Volkswagen May 4, 2012. Volkswagen Europe is revealing a R-Line treatment to the new Passat facelift. The package will be available for both sedan and station wagon variants and costes will begin from €30,225 and the optional R-Line Design Package enhances an extra €990.

This vehicle will be classified by a new front bumper with more major cooling air vents, a R-Line logo in the grille and combined fog lamps. The rear will feature a diffuser be colored in “Gloss Black” and a sophisticated roof spoiler in body color. The new package will use on a new set of 17″ “Mallory” alloy wheels (optional 18″) incorporated with an activately adjusted sports suspension which can reduce the vehicle’s ride by 15 mm.

The interior gets sports seats in “Kyalami” design, decorative places in “titanium silver” on the dashboard, door panels and medium console for additional sportiness. The automaker also introduced and door sill plates, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel and stainless steel pedals.

The extra R-Line Design Package comes with rear and roof spoiler in body color, freshly made side sills and R-Line badge on the radiator grille.

Press Release:

(translated)

Sporty R-line equipment for the Passat

Wolfsburg, 02 May 2012 – The Passat range continues to expand: As a completely independent line of equipment will be offering the new Volkswagen Passat R-Line. Positioned as a particularly sporty model is available from 30 225 € in Germany.

On the outside, the newly designed bumper and side skirts set in the R-sporty styling accents. These belong in the front area of ??particularly large cooling air inlet with the R-Line logo in the grille and integrated fog lamps. The rear of the new Passat R-Line is in the “Gloss Black” dominated painted diffuser. Also affect the dynamic and elegant roof spoiler in body color, and not least the silver anodized roof railing. The features of the Passat R-Line, the dynamically tuned sports suspension, lowering the suspension by 15 millimeters belong (except for vehicles with DCC) and the 17-inch alloy wheels type “Mallory” in titanium silver with 235 mobility tires (optional 18-inch).

The Passat R-Line also scores in the interior with numerous equipment details: In addition to the sports seats in design “Kyalami” the decorative inserts in “titanium silver” in the dashboard, door panels and center console for extra sportiness. A sports leather steering wheel and stainless steel elements on the pedals and the front door sill plates with R-Line logo round out the features.

For the Passat and Passat Variant, there is now also an optional “R line package design” (for Comfortline and Highline). It includes the R-line bumper, the rear or roof spoiler in body color, newly designed side sills in styling as well as the R-R-Line logo on the radiator grille. The design package for the Passat and Passat Variant is a price of 990, – Euros.

Bentley Apr 25, 2012. Multiple of the global’s most exclusive manufacturers are debuting special-edition models at 2012 Beijing Motor Show. Honoring HM The Queen’s Birthday and her Diamond Jubilee year, Bentley launched the first variant of its Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition.

The Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition was developed by the specialist and women of Bentley’s Mulliner division who just so occurred to be the makers of the State Limousine provided to Queen Elizabeth II in 2002.

The automaker will feature just 60 cars of the Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition – all vehicle showing a year of Her Majesty’s reign.

“The respect and genuine interest shown towards so many aspects of British life, and most especially The Royal Family, has made China a unique experience for our marque as well as many other UK businesses,” comments Richard Charlesworth, Director of Royal and VIP Relations, Bentley Motors.

Press Release:

BENTLEY HONOURS ROYAL DIAMOND JUBILEE WITH 60 SPECIAL MULSANNES

• Limited edition Mulsannes celebrate Diamond Jubilee of HM The Queen
• 60 unique examples of British automotive craftsmanship and design
• Exclusive models unveiled on Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday
• Asia’s largest Bentley dealership opens in Beijing, China

(Crewe, England & Beijing, China. 21 April, 2012) Bentley Motors and its customers in Beijing celebrated HM The Queen’s Birthday and her Diamond Jubilee year at the gala opening of one of the world’s largest Bentley dealerships – a new landmark in the cosmopolitan Sanlitun district. To mark the occasion, Bentley unveiled the first example of its Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition.

Designed by the craftsmen and women of Bentley’s Mulliner division, the creators of the State Limousine presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, just 60 examples of the Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition have been created with each car representing a year of Her Majesty’s reign.

These very special Bentleys are distinguished by a range of exquisite, handcrafted features paying tribute to the Jubilee. These include bespoke embroidery to all four headrests using gold stitching, veneered picnic tables in the rear cabin decorated with a gold overlay depicting a royal carriage used for great occasions of state as well as luxurious, hide cushions featuring the same motif.

Two beautiful, highly-polished stainless steel treadplate plaques featuring the famous ‘Bentley Mulliner, England’ script and ‘Diamond Jubilee Edition’ have also been commissioned for these Mulsanne models.

Mulliner came to prominence when the family was commissioned to build carriages for the Royal Mail in 1760. By the late 19th Century Mulliner was hand-crafting the coachwork for the new “horseless carriage” – the first cars.

Mulliner’s association with Bentley harks back to the very beginning of the marque’s story when W.O. Bentley commissioned Mulliner to build the bodywork for the famous EXP1. This partnership continued to flourish, producing the streamlined contours of the revolutionary 1952 R-Type Continental, among many other iconic Bentley designs. Now known as Bentley Mulliner and a wholly-owned division of Bentley Motors, the Mulliner team offers a specialist personal commissioning department for Bentley customers and limited edition cars.

True to the Mulliner tradition, the Diamond Jubilee Edition cars feature a spectrum of paint and hide colours that sets them apart from other Bentleys and which stylishly uses various combinations and shades of red, white and blue (the colours of the Union Flag) to underscore the British connection. Hand-applied Single Fine Lines – using these same three colours – provide an elegant finishing touch as do two distinctive Bentley ‘B’ badges positioned on each ‘D’ pillar.

“The respect and genuine interest shown towards so many aspects of British life, and most especially The Royal Family, has made China a unique experience for our marque as well as many other UK businesses,” comments Richard Charlesworth, Director of Royal and VIP Relations, Bentley Motors.

“This series of special cars, hand-built by our Mulliner Division, is our way of reciprocating the appreciation for British institutions, creativity and services we have been shown in China. And as proud holders of a Royal Warrant we also wanted to provide some memorable examples of British technology and craftsmanship,”Charlesworth adds.

China is now the largest market for Bentley Motors. In 2011 the iconic British manufacturer delivered 1,664 cars to Chinese customers and during the first quarter of 2012 sales in the region grew by 84.66 percent compared with the same period in 2011. Bentley’s dealership presence is set to further expand in the next 12 months as the company introduces its latest high-performance coupe and convertible Continental models to Chinese customers in 2012.

The Bentley Mulsanne captures the essence of the Bentley marque. It is elegant yet distinctly sporting in character, delivering effortless performance, while within its sumptuous cabin, advanced technology sits discreetly with handcrafted luxury. Designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground-up, the Mulsanne has reaffirmed the marque’s intent to create a luxury grand tourer with refined performance, unparalleled levels of interior luxury and coach building skills to the fore.

Shelby Mar 29, 2012. Shelby American has revealed the most powerful Shelby yet will debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show upcoming week.

Named the Shelby 1000, the limited edition Mustang is based on a 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 and delivers a thumping 963 PS (708 kW / 950 hp) as a road-legal variant and 1115 PS (820 kW / 1,100 hp) for the track only variant.

“Carroll Shelby is a visionary who has pushed the boundaries of performance his entire life,” told John Luft, president of Shelby American. “He challenged the Shelby American team to develop the Shelby 1000 and wanted to unveil this amazing new Shelby at the New York Auto Show celebrating 50 years since he unveiled the very first Shelby Cobra that changed the face of high performance. We will have that very car, Cobra #1 (CSX2000) along with Shelby 1000 on display in our Shelby American booth in New York.”

By getting the muscle car’s 5.4 L V8 engine, This automaker upgraded the powertrain by enhancing a slew of new elements, covering new relating rods, a new crank, and new pistons. The Shelby 1000 comes with the cooling and exhaust, changed the supercharger, and gas flowed the heads.

A special edition of Shelby 1000s will be developed, all numbered and documented. Costing starts at $149,995 and which does not include the GT500 – the Shelby 1000 is planed to be about $200,000

Press Release:

NEW YORK – March 27, 2012 – Shelby American, Inc., a division of Carroll Shelby International (CSBI.PK), will introduce its most powerful Shelby yet on April 5, 2012, at the New York International Auto Show. Carroll Shelby and his team created the Shelby 1000 by starting with a 2012 Ford Shelby GT500 and kicking its handling, horsepower and braking to the performance edge.

The Shelby 1000 will be offered in both a street and a Shelby 1000 S/C “off-road” track version. The street legal, pump gas version dyno’s out at approximately 950 HP, while the track oriented S/C edition is rated at over 1,100 HP.

“Carroll Shelby is a visionary who has pushed the boundaries of performance his entire life,” said John Luft, president of Shelby American. “He challenged the Shelby American team to develop the Shelby 1000 and wanted to unveil this amazing new Shelby at the New York Auto Show celebrating 50 years since he unveiled the very first Shelby Cobra that changed the face of high performance. We will have that very car, Cobra #1 (CSX2000) along with Shelby 1000 on display in our Shelby American booth in New York.”

To build the car that Carroll Shelby envisioned, Shelby American takes Ford’s 5.4 liter V8 down to the block to add new rods, crank and pistons. The team flows the heads, upgrades the cooling and exhaust, replaces the supercharger, tunes it and then sprinkles it with a little Shelby magic.

To complement the new power, the Shelby 1000 has improved the handling and stopping capabilities with 6 pistons in front and 4 pistons in the rear, while the suspension includes new struts, sway bars and bushings. The new solid driveshaft is connected to a new 9-inch rear end. Exterior cues incorporate aerodynamics while maintaining a stealthy appearance. The hood, rear panel and splitter are functional pieces.

A limited production of Shelby 1000s will be built, each numbered and documented. The post-title package for the Shelby 1000 starts at $149,995, not including the base GT500. A completed Shelby 1000 is expected to be approximately $200,000.

Shelby American will accept orders once the Shelby 1000 is unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. Those interested in reserving a car can contact Shelby American at (702) 942-7325 or visit www.shelbyamerican.com after April 5, 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Mar 14, 2012. Mercedes has finally revealed a versions of upgradings for their famous Sprinter van.

The Sprinter will become the globe’s first van with an optional 7-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is the popular 7G-Tronic unit and promises to produce “silky smooth gear changes” in fact at temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F).

To lower operating prices, the BlueEfficiency technology includes an Eco steering system, low rolling-resistance tires and an engine start/stop system. Thanks to the refinements, the special 4-cylinder diesel engine Sprinter van can offer a fuel efficiency level as low as 7.4l/100 km. The technology can also be incorporated with a high-ratio rear axle that can reduce that number to 7.0l/100km.

The Sprinter features an adaptive Electronic Stability Program with 2 new practicalities: Brake Disk Wipe and Electronic Brake Prefill. The 1st practicality erases water from the brake discs, and the latter gently activates the brakes when the driver fastly erases their foot from the accelerator.

Press Release:

Winter test of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: seven-speed transmission, seven litres of diesel per 100 km, extra ESP® functions

• Continuous development and testing under the toughest conditions
• ADAPTIVE ESP® with further enhanced functionality as standard
• Innovative: first and only van to be available with a seven-speed torque-converter automatic transmission
• BlueEFFICIENCY package reduces fuel consumption and emissions
• Fuel consumption of only 7 litres per 100 km with new,
• high axle ratio

Spring 2012 sees the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter adopt a number of product enhancements which underline its ambition to lead the large van segment. The tough, practical testing focuses on the key customer requirements of safety, economy and comfort.

The Sprinter is the first van in the world to be available with a seven-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is reduced even further by the BlueEFFICIENCY package and a higher axle ratio. What’s more, the standard-fit ESP® has additional and enhanced functionality. Like all new components of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, these new features have to demonstrate their ability to withstand extreme testing in unforgiving conditions near the Arctic Circle.

At temperatures of minus 30 degrees Celsius – and even lower – the new features have to prove that they meet the high quality standards of Mercedes-Benz. Testing begins with the cold-start performance of the engine equipped with the BlueEFFICIENCY package. Then it’s the turn of the new, seven-speed automatic transmission to demonstrate that it can still deliver silky smooth gearchanges when the ambient temperature is as low as that in a freezer. The same goes for the control systems. Their sensors have to be tuned with absolute precision to ensure that the systems are always ready to intervene with corrective measures – regardless of how hostile the operating conditions may be.

ADAPTIVE ESP® as standard: functionality extended once again
Mercedes-Benz has raised the already exemplary safety standard of the Sprinter to an even higher level. Since the start of the year, the van has been equipped with a new generation of ADAPTIVE ESP® with additional functions. The new features include:

• Brake Disk Wipe: in the wet, this system builds up a low level of brake pressure on a cyclical basis. This wipes the film of water off the brake disc so that the full braking power is available straight away if it should be required.
• Electronic Brake Prefill: if the driver releases the pressure on the accelerator suddenly, this is interpreted as the first step of an imminent braking process. The system reacts to this by gently applying the brake pads to the brake disc.

This means that the air gap between the two friction partners is effectively already reduced to zero by the time the driver presses the brake pedal. In this way, the reaction time for any braking which may be required is reduced.

In order to ensure that the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter meets the high standards demanded by its customers, tough quality checks are also carried out during the winter testing in Arjeplog. These concern all the vehicle systems – without exception. So along with the new ADAPTIVE ESP®, the new seven-speed torque-converter automatic transmission has to prove its ability to cope with snow and ice for the umpteenth time. The verdict of the test engineers is unequivocal: top quality performance, even under extreme winter conditions.

In a world first, the new 7G-Tronic transmission will be available as an option for a van with effect from this spring. This seven-speed automatic transmission, which has a fully electronic control system and has already proved itself in many Mercedes-Benz passenger car models, has been adapted to meet the specific requirements of use in a van.

The great advantage of the new transmission with its seven gears is that it combines a wide spread between the lowest and the highest gears with closely spaced ratios. In practice, this means that the Sprinter has a low first-gear ratio which ensures that it can pull away dynamically. At high speeds, however, it is able to run at low revs and so benefit from fuel savings, low emissions and quiet operation. At the same time, the Sprinter can call on the appropriate gear for every driving situation with only small shifts in engine speed between the different ratios.

The favourable fuel consumption achieved with the BlueEFFICIENCY package is particularly impressive: for Sprinter models with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes and a four-cylinder diesel engine, the combined consumption (depending on the model variant and axle ratio) is as low as 7.6 litres per 100 km.

BlueEFFICIENCY package reduces fuel consumption and emissions
Every Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is, of course, designed to use fuel sparingly. All the diesel models have a battery management system while both the engine and transmission are designed for low fuel consumption and low emissions.

The already favourable fuel consumption of the Sprinter equipped with a van manual transmission can be reduced by about another 0.5 litres per 100 km with the optional BlueEFFICIENCY package. This fuel saving also results in a reduction in CO2 emissions.

The BlueEFFICIENCY package comprises the ECO start/stop function, tyres with reduced rolling resistance, the ECO power steering pump, alternator management and an electrically controlled fuel pump. As a result, the combined fuel consumption for a typical Sprinter with a four-cylinder CDI diesel engine, a van manual transmission, a closed body and a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.5 t is reduced to as little as 7.4 litres per 100 km.

Exemplary: fuel consumption of only 7 litres per 100 km with new, high axle ratio and van manual transmission
Another measure to reduce fuel consumption and emissions is a new, higher, rear-axle ratio for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This is available as special equipment for various vehicle variants. The ratio of i=3.692 reduces the engine speed by about six percent and so results in an outstanding combined fuel consumption figure as low as 7 litres per 100 km with correspondingly lower CO2 emissions.

Ford – Ford has revealed aims to debut the new Ford Kuga and the production variant of the Fiesta ST Concept at a pre-Geneva Motor Show event on Monday, March 5th.

The manufacturer rejected to go into specifics, but the Kuga will be almost similar to the 2013 Escape. Three another petrol engines are available in North America, but Ford has previously claimed the Kuga will come with “unique powertrains and features.”

Finally, the Fiesta ST was featured by a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It’s scheduled to get an aerodynamic body kit, a sport-tuned suspension and a double exhaust system.

Power will probable be provided by a 1.6 L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 177 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. This could allow the vehicle to speed up from zero-100 km/h in less than 7 sec and reach a top speed in excess of 220 km/h (137 mph).

Mini – The Mini trademark is going commercial with the forthcoming launching of the Clubvan Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and here are the first pictures and specs for the entire global to look.

It certainly applies the Clubman as its based with the most notable variance being the removal of the rear occupant seats and the opaque polycarbonate panels in spot of the rear wide windows. There’s also stainless steel honeycomb separator behind the front seats to protect driver and occupant from any baggy cargo objects.

Additional specs include Clubman style doors on the occupant side which get simple access and side-hinged rear doors for simple entry to the rear cargo area.

Press Release:

MORE SPACE FOR STYLE: THE MINI CLUBVAN CONCEPT.

- Compact lifestyle van for business and leisure
- First concept of its kind in the premium segment
- World premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 18, 2012 – Stand-out-from-the-crowd style can also be amazingly practical – and practicality can be surprisingly attractive. The MINI Clubvan Concept paves the way for an innovative vehicle concept without parallel in the premium small car segment. The MINI Clubman-based concept car, scheduled for its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show 2012, combines the driving fun for which MINI is renowned with increased load-carrying capability. The MINI experience will therefore find its way into new areas of life, the brand’s distinctive character gaining new popularity among target groups not previously on the MINI radar.

The closed-off load area behind the front seats and the opaque rear side windows of the new concept set it apart most strikingly from the MINI Clubman, the platform used as its base. The MINI Clubvan Concept uses its broader skill-set to open up new usage possibilities – both business and leisure. Where a business’s customers, product range or operating environment demand a particular style for its vehicles, this premium model can make the perfect delivery solution.

For example, a car in the mould of the MINI Clubvan Concept would fit excellently into the fleet of a fashion designer, art gallery owner or catering service. And its abilities as an all-rounder also tick the right boxes for a photographer with a stack of camera, tripod and lighting equipment to ferry around during the week – and bulky sports and leisure gear to pile on board at the weekend. The MINI Clubvan Concept pulls off the trick of blending enhanced practicality and a well-judged lifestyle focus with natural ease. This ability is based on the impressive adaptability that goes to the heart of the MINI brand’s heritage.

Calls for maximizing the load capacity of the classic Mini began as early as 1960, just a year after the car’s birth; and they were soon heeded. With its 10-centimeter-longer wheelbase (3.94 inches), separate load compartment and split rear doors, the Morris Mini Van was perfectly equipped for commercial use. It also provided the basis for the fully glazed, four-seat Morris Mini Traveller, one of the precursors of today’s successful MINI Clubman. And so, more than 50 years on, the MINI Clubvan Concept sees history repeating itself – albeit in a slightly different order.

Two seats, five doors, endless usage potential.

Limiting the car to two seats creates the capacity its owners will need on a day-to-day basis, as well as opening up a whole new world of customization potential. The load compartment of the MINI Clubvan Concept embodies the car’s fresh and rigorous interpretation of the principle used in the classic Mini – of providing the maximum amount of interior space on the smallest possible footprint. The load area reaches from the split rear doors right up to the partition grille behind the two seats. The totally level floor makes full use of the interior’s depth, and that allows the concept car’s load capacity to exceed the maximum achieved by the MINI Clubman.

Six attachment loops recessed into the load compartment floor use elasticized straps to hold items of varying lengths, heights and widths in place – without the risk of them sliding around. The partition grille, which is fixed securely to the car body, ensures that items stowed in the load compartment are kept safely away from the front seats. The lower section of the partition is made from solid aluminum, while the upper section consists of a silver-colored stainless steel honeycomb grating. The side walls and floor of the load compartment are trimmed in high-quality anthracite-colored cloth. The anthracite roof liner, meanwhile, extends along the full length of the interior. This uniform color scheme emphasizes the pure-bred, practicality-oriented character of the MINI Clubvan Concept.

Like the MINI Clubman, the MINI Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two side-hinged doors at the rear and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side create comfortable access to the interior. The Clubdoor gives owners the option of loading or unloading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.

The generous levels of space on board the concept car can be exploited in a variety of ways. Commercial users will be particularly pleased to discover the scope for configuring the load compartment to personal requirements. For example, tools and goods can be stored neatly and securely in made-to-measure drawers or shelving units. 12-volt plug sockets in the rear area of the load compartment provide additional practicality.

Exterior design: shields from prying eyes, cuts a distinctive figure.

Impressive practicality and the brand’s time-honored style lend the MINI Clubvan Concept its unmistakable character. Sharing the exterior dimensions of the MINI Clubman and boasting cleverly increased storage capacity, the concept car is the first premium model in the small-car-based van segment. The exterior appearance of the MINI Clubvan Concept marks it out immediately as a MINI – and therefore as a premium product. The function-led design modifications have no impact on the car’s proportions and hallmark MINI design language, but they do give customers the opportunity to combine the demands of commercial use with an appreciation of individual style. The MINI Clubvan Concept comes with British Racing Green exterior paintwork, which extends to the roof, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps. As is usual for vehicles charged with transportation tasks, the rear side windows of the MINI Clubvan Concept are opaque. Polycarbonate sections – their outer surfaces painted in the car’s body color – and heavily tinted glass for the rear doors make it difficult to see into the load compartment.

The unbroken paintwork along the car’s flanks offers extensive scope for individualization, which the MINI Clubvan Concept highlights to eye-catching effect. The sealed side windows bear the logo of a sign design company based in the MINI’s native Great Britain. The hand-applied graphics lend the vehicle a personal look. Indeed, the ultra-versatile MINI carries both its cargo and the company’s promotional message with a uniquely stylish verve. The MINI Clubvan Concept presented in Geneva lends this form of customization a piquant authenticity – on two fronts. The British company that has literally left its stamp on the MINI Clubvan Concept creates similar vehicle graphics for its customers. And the MINI Clubvan Concept showcases how these might look when applied to a MINI van.

Peugeot – After a beginning teaser which was launched yesterday, Peugeot has launched complete specs and preview pictures of the brand new 208 Gti Concept which will be launched at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Power comes from the 1.6 L turbocharged engine which has been passed over from the RCZ THP 200. It delivers 200 PS ( 147 kW / 197bhp) and 275 Nm (203lb ft) of torque and is combined with a 7-speed manual transmission which should result in a zero-100km/h (zero-62mph) sprint time of under 7 sec.

The exterior gets multiple simple updates like the lower aerodynamic body, lower sill skirt extensions and a brushed aluminium GTi Concept emblem on the grille and rear three-quarter panels. It lacks a specific component of aggression which most would like to look considering this is a pre-production concept, but the interior attempts to go a little way to meeting those needs.

The cabin comes with more high-tech revised look to it with LED backlighting featuring an ambient feel to the driver. It’s fitted by a flat bottomed red perforated leather steering wheel.

Press Release:

GTi Concept: The re-generation of a legendary icon
The first sensations are completely visual and evident as soon as the GTi Concept is revealed. Instantly characterised by being the performance icon of the 208, it features chequered-flag motifs that embellish the metal mesh of the grille, and the lower bar proudly affirms its origin by displaying the French ‘Le Tricolour’ flag or the Union Jack when in the UK.

Other distinctive exterior features include: double chromed exhaust tailpipes, aero lower bodywork spoilers and lower sill skirt extensions that all capture the signature badging. Placed within the grille is the brushed aluminium GTi Concept logo that can also be found on the rear quarter panels, as a salute to its illustrious predecessor – the legendary 205 GTi.

On the inside, the passenger compartment is a true GTi environment, with a characteristic sports leather stitched steering wheel, the treatment of which is replicated on the sides of the gear lever, double stitching in the seats and enhanced with LED backlighting to the surrounds of the high-tech instruments. The sports seats are trimmed with Nappa leather on the outer section, and cloth in the centre with an embossed tartan motif, and a leather head restraint.

The red perforated leather steering wheel continues the check motif, and has a pronounced lower flat section, which carries the GTi Concept logo set in an aluminium ring. To complete the sports interior, the fascia capping is dressed in Alcantara with grey stitching, the roof lining is entirely black and the pedals are aluminium. The centre console architecture and ventilation vents all feature a graduated red to black effect, and the chequered-flag theme is also present on the aluminium door crossbars.

The GTi Concept takes its propulsion from the powerfully-compact RCZ THP 200 engine. Combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 1.6-litre THP engine puts its driver at the controls of a machine that captivates the potential for a great driving experience. Like all 208s, a small steering wheel greets the driver and with the GTi Concept, this accentuates the dynamic capability of this car with the enhanced power available. With the raised instrument panel in line of sight, the information is clearly visible from the dials that have a brushed aluminium background and very precise graduations.

The GTi Concept also benefits from the improvements that characterise the 208, taking full advantage of its compactness and lightness, delivering road-holding that is both excellent and precise. To enhance the dynamic experience, it has a 36mm wider track, at the front and at the rear, and a rear roof spoiler to generate down force at speed. For optimum braking performance, the GTi Concept is equipped with four discs; 302mm diameter at the front and 249mm at the rear, set off by red-painted brake callipers.

Ferrari – Ferrari has unveiled the 1st specs about the 2013 California, ahead of its debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

Modestly updated, the version benefits from an upgraded 4.3 L V8 engine which delivers 360 kW (490 PS / 483 bhp) and 505 Nm (372 lb-ft) of torque – a rise of 22 kW (30 PS / 30 bhp) and 20 Nm (15 lb-ft). This allows the vehicle to hasten from zero-100 km/h (62mph) in 3.8 sec.

Additionally being more powerful, the new version has a revised chassis that combines “cutting-edge aluminum fabrication techniques.” Specs are limited, but it enables the convertible to weigh less 30 kg (66 lbs) less than its forerunner.

The revised version will also be available with a new Handling Speciale package which includes stiffer springs, a faster steering ratio and enhanced magnetorheological dampers.

Press Release:

Geneva debut for lighter, more powerful Ferrari California with new “handling speciale” package

Maranello, 15 February – The Geneva Motor Show will see the official debut of the new version of the Ferrari California, production of which has already commenced, with a reduction of weight of 30 kg and an increase in power output of 30 CV.

The Ferrari California’s GDI V8 now delivers 490 hp with maximum torque of 505 Nm at 5,000 rpm, thanks to new exhaust manifolds and engine mapping. The torque curve has also been modified and is higher across the engine’s generous rev range.

Cutting-edge aluminium fabrication techniques and construction technologies used by the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence in the manufacture of the Ferrari California’s chassis, have led to an overall reduction of 30 kg in the car’s weight without impinging in any way on its structural rigidity and performance.

These enhancements have improved the Ferrari’s California’s performance, reducing its 0-100 km/acceleration time to 3.8 seconds. This heightens its sporty feel without detracting from the mission and character of a car that has won universal acclaim for its performance and exceptional versatility resulting from its retractable hard top and 2+ seating. To meet the needs of clients desiring a more dynamic, yet not overly extreme, driving experience, an optional Handling Speciale package has been developed which encompasses modifications to the suspension set-up that minimise body roll and make the car even more responsive to driver inputs.

The Handling Speciale package includes Magnetorheological dampers controlled by an even faster ECU (-50% response time) running patented Ferrari software. The package also features stiffer springs for more precise body control combined with a comfortable ride. Lastly, the California benefits from faster turn-in with smaller steering wheel angles thanks to a new steering box with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio.

All these new features combine to underscore the California’s sporty prowess without affecting its high-performance grand touring vocation – an achievement very much in line with Ferrari’s DNA.

The technical features are matched by a new, even more extensive choice of colours developed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, including two-tone finishes, three-layer paint technology and modern re-interpretations of classic colour schemes which increase the exclusive personalisation possibilities even further. In addition, the Ferrari California benefits from the free seven-year standard maintenance programme.

The availability of the lighter and more powerful vehicle, along with the optional Handling Speciale package, varies according to each market with first deliveries scheduled for Europe.

Audi – Audi has finally revealed the more powerful TT-RS Plus.

Max output is now 360 horsepower (265 kW) that is a rise of 20 horsepower (15 kW) and torque is 465 Nm (343 lb-ft), 15 Nm (11 lb-ft) more than the standard TT-RS. The TT-RS Plus will release in April after its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Offered in both Coupe and Roadster, differentiating features from the TT-RS include a singleframe radiator grille in polished anthracite with a TT-RS Plus emblem. The grille throughout trim frame features a matt aluminum-look finish and the exterior mirror casings are designed of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. The Audi RS signature oval dual exhaust pipe tips are performed in black. Besides, valve handled exhaust regulates engine sound volume and the engine comes with carbon fiber trim covers. The gear lever comes with trimmed with an aluminum-look ring and a TT RS Plus badge. Audi enhances a little flair to the standard 19″ TT-RS wheels by painting them black with a contrasting red accent on the rim flanges.

The TT RS Plus with S tronic transmission reaches zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 sec and manual transmission is a little slower at 4.3 sec. The Roadster is nearly as quick with the similar acceleration reached in 4.2 sec (manual: 4.4 sec). Both Coupe and Roadster are electronically limited to 280 km/h (174 mph). The Coupe with S tronic averages 8.5 liter/100 km (27.7 US mpg) fuel consumption and the Roadster uses 8.6L/100 km (27.4 US mpg).

Charge for the TT RS Plus Coupe in Germany with manual transmission is 60,650 EUR or 62,800 EUR with the 7 speed S tronic. The TT RS Plus Roadster prices 63,500 EUR or 65,650 EUR respectively.

Press Release:

Even more dynamic: the Audi TT RS plus

Coupé and Roadster boosted to 265 kW (360 hp)
Zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds; top speed increased to 280 km/h
Average fuel consumption just 8.5 liters per 100 km

Even more powerful, even faster, even more dynamic: Early 2012 will see the launch of the Audi TT RS plus. This compact sports car, in both Coupé and Roadster versions, stands out for its awe-inspiring performance. Its power-boosted five-cylinder turbo delivers 265 kW (360 hp), sufficient for a top speed of 280 km/h (173.98 mph).

The 2.5-liter TFSI in the Audi TT RS plus is a high-performance engine. Compared with the engine on which it is based, this turbocharged direct-injection unit delivers 15 kW (20 hp) more power. It produces 465 Nm (342.97 lb-ft) of torque, 15 Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more than before. Customers can choose between a manual six-speed transmission and the seven-speed S tronic with its lightning-fast gearshifts. The dual-clutch transmission comes with a launch control function which optimizes acceleration from a standing start. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which operates with a multi-plate clutch, transfers engine power to the road in supreme style.

The TT RS plus unites dynamics and efficiency in a most impressive way. Against the backdrop of the five-cylinder engine’s characteristic roaring and growling, the Coupé with S tronic catapults from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.3 seconds). The Roadster completes the same exercise in 4.2 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.4 seconds). Top speed is limited to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) for all versions of the car. The Coupé with S tronic uses an average of just 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 US mpg); the Roadster uses 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.35 US mpg).

Alongside numerous efficiency-improving measures, these top figures are due primarily to the extremely lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) bodies made of aluminum at the front and sheet steel at the rear. The Coupé with manual transmission, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb); its power-to-weight ratio is 4.0 kilograms (8.82 lb) per horsepower. The power-to-weight ratio of the Roadster is 4.2 kilograms (9.26 lb) per horsepower.

The high-performance brake system is able to cope with the engine’s power at all times. Four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks are installed on the front axle. The Audi TT RS plus is fitted with 19-inch cast wheels of five-arm “Rotor” design; they are painted black with contrasting red rim flanges. The wheels are fitted with 255/35 tires. The adaptive damping system known as Audi magnetic ride is available as an option. A large, fixed rear wing increases downforce at the back of the car.

The Singleframe radiator grille also sets the Audi TT RS plus apart visually: Its diamond-pattern mesh is in highly polished anthracite, its trim frame has a matt aluminum-look finish. The housings of the exterior mirrors are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The dual-branch sport exhaust system has black oval tailpipe trims. A sound flap further intensifies the sound of the engine. The Carbon design package gives the engine compartment a more exclusive look. The knob on the gear or selector lever features an aluminum-look trim ring and a TT RS plus badge.

The TT RS plus Coupé with manual transmission costs €60,650 in Germany or €62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 or €65,650 respectively.

Ford – In 1992, Ford finally released the SVT trademark at the Chicago Auto Show with the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. This trademark has current come back to the 2012 Chicago Auto Show with the new 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible. This drop-top variant of the Shelby GT500 will be developed at AutoAlliance International Plant (AAI) in Flat Rock, Mich. and will go on sale later in 2012.

To commemorate SVT’s birthday, a memorial lighted sill plate will be applied in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to commemorate the many years of performance vehicles.

“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” told Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

Power for the new GT500 Convertible comes from the similar 5.8 L supercharged V8 engine delivering 650-hp with a maximum torque of 600 lb-ft – stopping power comes from a strong set of Brembo brakes. Which enabled the Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package cut almost 3.5 sec off its lap time at the Sebring International Raceway. Such as the coupe, the Ford Shelby GT500, the Performance Package can be enhanced to a Track Package, get an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further endurance.

Press Release:

• New Ford Shelby GT500 convertible makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, serving as the celebratory vehicle of the 20th anniversary of Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT)

• The newest Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package is nearly 3.5 seconds faster than the outgoing model at Sebring International Raceway. The 5.8-liter supercharged V8 with 650 horsepower, Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers and new Brembo brake system are key enablers for the improved performance

• SVT has produced more than 210,000 cars and trucks during its 20-year history, with more than seven different nameplates that include the Ford GT, Mustang Cobra R, SVT F-150 Lightning, F-150 SVT Raptor, Shelby GT500KR and the soon-to-be-launched Focus ST

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2012 – The official launch of SVT came during the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. Now Ford returns to Chicago to celebrate its past and look to the future with the 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible.

In honor of SVT’s anniversary, a commemorative lighted sill plate will be used in the 2013 Shelby GT500 to celebrate the many years of performance vehicles. The 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra offered a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, which demonstrates just how far the products have come in 20 years. The 2013 Shelby GT500 with its 650-horsepower V8 marks the latest offering from one of the oldest and most successful automotive performance groups in the world.

“The Shelby GT500 convertible is every bit the performer that the coupe is,” said Kerry Baldori, SVT Global Performance Vehicles chief engineer. “All of the significant changes we made in the program were instrumental in delivering a convertible that could really shine on the track but can still be driven on a daily basis.”

The 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible with the optional Performance Package is faster around a track than the outgoing model. The new convertible shaved nearly 3.5 seconds off its lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models.

Keys to the improved lap times are the power boost from the new 5.8-liter supercharged V8 producing 650 horsepower, as well as the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers available on the Performance Package and the all-new chassis tuning.

Accessed on the dash with a simple push of a button, normal mode gives customers a more comfortable ride over road irregularities. Sport mode is all about performance, delivering improved response time on the track and less body roll while cornering with reduced pitch under braking. The upgraded dampers allowed SVT engineers to tune the convertible more aggressively for the track, while still being able to maintain desirable on-road manners.

A new Brembo brake system also is a key enabler in boosting the performance of the convertible. The new brakes offer drivers enhanced stopping power to help keep their car under control, while new six-piston calipers in front along with larger front and rear rotors further improve braking performance. More aggressive brake pads also help the car achieve high deceleration and further robustness for more driver confidence.

Similar to the coupe, the convertible will be offered with a Performance Package that also can be upgraded to a Track Package, complete with an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

20 years of high-performance innovation

Each of the more than 210,000 SVT vehicles produced since 1993 has been designed and developed with the four SVT attributes in mind: Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value. These hallmarks still guide the brand’s vehicle development today.

“In the past 20 years, SVT has engineered world-class mid-engine supercars, front-wheel-drive performance cars, rear-wheel-drive muscle cars and high-performance on-road and off-road pickup trucks,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “There is no other performance house in the world that can match that diverse résumé.”

Since 1993 more than seven different SVT vehicles have been produced, including several versions of the Cobra and Shelby GT500, the F-150 Lightning performance pickup and F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, plus both three- and five-door versions of the SVT Focus. Special SVT Mustang Cobra R models were made in 1993, 1995 and 2000.

SVT has joined with Team RS in Europe to form the Performance Vehicles Group to devise a strategy for all future global performance Ford cars. The resulting Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car, giving drivers around the world the opportunity to share the exhilarating performance, excellent handling, addictive sound and sporty design Ford’s ST badge represents. The Ford Fiesta ST Concept also signals the next step in Ford’s global performance vehicle strategy and hints at how a future Fiesta ST model might look when it joins the Focus ST in the global small car portfolio.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500

The ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby GT500 – raises the bar high on performance by delivering 650 horsepower and a track-tested top speed of more than 200 mph. The 5.8-liter supercharged V8 aluminum-block engine produces 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world.

Nearly every part of the powertrain has been optimized for producing the additional horsepower, including a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle.

And nearly every gear on the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has been revised to manage the torque and use more of the power in a way that makes it more driver-friendly.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.