2015 Ferrari California T

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The Ferrari California T epitomises elegance, sportiness, versatility and exclusivity: characteristics that have distinguished every California model since the 1950s.

The California T boasts striking standards of innovation while retaining signature features such as the successful 2+ concept, a refined cabin and, of course, the retractable hard top (RHT) which transforms it from a chic coupé into a sleekly sophisticated spider in a mere 14 seconds.

The model brims with a host of new solutions, not least of which is its 8-cylinder turbo engine. Maranello’s engineers have created an entirely new power unit which delivers absolutely superb levels of performance, blistering pick-up and the most exhilarating soundtrack any turbo has ever yielded.

This is also the first time virtually zero turbo lag has been achieved on an engine of this type, guaranteeing instantaneous response to commands and, as with naturally-aspirated power units, a torque curve that increases constantly across the rev range thanks to Variable Boost Management.

The direct-injection, 3855 cc turbo 8-cylinder is mounted very low in the chassis in a mid-front position and delivers 560 cv at 7500 rpm, which translates into a specific power output of 145 cv/l – the highest in its category – as along with maximum torque of 755 Nm. Figures that give the California T extraordinary acceleration over the 0 to 100 km/h sprint which it covers in just 3.6 seconds.
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The Audi S1 and the Audi S1 Sportback

A great name makes a comeback: Audi is presenting the S1 and the S1 Sportback, the new flagship models in the compact A1 model line. Their 2.0 TFSI develops 170 kW (231 hp) and produces 370 Nm (272.90 lb-ft) of torque; the quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the extensively revamped suspension put the power effortlessly down onto the road. The Audi S1 and the S1 Sportback set the benchmark in their class for dynamic performance.

Back in the 1980s an Audi S1 garnered a legendary reputation – it was the car that would see the brand dominate the World Rally Championship in its day. Now the abbreviation is coming back – but this time as a road-going version: the Audi S1 and the S1 Sportback constitute the new flagship models in the compact A1 model line, adding an entry-level version to the Audi S model portfolio.
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2015 S-Class Coupé

Stylistically self-assured presence, exclusive appointments and refined sportiness – the new S-Class Coupé from Mercedes-Benz combines the classic proportions of a large, sporty coupé with modern luxury and state-of-the art technology. As a world première, the breathtaking two-door coupé can be optionally equipped with the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system with curve tilting function. Additional technical highlights are the head-up display and the touch pad feature. Optionally available expressive headlamps, each featuring 47 Swarovski crystals, produce a uniquely striking appearance.

”As exclusive as it gets – the ultimate in aesthetic sportiness”, stresses Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. ”The breathtaking design of the Concept S-Class Coupé marked by sporty-classic proportions and sensual purity is transferred to the series-production S-Class Coupé virtually unaltered. The large coupé has always been the supreme pinnacle of our model range and that’s why it’s now called the ”S-Class” again.”
”The world premiere of the active curve tilting function demonstrates the possibilities offered by Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive,” notes Prof Dr Thomas Weber, member of the board of management of Daimler AG with responsibility for corporate research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development. ”The vehicle leans into bends much like a motorcyclist, thereby reducing the lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle’s occupants. On country roads in particular, this means greater driving pleasure and ride comfort for our customers.” The new S-Class Coupé will have its world première at the Geneva International Motor Show (6 – 16 March 2014); distribution to dealerships is scheduled for the second half of 2014. The two-door car is available with a 4663 cc V8 biturbo engine. The S 500 Coupé has a nominal output of 335 kW (455 hp), its torque level peaks at 700 Nm. The sporty motoring experience is significantly enhanced by the emotional sound produced by the exhaust system.

MAGIC BODY CONTROL, the first ”suspension with eyes”, had its world première in the S-Class. With the curve tilting function the Coupé introduces a further world first for series-production cars: The Coupé leans into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting upon occupants is reduced in a way akin to when driving in a steep curve, and passengers sit more firmly. On country roads in particular, the new curve tilting function enhances motoring enjoyment and comfort.
Like the S-Class Saloon, the new Coupé is available with numerous new assistance systems that make driving even more comfortable and safer. The ”Intelligent Drive” systems include, among other things the PRE-SAFE® brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, BAS PLUS with junction assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive High-beam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS features an additional function apart from the adaptive brake assistant, which provides collision protection from a speed of 7 km/h: if there remains a danger of collision and the driver fails to respond, the system can carry out an autonomous braking manoeuvre at speeds of up to 105 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 50 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h.
As in the saloon, the PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system has been expanded through the inclusion of PRE-SAFE® PLUS. PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognise an imminent rear-end collision and warn following traffic by flashing the rear hazard warning lights at a high frequency. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the parking brake on the vehicle stationary and thus minimise the risk of whiplash injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear.
Numerous optional equipment features are available to make the interior of the S-Class Coupé exceptionally luxurious and comfortable. For example, the AIR‑BALANCE package including the components ”fragrancing” and ”ionisation” is available, as is the electric armrest heating as a component of the Warmth Comfort package. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Seat Comfort package, the front seats feature the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot-stone principle.
In cooperation with high-end audio specialists Burmester, two especially high-value audio systems have been developed: the Burmester® surround sound system and the Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system.

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2015 BMW X3 facelift

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Highlights. It was back in 2003 that BMW founded the new mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with the launch of the X3. That means the BMW X3 has been a paragon of sporty dynamics, premium ambience and robust agility, coupled with low fuel consumption and emissions, for over 10 years now – racking up sales figures of more than one million units in the process. The second generation of the successful BMW X3 has made a compelling case for itself since its introduction in 2010, boasting the best interior and boot measurements and the greatest versatility in its class.

And now the new BMW X3 (fuel consumption combined: 8.3–4.7* l/100 km [34.0–60.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193–124* g/km) is set to build inexorably on its segment leadership. A pair of new-generation diesel engines, producing more power but once again burning less fuel, serve to improve dynamic performance and reduce pollutant emissions. The exterior and interior design of the new BMW X3 reveal stylistic revisions and also add further depth to the car’s practicality with detail solutions responding to customer requirements.
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Autospy: Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG HYBRID coming?

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Mercedes-Benz’s hybrid attack began in 2009, when it introduced the S 400 HYBRID and the ML 450 HYBRID hybrid cars. The ML 450 HYBRID was directed at the US market with a 275 bhp V6 engine comboined with an electric motor available only through lease deals. It has been quiet on the hybrid market since, but the S-Class S400 HYBRID is available at the moment and we know that a plug-in hybrid is coming soon. Our sharp eyed reader noticed something peculiar at the Mercedes- benz.de site, as shown in the picture above. The ML model range had interesting choices available: ML 250 HYBRID CDI , ML 400 HYBRID , the ML 500 HYBRID and even the ML 63 AMG HYBRID. We will know in the future if Mercedes-Benz reveled it’s future plans to us through a site leak. The only certainty at this moment is that the hybrid technology is here to stay.

Lähde: Mercedes-Benz

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