-Sporty Crossover Coupé makes debut in
-Elastic Front safety system reduces pedestrian injury-
-Eco-focused technologies lower weight, fuel consumption and CO2-
At the Geneva International Motor Show today, Hyundai Motor Co. and GE Plastics presented QarmaQ, a first in the Crossover Coupe segment. The QarmaQ is Hyundai's Advanced Technology Demonstration Vehicle (ATDV) that showcases over 30 different environmentally progressive technologies led by the innovative “Elastic Front™”, an innovative solution that can help reduce the risk of severe injuries in Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUV) pedestrian collisions.
Designed at Hyundai Motor Europe's Design and
“At Hyundai, we believe in innovation for humanity, and QarmaQ demonstrates our commitment to safety innovation and our determination to bring more environmentally responsible technologies to the market,” said Dr. Kwon Moon-Shik, Hyundai Motor's vice president of advanced technology. “We chose to partner with GE Plastics because of their commitment to the environment and their wide range of innovative materials and technical capabilities. Technologies from QarmaQ will provide Hyundai owners with a safer, more environmentally responsible car and a better driving experience.”
The QarmaQ is lighter, stronger and more economical than any current production CUV in its class. It also offers significant recycling advantages both in construction and eventual disassembly. In short, it is a viable and realistic glimpse of the future potential of personal automotive transport.
Pedestrian Safety
The issue of pedestrian safety is a growing one. In the EU, one-fifth of all traffic fatalities – 7,000 people per year – are pedestrians hit by a vehicle. In densely populated
A totally relevant concept
The Hyundai QarmaQ concept car is the result of the fusion of exceptional expertise and engineering foresight from Hyundai and GE Plastics. More than a design concept, QarmaQ illustrates that environmentally responsible solutions can be elegantly incorporated to enhance safety, design and performance.
"GE Plastics is committed to developing greener, lighter and aesthetically pleasing solutions to support our customers in creating vehicles with reduced environmental impact," said Gregory A. Adams, vice president and general manager, GE Plastics – Automotive. "We are delighted to have collaborated with Hyundai and we believe that working together we helped them develop an exciting new CUV that demonstrates greater environmental responsibility as well as improved safety, dramatic design, and high performance."
Firmly positioned as a crossover Coupe/CUV, the QarmaQ derives its name from traditional Inuit dwellings, constructed from earth, whalebone and animal skins. Like them, QarmaQ challenges conventional ideas on construction methods and materials. Also in common with the original structures, it boasts unusual strength, resilience and protection.
By combining leading edge design, advanced engineering techniques and the benefits of GE materials technology, QarmaQ demonstrates the ability to meet necessary, but problematic areas of legislation dealing with pedestrian safety and eco-responsibility.
The choice of a crossover coupe/CUV format for QarmaQ underlines the commitment of Hyundai to design innovation in this market sector. With
This 2+2 vehicle targets the important empty next baby boomers demographic, who are rediscovering a new-found freedom while remaining the wealthiest demographic in history. Today, this key group of consumers is beginning to spend their nest egg and enjoy the fruits of their labour, not on material possessions, but on experiences. The QarmaQ soulfully blends the driving experience of a Coupe with the ability to manage multi-terrain driving of a CUV, providing empty nesters with effortless access to their outdoor playground.
Design: Freedom of shape
As a joint project with GE Plastics, QarmaQ endowed designers with greater expressive freedom to create complex three-dimensional shapes that could not have been achieved with conventional production methods and materials such as metal and glass.
"The powerful profile and stance of the design incorporates dynamic, sculptural qualities and elegant sportiness on one hand, with smooth refined surfaces on the other," said Thomas Bürkle, chief designer, Hyundai Motor Europe. "Moreover, the various properties of the GE materials allowed more freedom in meeting or even exceeding safety requirements. The result is a uniquely balanced and harmonic design both inside and out," he added.
Departing from conventional car design that combines a lower body and a glass cabin on top, QarmaQ blazes a new trail with panoramic wrap-around glazing area using GE’s Lexan™ polycarbonate resin. This part sits between the two pronounced “muscles” above the front and rear wheels. The C-shaped side window enables innovative helicopter-like downward visibility and is a key design feature demonstrating the new glazing technology.
Exterior: Fluidity of line
Connected by unique glazed surfaces, the exterior design relates strongly to, and interacts effortlessly with the interior. The unique division between the solid bodywork and transparent glazed areas creates a new perspective, whether viewed from inside or from the pedestrian standpoint.
The exterior contours and fluidity of line have been refined to give an immediate impression of movement frozen in motion. This aesthetic is mirrored in the interior, so that the fusion and merging of the perceptual boundaries between inside and out delivers a feeling of integration and synchronization to the overall appearance.
Although QarmaQ does not have a high waistline or small window area (conventional methods to convey a feeling of protection), the exterior design still communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants.
”The QarmaQ’s exterior design communicates a commanding presence and a feeling of protection to the occupants,” said Robert Butterfield, global market director, GE Plastics. “ The twin domes on the sunroof, facilitated by the new glazing technology, increases the inner space for the rear passengers and creates a unique design feature.” The wrap-around windscreen, in combination with the elongated bonnet delivers dramatic, almost classic, proportions and gives the car a unique sporty feeling. Finally, the contrast of the strong dark coloured areas to the lighter tonal areas emphasizes QarmaQ’s off-road DNA.
Interior
In response to shrinking family sizes and emergent customer preferences, QarmaQ is specifically designed to carry four people in above average comfort. The extensive use of new materials and techniques has resulted in a more fluid, more unified interior, by allowing seamless integration of otherwise intrusive elements.
As the sporting exterior proportions suggest, QarmaQ is primarily a driver’s car. Within its unique interior architecture the cockpit is isolated in an active, yet protective pod structure. This helps promote a sensorial and highly self-indulgent driving experience.
One of the main aims of the interior design was to develop a practical and interactive space, which wraps around the occupants. The driver-oriented cockpit, which combines functionality with organic sculpted shapes, creates an attractive, fun-to-drive atmosphere. This is further underlined by:
• Inclusion of smooth surfaces embedded with discrete or hidden touch activated sensors
• “Floating” elements pulsating and glowing with tinted ambient lighting
The interior is brought alive by a variety of technologies, effects and surfaces, including:
• Thoughtful ambient LED lighting by Lumination, LLC glows through ceramic components
• Silicone applied next to leather, to give a pleasing tactile and visual experience
The colour harmony of the interior has been designed to enhance the feeling of serenity and spaciousness, which in turn relates directly to the high level of comfort enjoyed by the passengers. The mixed effects, textures and colours add sophistication to the dynamic forms and strong presence of the car. Functional elements made from aluminium emphasise the more technical aspects, contrasting with and highlighting the softness of the interior materials.
New materials, new directions in comfort and safety
Current composite technology is usually thought too expensive and too difficult to fabricate to be of use anywhere but the aerospace and motor racing industries. The QarmaQ is physical proof that this need not be so.
The wrap-around GE Lexan™ windscreen and extensive use of GE polycarbonate glazing materials provides a weight saving of up to 50 percent in relation to glass, while simultaneously allowing more adventurous shapes than flat glass. The glazing features a unique technology from Exatec™ which deposits a thin protective layer of glass on the Lexan™ to add protection from scratching and the effects of weathering.
The QarmaQ also introduces new curved and moving side glazing in Lexan. As well as allowing such advanced applications, the impact resistance and other properties of this material also helps increase both occupant and pedestrian safety.
Exatec™ infrared coatings on the whole transparent areas reflect heat, helping cool the interior and reducing the power demands upon the infrared regulated air conditioning. Lighting is achieved by incorporating mood illumination into the actual material, delivering a unique interior ambience. The material also facilitates a perfectly flat, fully integrated fractal radio antenna within the roof structure.
Among other milestones in the construction of QarmaQ, the front wings were designed from the beginning to be one very large single injection moulded component. Together with the deformable bonnet and precise bumper mouldings, these also form a major addition to pedestrian impact safety. The sophistication of the material and manufacturing technique also played a major part in the ability to fully encapsulate the complex headlight shape into the whole frontal styling.
At the other end, the tailgate breaks new ground by bonding different materials, including the glazing and rear light assemblies, to create a one-piece component structure. This increases the integral strength, while at the same time simplifying vehicle assembly and reducing weight.
Another major safety advance is the use of sensors to detect vehicle presence in the blind spots of the rear view mirrors when pulling out or overtaking, and audio-visually alert the driver.
Euro5 diesel engine
The QarmaQ's 2-liter diesel engine is fully compliant with EURO5 emission regulations. It features the very latest technologies such as high pressure fuel injection and fine fuel spray atomization for higher torque and better power output. Regulated emissions such as CO, THC, NOx and PM, were reduced drastically while a Catalyzed Particulate Filter system, CPF, is capable of cleaning about 90 percent of the particulate matter from the diesel emissions. Furthermore, by switching the position of CPF from the under-floor area to a location more closely coupled to the exhaust manifold, it was possible to minimize the catalytic light-off time and to enhance the naturally regenerative characteristics of the CPF.
A greener future
Thanks to extensive use of advanced materials, QarmaQ is 60 kg lighter than a comparable vehicle made with traditional materials.
GreenOrder, an environmental strategy firm based in New York, N.Y. that audited QarmaQ estimated that the 60 kg. that have been taken out of the QarmaQ, means the vehicle would require about 80 fewer litres of diesel per year, and would cut annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200 kg. Furthermore, if every new vehicle registered in the European Union (EU-15) in 2006 had reduced fuel consumption by the same amount, the result would have been an annual savings of more than 7.4 million barrels of diesel fuel -- or enough to sustain the European Union (EU-15) diesel demand for three days.
As a result, the greenhouse gas savings would equal approximately 3.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. According to Joseph Malcoun, an Associate with GreenOrder, cutting edge material technologies are expected to make a major contribution to increasing the fuel economy of tomorrow’s passenger vehicles. “As consumer demand for more fuel efficient vehicles continues to grow, we expect the use of advanced materials to play an increasing role in reducing the greenhouse gas footprint of the cars we drive.”
HPPC composites for horizontal body panels significantly reduce part weight - up to 50 percent per part - while maintaining strength equal to that of steel. This lighter-weight cladding contributes to better fuel efficiency and improved power-to-weight ratio for drivers and its energy absorbing qualities are harnessed to create the Elastic Front™ safety system.
The QarmaQ's body panels use an environmental responsible plastic, Xenoy iQ™ and Valox iQ developed as part of GEs ecomagination™ initiative to address three critical environmental concerns: conserving energy, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and up-cycling or re-using materials such as PET plastic bottles. The QarmaQ re -uses approximately 900 PET bottles that would otherwise become landfill.
Another environmentally progressive aspect of QarmaQ’s design is the use of GE paint replacement technologies, including Visualfx™ resins with Lexan™ films, to replace painting operations that can release toxic and greenhouse gases.
To eliminate dependency on PVC in the wiring, GE’s Noryl resin technology was used for wire and cable coating. Replacing PVC, these ultra-thin coatings can reduce cable weight by up to 25 percent.
Technorati: Hyundai+QarmarQ, Concept, Youtube, Video, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
B&B Audi TT Edition R : 500Hp strong TT 3.2 V6 with an R8 inspired bodykit breaks cover in Geneva
Yesterday we posted an article on the Audi TT with the R8 inspired bodykit. Looks like the car is the work of German tuner “B&B” who used a bodykit from the Belgium based “Caractere” and we’re saying looks like, since we haven’t found a press release on either site so we’ll have to do with what we found on the net (including among others, AMS).
Apart from the obvious, the B&B Audi TT Edition R uses a heavily reworked version of Audi’s 3.2 V6. Thanks to the addition of a newly developed turbocharger, a complete sports exhaust system with race catalysts and new motor management and electronics, the 3.2 delivers a thundering 500Hp and 650Nm of torque. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the rest of the article & more pics
That’s good enough to give the TT “x-rated” acceleration figures: 0-100 km/h (62mph) in 4,2 sec., 0-200km/h (124mph) in 12,5 sec. , 0-300km/h (187mph) in 39,2sec. and a top speed of 320km/h (199mph). Complete cars can be ordered starting from 89.950 EUR – 118.000 USD. Info Via: AMS
Technorati: B&B+Audi+TT+Edition+R, Audi+TT, Tuning, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
BMW M3 Concept Interior!
Without doubt, BMW’s M3 Concept was THE star car of the show. We’ve already showed you official pics along with the press release and the presentation Video where we get to see and hear the E92 M3. So, since BMW won’t let any more information out until the production version comes out in mid summer, we’ll wrap things up with two shots of the interior that our Jalopnik friends managed to photograph at the show.
The most notable changes include the alcantara steering wheel with the red & blue stitching reminiscent of the one in the classic E30 M3 EVO, the bucket seats, the carbofibre trim and the aluminium pedals. Before you get excited or disappointed, let us state that this isn’t the final production version and that BMW hasn’t officially released any photos of the concept’s interior. Pics via: Jalopnik -Continued: Click "Read More.." below to see one more pic
Technorati: BMW+M3+Concept, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007
GENEVA: Brabus Mercedes ML 63 Widestar
Press Release: World Debut at the BRABUS WIDESTAR Based on the Mercedes ML 63: An Exclusive Wide-Track Version with 23-Inch Wheels and 550 hp / 405 kW Sporty and dynamic, exclusive and powerful: These three attributes best describe the BRABUS WIDESTAR. The special model based on the Mercedes ML 63 celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2007. With the WIDESTAR BRABUS presents not only a new and exciting wide-track version of the SUV but also the new Monoblock E 23-inch forged wheels and BRABUS B63 S performance tuning for the ML 63 with 550 hp / 404.8 kW. The WIDESTAR concept, which is of course also available for all current M-Class models, combines dynamic looks with maximum functionality. The elegantly flowing lines of the fender flares front and back increase vehicle width by four centimeters. The extra centimeters benefit the car's appearance while the wider track improves handling: The multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock E wheels in size 11Jx23 were custom-tailored for the wide-track version of the M-Class. Their forged wheel center ensures an optimal symbiosis of light-weight design and maximum strength. The new light-alloy wheels are mounted with high-performance tires in size 315/25 R 23. The BRABUS control module for the standard AIRMATIC air suspension lowers the ride height of the vehicle by some 30 millimeters, further contributing to more sporty road-handling characteristics. The BRABUS WIDESTAR body conversion consists of add-on parts for the doors, and rocker panels that create a more homogenous transition between the fender flares. But that's not all: Complete front and rear fascias replace their production counterparts front and back. The front spoiler bumper with three striking air inlets and four integrated auxiliary headlights lends the M-Class more passing clout and minimizes lift on the front axle. In combination with the rear spoiler the rear fascia with integrated diffuser and cutouts for the four chrome tailpipes of the BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system provides the perfect aerodynamic balance. Its well balanced aerodynamic properties make the BRABUS WIDESTAR a perfectly suited to serve as the platform for a tuned version of the ML 63. The latter was developed by the BRABUS motor engineers in form of the B63 S performance kit. The production V8 engine delivers 510 hp / 375 kW. It is fitted with sport air filters and high-performance metal catalysts as well as newly programmed engine electronics with custom mapping for ignition and injection. Together these measures result in an increase in power output by 40 hp / 31 kW to 550 hp / 404.8 kW. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 630 Nm to 650 Nm. Vehicle performance benefits accordingly: The sprint from rest to 100 km/h is shortened to 4.9 seconds. The engine tuning and installation of the BRABUS V/max unit increase the top speed from 250 km/h to 275 km/h. To further optimize active safety the BRABUS WIDESTAR can be equipped with a high-performance brake system. It features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled 380 x 36 millimeter discs on the front axle. Together with 355 x 28-mm brake discs and 6-piston fixed calipers in the rear it provides the impressive stopping power usually reserved for purebred sports cars. Yet another BRABUS specialty for the Mercedes M-Class is the creation of exclusive interior options: Stainless-steel door sills with illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and leather-covered door trim pieces to upgrade the factory leather are all part of the program as are exclusive BRABUS fully leather interiors made from meticulously crafted combinations of the finest Mastik leather and Alcantara. The production front seats are equipped with special rear consoles that reach all the way to the headrests. They house seven-inch 16:9 LCD screens with integrated DVD player. Also available is a version with an electric folding table made from precious wood. Technorati: Brabus+ML63+Widestar, Mercedes-Benz+ML+63, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007
Breaking News: Aston Martin sale to a Prodrive led consortium to be completed by tomorrow
And this time, it looks like it’s for real as according to a report from Daily Telegraph
We remind you that Prodrive has been a long-term partner of the British sports car maker and it runs Aston Martin's racing team. As for the price, it is rumoured that the deal will close at around 500m BP (1bil USD or 750m EUR) meaning that Ford has cut its expectations to half of what it was asking for Aston Martin when it put the British company up for sale last year. Via: Daily Telegraph
Technorati: Astion+Martin, Prodrive, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007
BMW M5 CLR 500 RS by Lumma Design debuts in Geneva
Talking about vitamin C, the German tuner also put a hand in the engine department. Besides optimizing the ECU, Lumma also installed a larger metallic racing catalytic converter and a racing exhaust system. These changes added another 53Hp to the M5’s stock 5.0-liter V10 which now delivers 560Hp. No word out yet on acceleration figures but Lumma announced that it has removed the Vmax limitation thus allowing the Bavarian "clockwork orange" to reach a top speed of 327km/h – 203 mph. PRESS RELEASE March 2007 - The swabian tuner LUMMA DESIGN continues its series of refined premium vehicles through CLR 500 RS. This time the development was based on the current BMW M5. This high performance limousine receives a complete body-kit in spectacular optics, a new chassis, a racing exhaust system, numerous interior accessories as well as power enhancement providing even better performance. This car, which is refined using every trick in the tuning book, celebrates its premier during the Auto Salon in Geneva 2007 as Show Car at the stand of the Swiss tuning specialists Forcar Auto accessories. BMW bases its M-Models on high-rev concept. The M5 is based on the same principle. Its 10-cylinder motor has the character of a racing engine. Considering the old racing saying “you can never have too much horsepower”, soon may prove true within the stock power of 507 HP to being insufficient for various drivers. Question: How to get that extra kick? Answer: Drive to LUMMA DESIGN and order the performance enhancement 560 HP! A complete electronical optimization of the ECU is manditory. Larger metallic racing catalytic converters and a racing exhaust system extract more horse power from the V10 engine. The removal of the Vmax-limitation insures that the Bavarian Express races a solid 327 km/h. LUMMA DESIGN also provides the CLR 500 RS with a classy motor optic package. It is complete with air collector and air filter casing made of carbon and as well a red cylinder head cover. A treat for the eyes! Impressive Appearance through Body Extension The body exterior of the CLR 500 RS makes one thing crystal clear; this is not just chicken feed; rather a very big deal. LUMMA DESIGN widens the car body from front to back 5cm on each side. The spectacular looking body-kit includes a new front spoiler bumper, wheel arch extensions and a rear apron. As an optical highlight, the rear apron features an impressive integrated racing-diffuser which is painted in racing typical black. It extends over the complete lower rear-end and embedded within is an impressively large tailpipe on each side. LUMMA DESIGN is well aware most motorists receive only this view in full. Causing quite a stir for the CLR 500 RS is the outstanding paint job in colour orange provided by LUMMA DESIGN. For improvement of performance and weight, LUMMA DESIGN equips the CLR 500 RS with a lightweight trunk lid made of carbon-kevlar fibre with an embedded rear spoiler lip for improved downforce. Rarely does chrom match to such a sporty vehicle. Closer to what racing sport dreams are made of is the use of carbon fibre. That’s why LUMMA DESIGN covers all exterior chrom parts are with real carbon. Mighty 21” Wheels As for the theme wheels, LUMMA DESIGN cames up with its own special creation. The noble threepieced wheels are made of a combination between aluminium and stainless steel. They come in a highly-polished titanium finish with five spokes branching out in “Y” form to the rim. LUMMA DESIGN attaches great importance to true grandeur mounting its glamourous wheels in large 10x21” size equipped with Yokohama tyres 255/30-21 in front and 11,5x21”and 295/25-21 in back. The reduction of centre of gravity of the vehicles goes along with agile driving performance. LUMMA DESIGN accomplishes this through the addition of H&R sport suspension lowering the CLR 500 RS by 40mm. As mentioned above, the LUMMA DESIGN exhaust system is equipped with racing catalysators providing higher performance for the CLR 500 RS. It really gives one goose bumps with an awesome sound racing through two 115 mm thick exhaust pipes. Look out when it breaks loose! LUMMA DESIGN supplies the interior with a sporty comfortable ambiance. The two-toned leather decor glistens in Lamborghini-orange. LUMMA DESIGN offers other matching extra interior parts in orange coloured carbon as well. The Winterlingen based tuner even matches the instruments to the outside vehicle. For this reason, even the tacho scale that LUMMA DESIGN extended to 360km/h, comes in orange. The LUMMA DESIGN self-designed steering wheel is ergonomically formed so that the driver can securely steer the CLR 500 RS and comes embroidered in carbon-leather combination. The final shine is found in the cockpit through both the gas pedal and foot rest comprised of anodized aluminium embossed with the LUMMA DESIGN logo. Technorati: Lumma+Design+CLR+500RS, BMW+M5, Tuning, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
Albeit less impressive than Lumma Design’s original sketches suggested, the CLR500 RS is without doubt one of those cars that will never pass unnoticed -blame the eye-popping orange exterior combined with Lumma Design’s optical package that includes 21’’ rims and a wider body (50mm on each side thanks to the supped-up wheel arches). Although I could live with the its extravagant exterior, I think that Lumma went overboard with the interior which looks like someone accidentally spilled vitamin C in it.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more images and the press release 
· Racing exhaust system with racing catalytic converter
· Complete body-kit with impressive rear apron with integrated diffusor
· Motor optical package of carbonized parts and red cylinder cover
· Sport chassis and 40 mm lowering
· LUMMA-set of wheels in an impressive 21 inches
· sporty interior accessories in matching colours to exterior chassis
· TÜV / german tested parts regulation institution in accordance to MOT
