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Mercedes-Benz is launching its first series-produced fuel cell car on the road: the new B‑Class F-CELL. The environmentally friendly electric car has better a performance similar to than a 2,0-litre petrol car and is fully suited for everyday driving. The zero-emission drive system consumes the equivalent of 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). Production of the B‑Class F-CELL will commence in late 2009 with a small lot. The first of around 200 vehicles will be delivered to customers in Europe and the USA at the beginning of next year.

The new fuel cell vehicle offers everything that people expect from a Mercedes-Benz: High comfort and safety as well as no reduction in interior space and boot capacity. Customers will not have to sacrifice any driving pleasure either, because the electric motor has a peak performance of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 290 Nm, which is available from the first rotation. It ensures that the B‑Class F-CELL, whose impressive dynamic handling properties are in some cases far better than those of a two-litre petrol car, gets off to an excellent start. Despite these qualities, the zero-emission fuel cell drive consumes the equivalent of only 3.3 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC). Thanks to its great range of about 400 kilometres and short refuelling times of around three minutes, the B‑Class F-CELL ensures local zero-emission mobility even for long stretches.

“2009 is the year in which we are establishing further milestones where sustainable mobility is concerned. The B-Class F-CELL is taking on a pioneering role as the world’s first fuel cell powered automobile to be produced under series production conditions”, says Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Development for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Mercedes-Benz B Class F-CELL

 

The vehicle’s technological heart is the new generation of the compact, high-performance fuel cell system, in which gaseous hydrogen reacts with atmospheric oxygen at 700 bar to generate a current for the electric motor. The fuel cell system of the B‑Class F-CELL has a very good cold-start capability even at temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius. The drive system was completely newly developed versus the F-CELL A-Class presented in 2004, with Mercedes-Benz engineers achieving considerable improvements in output, torque, operating range, reliability, starting characteristics and comfort. The B-Class F-CELL now offers driving pleasure and day-to-day suitability at Mercedes level – without local emissions.

As in hybrids with combustion engines, the fuel-cell car uses a lithium-ion battery with an output of 35 kW and a capacity of 1.4 kWh to boost power and recover braking energy. Lithium-ion technology offers several advantages over conventional batteries, including compact dimensions, high performance, great recharge efficiency and a long service life.

The B‑Class F-CELL employs the unique sandwich floor architecture that is well-known from the A- and B-Class. The advantage of this design is that the drive components are located in the sandwich floor, where they are protected and don’t take up much space so that the vehicle’s interior remains fully usable and a boot capacity of 416 litres is available.

The B-Class F-CELL does not need to fear comparison where equipment is concerned either. Eye-catching features include a bonamite silver paint finish and exclusive light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design. In the interior, leather upholstery, seat heating, automatic climate control and the COMAND-system, as well as other features, continue to ensure a high level of comfort.

Same level of safety as in other Mercedes cars

No matter what the conditions, the operational reliability of the B‑Class F-CELL is of the same high level as in Mercedes vehicles with conventional combustion engines. The B‑Class F-CELL’s integrated safety concept takes the specific characteristics of the innovative drive system into account. The concept incorporates the expertise from the many years of experience Mercedes-Benz has had with fuel cell drives and high-voltage applications. Mercedes engineers have tested and optimised the drive-specific components’ safety in more than 30 additional crash tests.

Network of filling stations required for car’s widespread use

With more than 100 test vehicles and a combined total of over 4.5 million kilometres of trial testing, Daimler and Mercedes-Benz have the most extensive experience with fuel cell vehicles of any manufacturer worldwide. The B‑Class F-CELL is further testimony of this technology’s high level of development for automotive use. However, a comprehensive network of hydrogen filling stations still has to be set up before locally zero-emission driving can become a widespread reality. To make this possible, Daimler is cooperating with government authorities, energy utilities and oil companies in joint projects in places such as Hamburg, Stuttgart and California.

Mercedes-Benz views the development of electric cars with battery and fuel cell drives for local zero-emission driving as a means of supplementing vehicles with high-tech internal combustion engines. Advanced diesel and petrol engines will remain important for automotive applications for a long time to come – not only for individual mobility in passenger cars – especially over long distances – but, more importantly, for freight transport in trucks. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, will increasingly be used in urban transport.

Mercedes-Benz B‑Class F-Cell technical data

German tuning company ABT Sportsline has released information on its latest sport package for the Audi R8 5.2FSI. The engine is V10 – 5204cc with 600hp, which boosts the R8 from 0 to 62mph in 3.8 seconds and has top speed of 322 km/h. Some people say that the horse powers are never enough, they just have to drive this monster to change their opinion.

The tuning company also took care about the bodywork by providing new perfectly coordinated body kit for the R8. The engineers focused on optimal weight distribution, which is crucial for the super sports cars. High quality light weight carbon materials are used to provide better handling and better acceleration.

Front air dam, side skirts, rear wing and rear apron complete the aggressive look of the car. The exhaust is the ABT-typical 4-pipe system. The current leader in the ADAC GT Masters – Christian Abt said that the car has to achieve high speeds not only on paper, but in real situations.

20-inch BR-type wheels perfectly match the elegant design of the ABT Audi R8.

ABT R8

 

ABT R8 5.2 FSI Specifications:

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

• Engine: 5.2 FSI, V10, 5204 cc
• Performance: ABT POWER
• Power: 600 PS/441 kW (standard: 525 kW PS/386kW)

ABT BODY

• ABT front grill
• ABT front skirt
• ABT Sidebar
• ABT rear skirt
• ABT rear spoiler

ABT SPORTS WHEELS

• ABT AR and BR, 20 inches, or polished diamond (Also available as a complete set of sports tires)

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

• ABT 4-pipe rear muffler

ABT SUSPENSION

• ABT adjustable sports suspension

For the suprise of the Frankfurt Motor Show visitors, the luxury sports car maker Wiesmann is going to mount a car during the car-exhibition. The latest intentions of the German sportscar brand are addition to the announced world premiere of the Wiesmann Roadster MF5.

“On this way we will be able to show our manufacturing skills and our productive efficiency to the exhibition-visitors, the customers, and the media-exponents. Like in Duelmen everyone can take a look at our work in Frankfurt”, says business manager Friedhelm Wiesmann.

The car which will be built on the event is not a secret, during the building-process of the GT MF4 with a 4.8 litre 367 horse-power engine, two members of the staff will finish the work on the car.

The sports-car-fans from all over the world can join the building-process on a digital webcam. The logistic for this one very special event has already started because the montage had to start back in Duelmen.

Wiesmann GT MF4

 

For this event Wiesmann have two major partners. The magazine auto motor und sport (www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/iaa) will act as media partner and will broadcast the event website. Beyond that the tool-manufacturer Festool who will provide the tools needed for the car-building.

This premium saloon will be a new era for Saab.

The styling is inspired by the Aero X concept car. Clean shape, smoothness and in the same time aggressive front and back ends. Combined with high performance engines this car will be an amazing thrill.

Saab has great traditions in turbo-charging their cars. They used this experience in developing the new low emissions petrol and diesel engines. At launch, the four-cylinder diesel comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-litre turbo engine with CO₂ emissions of just 139g/km and the 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine develops 220bhp.  A top-of-the-line 2.8 V6 turbo, generating 300hp and 400Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.

Saab engineers focused on performance and sporty driving experience, which this car will bring it’s owners. The comfort will not suffer from the sporty nature of the car. There are three different suspension layouts, which are fitted according to engine power and all are available with a sport chassis setting.

This is the most most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. . Driver displays, including the optional head-up display. Saab 9-5 Saloon can be equipped with a top-of-the-line Harman Kardon 5.1 channel surround sound audio system and an 8-inch colour touch screen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10GB for MP3 music files. Rear passengers can even access their own audio or watch a DVD.

Saab 9-5 Saloon will make a public debut in 2009 Frakfurt International Motor Show this September.

Saab 9-5 Saloon

 

Full press release:

Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, the all-new 9-5 saloon signals the dawn of a new era for the Saab brand.  With progressive, confident styling and advanced technology, Saab’s distinctive new flagship will bring a fresh, alternative choice to the premium saloon segment when it goes on sale in 2010.

The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design, and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab’s aviation heritage. With styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bold and expressive design language.

The array of high-tech features on offer includes: an aircraft-inspired head-up information display (HUD); adaptive headlights (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); adaptive cruise control; Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time damping control; keyless entry and starting; dual-zone climate control; dynamic parking assistance, and Saab XWD with eLSD: the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

The all-turbo powertrain line-up is the broadest ever offered by Saab, carrying forward Saab’s rightsizing engine strategy focusing on responsible performance through the development of highly efficient four cylinder turbo engines. There is a choice of three fuels – petrol, diesel and E85 bioethanol – and with diesel power, the new 9-5 offers CO₂ emissions as low as 139 g/km.

“This car is the start of a new era for our brand,” says Jan-Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director. “We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab.”

Scandinavian Design

‘Forward-looking design that doesn’t ignore where it’s coming from’, sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 saloon. “We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “We have visual themes found in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand’s aircraft heritage.”

The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a ‘wraparound’ mono graphic: the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab’s signature cockpit look. In this interplay of proportions, the windshield and roof are reminiscent of the classic 900 model.

Viewed from any angle, the all-new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The ‘organic sculpture’ of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the ‘hockey stick’ belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the centre of the grille characterises the assertive, self-confident design language.

The car’s dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars that buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Bumpers that are subtly flared to blend into the wheels convey latent energy. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.

The new 9-5’s overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box saloon silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.

Driver-focused cabin

Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define the architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear, with class-leading rear legroom. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5’s premium character.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, but its execution is pioneering. The deep centre console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling ‘altimeter’ speed read-out, a reference to Saab’s aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (HUD) in the windscreen, are illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance.  The car’s ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.

Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line Harman Kardon 5.1 channel surround sound audio system and an 8-inch colour touch screen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10GB for MP3 music files. A large centre console provides storage and connections for several portable devices through USB and 3.5mm AUX ports alongside a 12V power outlet.

Rear passengers can even access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the centre console accommodates audio controls and folding viewing screens are installed in the backs of the front seats. Wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing.

On the road

An array of chassis technology is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5’s size. Saab XWD, the industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already available on the Saab 9-3, is offered at launch with the 2.0-litre turbo and 2.8V6 turbo engines with further applications due in the future.  Available throughout the range are: adaptive chassis control, with driver settings selected through Saab DriveSense; Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive headlights and adaptive cruise control. Three different suspension layouts are fitted according to engine power and all are available with a sport chassis setting.

Saab has some 30 years experience in turbocharging engines and the all-turbo powertrain line-up in the new 9-5 further develops its rightsizing engine strategy. At launch, the four-cylinder diesel comprises a 160 hp, 2.0-litre turbo engine with CO₂ emissions of just 139g/km and the 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine develops 220bhp.  A top-of-the-line 2.8 V6 turbo, generating 300hp and 400Nm of torque, is offered exclusively with Saab XWD.

Shortly after launch, a 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 180hp will be introduced, together with a 2.0-litre BioPower E85 engine. All transmissions will be six-speed.

A new era

Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium saloon segment, the all-new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company.  It will be built at Saab’s home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered.

The all-new 9-5 makes its public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show. Combining head-turning good looks with cutting-edge driving technology, it’s the start of a new era for Saab.

Few days ago the leading Ford RS specialist Graham Goode Racing Ltd (GGR) announced the RS 340 engine tuning package for the new Mk2 Ford Focus RS. The newly developed engine upgrade requires no additional mechanical modifications, because it is purely an engine management conversion.

Consisting of an ECU upgrade using the Superchips platform, the conversion requires firmware modifications and software reprogramming, the latter using the renowned Superchips Bluefin hand-held unit.

Bluefin enables customers to store their standard ECU map for future use and also enables GGR to conduct further ECU remapping if additional mechanical modifications are carried out on the Focus RS at a later date.

Careful recalibration of the already potent 300bhp 2.5-litre Duratec turbo powerplant’s engine management by Superchips has delivered significant performance improvements from the Focus RS and now GGR, as a leading Superchips dealer, is in a position to offer this package to the Ford enthusiast market.

Post upgrade, the Mk2 Focus RS produces power gains from just 2750rpm, with total output rising to a scintillating 340bhp at 5600rpm. Maximum available torque reaches a peak output of 397lb.ft at 3100rpm, highlighting the flexibility of GGR’s RS 340 performance package.

For total peace of mind, GGR’s RS 340 performance upgrade is covered by Superchip’s comprehensive 12 month / 30,000 mile breakdown warranty.

Priced at £435.00 including VAT at 15%, the GGR Mk2 Ford Focus RS 340 performance upgrade is available now from Graham Goode Racing Ltd.

2009 Ford Focus RS

 

LUMMA E 50 CLR is a special edition vehicle that comes straight from the LUMMA Design’s garrage. Based on the stellar and frequently refined Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212, the LUMMA E 50 CLR combines both visual and capacity enhancements.

As we can see from the pictures below, the LUMMA E 50 CLR refined exterior looks perfect.

The LUMMA Design’s CLR bodykit is consist of: front spoiler bumper with integrated daylights, unobstrusive side skirts, sport fender with integrated vents, lip spoiler and very sporty rear valance bumper with separate diffuser.
Highlight: the trunk lid with integrated rear spoiler tearing edge is all made of Carbon/Kevlar in weight saving construction!

For the maximum road contact and real sportscar experience LUMMA have mounted a light metal rims “Racing Edition” with 9×20” and 10,5×20” sizes, fitted with high performance tires from Michelin 245/30-20 and 285/25-20 size. Due to a lowering module the refined E-Class is 25 mm closer to the street – from LUMMA said –”more is not necessary!„

LUMMA Design E 50 CLR

 

For the increased performance of the E 500, LUMMA boosted the numbers up to 316Kw (450 hp) and 550 Nm torque. An additional “GPM-Powermodul” is available which is responsible for a better response of the accelerator and a noticeable performance enhancing. LUMMA Design offers to this a special sport exhaust system, made of the finest stainless steel with 4×90 mm end pipes.

The Mercedes-Benz E 500 interior has been changed to new heights too, with the detailed solutions known only from the luxury limousines and the variety of highly intelligent features, the LUMMA E 50 CLR brings only one message – “Just get in and feel at home.“

Fiat 500 Abarth is currently the fastest model in the 500 family, but if you think that is still not enough, the German tuner head – Karl Schnorr Kraftfahrzeuge got brand new, actually two brand new power programs.

But one step after the other!

First, Schnorr made little to enhance the sportier look of the 500 Abarth model by adding a OZ aluminium rims (Seria Rossa red) in size 7×17” (1.090 Euro), and a special coilover kit which lowers the Fiat a few millimeters (1.270 Euro).

Karl Schnorr Fiat 500 Abarth

 

The Fiat 500 Abarth power enhancement programs:

Power Level I (163 hp – 950,00 Euro) – the standart 1,4-motor with 135 hp is improved by 28 hp and 45 Nm

Power level II (200 hp – 5.050 Euro) – the standart engine output numbers are increased by special aligned engine software in combination with a sport exhaust system and a big turbo charger.

With both programs the enhanced Fiat 500 Abarth edition keeps on carrying the Euro 4 standart.

JE Design didn’t miss the Seat Exeo ST Estate. New aerodynamics kit, engine tuning, custom exhausts, sport suspension kit and big 19-inch wheels completes the exclusive and far more sportier look of the car.

Under the hood the results are impressive:  the 2-liter TDI engine produces 215hp and 410 Nm of torque, and the petrol TSFI is boosted to up 245hp and 355 Nm of torque.

The interior is changed too: Leather seats, steering wheel, gear shift skirt and the hand brake cuff are nicely done. The interior colour combinations are up to you, and allows absolute individualisation.

The price of the JE Design package is somewhere around 10.000 Euro, which is a bit pricey to our taste, but the results are awesome.

JE DESIGN SEAT Exeo ST

 

Full press release:

Seat Exeo ST Estate by JE Design

Only that Seat introduced its first limousine, it already presents the estate version. JE DESIGN immediately again accompanies the market introduction with an extensive refining programme. JE DESIGN follows right two strategies with the new Seat Exeo ST. Outside the engineers turn the estate car into a sports car while the interior is designed in extraordinary luxury.

With the extensive amendments at the new Seat Exeo ST, JE DESIGN provides the perfect combination of sporty appearance and comfortable journeys.

The first-ever Series 4 Supercharged 2010 Hurst/Hemi Challenger was unveiled today at the “Back to the Bricks” celebration in Flint, Mich. The latest addition to the Hurst Performance Series is finished in the signature silver and black Hurst colors with red accent stripes and detail throughout.

The Series 4 Supercharged 2010 Hurst/Hemi Challengers features wild red anodized HARD-DRIVE® pistol grip Hurst shifter and 20” one-piece polished aluminum Hurst forged wheels.

The Challenger’s black leather interior is specially created by Hurst in colaboration with Katzkin, and features perforated red inserts, red top-stitching and logos.

The Hurst Performance Series cars are limited numbered series and each of them comes with a sequentially numbered dash badge and certificate.

2010 Hurst-Hemi Challenger

 

The Hurst Performance Series cars features:

• Hurst’s own AIR-SPEED® rear deck spoiler painted in body colors
• Hurst/Eibach suspension
• Shocks and Sway Bars
• Hurst/Magnaflow polished stainless steel cat-back exhaust
• BF Goodrich KDW Performance Tires
• Hurst/Katzkin Leather Interior
• Embroidered Logo Floor Mats
• Custom Car Cover
• K&N Air Filters
• Painted Stripes and Graphics Under Clear (not stickers)
• HURST/Vortech superchargers (SERIES 3,4 and 5 feature)

One of the most significant records nowadays, without a doubt is the record for road legal factory cars. Because every race lover with more money in the pocket can afford to buy one without the need of special permitions.

At the 13th of August, the professional race driver Folrian Gruber crossed the line of the legendary 13 mile Nurburgring racetrack, and unleashed his 700hp Gumpert apollo sport in full effect.

The Result…….   AMAZING, the existing official record of the Donkervoort D8 RS06 set almost 4 years ago was BEATEN. 7 minutes, 11 seconds and 57 hundreds of a second, this is the time that from now on will stand as official road legal cars record.

GUMPERT apollo sport at Nurburgring

 

With an average speed of around 106,78 mp/h (171,84 km/h) the apollo was by 3,32 seconds faster than the former record holder. And – by the way – more than 13 seconds faster than the Maserati MC 12 in 2008.

The apollo sport in standard factory specification was equipped with road legal MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup tires and an adjustable suspension by KW suspensions.

GUMPERT apollo sport (700 HP)

• Transmission: sequential six-speed gear box with synchronisation and oil cooling, twin plate clutch configuration (diameter 2 x 200 mm), rear-wheel drive, differential lock by Torsen
• Chassis: long and pushrod-operated double transverse control arm suspension with fully adjustable dampers front and rear and anti roll bar in front
• Brakes: two circuit BOSCH-ABS brake system with six piston callipers, inside ventilated discs(378 x 32 mm) all around
• Wheels & Tires: Aluminium cast wheels with centre look front: 255/35 ZR19 rear: 345/35 ZR19
• Dry weight: 1,200 kg (For cars with standard equipment without filling. Special eqipment may increase this value.)
• Allowed total weight: 1,550 kg
• Length: 4,460 mm
• Width: 1,998 mm
• Height: 1,105 mm
• Wheel base: 2,700 mm
• Wheel gauge: front: 1,670 mm, rear: 1,598 mm
• Tank capacity: 120 litre
• Engine: V8-cylinder-Biturbomotor with 90o cylinder angle, light metal cylinder heads with 5 valves per cylinder, four overhead camshafts, hydraulic valve clearance compensation, double-flow exhaust system with three-way catalytic converter, dry sump lubrication
• Cubic capacity: 4,163 cm3
• Engine performance: 515 kW (700 HP) at 6.500 rev/min
• Maximum torque: 875 Nm at 4.000 rev/min
• Litre performance: 123.7 kW/Litre (168 HP/Litre)
• Maximum rev.: 7,200 rev/min
• Top speed: 360 km/h / 224 mph (Depending on equipment, county related specification, gear ratio and engine power)
• Acceleration figures: 0-100 km/h in 3,0s; 0-200 km/h in 8,9s