Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Vauxhall VXR8

2008 Vauxhall VXR8
GM Media Release

Vauxhall VXR8 2008Vauxhall's mighty VXR8 super-saloon gets a potent new V8 engine this summer (northern hemisphere), with even more power and improved performance. The new unit allows the VXR8 to raise the bar yet again among its rivals, optimising its sophisticated rear-wheel drive chassis still further and retaining its mantle as a driver's car like no other in its class. New colour and equipment options further enhance this, the fastest car to wear the Griffin badge.

Known as LS3, the new V8 engine's capacity grows from 5967 cc to 6162 cc, and thanks to various improvements over the outgoing LS2 unit, such as high-flow cylinder heads, new pistons and an enhanced valvetrain, power is up by 14 PS (10 kW) to 431 PS (317 kW) at 6000 rpm.

Vauxhall VXR8 2008This translates to a reduced 0-60 mph time for cars with automatic transmissions (down from 5.0 seconds to 4.9) and improved in-gear acceleration for manual models (50-70 mph in 3rd gear drops from 2.8 to 2.6 seconds; 30-50 mph in 2nd gear drops from 2.0 to 1.9 seconds). And if you fancy smoking your VXR8 at a track day, you'll see 80-100 mph times fall from 4.3 to just 4.0 seconds in 4th gear.

Despite the VXR8's enhanced performance credentials, its LS3 produces the same emissions and fuel consumption as the outgoing LS2 unit. In addition, the VXR8 automatic receives a transmission oil cooler as standard.

Buyers for the LS3-engined VXR8s also receive the choice of an all-new body colour - Heron White – at no extra cost, as well as the option of factory-fit 20-inch rims for the first time on this model.

Prices for both manual and automatic versions of the LS3-powered VXR8, which are on sale now, rise by £485 to £35,695.

Source: GM Media Releases

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Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Edition IWC

2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Edition IWC
Daimler Press Release

Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Edition IWC 2008The AMG Performance Studio has developed a new limited edition vehicle, the exclusive SL 63 AMG Edition IWC. Limited to a total of 200 units, the new roadster features an eye-catching designo magno Kashmir white finish as well as an AMG Exterior Carbon package with a matte surface. In keeping with the exterior appearance, the vehicle's interior is fitted with Carbon matte trim as well as Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery that creates additional visual and tactile highlights. In addition, the vehicle features the AMG Performance package to ensure unparalleled handling. All SL 63 AMG Edition IWC vehicles will be delivered to customers along with an exquisite "Grosser Ingenieur" (Great Engineer) watch from the renowned Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.

The SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will be the first vehicle to be offered with the all-new designo magno Kashmir white finish. An interesting contrast to this colour is formed by the components with a Carbon matte finish: the trailing edge, the diffuser insert in the lower back panel, and the side air vents on the front apron. In stylistic sync with these components is the Carbon matte trim on the center console and the interior door panels.

Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Edition IWC 2008They are harmoniously augmented by the Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery on the electronically adjustable AMG sports seats, which feature multi-contour and memory functions, heating, an AMG-specific perforation pattern, a special design, and AMG badges. The vehicle's limited edition status is discreetly emphasized by black AMG floormats with Tobago Brown leather piping, AMG door sills with white illuminated AMG lettering, and the IWC logo on the lid of the center console.

To ensure that the driver remains in perfect control of his or her vehicle, the two-tone AMG Performance steering wheel has a reduced diameter, a rim that's flattened at the bottom, and silver-finish aluminium gearshift paddles. The steering wheel is part of the Performance package, which also includes forged 19-inch AMG light alloy, double-spoke wheels with a titanium gray finish and polished surfaces. The 8.5-inch and 9.5-inch rims sport 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 format tyres, respectively.

The front axle is equipped with internally ventilated, perforated composite disc brakes (390 x 36 mm) that keep braking distances to a minimum and ensure the vehicle is extremely resistant to fading. Handling is further enhanced by other technical features from the Performance package, including a rear-axle, multi-disc limited-slip differential with a lock factor of 40 percent, as well as an AMG Performance chassis equipped with Active Body Control.

Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Edition IWC 2008AMG naturally aspirated V8 with 6.3 litres displacement and 386 kW/525 hp
The drive system of the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will provide motorists with an exhilarating driving experience. Boasting a top output of 386 kW/525 hp and a maximum torque of 630 Nm, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is augmented by an extremely responsive partner in the shape of the all-new AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT seven-speed sports transmission. The SL 63 AMG Edition IWC accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h.

Mercedes-AMG and IWC Schaffhausen: A luxurious partnership
Along with the vehicle, buyers of the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will also receive a limited edition model of IWC's "Grosser Ingenieur" watch. This precious chronometer has a stainless steel housing measuring an impressive 45.5 millimetres in diameter. The design of the watch's wristband and face compliment the vehicle concept. In addition, the watch's bottom is made of sapphire glass that reveals the intricate mechanical clockwork with its automatic Pellaton winding system.

Mercedes-AMG has been collaborating with the time-honoured Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen since 2004. In October of that year, the two companies presented their first jointly designed vehicle, the CLS 55 AMG "IWC Engineer."

Customers will be able to order the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC beginning in fall 2008 and vehicle deliveries will commence in November 2008. The model will be limited to 200 units.

Source: Daimler Press Releases

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Monday, April 28, 2008

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Indy 500

2008 Chevrolet Corvette C6 based on the Indy 500 Pace Car
GM Media Release

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Indy 500 Pace Car 2008For ten years - including the last five years in succession - Corvette has provided the official pace car for the world-famous 500-mile race at Indianapolis (Indy 500). To celebrate this milestone, the manufacturer is building five hundred pace car replicas based on both the C6 Coupe and the Convertible. Only twenty Coupes and five Convertibles are available for Europe, all black with a Titanium Grey interior and equipped with automatic transmission. The Convertible has a grey soft top.

The replicas are immediately identifiable from the striking stickers of the pace car, including the Indy 500 logos. What is special is that each one will carry a signature and serial number by former Indy winner Emerson Fittipaldi. Furthermore, each vehicle is fitted with the new polished five-spoke alloy wheels, a Z06 rear spoiler, a DVD navigation system and the Luxury Package. The latter includes heated seats, head-up display with G-force meter, a Bose 7-speaker system and an automatically dimming rear-view mirror.

Source: GM Media Releases

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Chevrolet Corvette Z06 427 LE

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 427 LE
GM Media Release

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 427 LE 2008The 60's gave rise to many great memories. One of them is undoubtedly the 'big-block' Corvette Stingray. With the introduction of the Corvette 427 Limited Edition (LE) Z06, Corvette is also awakening memories – in an exclusive way. It is building 505 of these limited edition vehicles, of which only 52 will be coming to Europe.

The number 427 refers to the cylinder capacity in the American unit of measurement, cubic inches. In the years 1966 to '69, the most powerful Corvette engines had this capacity – also the cubic inches equivalent to the 7.0 litre LS7 'small block' in the current Z06.

The special limited edition of the Z06 is characterised by a number of unique 427 styling features, such as the Crystal Red Tintcoat metallic paint with 'stinger style' graphics, exclusive chromed rims, a leather interior with embroidered 427 logo on the seats and floor mats, 'Z06' inscription in the sill strips, and a centre armrest with serial number and signature by Corvette factory director Wil Cooksey.

Source: GM Media Releases

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Sunday, April 27, 2008

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
Porsche Press Release

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S 2009Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has extended its third model line by the addition of the top of the range Cayenne Turbo S. The Turbo S, the most powerful Cayenne of them all, is driven by a 4.8 litre V8 engine with twin turbo forced induction, delivering 550 hp (404 kW).

The Turbo S is Porsche's response to the wishes of its customers. There is huge demand, especially in the new emerging markets of Eastern Europe and Asia, for exclusive sports-style SUVs with top quality physical handling dynamics. Despite the fact that Porsche has managed to give the new Turbo S even better drive performance than the regular Turbo model (500 hp / 368 kW), the fuel efficiency figures for the Turbo S are exactly the same as those for the Cayenne Turbo (as per the calculation methods stipulated under the New European Operating Cycle – NEFZ).

From the outside, the Turbo S can be recognized by its 21 inch SportPlus alloy wheels housed within its painted wheel arches and by a sports exhaust system with four tail pipes made from aluminium investment casting. The air intake grills and wheel arches are painted the same colour as the car body. The new understated yet elegant "lava gray metallic" paint option is exclusive to the Turbo S.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S 2009All models of the Turbo S have a chassis which benefits from air suspension, not to mention suspension levelling and ride-height control, along with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which – once again as standard – is combined with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) and Servotronic speed-sensitive variable power steering.

With the introduction of the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) as an option, Porsche underscores its leading position as a provider of ultra durable brake disks made from carbon fibre ceramic composite. When the 2009 range is introduced, this high tech brake disk – originally developed for the motor sport sector – will become available for the first time in a sector other than the sports car sector, namely in the elite, top quality physical handling SUV sector. The front axle ceramic disks are 410 mm in diameter, whereas the rear axle disks are 370 mm in diameter. Deceleration takes place via six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear. The PCCB is available as an option on other Cayenne models such as the Cayenne S, GTS and Turbo, subject to wheel sizes of at least 20 inches.

The high quality character of the new Cayenne top-of-the range Turbo S is emphasized by the standard equipment of the interior, the front sports seat with Comfort Memory Package, rear seating with individual seat contours, aluminium door panels showing the name plate together with leather upholstery in two exclusive dual-colour combinations (black / Havana and black / steel gray) plus a leather steering wheel with padded center.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S 2009The latest generation of Porsche Communication Multimedia System Management (PCM) inclusive of navigation module with hard drive provides a full range of new, easily accessed functions actuated via a touch-screen. As with all other Cayenne models, the Cayenne Turbo S also comes with the option of voice actuation with full word recognition for navigation system destinations, universal audio interface (with MP3 connection), cell phone link-up via Bluetooth and a TV module for both analogue and digital terrestrial signals. Offered as standard, the BOSE Surround Sound System with 14 speakers features enhanced 410 Watt output and is now capable of reproducing music from audio and video DVDs in 5.1 Discrete Surround Format.

The Turbo S's enhanced performance relative to that of the regular Turbo model is due to its modified exhaust system and improvements in engine control. In addition to the performance improvements, there has also been an increase in maximum torque by 50 Nm to 750 Nm within an engine speed range of 2,250 rpm to 4,500 rpm.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and its top speed is 280 km/h. The Turbo S will be introduced into the market as from August 2008. The international basis price is EUR 111,400.

Source: Porsche Press Releases

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