Nothelle Tuning unveils new Audi A4 kits that improve style & dynamics

The latest Nothelle project is the A4, which the tuning company from Ratingen (Germany) provides with a more elegant and at the same time sportier appearance. And naturally nothelle also offers various performance improvements for the A4.

- Power output increased by up to 310 bhp

- Aerodynamic packages

- Quadruple exhaust and "NOVEDRA VII SPORT" 19-inch wheels

Sophisticated nothelle aerodynamic packages with sporty looks.

Nothelle tackles the external cosmetics with the aid of a comprehensive, in-house, sophisticated aerodynamic kits, which is mounted on the standard components without any additional body modifications.

It consists of a front spoiler (from EUR 490), side skirts, a rear apron attachment and a rear spoiler (one version each for the Saloon and the Avant), as well as optional fender extensions, which can also be fitted onto the standard wings with any body modifications.

The rear of the A4 gets an even sportier upgrade when you order the nothelle diffusor. This is available either in the body colour or in sophisticated genuine carbon fibre.

The nothelle rear silencer with its quad-tailpipe looks (from EUR 620), made entirely of durable stainless steel, promises a sporty sound as well as a touch more power. Its oval, chrome-plated 4 tailpipes give the rear end of the A4 a significant boost. A pretty backside is no less enchanting, after all!

Sports suspension and matching footwear

nothelle also provides matching footwear for the A4, with the company's own NOVEDRA VII SPORT wheels in 8.5 x 19" format. The one-piece wheel is impressive for its striking and extremely exclusive design, as well as its multi-piece looks (from EUR 550). Nnothelle offers it in three versions.

The basic version is the "NOVEDRA VII SPORT", painted in Shiny Silver. The fine surface finish of the "brilliance edition" is achieved by means of an extremely elaborate ball polishing process with high-gloss intensification. Because tastes vary, nothelle also offers the "black edition" as a third version. The alloy wheel is also available complete with an ultra high-performance 235/35-19 tyre from nothelle's technology partner, KUMHO.

Naturally nothelle also takes care to ensure that all the extra power does not throw the A4 off the road. That's why the Ratingen tuning company offers sport suspension systems. Either in the form of a comfort-oriented set of sports springs, as a complete suspension system or as a high-end solution using individually height-adjustable coilovers.

Performance upgrades for diesel and petrol engines

Nothelle gives the diesels a boost by means of chip-tuning or its N TRONIC BOX. The latter represents the intelligent power box for diesel engines, and is a supplementary control unit that will deliver a significant but not excessive performance boost when installed.

Similar performance figures are delivered by the chip-tuning version, LEADERCHIP©, designed for the discerning driver with a desire for more controlled power. The vehicle releases its entire potential and yet at the same time remains supreme and respectable in its running characteristics. The engine offers significantly improved torque and increased power output with well-balanced figures. It is the diplomat among the tuning chips, with unfettered superiority.

As a third alternative nothelle offers the BULLCHIP©, the power upgrade for the driver with sporting ambitions. Full-blooded power delivery, breathtaking torque and fabulous acceleration are its characteristic features. That makes it the muscle man among the tuning chips.

All performance upgrades are of course also available for vehicles with a diesel particle filter.

2.0TFSI Nothelle Style

Of all the A4's petrol engines, the 2-litre TFSI is just asking for some muscle-toning. nothelle turns it into the highlight of its range. In the case of the turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine, the conversion delivers a leap in power output up to a magnificent 310 horsepower! That makes it possible for the A4 to reach a top speed of 280 km/h (175 mph). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.5 seconds will have many a 911-owner booking his Porsche in for a performance check at the first workshop he comes across.

As a rule nothelle can offer performance upgrades for all engines. In all its development work the tuning firm naturally pays greatest attention to ensuring compliance with all applicable emissions standards. And all with TÜV approval and under warranty.

Scion tC Release Series 2.0

Toyota announced today that it will unveil a second limited-production Scion tC for 2006 at the New York International Auto Show, with sales beginning in mid-April.

Press Release: The 2006 tC Release Series 2.0 will come in a brilliant Blue Blitz Mica. This limited edition tC features a stainless steel mesh upper and lower front grille and 17-inch alloy wheels that come with a satin metallic finish. The tC's only factory option, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, is standard equipment on the R.S. 2.0.

Inside, the tC's front and rear seats are trimmed with black Alcantara(R), a suede-like material that provides passengers better friction grip and is more commonly found in luxury or performance vehicles and on aftermarket racing seats. The tC R.S. 2.0 comes standard with a Pioneer Premium AM/FM/CD audio system with iPod connectivity and color-changing LED display.

A Pioneer six-inch subwoofer with 35-watt maximum power complements the upgraded head unit and is tuned specifically for the tC. This compact subwoofer is mounted in the under-floor storage area, keeping it out of sight and leaving the cargo floor clear. This tC also is equipped with XM Satellite Radio and comes with a paid three-month subscription, wherever XM service is available. An individually numbered brushed stainless steel badge completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,600 units of the tC Release Series 2.0 will be built. The tC Release Series 2.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,960 over the base price of the tC. The base MSRP for the tC starts at $16,300.

Volkswagen Golf GT Frog Commercial

Seems Volkswagen has gone “commercial crazy” this year, as the German company unleashed another add spot, this time for their new Golf GT model. The GT, which fits just the GTI model is equipped with a 1,4 litre TSI engine, that combines direct petrol injection and a twin supercharger, a mechanical supercharger in conjunction with a secondary exhaust turbocharger, producing 170 hp, 30 less than the GTI.

The add features a frog in a swamp is caught out by an super-strong fly and is carried to another water hole. In the background is the new unusually powerful Volkswagen Golf GT.

The campaign was developed at advertising agency DDB, Berlin by creative director Wolfgang Schneider and Matthias Stiller. Film production was done through Outsider, London and Marken films, Germany while the sound was designed by Chris Turner at Jungle Studios, London Video:

One of Europe’s best-seller

One of Europe’s best-sellers, the Corsa , will be replaced this summer with a new model that Opel –Vauxhall in the UK, hopes will be as much a success as the Astra.

Dutch magazine Autoweek, give us a pretty accurate view of the new Corsa that holds a strong resemblance to the successful Astra. As with the Astra, the rear bodywork of both ver­sions will vary significantly, in a bid to make them appeal to different types of customer. The five-door car is expected to have a longer wheelbase, which will also go on to underpin the next-generation Meriva, scheduled to arrive in 2008. Spin-offs from the three-­door platform will include the eventual replacement for the coupe-cabrio Tigra TwinTop, although this is not expected to appear until 2010.

The new Corsa is set to debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show, and will hit the European market in Autumn. It will share many of its mechanical components with the new Fiat Grande Punto, which is built on the same platform. Other shared parts are likely to include the suspension systems, steering and braking components, as well as the much lauded 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine, which already appears in the current generations of both cars.

Opel’s petrol units will differ from Fiat's, though, and will start with an updated version of the 1.0-litre three-­cylinder engine fitted to today's entry-­level Corsas. Other options will include the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre Twinport units, along with an updated version of the 1.7 CDTI diesel from the Astra.

Of course, the Corsa range will include an OPC version with Opel’s latest 1.6 Turbo engine that pumps out 180 hp –first seen on the Meriva OPC. All motors will be com­pliant with Euro IV emissions rules.

Opel also hopes to make the Corsa one of the safest superminis in its class, with airbags all-round, electronic brake­force distribution and other driver aids. These improvements will come at a cost, however, as the newcomer is expected to be slightly more expensive than the model it replaces.

Press Release: One of the most eagerly anticipated automobile premieres of 2006 takes place on July 18 in one of Europe’s most exciting cities: London. Opel has today announced that the all-new Corsa will make its world debut at the British International Motor Show (July 18 – 30). The fourth generation of the popular Opel model comes with a compelling design and an array of innovative technology features. Just as they successfully realized with the Astra, designers have given each three and five-door Corsa variant a unique look. Both versions will be on show in London. Sales of the new Corsa start in the fall of this year.

Hamann equips the Lamborghini Gallardo with wing-doors

Hamann Motorsport from Laupheim, Germany, is giving the 520 hp Lamborghini a feature that is inextricably linked with the classic Countach and the more recent Diablo and Murcielago models. Without further ado, the Hamann engineers are equipping this Italian supercar with wing doors.

Hamann is relying on an inhouse wing door construction to create a stable system without being too flashy. The hinges of the Hamann wing door conversion can only just be seen, without appearing retrofitted. This ensures that the Gallardo still cuts a fine figure when getting in and out.

As one might expect, these changes call for a number of measures. In view of the end result, however, they can be regarded as extremely minimal. To complete the conversion, all that remains to be done is to blend in the paintwork along the hinges and the internal folding of the doors. The conversion is carried out at Hamann and takes about a week.

The Hamann wing doors are characterised by the fact that they open upwards at an angle. Drivers who opt for this conversion will never want to be without this wow factor! Needless to say, Hamann also offers conversions for the Spyder version and older 500 bhp models.

In addition to the wing doors for the Gallardo, Hamann also offers a whole range of tuning options for this model - in the form of aerodynamic components, light alloy wheels, suspension systems and luxurious interior equipment packages.

By the way, BMW 6 Series or Ferrari F430 owners who are thirsting for wing doors, also have something to look forward to. HAMANN is currently working on a conversion kit for these two models and their soft-top variants Cabrio and Spider.

Kleemann tuning kits for Mercedes 5.5 V8 AMG Kompressor engine

German Mercedes specialist, Kleemann, has developed a new series of tuning products for the AMG 5.5 litre V8 Mercedes-Benz engine with Kompressor. The Kleemann AMG 5.5 litre V8-engine tuning program is available for all Mercedes-Benz models equipped with the 5.5 litre Kompressor V8-engine. The available model range includes: E 55 (W211), CLS 55 (CL219), SL 55 (R230), S 55 (W220), CL 55 (CL215) and the G 55 (W463).

There are four basic stages, K1 to K4. All components can be used individually, in predetermined sets, or in a customer defined matrix.

Stage K1 tuning program for the AMG 55 consists of an Engine Performance Kit containing a custom-made ECU program and a redesigned pulley wheel.

Stage K2 consists of KLEEMANN stainless steel tubular exhaust headers and down pipes that provide larger primary pipe diameters for each engine cylinder. The KLEEMANN headers can be modified to the stock exhaust system or used in conjunction with the KLEEMANN 120 cell metal catalysts for maximum performance gain. Last but not least, the ECU gets further revisions for maximum power output.

Stage K3 includes the above described stages plus KLEEMANN Super Sport Camshafts and the complete KLEEMANN 70 mm dual stainless steel Exhaust System with four steel cats.

Stage K4, for further performance any 55 Kompressor engine can be optimized with the new Stage K4 Performance kit consisting of a modified inlet house and throttle body. This upgrade ads up to 30 Hp and 75 Nm (55 lb-ft)

AMG 5.5 V8 476/500 Hp & 700 Nm (519lb-ft)	Power	Torque	Torque
K1	520 Hp	750 Nm	555 lb-ft
K2	560 Hp	780 Nm	578 lb-ft
K3	610 Hp	835 Nm	618 lb-ft
K4	640 Hp	900 Nm	731 lb-ft

Technorati Tags: Kleemann, Tuning, Mercedes, 5.5, V8, AMG, Kompressor, Autos, auto+news, pictures, images

2007 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 V6 US Version

Mitsubishi announced that it will debute the North American market version of the Outlander SUV model at the upcoming New York Auto Show. Launched in Japan in October last year, the US Outlander will be powered by a 3-liter V6 MIVEC coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to change gear manually without having to take his hand off the steering wheel.

The new Outlander offers two drive formats: the electronically controlled 4WD system and a front-wheel drive version tailored to the North American market.

Like the Japanese model, the new Outlander will use a newly design high-rigidity platform that realizes improved impact safety and an aluminum roof panel that lowers center of gravity and reduces roll inertia for improved handling performance and ride.

As for its utility performance, the Outlander has a split tailgate ("Flap-fold tailgate") that facilitates the loading of different sizes and weights of luggage. But most important for the US market, it will be available with a 7-seat layout that features two occasional-use third row seats stored flat under the floor ("Underfloor-stowable compact 3rd row seat")

Technology hallmarks of the new Outlander, include a standard Bluetooth(R) hands-free cellular phone interface, advanced FAST-Key access system, and optional 650-watt Rockford Fosgate(R) audio system and DVD entertainment. A new hard-drive navigation system will be available as an option

Technorati Tags: Mitsubishi+Outlander, autos, auto+news, automotive, press+release, images, pictures, New+York+International+Auto+Show

Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept

Making its world premiere at the Stockholm Motor Show today, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept delivers zero CO₂ emissions with enhanced performance by combining the use of pure bioethanol fuel and electric power generation for the first time.

Packing formidable pulling power from its 260 bhp (191 kW) 2.0-litre turbo BioPower engine and 53 kW electric motors, the BioPower Hybrid Concept is equipped with an with automatic transmission accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, a substantial improvement against 8.8 seconds for the equivalent petrol model. Even more impressive is 80 to 120 km/h acceleration on 'kick-down' in only 5.5 seconds.

The all-aluminum 2.0-litre BioPower engine is modified to run on pure E100 bioethanol fuel, giving zero CO₂ exhaust emissions, and operates in tandem with the electrical power system. This offers fuel-saving stop/start functionality, torque boosting electric power assistance on demand, an electric-only 'Zero Mode' for city driving and regenerative braking.

It should be mentioned that the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is the first project to be announced under a joint investment programme between General Motors R&D (Research and Development) and the Swedish Government.

EU & US file WTO complaint on China over auto parts

The United States and the European Union, initiated a World Trade Organization complaint on Thursday against China, alleging that Beijing is unfairly blocking foreign-made auto parts.

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said: "Consultations will allow us to clarify the legal issues and find a mutually satisfactory solution. It remains my strong preference and intention to seek an amicable solution to this issue".

A statement from the office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said China's taxes on imported auto parts "discourage automobile manufacturers in China from using imported auto parts in the assembly of vehicles." The USTR said this is inconsistent with China's WTO commitments.

The EU first raised the issue of its tariffs on car parts in 2004. The EU requested action to address the problem at the EU-China Joint Trade Committee in October 2005. The European Union had then urged China to eliminate trade restrictions harming companies from Arcelor SA to Volkswagen AG and threatened to bring its first World Trade Organization complaint against the communist nation.

What is the issue?

The EU believes that Chinese tariff laws for spare auto parts are WTO-incompatible. Chinese rules apply the tariffs for "whole vehicles" to the import of spare parts making up 60% or more of the value of a final vehicle. The EU believes that this may contravene China's WTO obligations not to impose obligatory "local content" rules: to avoid the "whole car" tariff rates a car-maker has to source 40% or more of the spare parts by value in China. The EU believes it may constitute an internal tax on imported goods - because the tariff is levied on a finished product constructed with imported parts and the same rates are not applied to cars produced with local spare parts.

This can be problematic for EU producers in China who are not able to import parts from their own factories in Europe without unfair tariffs. The EU has about 20-25% of the car production market in China.

What does China say?

China claims that the measures are designed to avoid circumvention (ie, the prevention of the importing whole cars as spare parts to avoid the higher tariff rates for whole cars). However the WTO has found in the past that the objective of measures does not justify their form - and in this case the measures appear to the EU to be WTO-incompatible. At the time of its WTO accession, China committed itself not to treat parts as whole cars.

What happens now?

The request for consultations has been filed with the WTO in Geneva today. China has 10 days to respond to the request and is obligated by WTO rules to enter in consultations in good faith within 30 days. If the issue cannot be resolved in consultations within 60 days then the parties have the option of requesting a WTO panel to hear and rule on the dispute.

What does this mean?

The chances are that the EU & US will win this case, thus meaning that American & European automanufacturers will be able to create a super low price car part bin, by shopping from the cheapest possible sources around world. Then, they will go to the world’s lowest paid labor hand country -China, assembling these parts into a real car....Genius

Chevrolet Epica Press Release

Chevrolet Epica Press Release

Monday, February 27, 2006 | Categories | Daewoo |

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Press Release: New mid-size category Chevrolet Epica with a straight six engine

Geneva. The world premiere of the Chevrolet Epica at the Geneva Motor Show (March 2 – 12, 2006) will be accompanied by three other important "firsts". To begin with, it is the first car that Chevrolet Europe will put on the market with a six-cylinder engine. Secondly, it will be the first transversally installed in-line six in the mid-size category in Europe, and finally, in early 2007, it will become available with a diesel engine. Boasting a comprehensive range of comfort and safety equipment, the new four-door Epica is scheduled for distribution in early summer 2006.

With its sporty yet stylish contours, the Evanda successor will suit the taste of European drivers. In the clearly organized front section, attention focuses in particular on design details like the large wrap-around, clear-glass headlamps, the powerful-looking cross strut with its large Chevrolet emblem in the chrome-plated grille, and the fog lamps integrated harmoniously like spotlights into the bumper.

The Epica also radiates a clean, modern look from the side. Its wedge-shaped profile is dominated by a striking character line that runs along the upper half of the door, extending to the front and rear wings. The effect is emphasized by the fact that the grab-type body-coloured door handles are positioned exactly on this character line. Another eyecatching feature are the large outer mirrors with integrated indicator lamps. The rear view is dominated by the large bumper and the tail lamps with circular lamp lenses, joined by a wide chrome strut.

Compared with its predecessor, the Evanda, the front-wheel Epica has grown in stature. The length of 4,804 mm (plus 34 mm), width of 1,807 mm and height of 1,449 mm, in combination with the wheelbase of 2,700 mm, guarantee a generous amount of space inside for the passengers and luggage. For the latter, the trunk has a capacity of 435 l (according to the VDA standard). With its asymmetrically split, folding rear seat backrest and an armrest opening for such items as skis, the new Epica is also well equipped for carrying difficult items.

Safety: Stable passenger compartment, six airbags and ABS brake system

The Epica has a modern chassis with McPherson suspension struts at the front and a multi-link rear suspension. They are accompanied by a highly efficient brake unit with four disk brakes as standard (ventilated at the front), four-channel ABS and electronic brake-power distribution. The standard safety package for the Epica also includes many passive safety features like the rigid passenger cell (made 40 percent of high-strength steel) plus front airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger and side and curtain airbags.

The equipment in the new Chevrolet sedan corresponds to that of an upper mid-size car. The Epica is available in two equipment versions, the LS and LT. In the pleasantly styled interior, an ergonomically designed cockpit with a large display for the board computer (LT) makes driving both more comfortable and easier. The basic LS version has a height-adjustable driver's seat, electrical window raisers at the front and back, remote-controlled central locking, thermal insulation glass, air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel. Optional accessories include light alloy wheels (up to 17") and audio units with an MP3 player.

The top model, the Epica LT, has additional features that include automatic air-conditioning and cruise control. The already comprehensive selection of equipment can be extended even further with other comfort and safety options that include the 8x adjustable driver's seat, full leather upholstery, traction control and a parking aid at the rear.

Engine: Transversally installed smooth-running power plants plus new automatic transmission

Initially, the front-wheel drive Epica will be powered by one of two six-cylinder gasoline engines with displacements of 2.0 and 2.5 litres. The transversally mounted in-line engines run outstandingly smoothly. It is all down to the construction: The crankshaft drive has perfect mass balance, which means that - unlike in a V-arrangement - neither free forces of inertia nor moments of inertia send annoying vibrations to the drive train.

Just as impressive as the smoothness of the 142 hp and 157 hp six-cylinder engines is their acceleration. They take the Epica from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.8 and 10.1 sec respectively*. The 2.0-litre engine is delivered as standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while the top model comes complete with a new five-speed automatic transmission that is also available as an option for the smaller engine. The MVEG combined fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre six-cylinder version is 9.0 l per 100 km, with automatic transmission 9.5 l.

In early 2007, Chevrolet will add the option of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo diesel to its list of engines. This power plant has been developed jointly by GM Daewoo and GM Powertrain. It generates 150 hp and develops its maximum torque of 310 Nm at 2,000 rpm. A particle filter will also be available.

Technorati Tags: Chevrolet, Epica, Press+Release, autos, auto+news, Geneva+Show

Saab Aero X Concept Press Release

Press Release: Saab Aero X Concept Showcases Future Design Themes

Inspired by aviation and Scandinavian brand heritage. Innovative opening canopy eliminates doors and windshield pillars. 'Green Power' from 400 bhp BioPower engine using 100% bioethanol fuel

The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products.

As you would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupé breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside.

First, there are no doors…or windshield pillars. That's because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin.

Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400 bhp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by bioethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The 'green power' of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase 'performance with responsibility'.

Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3-D images.

All exterior and interior lighting is by LED (light-emitting diode), which has given the design team new freedoms to exploit the compact packaging benefits of a technology that will be featured increasingly in future Saab products.

With weight-saving carbon fiber bodywork, a lightweight powertrain, electronically-controlled suspension and all-wheel drive, the Saab Aero X is an exciting driver's car that promises a level of performance to match its looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph (limited).

Despite being so tightly driver focused, the Aero X still offers surprising practicality, again, a quality you would expect to find in all Saab designs. That dramatically sculpted tail conceals a useful twin storage facility, with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer underneath.

"This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," says Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values."

"This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab."

Technical Specifications and Performance

Chassis:

Sports Coupé two-seater format, monocoque steel construction

Rear opening cockpit canopy, carbon fiber bodywork

Engine:

Front, longitudinally-mounted behind front axle

Saab BioPower 2.8-litre V6 turbo. 24-valve, four OHC.

All aluminium construction. E100 fuel. 12:1 compression ratio.

VVT, exhaust and inlet. SIDI (Spark Ignited Direct Injection).

Twin VGT (Variable Geometry Turbine) turbochargers. 1.0 bar max. boost

Dry sump lubrication.

Max. power: 400 bhp @ 5,000 rpm (EEC)

Max. torque: 500 Nm @ 2,000 - 5,000 rpm (EEC)

Engine management:

32-bit, ignition timing, fuel injection, turbo boost pressure, air mass measurement, throttle setting. Secondary air injection for quick catalysts warm up

Transmission:

Seven-speed, automated manual transmission with double clutch system.

Sequential gear changes via the steering wheel paddles.

All-wheel-drive through multi-plate clutch, variable front/rear torque split.

Suspension:

Front: Double wishbones, coil springs, elec.adj. dampers, anti-roll bar.

Rear: Multi-link, coil springs, elec. adj. dampers, anti-roll bar.

Saab Active Chassis: continuously adjustable damping control.

Steering:

Rack and pinion, hydraulic power-assisted.
Brakes:

380 mm ventilated discs front/rear

ABS, MBA, EBD, electronic stability control.

Wheels/Tires:

Front: 22 x 9.0 inch, multi-spoke alloy / 265/30 mm

Rear: 23 x 11.5 inch, multi-spoke alloy / 325/25 mm

Kerb weight:

1,500 kilos (projected). F/R distribution: 50/50 %

External dimensions:

Length: 4675 mm

Width: 1918 mm

Height: 1276 mm

Track: 1599 mm (f), 1579 mm (r)

Wheelbase: 2795 mm

Performance (projected):

0 - 100 kph: 4.9 secs

Top Speed: 250 kph (limited)

Rolls Royce 101EX Press Release

Rolls Royce 101EX Press Release

Monday, February 27, 2006 | |

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Press Release: Rolls-Royce unveils second experimental car at Geneva show

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled a second experimental car, 101EX, at the Geneva show today. It has been hand built to explore a potential design direction for a future coupé model.

"It is a very modern car, a 21^st century design that respectfully nods to the past but focuses indisputably on the future," said Ian Cameron, Chief Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

101EX uses the same lightweight aluminium construction that was developed for the Phantom, although the body is shorter by 240mm. A full four-seat coupé, twin coach doors add to the car’s rakish good looks and streamlined coupé profile.

The roofline is lower than the Phantom’s, with a shallower glass area. Streamlined styling starts at the front with the famous grille, discreetly reclined, and extends back across a brushed aluminium bonnet and windscreen surround. The rest of the sleek bodywork is finished in dark tungsten. New 21-inch forged aluminium wheels complete the exterior look.

Inside, the cosseting interior has been designed for elegance and maximum comfort for all four occupants. Machined aluminium, fine leather and rosewood and red oak veneers are used throughout. Slimline bucket seats offer outstanding comfort for front passengers while the exceptionally spacious rear seat delivers intimate comfort for two. Privacy is assured by the sweeping C-pillars.

The design team has experimented with interior lighting on 101EX, and the car features a ‘starlight headliner’ made up of hundreds of fibre optic cables to give the impression of a star filled night sky.

Ian Robertson, Rolls-Royce Chairman and Chief Executive, said, "101EX employs the same engineering philosophy as the Phantom, balancing high technology with hand craftsmanship. It illustrates the position of strength from which we operate and points the way for potential new models."

Currently there are no plans to develop a production version of 101EX.

el GT Press Release

Press Release: World premiere for two-seat roadster in Geneva, market launch in spring of 2007. 260 hp from two liters: the most powerful production engine in the ECOTEC family

The new Opel GT is fun to drive thanks to its front engine and rear-wheel drive, which together ensure a balanced weight distribution, the long wheelbase (2415 mm) and its 260-hp 2.0-liter ECOTEC turbo engine with gasoline direct injection. This accelerates the new GT from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, and enables a maximum speed of over 230 km/h.

Another fun factor is the fabric roof, which folds down to provide open-air enjoyment denied to the owners of the first GT. The roof disappears completely beneath a cover, further underlining the GT’s sporty silhouette with short overhangs and widely spaced 18-inch wheels.

The development of the new Opel GT is an excellent example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. The design was inspired by the VX Lightning concept car, which was conceived by the GM Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England in May 2003 for the 100^th anniversary of the Vauxhall brand. The new GT will be built in Wilmington/Delaware, in the USA, where its sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky, are also produced.

Athletic, with short body overhangs: the eye-catching design

A glance at the new Opel GT makes clear that there’s pure sport under the skin; sharp, taut lines and flowing surfaces combine to give it true dynamic presence. The front view is dominated by the pronounced curve of the fenders and the bold chrome strip with lightning-flash logo. The long, front-hinged engine hood carries the familiar Opel crease.

Another signal of sportiness is sounded off by the GT’s proportions (length/width/height: 4091/1813/1274 mm) with short overhangs and 18-inch wheels that are pushed to the corners of the body. When opened, the soft top is completely concealed under a cover, thus emphasizing the GT’s roadster character. Other attractive styling details are the projection-type low beam and halogen reflector-type high beam headlamps.

The ergonomic cockpit features chrome-ringed dials for speed, rpm and fuel. Technical grains, piano black and chrome finishes combine with optionally available leather seats to emphasize high value and precision. Jewel-style controls for lights and ventilation are further evidence of the GT designers’ careful attention to detail.

Lively response and sports-car performance: the direct-injection turbo engine

The heart of the new Opel GT is the most powerful production engine in the ECOTEC family. The turbocharged unit was jointly developed by GM Powertrain engineers in the USA and Europe and is related to the ECOTEC 2.2-liter direct fuel injection engine available in the Vectra and Signum. From a displacement of two-liters, it develops a power output of 191 kW/ 260 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, available from 2500 rpm.

Direct injection technology helps the ECOTEC engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption level of a small displacement engine with conventional fuel injection.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine features variable valve timing, a dual-scroll turbocharger and a charge-air intercooler. This type of turbocharger, similar to the one already introduced in the Vectra and Signum V6, improves engine response, which also benefits from variable camshaft phasing. The result is ample torque even at low engine speeds.

Highlights of the new ECOTEC 2.0-liter turbo engine include:

• Forged steel crankshaft
• Forged steel connecting rods
• Cast aluminum oil-galley pistons
• Jet-spray piston cooling
• Two counter-rotating balance shafts
• Dual-scroll turbocharger
• 9.2:1 compression ratio
• Aluminum cylinder head with sodium-cooled exhaust valves
• High-pressure engine-driven fuel pump
• Variable pressure fuel rail

Basic technical data: New Opel GT

Body
Length/ width/ height	4091/ 1813 / 1274 mm
Wheelbase	2415 mm
Unloaded weight	1320 kg
Engine/ powertrain
Engine/installed position	2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder/at front, longitudinal
Displacement	1998 cm3
Bore/ stroke	86/86 mm
Compression ratio	9.2:1
Valve gear	Double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder
Max. power output	191 kW/ 260 hp at 5300 rpm
Max. torque	350 Nm at 2500 - 5300 rpm
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h	Under 6 seconds
Top speed	Over 230 km/h
Fuel supply	Direct fuel injection, with variable high-pressure distributor rail and electronic throttle operation
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox	5-speed manual-shift