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| Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept [Video]The new 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept represents the latest in armored patrol vehicle technology and has made its debut at the recent EUROSATORY 2010 defense industry trade show. |
* A new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine also is added to the lineup; it also delivers significantly improved torque and horsepower as well as class-leading fuel economy; new gas engine can run on regular-grade gasoline, E85 or any blend in between
* An all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift® six-speed automatic transmission gets the new diesel engine's low-end torque to the ground faster; the six-speed transmission has full SelectShift™ capability, giving customers the convenience of a manual gearbox
* Available Ford Work Solutions™ plus a new flow-through console with 110-volt inverter, new seats and locking underseat storage add even more productivity in the Super Duty's role as office on wheels; new 4.2-inch LCD Productivity Screen delivers array of information
* The new 6R140 transmission is available with segment-exclusive Live Drive Power Take Off (PTO) with the new diesel
Ford Super Duty customers expect and demand capability from the best-selling heavy-duty truck in America. For most Super Duty owners, it's the core asset of their business. Day after day, year after year, it's expected to deliver results in the most demanding situations. No nonsense. And never any excuses.
"Our Super Duty customers do some of America's toughest jobs," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Every day they're out there working with little fanfare and all they ask is the right tool for the job. The new 2011 Super Duty offers them a truck with best-in-class towing and payload, all-new powertrains and even more capability than ever to help them do their jobs."
Ford's F-Series has been the best-selling line of trucks in the U.S. for 32 straight years. The new Super Duty further underscores Ford's Built Ford Tough legacy.
"The 2011 Super Duty offers the widest array of solutions for the widest array of heavy-duty work truck customers," said Chris Brewer, chief engineer. "The Super Duty lineup offers a variety of body styles and powertrains, from diesel and gasoline engines, each with a new six-speed transmission, to pickup trucks and chassis cabs, each with the towing and payload capabilities that define Super Duty."
For 2011, Super Duty features both an all-new diesel and gasoline engine that are mated to a new transmission. The new diesel, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine, was designed, engineered and built by a Ford team dedicated solely to delivering this class-leading diesel engine to the next-generation Super Duty to enable continued best-in-class towing and payload.
Benefits of the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine:
* First use of a compacted graphite iron (CGI) engine block in a Super Duty-class vehicle in North America; CGI is stronger than cast iron, and Ford successfully has used the material in engine blocks in products around the world. The block structure was optimized for reduced weight and maximum strength to meet the demands of higher torque and more horsepower and enable class-leading fuel economy.
* Unique inboard exhaust and outboard intake architecture, an automotive-industry first for a modern production diesel, reduces overall exhaust system volume, which leads to better throttle response; a reduced exhaust system surface area minimizes heat transfer to the engine compartment and improves NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
* The turbocharger features an industry-first dual-sided compressor wheel that works in a single housing. The unit is uniquely center-mounted on a pedestal low in the back of the valley for improved NVH. The design allows the single unit to deliver the advantages of a twin-turbocharger system in a smaller, more efficient package, combining the benefits of a small turbocharger (faster response) and a large turbocharger (ability to compress and force more air into the engine for more power) in one unit.
* The high-pressure fuel system injects fuel at more than 29,000 psi. The system delivers up to five injection events per cylinder per cycle using eight-hole piezo injectors to spray fuel into the piston bowl. The direct-injection system is calibrated and phased for optimum power, fuel efficiency and NVH.
* Aluminum cylinder heads for reduced weight; the mid-deck construction with dual water jackets provides increased strength and optimal cooling; six-head bolts, instead of four as found on other engines, help improve sealing and maintain cylinder integrity even with the higher firing pressures.
* Compatible up to B20 fuel, allowing greener fueling options of up to 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel.
"Developing the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine was an awesome endeavor," said Adam Gryglak, lead 6.7-liter diesel engineering manager. "After all the engineering and testing, we're confident this engine will ensure the new Super Duty continues its leadership in capability, reliability and productivity."
The engine and aftertreatment system for the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel powertrain ably meets the new, more stringent 2010 federal emissions requirements for nitrogen oxides (NOx), which have to be lowered by approximately 80 percent.
Ford tapped into a bit of its proud racing heritage to create the new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine, which uses big-bore architecture to produce horsepower and class-leading fuel economy. The V-8's large bore (102 mm) allows for larger intake and exhaust valves for improved engine breathing, and the short stroke (95 mm) allows higher engine speed for increased horsepower.
Benefits of the new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine include:
* SOHC valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts: The single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder head design results in a stiff valvetrain that allows optimized camshaft lift profiles and results in great low-speed torque. The roller-rocker shafts allow valve angles to be splayed, resulting in optimized intake and exhaust port layout for better breathing.
* Dual-equal variable cam timing: Intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events are phased at the same time to optimize fuel economy and performance throughout the engine speed range and throttle positions.
* Two spark plugs per cylinder: Due to the large bore size, two spark plugs per cylinder are used to more efficiently burn the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, enabling better fuel economy and increased engine torque. The twin plugs also help the engine maintain a smooth, stable idle.
* Dual knock sensors: A knock sensor on each bank of cylinders of the V-8 engine allows the spark timing of each of the cylinders to be individually optimized real time, throughout the engine speed range. The engine learns the optimum timing via an adaptive algorithm.
* Better engine crankcase "breathing" and efficiency: Significant development work and computer-aided engineering optimized the cylinder block for more efficient airflow in the crankcase as the pistons move up and down in the bores, resulting in improved torque at higher engine speeds. Piston-cooling jets squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. The cooling jets also allow for a higher compression ratio for better engine efficiency and faster engine oil warm-up on cold starts, also improving fuel economy.
The all-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission was designed to manage the high low-end torque produced by the new diesel engine. The same basic transmission also is mated to the new gasoline engine, giving customers of either engine the ability to efficiently get the increased torque and horsepower to the ground. Engineered for greater efficiency and fuel economy, improvements include refined architecture to provide relatively low clutch speeds, which result in lower drag losses, and optimized fluid levels and drainback to reduce churning of fluid while also providing superior lubrication.
In addition to hardware-based improvements, the new transmission features enhanced Tow Haul with integrated engine exhaust braking and SelectShift Automatic capability, which includes Progressive Range Select and a manual mode, allowing customers to select the gear to suit their needs.
The new TorqShift transmission also enables the first application of Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) in a Super Duty-class vehicle. On 2011 Super Duty diesels with the PTO prep option, the PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers or dump trucks. The power is available any time the engine is running.
Pioneered on agricultural applications, the Live Drive feature is particularly useful when mobile PTO function is required during start-stop operations, such as salt spreading or snow plowing. "A fully functional Live Drive mobile PTO will allow Super Duty customers to take full advantage of the equipment on their trucks," said Al Bruck, 6R140 transmission engineering manager.
Putting all that power to work is what defines Super Duty. The 2011 Super Duty features increased towing and payload capability, extending its best-in-class rating, and also offering more towing from inside the bed. New is the first-ever factory-installed and warranted fifth wheel and gooseneck substructure directly attached to the frame.
"Our system is factory-installed and with a limited warranty from Ford. The electrical connection is mounted in the side of the bed wall, providing a clean installation," said Peter Frantzeskakis, vehicle engineering manager.
Particularly noteworthy are productivity enhancements to the F-450 pickup to benefit the heaviest-duty trailer tow customers. Unneeded weight was shed, helping to improve fuel economy and top speed. Even with these changes, the Super Duty F-450 pickup maintains its class-leading gross combined weight rating of 33,000 pounds.
Ford's lauded Trailer Sway Control (TSC) system joins the Super Duty lineup, giving those customers segment-first capability. TSC is integrated with AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, which now is standard on all single rear wheel (SRW) configurations.
The AdvanceTrac control module uses additional software to monitor the truck's motion when a trailer is attached. Trailer Sway Control can determine from the yaw motion of the truck if the trailer is swaying and take measures – such as applying precise braking or reducing engine torque – to help reduce the trailer sway.
For further peace of mind, the available integrated trailer brake controller, factory-installed and covered by a Ford limited warranty, offers smoother and safer operation due to its ability to interface with multiple vehicle systems.
Normal braking is proportional to driver brake pressure for smooth brake stops at all speeds. If the vehicle's Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is engaged, the special trailer brake kicks in to minimize the potential for trailer wheel lock up. In Super Duty trucks with Trailer Brake Control towing trailers with electric brakes, the Ford system can, during a sway event, also apply brakes to the trailer to help stabilize it.
Other enhanced towing, off-road control features and safety improvements include:
* Hill Start Assist, which applies brakes to prevent rollback
* Hill Descent Control™, which uses the accelerator and brake to set, and then hold, the speed
* Electronic Locking Differential, which provides maximum traction by forcing the rear wheels to turn at the same speed
* Standard tire pressure monitoring system on all SRW (single rear wheel) models
* Optional side air bags and air curtains
* A new available 4.2-inch LCD screen includes information on specific features such as Trailer Brake Control and Tow Haul
Improved ride, handling and steering for a more comfortable experience
In addition to increased towing and payload capability and improved fuel mileage enabled by the new powertrains, customers of the next Super Duty also will benefit from improved ride, handling and steering. For 2011, the engineering team optimized the frame and suspension of the current Super Duty, particularly the leaf springs and spring rate, as well as adjusting the internal valving in all the shock absorbers to enable greater towing and payload capability with further ride refinement.
The steering gear also is new. The 4x2 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty feature modified steering system geometry to take better advantage of the twin I-beam suspension, which combines the performance of an independent suspension with the durability of a beam axle suspension. Improved response, precision and better on-center steering and control come from making the steering gear symmetric left to right.
The result is greater customer comfort, confidence and control in all situations.
"A big part of the comfort in Super Duty trucks comes through controllability," said Dan Gompper, vehicle dynamics supervisor. "No matter if the truck is loaded or unloaded, full trailer or empty trailer, customers can be fully confident."
Bold exterior, new flow-through console highlights interior
The new hood of the 2011 Super Duty, with its prominent inverted power dome, complements the new diesel and gasoline engines lurking beneath. "Super Duty" is stamped on the upper grille, with a larger Ford oval proudly gracing the front.
Inside, customers will benefit from a new reconfigurable flow-through console that improves the functionality of the truck. Storage space is increased about 60 percent, and at least 70 different configurations are possible. A 12-volt powerpoint is available at the rear of the console and another is located inside the main bin, which is lockable. A 110-volt power inverter is standard with all console configurations.
Improved productivity through Ford Work Solutions
For many customers, the Super Duty cab also serves as a mobile office. Industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions is part of available technology to help customers stay connected with their business from the job site and track tools.
A new available 4.2-inch LCD Productivity Screen allows customers to take full advantage of the 2011 Super Duty's capabilities; an off-road message center has been added as well. The five-way button on the steering wheel allows customers to navigate through various menu options – several relating to fuel economy and towing convenience – never before available on a Super Duty truck.
Continuing the legacy of quality
With all-new powertrains enabling greater towing and payload capability, safety enhancements such as Trailer Sway Control added and greater functionality with available Ford Work Solutions, the new 2011 Ford Super Duty is poised to continue its legacy as America's premier work truck.
The accolades the current Super Duty has received, based on 2009 model year GQRS (Global Quality Research System) data, include:
* Best-in-Class TGW (Things Gone Wrong) for All Pickup Truck Segments
* Best-in-Class Customer Satisfaction among Heavy Duty Pickups
"With all-new powertrains and increased capability, the 2011 Super Duty improves on its proud heritage as the ultimate work truck," said Brewer.
Spectators at each of the eighteen stages that make up the three legs can admire SEAT's three newest launches as they drive by. These take to the track as the 'zero' cars making the round of the stages prior to the race competitors in order to verify the safety measures of the road and that the spectators are in a safe viewing position.
Once the course is closed to traffic, the first car making its appearance will be a 200 hp SEAT Exeo TSI as the 000 (triple zero) car. Next up is the new 240 hp León CUPRA as the 00 (double zero) car, and finally the 0 car immediately preceding the competitors will be the new 180 hp Ibiza CUPRA Bocanegra, equipped with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and piloted by Joan Vinyes, the Andorran driver who won the first edition of the SEAT León Supercopa in 2002.
The Rally Catalunya is scheduled to begin at eight in the morning on Friday and finish at three in the afternoon on Sunday. The course is made up of nine stages that will each be raced twice.
via:zercustoms
Another source with knowledge of the upcoming Mustang lineup referred us to a report in AutoGuide.com and tells us "this information is very, very, accurate... ". That report says that there will be instead be an aluminum block supercharged 5.4-liter V8 in the 2011 GT500. Apparently we'll find out in due course.
A name for the model has yet to be announced.
Truth be told there are cars that very few have any desire to drive, much less
see how their manufacturers go about building them. We won't mention names here
but surely you can think of one or two such cars.
Thank goodness then National Geographic's new Ultimate Factories television
series will be focusing on how certain vehicles are manufactured. The first
episode airing on the 1st October features the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4
Super Veloce. That's the one drifted by the man dubbed the Crazy Swede during a
promotional video back in March following its public debut at the 2009 Geneva
Motor Show.
Lambo assembles the mad SV at its Sant'Agata plant in Bolognese, Italy, where a
limited daily output of about 2.7 units is expected. Its engine is a 6.5-litre
V12 that makes 493kW (670hp) and 660Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque. The 0 - 100km/h
time is 3.2 seconds while top velocity stands at 342k/h (212 mph). Power and
torque goes to all four wheels through either an automated manual e-gear or a
6-speed manual transmission.
Soon episodes starring the Chevrolet Camaro, the Porsche 911 and the Rolls-Royce
Phantom will be shown. Hopefully other countries' auto manufacturing facilities
will also appear on the show. In the meantime watch these videos for snippets on
the Lambo.
More Photos
more detail. ...
The face of the Grand Cherokee is customized with the stunningly styled STARTECH front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights in 'Black Line' design. The aerodynamic-enhancement component minimizes lift on the front axle at high speed and gives the 4x4 more passing clout.
The sides of the five-door are upgraded with STARTECH rocker panels with integrated LED lights. These entrance lights are activated with the standard keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle. This innovative STARTECH development makes entering and exiting the vehicle easier in the dark.
The STARTECH suspension kit is specifically calibrated for use with these low-profile tires. It lowers the ride height of the Grand Cherokee by some 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). The lowered center of gravity further improves cornering.
Requests for even more customized interiors are fulfilled by the upholsterers in the company's interior studio. There are virtually no limits to the selection of colors for leather and Alcantara or to the available upholstery designs.
The STARTECH SD6 tuning kit for the common-rail turbodiesel engine of the 3.0 CRD model bumps power output from standard 218 hp (214 bhp) to 262 hp (259 bhp) / 193 kW. Simultaneously peak torque jumps from 510 Nm to 580 Nm (376 to 427 lb-ft) between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm.
Source:Startech via:worldcarfans
The philosophy of simplicity and ditching of superfluous equipment places the C-Cactus as a spiritual succesor to cut-price Citroens of the past such as the legendary 2CV and lesser-known Citroen Visa. If the 2007 concept is anything to go by, the entire dash structure could be ditched to cut weight and provide additional room in the cabin.
via:autoexpress
Volkswagen is extending the Polo model range with a spirited three-door version. Its longer doors, new side window styling and the dynamic lines of its C-pillars – compared to the five-door version – give the car a near coupe-like appearance in side profile.
At its market launch this autumn, the extremely stylish, efficient and safe three-door hatchback will be available with seven engine options (from 44 kW / 60 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS) and three equipment versions (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline). The entry-level model will be the three-door Polo 1.2 Trendline with ESP at a price of 12,150 Euros. It will also be available as the new Polo BlueMotion in three and five-door formats; the production version was shown at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September. This, the world’s most fuel-efficient car in its class (55 kW / 75 PS), has a fuel consumption of 3.3 litres diesel per 100 kilometres (equivalent to 87 g/km CO2). With all these additional versions the Polo range really begins to gather commercial pace. The declared goal of Volkswagen is to accelerate sales of the Polo to match those of Europe’s most successful car, the Golf.
Distinctive styling proportions
The three-door Polo becomes the latest Volkswagen model range to follow the new
"design DNA". This "DNA" was developed by Group Design Chief Walter de Silva.
The brand’s identifying new face is a key aspect of this styling. It exhibits a
strong horizontal orientation of basic surfaces and a clarity of forms that de
Silva refers to as "La Semplicità".
In the design process, high priority is given to the car’s proportions. Walter
de Silva: "A ‘bella automobile’ has perfect proportions. The Polo confirms this
to be true." Striking in this context are the short body overhangs, the car’s
broad width in proportion to its height, its prominent wheel housings and
powerful shoulder sections. Style defining is the side profile of the three-door
Polo. As on every Volkswagen designed under the leadership of de Silva, there
are just two key lines here: the upper shoulder line, known as the "tornado"
line, and another supportive lower line. Resting atop the dominant tornado line
between the upper borders of the headlights and taillights is the roof. The
strong shoulder section is also developed from the tornado line. Even more: The
upper and lower lines generate an exciting interplay of light and shadow, and
despite the design’s simplicity they also create a very muscular modulation of
surfaces.
Overall, the three-door Polo has an appearance that is lower to the ground and
extended. The reason: Visually, the practically invisible B-pillar and more
slender C-pillar give the side windows a longer appearance. This effect is
reinforced by the longer upward curve of the side windows from the B-pillar
back. This results in an even more dynamic overall feeling.
The body dimensions of the three and five-door versions are identical with a
length of 3,970 millimetres, width of 1,682 millimetres and height of 1,462
millimetres. The same applies to the interior space and cargo capacities (280 to
952 litres).
Generous standard features
Even the base version – the Polo Trendline – is being launched with an extensive
package of safety and convenience features. A standard feature in all large EU
countries is the electronic stabilization program ESP. Other standard features
include daytime running lights, power-assist steering, electric windows in
front, central locking, loadspace area lighting, warning buzzer for light left
on, height adjustment on driver’s seat, vanity mirrors, tinted windows and hill
hold control.
Identifying features of the mid-line equipment version, the Comfortline
(starting at 14,150 Euros and 51 kW / 70 PS), are body-coloured door mirrors and
door handles, H7 dual headlights, chrome trim inserts in the radiator grille and
15-inch wheels. On the convenience side, the car is supplemented by standard
features such as an air conditioning system, electrically adjustable and heated
door mirrors, Easy-Entry System (three-door), height-adjustable front
passenger’s seat, sliding storage drawers under the front seats, front centre
armrest, various accents in aluminium look, split folding rear bench
seat/backrest, dual cargo floor, storage pockets on the backrests of the front
seats and RF remote central locking.
The exclusive Polo Highline (starting at 15,900 Euros and 63 kW / 85 PS) is
characterised by a wide range of individualising features. It is differentiated
from the Comfortline equipment version by exterior features that include
additional chrome trim inserts in the lower front air intake, 15-inch alloy
wheels and front fog lamps. Inside, the Polo Highline upgrades feature a
three-spoke leather steering wheel, heated front seats, multi-function display
and tyre pressure indicator, height-adjustable sport seats and leather-trimmed
handbrake grip and gear knob.
Advanced, fuel efficient engines
At this time, seven engines are offered on the three- and five-door Polo: four
petrol and three diesel. The petrol engines are available with power outputs of
44 kW / 60 PS, 51 kW / 70 PS and 63 kW / 85 PS. For the first time, Volkswagen
is also offering an automatic 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) as an option on
the Polo in conjunction with the 85-PS petrol engine. Also soon to be available
is a fourth petrol engine, a new fuel efficient TSI. This engine too will be
offered with an optional DSG transmission.
In the area of diesel engines, Volkswagen is exclusively offering new common
rail TDI engines with particulate filters on three- and five-door Polos. Power
outputs are 55 kW / 75 PS, 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. The 90-PS version
may be ordered with DSG. The fourth TDI to be offered is the new 1.2-litre TDI
Polo BlueMotion. This will be introduced at the beginning of 2010 (advance sales
begin in 2009).
In an effort to build up hype for the L1 Concept, Volkswagen released a promotional video which appears to reveal a design mockup for the 2012 Golf VII.
Filmed at VW's Potsdam Design Center, the mysterious mockup appears 4 minutes and 37 seconds into the video. While we cannot be certain whether or not this is the Golf VII, the overall size and design seems to be correct. Regardless, the model features dramatic headlights, sleek styling, and a pronounced lower character line.
As we have previously reported, Volkswagen has recently begun road testing Golf VII prototypes. While the mules are wearing Golf VI bodies, it's obvious that the new model will be slightly longer and wider than today's Golf.
The Golf VII is expected to feature a seven-speed DSG gearbox, HCCI petrol engines (for reduced emissions) and an available Twin Drive plug-in hybrid powertrain. The latter combines a 1.5-liter diesel engine with three electric motors, which gives the Golf a range of up to 48km (30 miles) on electricity alone.
via:worldcarfans
The all 2010 model year Pandas adopt the more contemporary body colored grille found on the 4x2 and 4x4 Dynamic variants, new alloy wheel options, larger exterior mirrors and silver trim finish for the roof bars. Fiat has also added four new exterior colors to the lineup.
The Panda, which formed the base for the new Fiat 500 and Ford Ka models, was launched in September 2003. In the six years it has been in production, Fiat has sold more than 1.5 million units of the mini hatchback.
Inside, the instrument panel gets fresh graphics while there's also a new selection of upholstery colors.
Mechanical improvements are limited to the introduction of a new 69 horsepower 1.2-liter gasoline engine that emits 113g/km of CO2. In Europe, Panda buyers have a wide choice of gasoline, diesel, natural gas and LPG engines with outputs ranging from 54 to 100 horsepower.
via:carscoop.blogspot.com
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's biggest seller Stateside, and a report in a Stuttgart newspaper indicates the company could be looking to stabilize the revenue from its bread-and-butter sedan. The C-Class is currently produced in Sindelfingen, Germany, and that makes it prey to currency swings on the trip across the pond. If Mercedes transferred production to its plant in Vance, Alabama, the company would also pay lower labor costs than it does in Europe.
A German labor representative said that if such a move were to come, he would expect Mercedes to have a plan to save the 3,000 jobs that would be jeopardized at Sindelfingen, and protect production at Bremen as well. If Mercedes does move the C-Class here, it would become the first of the German players to build its highest volume car in the States.
The Alabama plant currently makes the M, GL, and R-Class vehicles. In March of this year, Mercedes allotted $290 million to expand the facility but didn't name any vehicle that would be added there, only saying it would be "future product." The German report mentioned that Mercedes could move some SL production from Bremen to Sindelfingen to make up for the shift, but a Mercedes spokesman said there is nothing in the works and nothing to comment on at the moment.
