Lotus Evora GX Racecar, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

•  Lotus Evora GX Racecar, 2013

Hot off the back of unleashing the Evora GTC racer, Lotus Racing engineers have been honing the Lotus Evora GX to meet the requirements of North America's legendary sports car series, the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series.

Late in the 2012 season the Evora will race under the Rolex Series' GT rules as GX rules begin in 2013. With the Lotus Evora GX, the driving experience is even more pure, and the beefy body kit is even more aggressive.

McMahon Raceworks with Condor Motorsport have placed an order for their Lotus Evora GX, and the team led by David McMahon with Armando Trentini as lead driver and consultant, will enter the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series.

Like the GTC, carbon-fibre doors, roof and engine cover have replaced the SMC and RTM composite panels of the previous evolution GT4 Enduro, and Plexiglass replaces the polycarbonate windows in order to trim yet more weight off what is already a very light car. At 1,150kg, it tips the scales at just 10kg over the weight of the GTC model, despite being fitted with the much thicker US-spec roll cage

There are aerodynamic changes too, with a new front splitter and front bumper, and the standard Rolex Series rear wing which, along with the car's wide wheels and flared arches, give it very mean stance. To meet other series requirements, ABS and traction control have been removed, putting more emphasis on driver skill.

There's also a new fuel filler system, Continental tyres, and yellow headlamps in order to tick all the race series specific boxes. The 4-litre V6 continues to pump out 440bhp and 440Nm of torque, linked to an XTRAC six-speed sequential paddle-shift. The GX is priced at $335,000.00 and will be built to order.

Read More

Opel Astra OPC, 2013

 

 

 

•  Opel Astra OPC, 2013

The new Opel Astra GTC is being given a sharper edge: at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, its high performance OPC version (Opel Performance Center) has its world premiere. From spring 2012, the new car crowns Opel's the racy compact coupé offer. The Opel Astra OPC is powered by a 2.0 liter direct injection turbo gasoline engine, with 206 kW/280 hp output and maximum torque of 400 Nm. This power house ensures that the Astra OPC can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. Never before has an Astra been so fast.

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine ensures that the Astra OPC is now the most powerful member of Opel's compact segment. Both the induction tract and the exhaust system were optimized to get the most out of the engine. The high-performance chassis was also adapted to the power plant. In line with the finest OPC traditions, the car was put through its paces and polished on the Northern Loop ("Nordschleife") of the Nürburgring race track in Germany. All OPC cars are tested in the "Green Hell" - the nickname given by the British racing driver Jackie Stewart to this part of the track. Not just driving dynamics are pushed to the limit on the world famous race track. No OPC model can be sold to the customer without first passing a 10,000 kilometer endurance test on the Nürburgring. That is equivalent to 180,000 kilometers of driving in normal conditions. Under these extreme conditions the durability of new components can be guaranteed.

High Performance: FlexRide chassis, HiPerStruts and Brembo brakes
The Opel Astra OPC chassis is geared especially towards lateral dynamics and superb handling qualities. The high tech front-wheel suspension, HiPerStruts (High Performance Struts) of the Astra GTC is the decisive ingredient.

The standard mode puts the vehicle in a high comfort setting, while the special sport mode adds a notable extra in agility. The OPC setting places drivers in a third dimension: steering is more direct, the gas pedal speaks clearly and the chassis turns on to maximum handling.

However, the OPC model goes one major step further: it has been fitted with a mechanical limited slip differential on the front axle. This gives the OPC even more stability and better handling, in other words the car has more grip when exiting bends at high speeds - even in wet conditions. "We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced sports drivers - not just on the Nürburgring," the motorsport legend, Joachim Winkelhock, explains. The high performance brake system on the front axle made by the prestigious manufacturer, Brembo, ensures good deceleration stats and maximum stability, even in moments of intense pressure.

Aggressive Design: High Performance Astra Flexes Its Muscles
The exclusive body work of the Opel Astra OPC is an expression of pure passion for power and speed. The Astra GTC with its racy edge has so far been the most emotional expression of Opel's design language but the OPC version flexes its muscles. The OPC is given extra sportiness with a set of specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape. 20" forged alloy wheels are available and give the Astra OPC a bold appearance.

High-tech Weight Saving Material in Seats
The interior of the new Astra has the typical OPC features such as a leather flat-bottom sports steering wheel with a 360 millimeter diameter and a sporty dashboard. The driver and his co-pilot will be able to benefit from a new high-performance bucket seat with state-of-the art technology that makes its debut in the compact sports coupe segment. The new front seats increase the sporty and dynamic driving experience while providing a lower seating position and enhanced side support.

OPC engineers used an organic injection molded sheet in the performance seat shell, resulting in a weight saving of 45 percent compared to a conventional shell. The sheet is filled with a composite material of polyamide and fiber glass. The new high performance seat boasts up to 18 different settings. In addition, pneumatically adjustable cushions are available for the flanks of the performance seat. They fit around every body shape and give support from the side at the push of a button. Customers can choose from a fabric/morrocana combination and two other leather covers.

The first car manufacturer to offer high-performance seats certified by the independent healthy back experts, AGR ("Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V."), starting in 2003 with the Signum. The AGR only approves seats with its quality seal that meet its high ergonomic standards. In order to be honored with the AGR seal, the seat has to fulfill a list of ten criteria. They include four-way lordosis support and that the seatback contours adapt exactly to the natural curvature of the spine. The new Opel Astra OPC continues this tradition and brings the only AGR certified seat to the compact sports coupé segment.

OPC: Performance and pure passion
The Opel Performance Center (OPC), responsible for the sporty accents in the Opel model line-up since 1999, is a decisive element in the brand's profile. It embodies a high level of emotionality and passion for striking design, top-class technology and extraordinary driving dynamics. The vehicles with "OPC" in the model name are positioned as the emotional spearheads of the respective model lines. Current OPC models include the Corsa, 141 kW/192 hp (154 kW/210 hp as Nürburgring-Edition) as well as the Insignia OPC, which is available as a four or five-door sedan and Sports Tourer. The 2.8 liter V6 turbo gasoline engine (239 kW/325 hp) is the most powerful Opel production engine in history. For the "Unlimited" version of the Insignia OPC, maximum speed goes up to 270 km/h (depending on trim and transmission variant).

Read More

Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses Concept, 2012

 

•  Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses Concept, 2012

The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the Ghost Six Senses concept, a highly-bespoke luxury model that encapsulates the richness of experience that comes as standard with any Rolls-Royce and takes it to a new level of sensory indulgence.

Approaching this luxurious Rolls-Royce and opening its coach doors immediately ignites the senses for sight, taste, touch, sound and aroma. And the sense of surprise and delight continues as guests encounter the lavish use of soft, sumptuous leathers, finest veneer detailing and special bespoke enhancements.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is the world's leading luxury goods manufacturer. And while the world of luxury presents many objects of desire that captivate one or more senses, it takes one of these hand-built cars to awaken all five.

Sight
Beautiful and elegant, a Rolls-Royce Ghost is a sign of impeccable taste, a luxury car that is instantly pleasing to the eye. Ghost Six Senses' pearlescent Carrara White finish complements new forged alloy wheels while eyes are immediately drawn to rich interior detailing upon entry through its coach doors. The deep lustre of the Walnut Burr veneer complete with diagonally-oriented, brown oak cross-banding, are designed to hint at the extraordinary power at the driver's disposal.

Sound
For more than 100 years the sound of silence has driven the Rolls-Royce brand. But 21st century Ghost and Phantom models also present an auditorium in which the most advanced systems can deliver music in the most impressive fashion. The concept audio system in Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses richly fills the spacious rear cabin thanks to its upgraded amplifier and the inclusion of 'exciter' speakers housed in the leather headlining that help raise the centre of sound closer to a passenger's ear.

Aroma
The finest interior materials create scents that are unique to Rolls-Royce. The rich aroma greeting Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses' occupants comes from the most supple natural soft grain leather in enveloping, hand-crafted seats, as well as in the car's leather headlining, with added hints of the woody spice in the walnut veneer.

Taste
Bathed in light from a panoramic sunroof, the rear cabin urges occupants to relax in style. For the ultimate taste experience the most refreshing chilled drinks or vintage champagne can be served from Ghost Six Senses' coolbox, in flutes featuring a delightful sound-wave etching.

Touch
From cool chrome and sumptuous leather to the finest veneers, a Rolls-Royce is the most tactile way to travel in ultra-luxury. Rolls-Royce Ghost Six Senses takes this concept further with the inclusion of natural grain leather for the first time. Deep pile lambswool rugs encourage occupants to submerge feet, while opening the boot effortlessly with remote opener, reveals a further lambswool lining to cosset luxury bespoke luggage.

Read More

Mini Bayswater, 2012

 

 

 

 

• Mini Bayswater, 2012

The MINI Bayswater wears its inherent sporting élan and extrovert style very much on its sleeve. The Kite Blue metallic exterior paintwork was created exclusively for the special-edition model, as was the interior design and 17-inch light-alloy Sandblast wheels with high-gloss black surfaces and bright machined rim and spoke edges. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic paint shades can be ordered for the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD as an alternative to the new, radiant Blue finish. The sporty appearance of the MINI Bayswater is emphasised by the black contrasting roof and the likewise newly created Sport Stripes for the bonnet, which streak dynamically towards the windscreen. The exterior mirror caps carry an identical stripe design - blue on the right-hand side of the car, grey on the left.

Other innovative design features in the interior include Piano Black cockpit trim strips, which continue the path set by the Sport Stripes over the bonnet, and the leather Colour Line elements in Rocklite Anthracite, whose classy character is emphasised by black stitching. The same leather variant is also used for the armrests, while the model-specific floor mats have anthracite-coloured edging and blue contrast stitching.

The MINI Bayswater also comes with stainless steel pedals and the Chrome Line Interior package, and includes the Pepper Pack in its range of equipment. Plus, the new special edition can likewise be specified with a wide variety of items from the optional equipment list if further individual touches are desired.

In keeping with its sporting charisma, the MINI Bayswater lines up for action with powerful engines at its fingertips. Customers can order their MINI Bayswater in MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI Cooper S (135 kW/184 hp), MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp) or MINI Cooper SD (105 kW/143 hp) trim. The special-edition model is also delivered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while a six-speed automatic features in the options range.

The MINI Bayswater takes its name from an extremely vibrant area of London. Located to the west of the city centre - halfway between the shopping hot spots of Knightsbridge and Notting Hill - Bayswater is best known for its unusually high density of bars and restaurants, not to mention the adjacent and no less famous Hyde Park. MINI is therefore returning to the London theme to further accentuate the link with both its home country and the fascination surrounding the London lifestyle. Indeed, both the MINI Bayswater and MINI Baker Street are following in the tyre tracks of a naming tradition begun by the classic Mini and reprised more recently with the MINI Camden, MINI Mayfair and MINI Clubman Hampton special editions.

Read More

Mini Baker Street, 2012

 

 

 

 

•  Mini Baker Street, 2012

New exterior and interior design details developed exclusively for the MINI Baker Street mark out this special-edition model. The Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint shade combines with special bonnet stripes whose basic colour black is given extra character by a subtle V-shape design. 16-inch 6-Star twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black along with matching black exterior mirror caps present an attractive contrast to the bold, contemporary appearance of the new exterior paintwork.

The MINI Baker Street can also be ordered as an option in the body shades Pepper White and Midnight Black. In MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D trim the roof is painted black, while "Baker Street" lettering on the side scuttles framing the side indicators points to the exclusive character of this special-edition model.

In the interior a fresh interpretation of the cloth/leather seats available for the standard MINI teams up with exclusive interior surfaces to create an unmistakable ambience. In traditional British style, the surfaces of the new seat variant in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light feature a diamond pattern. Cross Check Rooftop Grey light is also used for the surfaces of the cockpit and door trim and is combined with a Rooftop Grey light Colour Line. Light grey contrast stitching for the floor mats, gearshift/selector lever as well as the handbrake gaiters and seat tags which, like the door sills, bear "Baker Street" lettering, round off the array of bespoke interior features. The Chrome Line Interior package adds further lustre.

The equipment list for the MINI Baker Street also includes the Pepper Pack, which brings with it air conditioning, an on-board computer, a leather steering wheel, the Chrome Line Exterior package, front foglamps, a lighting package and height adjustment for the front passenger seat. The range of optional equipment, meanwhile, offers a host of other items with which customers can tailor their car to their personal requirements. The range of available engine variants for the MINI Baker Street spans the MINI One (72 kW/98 hp), MINI Cooper (90 kW/122 hp), MINI One D (66 kW/90 hp) and MINI Cooper D (82 kW/112 hp). All the engines channel their power through a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an optional six-speed automatic.

For visitors to London and locals alike, the MINI Baker Street's name will be synonymous with the address of a certain fictional hero. It is 125 years since Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle released his first story with the master detective in the title role. Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds waxworks museum can both be found just a stone's throw from Baker Street underground station.

Read More

Mitsubishi Outlander, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  Mitsubishi Outlander, 2013

11 years after it first coined the term "crossover", Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) unveiled its third embodiment of this concept with the all-new next generation Mitsubishi Outlander at the 2012 International Geneva Motor Show.

After a total of over 950,000 sales (as of end of December 2011 - including Airtrek - the first generation Mitsubishi Outlander) for the first two generations since June 2001, this all-new mid-size crossover is meant to comply with the times - a strategic and innovative premium vehicle, developed around a versatile global platform and borne of a harmonious balancing of:

• Low environmental impact
• Advanced safety
• Comfortable driving
• Clever utility
• Added convenience

The unveiling will confirm the start of an all-new generation of global products for Mitsubishi Motors, consistent with the ambitions set in MMC's "Jump 2013" smart business plan for a greener and more global Mitsubishi Motors.

New language
Fittingly, MMC's complete family of Passenger Vehicles / Crossovers / SUVs will also see a gradual transition to a re-focused design language, as seen with the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander. While still being formulated, it is envisaged as an open concept meant to be flexible enough to suit specific vehicle requirements whilst staging Mitsubishi's famous Three Diamond logo accordingly. This new engineering-driven look can be understood as the new expression of Mitsubishi's near century old tradition of technology tailored for today's world.

New shape
Similar in size to the current car, the 4655mm Next Generation Mitsubishi Outlander follows a clear design brief where in true Mitsubishi fashion, key directions were for an "engineer's car" with a "Solid - Safe - Simple" shape, blending substantial look with clean surfaces, as previewed in the Concept PX-MiEV and Concept PX-MiEV II show cars.

Whether its high flanks, raised beltline, uncluttered surfaces, strong shouldering or soft-contoured fenders, the all-new Outlander offers a very comforting sense of quiet protection and safety to its occupants - a quality car of substance devoid of cheap styling thrills and designed for the long-haul travelling its innovative power-train will allow.

Understated yet assertive, Mitsubishi Outlander's exterior design is further enhanced by a slim front aerodynamic grille with stylish hockey-shaped chromed strips seem to be milled directly from solid brass as if to shield the three-diamond logo, in-between the feline look of the sculptured wrap-around headlamps.

The same quality look continues inside the car with high grade premium materials (padded surfaces, soft-touch finish, silver or wood accents, gloss black appliqués) gracing a dashboard designed for better driver concentration, including ergonomic steering wheel controls as well as high-resolution and easy-to-read instrument displays.

New harmony
In keeping with Mitsubishi Outlander's forte, the all-new next generation Outlander will continue to carry five or seven people in comfort and safety, supported by a powerful electronic architecture. The new Outlander now comes with a finer blend of:

Low Impact:

• With a development of our Mitsubishi petrol and Clean Diesel engines. In Europe, the new Outlander will be made available with a choice of two different engines:
• MMC's "4J11" - a 110 kW (150ps) 2.0 l MIVEC petrol now fitted with an all-new valve train
• MMC's "4N14" - a 110 kW (150ps) 2.2 Clean Diesel with many innovative features to include an ultra-low 14.9:1 compression ratio. Further improvements allow for high performance and low emissions.
• With an all-new Automatic Stop & Go system
• With an all-new 6-speed automatic gearbox.
• Through weight reduction (optimisation of the body structure, further use of high-tensile strength steel pressings).

All improvements leading to a much better fuel economy and emissions, down to a minimum target of below 130 g/km.

Advanced Safety:

• With the introduction of Adaptive Cruise Control system. This system maintains a safe distance to the vehicle in front, even at very low speeds when experiencing heavy traffic congestion.
• With the introduction of Forward Collision Mitigation system. This system detects obstacles on the road ahead of the vehicle and automatically applies the brakes to help preventing a collision.
• With the introduction of Lane Departure Warning system. This system warns the driver that their vehicle is about to depart from its lane through a visual warning display and a buzzer.
• With the introduction of Super-HiD "Wide Vision" xenon headlamps. Approximately 1.4 times more powerful than conventional HID headlights, they provide a 1,350-lumen beam that shines over an extremely wide area of 80°x 2 in total, instead of the 42° x 2 of conventional HiDs.

Comfortable Driving:

• With now a dual zone air conditioner.
• A quieter cabin thanks to improved NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
• A wide and comfortable 3rd row 50/50 split seating, replacing today's jump seats.
• High grade quality materials for a more premium D-Segment look & feel.

Clever Utility:

• With a 1.69m long floor when the 2nd and 3rd seats are folded down (+ 335 mm versus the previous Outlander).
• With a flat floor when all seats are folded down.
• And the adoption of a one-piece power tail gate.

Convenience:

• With a display audio incorporating the rear view monitor system.
• As so often requested - a tilt & telescopic steering column.

After the Geneva unveiling, the all-new next generation Mitsubishi Outlander will be launched first in Russia in summer 2012, prior to European (late summer), Japanese, Oceania, Chinese and North American debuts.

New frontier
During the course of 2012, MMC will also take advantage of the built-in possibilities of Mitsubishi Outlander's versatile platform & powerful electronic architecture to add an EV-based plug-In hybrid power-train to the ICE Outlander range.

This will be a fully integrated solution, based on MMC's EV technology and also, making the best use of MMC's extensive 4-Wheel-Drive expertise, offering a choice of driving modes:

•     Pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV).
•     Series (Twin Motor 4WD EV supported by ICE generator).
•     Parallel (Twin Motor 4WD EV supplemented by ICE at higher speed - Electric motors assist in powerful acceleration without any gear shift).

When fitted to the new Mitsubishi Outlander, the Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid EV system will allow for a range and very low CO2 emissions similar to that of MMC's Concept PX-MiEV II (over 800 km and a target of below 50 g/km).

Read More