Aston Martin Vantage SP10, 2013

 

 

•  Aston Martin Vantage SP10, 2013

The Aston Martin is launching a very special edition V8 Vantage S in Continental Europe that takes its inspiration from the brand's numerous successes on the race track.

Inspired by its successful motorsport activities in the GT4 racing series - particularly in the VLN endurance championship at the Nürburgring - the new car is a road model that has been engineered in the style of the luxury sports car maker's GT4 racers.

With 436 PS and a top speed of 305 km/h, Aston Martin has named the new special edition model Vantage SP10. The inspiration behind it is its namesake class SP10 in the VLN series, in which GT4 racing cars compete at the Nürburgring.

The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 is offered in a bespoke specification that reflects its close affinity with the racing car.

Impressive performance and, for the first time, manual six-speed transmission
Technically, the Vantage SP10 is almost identical to the V8 Vantage S but with the addition, for the first time, of a six-speed manual transmission.

Since its market launch in 2011, the V8 Vantage S has developed into a popular model for Aston Martin customers, a model that places an even greater emphasis on sportiness. With its 4.7-litre V8 engine, which produces 436 PS and 490 Nm on the road, the V8 Vantage S manages 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 305 km/h. This sportiness is enhanced by its striking appearance, which took inspiration from the V12 Vantage, and the sensational sound from the engine, which comes thanks to the sports exhaust with active bypass valves which was specifically developed for this model.

The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 is the first V8 Vantage S to feature a six-speed manual transmission. This manual gearbox is offered as standard and, as with the V8 Vantage, will impress those who enjoy pure sports car driving.

Customers can choose the optional Sportshift™ II automated manual seven-speed transmission that was developed for the introduction of the V8 Vantage S. This transmission allows for gear changes that are around 20% quicker than the previous transmission, which worked with six gears. This additional gear brings about shorter transmission ratios and optimum gear shifting. And the result: faster acceleration and a more sporty driving experience.

With the V8 Vantage S, Aston Martin has further closed the gap between road cars and racing cars. Like its role model, the Vantage GT4 racing car, it has an extremely rigid aluminium chassis - the ideal platform for a racing car but also the perfect basis for a sporty road car.

Impressive performance, dynamic driving characteristics and superb handling transform the V8 Vantage S, and thus the Vantage SP10, into a sports car that delivers a true 'fun factor' for enthusiast drivers of all kinds.

Design inspired by motorsport
The Aston Martin Vantage SP10 has a purposeful appearance that showcases its agility and performance and transfers the visual dynamics from motorsport to the road.

Both the Coupé and the Roadster are available in Ceramic Grey Metallic. The convertible top of the Roadster is Titan Grey. Its 19-inch cast alloy rims with V-shaped spokes in a diamond turn finish and painted in high-gloss black, and the black brake callipers, emphasise the muscular look of the car. The special paint on the rims is offered exclusively for the special Vantage SP10 model.

Other visual and functional details from the world of motorsport include the front splitter and the carbon rear diffuser - both come as part of the Vantage SP10 standard equipment, along with the clear rear lamps.

Black is the dominant colour in the vehicle interior. Entirely in line with its motorsport pedigree, the Coupé features characteristic Vantage S seat and backrest covers and a sports steering wheel in Black Alcantara.

The silver stitching offers a strong contrast. And the interior is rounded off by a roof liner in Black Alcantara. In contrast to the Coupé, the Roadster features black leather seat and backrest covers and a black leather steering wheel, also with silver stitching.

Both versions are equipped with a centre console in Piano Black. The instrument panel is trimmed entirely with leather and embellished with silver stitching.

Extensive combinations of features for more luxury and practicality
Like the V8 Vantage S, the Vantage SP10 is more than just a distinctive sports model. Thanks to its features, it will prove itself to be outstanding in everyday use.

Electrically operated seats, satellite navigation, cruise control and Bluetooth telephone preparation are just a few examples of the luxurious list of standard equipment that makes the Vantage SP10 a pleasant companion for everyday life. And with the 750W Premium Audio Sound System which is even part of the standard equipment in the Vantage SP10, music lovers can also make the most of this car.

The high-fidelity sound can be enhanced further by choosing the 1000W Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Audio System as an optional extra. This and other additional equipment features, such as a reversing camera, sports suspension (on the Coupé only) or lightweight carbon seats, guarantee even higher levels of comfort and luxury.

One particularly distinctive feature of this special model is a badge on the engine block that features the inscription "Aston Martin Vantage SP10" and which, of course, comes as standard.

Read More

Brabus B63S-700 Widestar Dubai Police, 2013

 

 

•  Brabus B63S-700 Widestar Dubai Police, 2013

In the Brabus B63S-700 Widestar, the Dubai Police is taking delivery of a high-performance power off-roader with a 515 kW / 700 hp 5.5 litre V8 biturbo engine. This enables the all-wheel drive police vehicle to reach a top speed of 240 km/h, sprinting to 100 km in just 4.9 seconds. In visual terms, the "Tune It! Safe!"-campaign vehicle attracts attention for the exciting Widestar wide version and its 23 inch Brabus "Platinum Edition" monoblock forged wheels. The Brabus Dynamic Ride Control suspension offers the perfect symbiosis of superior driving comfort and dynamic handling.

At the 2013 Dubai International Motor Show, tuning company Brabus provided the Dubai Police with a B63S-700 Widestar based on the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG for this purpose. This high-performance power off-roader with 515 kW / 700 hp symbolises the fact that safe automobile tuning and driving pleasure are closely linked and don't need to be mutually exclusive. This initiative is welcomed by the forces of law and order, which is why the Dubai Police will also use the Brabus upgraded G-Class from Mercedes-Benz to do duty on the streets of the city.

Read More

Fiat 595 Abarth 50th Anniversary, 2014

 

 

•  Fiat 595 Abarth 50th Anniversary, 2014

The presentation of the Special Edition also becomes an opportunity to celebrate the brand. The 595 '50th Anniversary' is the car that opens up a new era for the Abarth brand. After 1949, the year it was founded, and 2007, the year it was revived, the two-year period of 2013-2014 presents itself as a decisive step for the Abarth brand that precisely with this car once again demonstrates its outstanding ability to look to the future without betraying its past. So new horizons are opening up for the Abarth brand that from the very beginning showed itself to its public as a brand able to renew itself constantly, accepting and overcoming challenges often considered impossible.

In the 1960s the 595 proved an immediate success thanks to its extraordinary performance, unusual for such a small car, and became the brand's 'icon'. A history of records broken, victories and passionate people who have bolstered the legend of a car that represents the essence of the brand, expressed in four values: 'size' (it is the smallest supercar), 'shape' (Abarth is the 595 and the 595 is Abarth: all the Abarths in the collective imagination are white with a red band, like the 595), 'speed' (it is a racing car boasting record-breaking performance) and 'spirit' (it is not vintage, but rather contemporary history).

The commemorative car will be produced in only 299 exclusive units. The livery, a modern reinterpretation of the original; the colour; the historical Abarth logos; and the original "Fiat Abarth 595" graphics, all handmade by the best customisation artists at Officine Abarth in Turin, give the car individuality and character to turn it into a "contemporary icon".

Exhilarating performance
Exclusivity that starts from performance, guaranteed by the experience of the technicians involved.

The 180 HP 1.4 T-Jet engine - combined with the "Abarth Competizione" gearbox - make the Abarth 595 '50th Anniversary' the most powerful 595 ever produced.

Performance is also guaranteed by performance tyres mounted on 17'' alloy wheels with 695 Magnesio Grey design embellished by an aggressive red liner. The setup and braking system have also been further strengthened: Brembo 305 mm floating brake discs that can be dismantled with fixed four-piston caliper and special shock absorbers that guarantee performance in total safety. And of course there is a "Record Monza" variable back-pressure "dual mode" exhaust, designed to improve engine performance and deliver an inspiring sound over 3,000 rpm. Performance is a state of mind.

Specific exteriors: a tribute to the historical 595
The style of the exteriors uses the historical features of the 595 without betraying its original spirit.

The historical logos on the car are a tribute to the original and are made with the exclusivity and attention to detail typical of Officine Abarth. The matt three-layer white paintwork, a contemporary reinterpretation of the 1963 model, and the graphics are ensured by the traditional handcrafting machining and finishing processes.

The new Abarth adopts Xenon headlights with dipped and driving light functions for improved light emission and excellent performance in all weather conditions. These devices deliver three times the light intensity and duration of standard halogen lamp headlights. The sun roof completes the tribute to the original car.

Attention to detail and sportiness for its interiors
The interiors are just as personalised and demonstrate the attention to detail and the sporting style of the exclusive 595 50th Anniversary. The red leather sports seats with white inserts and red stitching, combined with the dashboard, are a modern re-interpretation of those of the original car.

The historical logo adorns both the black leather steering wheel with red inserts and finder and the kick plate, giving the car a timeless modernity.

Specific communication plan for digital, TV and social channels

Celebration of the 595's anniversary is supported by a series of commercial activities across the Abarth range and by an extremely digital communication plan which revolves around the new commercial: the essence of the Abarth brand concentrated in 5.95 seconds through an evocative and epic slow motion.

As usual, in the centre of everything is the car - the absolute star of the video - and its performance. That is because according to Abarth, "Performance is a state of mind".

The communication also goes through the channels more customary for the brand with the organisation of the first digital "rally" (where at least virtual 595 Abarth cars will be involved) and the most numerous anniversary ever, also celebrated with a fun App for iPhone, iPad, Android and Facebook through which Abarth fans can "play" their favourite tunes substituting the musical notes with the powerful sounds of the engines of the Abarth cars. True fans will be unable to say no to playing "Happy Birthday" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 595. There will also be events celebrating the important anniversary.

Dedicated extension merchandising and accessories line
In accordance with the tradition of Abarth Special Editions, the already extensive equipment of the Abarth 595 '50th Anniversary' is enlarged with an extension merchandising and accessories line designed to enhance the experience of the brand both on board and outside the car, as dictated by the DNA of the Abarth brand. It is not just about cars, but is a real philosophy of life. Together with other important partners in their reference sectors, Abarth has developed specific products, presently in the manufacturing stage, such as the watch with the exclusive BRM brand, sunglasses made in collaboration with Italian Independent, a symbol of Italian style and cutting-edge technology, leather briefcases that are the result of the craftsmanship of the Tramontano workshop of Naples, the BBR models and a bicycle that will be made with a partner of excellence.

All products are manufactured in limited editions to reinforce the concept of exclusivity and craftsmanship at the core of this project.

Read More

BMW 4-Series Coupe M Performance Parts, 2014

 

 

 

•  BMW 4-Series Coupe M Performance Parts, 2014

Model-specific BMW M Performance Parts available from the beginning of 2014 provide additional ways of authentically emphasising the sporty character of the coupé and making the driving experience even more intense. The BMW M Performance Power Kit available for the BMW 420d (+12Kw, +40Nm), BMW 430d (+20kW, +40Nm) and BMW 435i (+25kW, +50Nm) delivers a perceptible increase in power and performances, without affecting fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels. A BMW M Performance silencer system is also available for the models BMW 428i and BMW 435i. It comprises BMW M Performance tailpipe embellishers in chrome, as well as in carbon for the BMW 435i. Meanwhile the BMW M Performance limited-slip differential ensures traction-optimised power transmission on bends. Other features that boost the coupé's dynamic potential are the BMW M Performance suspension with sporty set-up, the BMW M Performance brake system with red, yellow or orange calipers and the BMW M Performance light alloy wheels. The weight-optimised forged wheels in 20-inch format are available in two design variants as well as in the typical BMW M Performance bi-colour look in Ferric Grey with burnished spoke fronts. Another new feature in the BMW M Performance range is the 18-inch winter complete wheel sets in double-spoke design.

Developed from motor racing expertise, perfectly tailored to the model in question and designed to be combined according to individual preference - this is the BMW M Performance Parts program. BMW is now expanding the range in this product area with the addition of retrofit options for the BMW 4-Series. What is more, model-specific BMW M Performance Parts are available for the BMW M automobiles as well as for the models of the BMW 1-Series, BMW 3-Series, BMW 5-Series and BMW 6-Series. Conceived in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH, the retrofit components in the areas of drive, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit provide a significant bonus in terms of driving dynamics as well as adding a touch of sporty flair to both the exterior and the interior ambience of the automobile.

Following the ideal line to a more intensive driving experience: BMW M Performance Parts for the BMW 4-Series

The dynamic charisma of the BMW 4-Series can also be given greater emphasis by means of BMW M Performance components for the exterior. A black radiator grid for the BMW kidney grille, a diffuser insert for the rear apron, side sill foils with M Performance inscription, BMW M Performance side stripes and carbon front splitters, mirror caps and rear spoiler optimise the coupe's sporty appearance and aerodynamic properties. An interior ambience inspired by racing is ensured by the BMW M Performance sports steering wheel with red central marking or Race Display in 12 o'clock position as well as gear lever and handbrake handle in carbon including Alcantara gaiter. A carbon finish is likewise available for the gear selector switch of the automatic transmission. In addition, interior strips in carbon and Alcantara, high-grade steel pedals, a specially designed driver footrest and BMW M Performance floor mats are also available for the BMW 4-Series.

The new BMW 4-Series Coupé with BMW M Performance Parts premieres at the IAA in 2013.

Read More