BMW i8 Spyder Concept (2013)

CAR GARAGE | BMW i8 Spyder Concept (2013) | This third model of BMW i embodies the future of cutting-edge concepts and Emotionally appealing mobility. Its design sporting headlines the qualities of an open-top two-seater lightness blending, dynamic capability and efficiency with a very special aesthetic allure. Following the presentation of the BMW Concept and BMW i8 i3 Concept, the BMW Group introduces the BMW i8 Spyder Concept to the mix. The combination of intelligent lightweight design and state-of-the-art hybrid technology imbues the BMW i8 Spyder Concept with genuine sports car performance, yet its fuel consumption is no higher than you would expect from a small car. Among the most eye-catching features of the Spyder Concept BMW i8 are the upward-swiveling, windowless doors and a range of purpose-oriented on-board electric equipment Including kick boards stowed under a transparent tailgate.

The sports car is based around the innovative architecture Life Drive, Itself underpinned by a lightweight modular construction and the use of high-quality high-tech materials. The BMW i8 Spyder Concept is a plug-in hybrid powered by an e Drive drive train combining a high-performance electric motor and petrol combustion engine. Together, the car's minimized weight, low center of gravity and finely judged balance, coupled with a combined system output of up to 260 kW (354 hp), promise unbeatable dynamic capability, exceptional efficiency and unbridled driving pleasure.

The central information display in the BMW Concept i8 Spyder makes a key contribution to intelligent mobility. The car's power electronics are linked up to intelligent navigation and traffic guidance systems to enable the hybrid drive system to work at maximum efficiency. For example, proactive charging of the hybrid battery allows the BMW i8 Spyder Concept to negotiate a traffic tailback on the road ahead using electric power alone - and therefore without producing any emissions.

Like the Coupe, the BMW i8 Spyder Concept is also built around the innovative architecture Life Drive, a fusion of independent functional units. For example, the carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) Life module Gives the car an extremely lightweight passenger cell, while the drive modules - made primarily from aluminum components - bring together all the car's operational driving functions, Such as the power train, chassis and safety structure. This allows the engineers to give the car a low center of gravity and ideal balance. This overlapping and interlocking of surfaces and lines - "layering" in BMW i speak - is displayed both on the body and in the interior of the new car. The BMW i8 Spyder Concept's emotion-led design vividly spotlights the car's qualities, with lightness, efficiency and dynamic capability highlighted to particularly prominent effect.

Short front and rear overhangs and a low-slung silhouette define the side view of the BMW i8 Spyder Concept and underline its athletic character. Alluring lines and forms generate a strong forward-surging stance even before the car powers off the line. A rear diffuser visually imposing, three-dimensional water outlets and the U-shaped rear lights give the Spyder Concept BMW i8 an extremely wide appearance and emphasis its sporting credentials. The interior of the BMW i8 Spyder Concept is defined by three levels showcasing its Various functions.

Lotus Exige S (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Lotus Exige S (2012) | months of media Speculation Group Lotus is proud to announce the latest Addition to the family: the extraordinary new Lotus Exige S, the ultimate lightweight high performance sport scar. There are two new interior package options available: Premium and Premium Sport. The Premium Pack provides added comfort and style where as the Premium Sport option focuses on creating an internal space is optimized for ultimate driver involvement.

Built for the adrenaline hungry aficionado sport scar, the Lotus Exige S Bespoke features high performance tire package with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires as standard. A Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) switch allows the driver to switch Between three driving modes: Touring, Sport and DPM off.

Commenting on the Exige S, Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said: "Anyone who has ever driven an Exile will tell you That it's not for the faint-heated. The new Exige S skips a few rungs on the ladder to give the driver Lotus the ultimate experience.

Lotus Evora GTE (2012)

 

CAR GARAGE | Lotus Evora GTE (2012) | Group Lotus can now announce That production will be expanded on the Lotus Evora GTE road car to meet demand and reach further markets.Producing over 444 PS from the 3.5L V6 engine Lotus Evora, the GTE is, quite simply, the most powerful road car Lotus ever built. Yet Contrary to its extreme roots, the Lotus Evora GTE road car also delivers a comfortable and refined element to its high performance driving characteristics.

Complimenting the striking exterior is a stunning, modern race-themed interior Providing both occupants with the race car without compromising on comfort thrill. Leather and carbon fiber Dominate the cabin and lightweight carbon fiber Recaro seats cosset both the passenger and driver giving a sense of security and comfort That That means any driver of the Lotus Evora GTE can really go the distance as They take command of this extraordinary car.

Commenting on the Lotus Evora GTE road cars, Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said: "The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders. What is unique about this car, is not just that it's a serious race car - it's a serious car.

Lotus Elise Club Racer (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Lotus Elise Club Racer (2012) | The bright engineers at Lotus put even the lightest of Lotus' modern cars on a diet and managed to shed a further 24kg. DPM combined with improved agility courtesy of Lotus finely tuned sport suspension and an adjustable anti-roll bar will make-the Lotus Elise Club Racer equally versatile for both road and race track fun.

Wolf Zimmermann Chief Technical Officer of Lotus Cars said: "The traditional Lotus approach of reduction and purity has lead to one of the most zeitgeist and contemporary sports cars around. For over 15 years the Lotus Elise has Become an icon in the sports car market, carving out a niche market with a dedicated Following of lightweight fans.

Quality throughout the vehicle has been a top priority, highly regarded component suppliers Such as Eibach springs and Bilstein for dampers Ensure That for the Lotus Elise Club Racer is a car of substance as well as style.

The Lotus Elise Club Racer pleases the eye as well as the soul with a choice of six striking colors (Sky Blue, Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt Black and Carbon Grey) and Bespoke design elements emphasise That the character of the car. It's pocket Pleasing too, at £ 27.500 / € 34.450 / CHF48, 900, the Lotus Elise Club Racer marks the new entry level sports car from Lotus.

Lincoln MKZ Concept (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Lincoln MKZ Concept (2012) | The Lincoln MKZ Concept hints strongly at the production models arriving in dealerships later in 2012, as well as Lincoln's design future. By retaining key, recognizable brand design elements, the Lincoln MKZ Concept Remains Clarey identifiable as a Lincoln. The sedan's profile is dominated by a long, sweeping roof line and sleek That allows the design to break away from the traditional three-box sedan shape. Integrated into the sedan's aluminum and boron steel superstructure, the fixed-glass expanse extends to the side roof rails of the cabin, creating an airy, open interiors. LED technology enabled an extremely thin and distinctive full-width tail lamp graphics.

The Lincoln MKZ Concept's four-seat interior is open, warm and inviting. Innovative interior features include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console and liquid crystal Instrumentation. Responsibly harvested poplar wood, aluminum bright and satin finishes in as well as help create a sculptural leather, luxurious and comfortable interior space. Champagne-colored leather seats with dark taupe Accents feature a champagne perforation pattern, the so-called Because the perforations on the seats Backs Conjure the image of champagne bubbles rising from the bottom of a glass.

The sedan is capable of utilizing multiple power train options in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Like the recently introduced MKS and MKT with Eco Boost, the Lincoln MKZ Lincoln Concept features the Drive Control and Continuously Controlled Damping sophisticated (CCD) adjustable suspension.

Interview with Roger Crathorne (Mr. Land Rover)

Yesterday I attended to Jaguar Land Rover’s PR Event. I had the opportunity to experience with various Jaguar and Land Rover models. However, and the most important moment was meeting up with Technical PR Manager of Land Rover, Roger Crathorne (as known as Mr. Land Rover). Roger has been working in Land Rover for 49 years; he started from the junior level and worked in different positions in Land Rover during the years. His nearly half a century of experiences made him the most experienced off-road specialist and engineer in the business. All those years, he worked as engineer for the first generation Range Rover, and developed the four-wheel drive system, transmission and drive train. Later on he was involved with the Discovery project and also took important roles during the development.

He has a well-respected experience and knowledge on four-wheel drive vehicles and currently works at PR department to explain the Land Rover’s technologies to us. You will find more details during the interview. We talked about why Land Rover never introduced front differential lock, the details of the journey from Birmingham to Geneva with the first generation Defender and 1.000.000^th Discovery 4, how he perceives the contemporary SUV market and experience at Land Rover. We didn't skip the Mercedes G-Wagon, Porsche Cayenne and BMW X6!

Land Rover Range Rover (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Land Rover Range Rover (2012) | The Land Rover Range Rover exterior has been enhanced for 2012 with styling detail changes. The Grand Black wood veneers on the 2012 Range Rover now have a crisp inlay the which reads 'Range Rover'. The Land Rover Range Rover Vogue models offers a highly distinctive new look with unique tailgate banging, reflecting the customer's choice of either the Pack or Vogue Vogue Silver Black Pack.

Additionally, the Vogue Silver Pack offers a Supercharged Design Pack comprising of a bright noble finish to the front grille and side vents. Customers opting for the Vogue Black Pack will sport the Exterior Design Pack. This includes revised front bumper with fog lamp surrounds, front grille and side vents in Titan finish, revised side sills, rear bumper and stainless steel exhaust finishers.

The Prestige Pack includes extended Autobiography colorways, Grand Black veneers and reclining rear seats; the Dynamic Pack includes the exterior Design Pack with the Addition of 20 "Shadow Chrome alloy wheels; whilst the Technology Pack comprises Vision Assist, 4-zone air conditioning, the Harmon Kardon Logic 7 1200W audio system and rear seat entertainment.

The powerful LR-TDV8 4.4 - specifically designed for the Range Rover - develops 313PS at 4.000 rpm and 700nm of torque at 1.500 rpm and 3.000 Between rpm. The LR-V8 Supercharged Remains one of the most uncompromisingly powerful and efficient petrol engines in its class, producing 510PS at Between 6.000 and 6.500 rpm with torque of 625Nm rpm from 2500rpm-5500rpm. All Land Rover Range Rover engines conform to EU5 emissions regulations.

Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition (2012) | The driver benefits from the recognizable command driving position offering excellent visibility and comfort, and the rear passengers now experience first-class-style accommodation never before seen in a Range Rover. Two stand alone electric rear seats enhance space and comfort for the rear passengers, making the Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition the definitive chauffeur vehicle.  The interior story is completed with high-end semi-aniline leather seating and Oxford leather on the door casings, dashboard top and steering wheel.

Two new unique exterior colors, either Roussillon Red or Otago Stone, are available along with body colored door handles, dark atlas radiator grille and side vents to create a sophisticated finish. This Ultimate Edition is fitted with new and unique 20 "multi-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels, and unique tailgate bodging.  The combined cycle fuel consumption of the new LR-TDV8 4.4-liter is just 30.1mpg, making this the first Range Rover ever to better 30mpg.

The 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox tuned by Land Rover engineers to combine silky smooth shifting with exceptionally rapid response and improved fuel economy, catapults the Range Rover from rest to 60mph in a mere 7.5 seconds and complete the 50mph-75mph dash in just 5.1 seconds . The LR-V8 5.0 Supercharged engine is also available delivering aspects awesome power and torque, 510PS and 625Nm, propelling the Range Rover from 0-60mph in a breath-taking 5.9 seconds.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale (2012) | The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championship racers brings professional and gentlemen drivers face-to-face fiercely Fought in battles on Europe's most challenging racetracks Such as Monza, Silverstone and Hockenheim. There are many similarities Between the racing and road versions of this super sports car. Right from first glance, these similarities are even more evident in the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. As in the race cars, the rear spoiler can be varied manually in order to let the driver optimize the car's performance According to the track or road characteristics. Another element taken directly from the racing version is the removable engine hood with quick-release system. Together with aluminum, carbon fiber is the basis behind the extremely lightweight construction of the Gallardo's new top model.

Black and red, the perfect combination of sporty Minimalism, are the dominant shades inside the Super Trofeo Stradale. The steering wheel is upholstered in black suede and also features red top-stitching. The door panels, the monocoque racing seats and the center console cover are made of carbon fiber, the construction of the which Lamborghini has Achieved a world-leading expertise. Discreet sporty Accents are provided by dark chrome metal parts visible. Like the Super Trofeo competition version, the new Super Trofeo Stradale is based on the Gallardo Superleggera technical approach.

The layout of the suspension is directly derived from motor racing, with a double aluminum wishbone guiding the wheels. The optional equipment designed with racing in mind includes not only the carbon-fiber ceramic brake discs, but also a tubular interior roll cage, 4-point safety belts and fire extinguisher. Behind the massive wheels brakes are designed for unmatched stopping power, as controlled by the ESP stability control system, the which is standard equipment. The front axle is equipped with aluminum calipers with eight pistons each, and the calipers on the rear axle have four pistons each. Upon request, Lamborghini will install a carbon-ceramic brake system. The carbon-ceramic discs measure 380 mm for the front wheels and 356 mm for the rear wheels.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder (2012) | The most Important technical characteristics of the Lamborghini LP550-2 Spyder are already recognizable from the model of designation - LP stands for longitudinal / Posterior, for the built mid-engine longitudinally in front of the rear axle. At Lamborghini, the word spyder means the ultimate synthesis of a fascinating, powerfully expressive super sports car design, the ultimate open-air thrill and sheer pleasure for all the senses. The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder LP550-2 with rear-wheel drive is the perfect fit for the kind of sports car driver enjoys a particularly That hands-on and spirited style of driving.

In order to shape this unique character of driving fun and safety, the engineers in Sant'Agata Bolognese Carried out extensive modifications to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder, developing it specifically for these new characteristics. Not only was concentrated on the rear drive axle, the vehicle was also completely returned dynamic in all its details. All completed with a fine adaptation of the ESP stability control system. All the excellent characteristics of the Gallardo chassis are fully retained - Pleasing body roll its comfort, as well as its excellent directional stability at high speed.

In the LP550-2 Spyder, the compact and lightweight power unit delivers 405 kW (550 hp). The soft-top of the Gallardo Spyder is designed for top-speed unlimited enjoyment both open and closed. This includes the LP560-4 Spyder, as well as the ultra-high-performance Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performance, the which boasts an even further weight reduction through lightweight carbon-fiber engineering. Among the latest version the coupe variants is the Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale - the road-going version of the race car featured in the world's fastest single-brand racing series.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 (2012)

CAR GARAGE | Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 (2012) | The technology package of the Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador is utterly unique. The new twelve-cylinder with 6.5 liters' displacement and 515 kW / 700 hp brings together the ultimate in high-revving pleasure with low-end torque Astonishing. The ISR transmission is unique Among road-going vehicles, guaranteeing the fastest shifting time (only 50 milliseconds) and a highly emotional shift feel, while the lightweight chassis with push rod suspension delivers absolute precision handling and competition-level performance.

The expressively-designed interior offers hi-tech features ranging from the TFT cockpit display with Drive Select Mode system. With the Aventador LP700-4, the future of the super sports car is now part of the present. Its exceptional package of innovative technologies is unique, its performance simply Overwhelming," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. Overall, the dynamics and technical excellence of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 makes it unrivaled in the worldwide super sports car arena. "

Every Lamborghini is an avant-garde work of art, a fast-moving technical sculpture. Every line, every detail of a super sports car from Sant'Agata is derived from its function - namely speed, dynamics, performance. With the new Aventador LP700-4, the Centro Stile designers at the Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese have taken this philosophy committed to a whole new level - its extreme, razor-sharp lines portray a precision That is without parallel in automotive design. And its clean, and expertly links Executed surfaces demonstrate the exceptional competence and depth of experience Possessed by Lamborghini in carbon-fiber body shell design.

This also addresses the aim of obtaining a better aerodynamic coefficient, continuing Lamborghini's design philosophy of 'form follows function'. The most Important switch is hidden Beneath a red switch cover - the start button, the which instantly fires the high-performance engine into life. The Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 offers a state-of-the-art and comprehensive lineup of electronic vehicle, entertainment and communication systems. These functions are operated in a clear and intuitive manner via the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) on the center console, featuring a large push / turn control and eight function keys.

The twelve-cylinder is the king of the engine world and the true heart of the Lamborghini brand. The Now the next milestone in this glorious history Appears - Lamborghini engineers in the R & D Department have developed a completely new high-performance power unit. Ten cylinders are ideal in the displacement class around the five liter mark, as evidenced by the highly acclaimed Gallardo engine. lower number of cylinders would result in larger and heavier pistons and con-rods, the which would have a negative impact on the engine's high-revving characteristics.

Especially for high durability, the synchronizing rings are made from carbon-fiber - a material with the which Lamborghini has enormous experience. The short shift times are facilitated by the special design of the transmission, known as ISR - Independent Shifting Rod. To summarize the principle - in a conventional manual gearbox, be it automated or fully manual, the gear wheels for, say, second and third gears are located side by side. When the driver wants to shift gear, the shifting sleeve with synchronizer unit is moved along the shifting rod from second gear to third gear through neutral.