Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured, 2011

Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured, 2011

 
 


Land Rover is enhancing its range of factory-supported armoured vehicles with the launch of the powerful new Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured.
Replacing the successful Discovery 3 model, the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured offers the same legendary all-terrain capability and state-of-the-art protection, but features an upgraded specification to deliver superior levels of performance, luxury and style.

Compared to the previous model, the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured offers a more powerful 5.0-litre LR-V8 petrol engine, improved passive safety with an airbag restraint system for driver and front passenger, and a more luxurious interior with premium leather seats.
With discreet armouring and a generous 500kg payload, the new model provides highly versatile, safe and comfortable transportation for five people and their luggage.

Benefiting from Land Rover's extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured is supplied with a full three-year, 80,000km factory warranty on the base vehicle and armour, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians.

Fully certified armouring systems
Although virtually indistinguishable from the standard model, the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured features ballistic steel armour and glazing which provides ballistic protection in accordance with European standards BS EN1522 level FB6 and BS EN 1063 level BR6 respectively.

Developed in partnership with the vehicle armouring specialists Centigon, it also provides blast protection against 15kg TNT (or equivalent) detonated in close proximity to the vehicle and under floor protection against two DM51 hand grenades. The protection offered was certified by QinetiQ®, a globally recognised independent blast and ballistic testing organisation.
Comprehensive engineering changes have been made to the base vehicle to ensure that it maintains optimum ride and handling on all surfaces, despite the additional mass of the armour.

The Discovery 4 chassis features independent air suspension, and modifications that include uprated air springs and retuned dampers, larger diameter anti-roll bars, and heavy duty Alcon disc brakes front and rear.
Land Rover engineers have also enhanced the passive Safety Systems in the new Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured, with driver's steering wheel and passenger fascia dual-stage airbag restraint systems.

Enhanced performance on all surfaces
Like the standard vehicle, the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured comes equipped with advanced four-wheel-drive technologies to deliver outstanding all-terrain performance.

For enhanced performance, the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured is equipped with the new 375PS
5.0-litre LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine, replacing the 2.7-litre V6 turbo-diesel used in the previous model.
Teamed with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, this refined and powerful new engine offers significantly faster acceleration, with 0-100km/h (62mph) achieved in just 10.6 seconds.

Comfortable and flexible interior
The interior of the Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured is both functional and extremely comfortable, providing a commanding elevated driving position and a flexible seating layout for up to five people. The practicality of the vehicle is significantly enhanced by the generous 500kg payload allowance.

Passengers will also appreciate the completely redesigned Discovery 4 cabin, which features a more stylish and sophisticated design with smooth and flowing surface treatments.
The quality of the interior materials has been significantly upgraded compared to the previous model, featuring premium leather upholstery on the seats and sumptuous real wood veneers.

Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured - Detailed Specifications
    * Base Vehicle Specification
          o 5.0-litre LR-V8 direct-injection petrol engine
          o Maximum Power (EEC): 375 PS (276 kW)
          o Maximum Torque (EEC): 510 Nm (376 lb ft)
          o 6-speed automatic transmission
          o Kerb weight 3550kg (excluding options): 4050kg GVW
          o Air conditioning
          o Land Rover Terrain Response® system
          o Off road capability (deep sand driving not recommended)
          o Modified suspension system to accommodate increased vehicle mass
          o 378mm brake discs with upgraded Alcon aluminium brake callipers: 6-pot front, 4-pot rear
          o Tyre Pressure Monitoring System - where licensed
    * Armour Specification
          o European Standard BS EN 1522 FB6 and BS EN 1063 BR6 (high velocity assault rifle)
          o Side blast protection - 15kg device in close proximity to the vehicle
          o Under floor protection against 2 x DM 51 hand grenades
          o Heavy duty wheels and run flat tyres - Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tyre
    * Optional Features
          o Essential Armour Option Pack
          o Driver opening window (100mm drop to allow document passing)
          o Auxiliary secondary battery supply
          o Anti-tamper exhaust
          o Intercom
    * Maintenance Option Pack
          o Heavy duty spare wheel and run flat tyre - Goodyear Wrangler HP All Weather Tyre
          o Heavy duty jack and tools
    * Independent Options
          o Covert blue lights and siren system (where legal)
          o Covert headlight flash (LED)
          o Under bonnet fire suppressant system
          o Heavy duty jack and tools
          o Tinted windows
          o Intercom
          o Auxiliary secondary battery supply
          o Anti-tamper exhaust
          o Driver's opening front window
          o Rear payload area glass anti-theft film protection
    * Specialist Service Option
          o Global After Sales Support is a tailor made package available on request
    * Driver Training Package 
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Land Rover Defender X-Tech, 2011

Land Rover Defender X-Tech, 2011


 
 


Land Rover launches the new 2011 Land Rover Defender X-Tech Limited Edition at the 2011 Brussels Motorshow.
The Land Rover Defender X-Tech offers raw and edgy style, with the class-leading all-terrain capability you would expect of this motoring icon.

The exterior is available in Zermatt Silver, enhanced by a contrasting Santorini Black finish to the roof and wheel arches. And, for the first time, this Defender is fitted with unique gloss black 16 inch Saw Tooth alloy wheels, to create a sense of raw utilitarianism.

The interior is available in Ebony and the seats offer the addition of leather side bolsters, for a more refined finish.
The Land Rover Defender X-Tech is available in the 90 Hard Top Commercial derivative, with the full range of accessories also available to enhance capability and individuality.

Powered by the 2.4 litre common-rail diesel engine, this Defender boasts fuel efficiency and performance with 360Nm torque for effortless towing and enhanced on-road performance.
The Land Rover Defender X-Tech Limited Edition will go on sale from March 2011 starting at £24,995.
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Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography, 2010

Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography, 2010

 
 
 

An unprecedented level of personalisation for Range Rover Sport is available, with a stunning selection of six Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography limited edition themes featuring stylish duo-tone premium leather interiors as well as unique exterior design cues including the grille, vents and 20" diamond turned finish alloy wheels, all presented for the first time at the 2009 IAA.

Three of the themes - called Cannes, Portofino and Valencia - have a more luxury-orientated character, while the other three - named Le Mans, Monaco and Monza - have an overtly sporting theme and feature a dramatic new body kit which is tailored to accentuate the sophisticated style of the 2010 Range Rover Sport. The striking body kit is also available as a separate option.

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car, 2011

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car, 2011

 
 
 
 


Cadillac announced it will return to racing in 2011 with a race-prepared version of its CTS-V Coupe competing in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge, North America's top production-based racecar series.

The move returns Cadillac to a series where it competed from 2004 to 2007. Competing in the GT Class with the CTS-V Sport Sedan, Cadillac captured the Manufacturer's Championship in 2005 and 2007 and the Driver's Championship in 2005.
Cadillac is working with Pratt & Miller, a New Hudson, Mich., engineering firm which specializes in motorsports, to develop the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe race car. While some of the production CTS-V components will be modified due to the unique demands of racing or to meet the SCCA series' technical rules, every effort is taken to maintain as much production content as possible.
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Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, 2011

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, 2011



 
 


Cadillac announced the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, which debuts at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It combines the new Cadillac CTS Coupe's dramatic design with the 556-horsepower (415-kW) supercharged V-8 engine from the Cadillac CTS-V sedan. The result is a luxury sports coupe aimed at driving enthusiasts.

Form follows function
The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe's design is a clear visual statement of the technical precision and performance intent of the car.
The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe has the same wheelbase as the CTS-V Sport Sedan, but its overall height is about two inches (51 mm) lower and its overall length is two inches (51 mm) shorter. The two models share only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille.

Key design features:
    * Classic hardtop styling, with no conventional B-pillar
    * Touch-pad operation for the doors removes the need for conventional door handles
    * Faster windshield angle (62.3 degrees) and a nearly horizontal backglass enable an aerodynamic profile
    * Signature vertical lighting, highlighted with LED light pipes
    * Signature center high-mounted stop lamp functions as a rear spoiler
    * Aerodynamic roof-mounted antenna for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Supercharged powertrain
The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe employs the LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine also found on the CTS-V Sport Sedan. Rated at 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), it is the most powerful engine offered in Cadillac's history and propels the CTS-V Coupe from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

The LSA engine features an intercooled Eaton supercharger system, premium aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and numerous details designed to ensure it makes its power as quietly and smoothly as possible. The supercharger, for example, has a unique, four-lobe rotor design that enhances quietness while also optimizing the performance parameters of the engine.

A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered in the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe: a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control. Performance Algorithm Shifting is part of the 6L90's programming and provides a performance-oriented shift pattern during sustained high-performance driving. As with many Cadillac models, the driver needs only to slide the shifter into the manual "gate" to put the transmission into that more aggressive mode.

Magnetic Ride Control
The V-Series reaches elite levels of road-holding performance, but also maintains the poise of a luxury car in "regular" driving conditions. The technical enabler of that dual-mode driving character is Cadillac's landmark Magnetic Ride Control. It is standard on the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and is the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally "read the road" every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance car because it helps keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

The Magnetic Ride shocks also enable a broader range of damping control to optimize the ride and handling for all driving conditions. In the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, an extra measure of control is offered, with two selectable modes (Tour and Sport), enabling the driver to tailor the suspension for grand touring or more spirited performance driving.

Braking and tire systems
CTS-V includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renowned for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

Slotted and vented rotors enable strong initial braking force while optimizing heat resistance and eliminating fade. The brake rotors from Brembo employ a "dual-cast" technology that combines cast iron and aluminum, resulting in excellent performance and weight reduction. CTS-V also includes an electric parking brake, enabling more legroom for the driver, key for high-performance driving.

Interior amenities
Recaro performance driving seats are optional in the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and provide excellent support for spirited driving. These 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushions and backrests.

The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe also includes an exclusive new Saffron color option for the interior, providing a contrasting color accent carried on the seat inserts, as well as the stitching, which highlights the craftsmanship of the instrument panel, center console, door trim and seats.
The steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are covered in microfiber, providing the luxurious character of suede without suede's inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents are standard, elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.
 
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Cadillac CTS Coupe, 2011

Cadillac CTS Coupe, 2011

 
 

The Cadillac unveiled the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe, the latest and most dramatic of the brand's series of new designs to reach production. Slated to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the spring of 2010, the Cadillac CTS Coupe is a new luxury sports coupe designed to become the centerpiece of the brand's revised lineup.

The Coupe joins the Cadillac CTS Sport Sedan, the 556-horsepower (415 kW) CTS-V and new CTS Sport Wagon as the foundation of Cadillac's lineup. A high-performance V-Series edition of the Coupe will also be released in 2010.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe's design carries over virtually unchanged from the concept car that was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2008.
The Coupe is a classic 2+2 layout bolstered with advanced technology, such as a rear-view camera system and a performance-oriented suspension system coupled to rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Design
Cadillac CTS Coupe emerged as a proposal inside Cadillac's design studio, where designers have developed and evolved the brand's Art and Science design philosophy.
The coupe has the same wheelbase as the CTS, but an overall height that is approximately two inches (51 mm) lower and an overall length that is two inches (51 mm) shorter.

Though it draws from its sport sedan sister, the Cadillac CTS Coupe shares only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille. Key design features include:
    * Classic hardtop styling, with no conventional B-pillar
    * Touch-pad operation for the doors removes the need for conventional door handles, creating a technical, clean profile
    * A windshield laid at a faster angle (62.3 degrees) and a long, nearly horizontal backglass area combine to create a sleek, aerodynamic look
    * Sculpted lower front fascia with unique brake-cooling vents
    * Diamond cut-style rear fascia with mesh lower grilles
    * Center-outlet exhaust with twin dihedral-shaped tips that pass through the rear fascia
    * Signature vertical lighting, highlighted with LED light pipes
    * Rear spoiler integrated into the center high-mounted stop lamp
    * Sculpted roof-mounted antenna for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Performance
The Cadillac CTS Coupe extends Cadillac's emerging performance credentials. The Cadillac CTS Coupe's standard powertrain consists of a direct injected 3.6L V-6 and six-speed manual transmission. Direct injection technology delivers fuel more precisely to increase the efficiency of combustion, enabling more power while maintaining fuel economy and lowering emissions - including a 25-percent drop in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.

The 3.6L DI engine is rated at 304 horsepower (227 kW) and offers EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg on the highway. It also runs on less expensive regular unleaded gasoline.

The powertrain's performance is channeled through a chassis that delivers sports car performance without punishment. The hardware includes an independent short/long arm ( SLA) front suspension system, with hydraulic control arm front bushings; and a multi-link rear suspension mounted on a fully isolated subframe. Also included are four-wheel disc performance brakes, premium steering and limited-slip differential.

Two suspension-tuning levels are available: a Performance Package with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires (available in both RWD and AWD,) and the Summer Tire Performance Package, with 19-inch tires and wheels and a higher level of road holding capability. StabiliTrak, the advanced electronic chassis control system, is standard.

The 304-horsepower (227 kW) 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection engine will be standard, equipped with a six-speed manual, featuring a revised clutch and dual-mass flywheel that offers better clutch pedal feel and improved engine isolation. A 6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (and available steering wheel mounted shift buttons) is optional.

Technology
Cadillac CTS Coupe blends handcrafted luxury with a contemporary, driver-focused interior that supports the car's high-performance capabilities. The interior includes hand-sewn accents covering the door, center storage console and instrument panel trim. 14-Way adjustable Recaro sport seats, previously exclusively offered on Cadillac's V-Series model, will be offered on all Cadillac CTS Coupe models as an option.

The car offers a host of advanced technologies, including:
    * Integrated iPod/MP3 capability
    * 40-gig hard drive, including the ability to store music and pause-and-replay live radio
    * Pop-up navigation system
    * Adaptive forward lighting system
    * Bluetooth connectivity
    * Standard Keyless Access and Smart Remote Start
    * Rear Camera system
    * Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround™ audio system
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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Mitsubishi Colt 5-Doors, 2009

Mitsubishi Colt 5-Doors, 2009


 

Junior Lancer
In that sense, the next generation Mitsubishi Colt gets closer to its sharp Mitsubishi Lancer siblings introducing an exterior design thoroughly refreshed by Mitsubishi Design Europe.

Trading the MPV-like high stance of its predecessor for a lower and wider attitude, it first strikes with the adoption of a rather in-your-face full "Jet Fighter" grille together with all-new body panels fore the A-pillar, all contributing to a stronger on-road presence, but also to an improved level of pedestrian safety.

At the back, a wrap-around and slimmer backlight, lower rear combination lamps, a new liftgate stamping and more elaborated bumper design add character whilst visually lowering and widening the car considerably (5-door only).

Signature
In line with Mitsubishi's brand heritage & positioning, a new Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart (150 PS 1.5 turbo) is introduced, available for the first time in 5-door form as well.

Compared to the previous Mitsubishi Colt CZT and in addition to a stronger structure, the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart suspension has been amended in eight different points for sharper driving dynamics, including reduced body roll thanks to a thicker front stabilizer bar.

Clear Tec
In parallel to the existing petrol engines (1.1 / 75ps, 1.3 / 95ps, 1.5 / 109ps), Mitsubishi will introduce new "low CO2" variants of the next generation Mitsubishi Colt, under the umbrella name of "Clear Tec".

They will feature - amongst others - "Automatic Stop & Go" (AS&G) and regenerative braking technologies, leading to an improvement of over 10% in terms of CO2 emissions (according to variant/engine - figure subject to final homologation).

A dedicated "Flex Fuel" (FFV) variant will also be part of the Clear Tec program for Mitsubishi Colt.
Considering the rather low volume of Diesel Colts sold since 2004 (only 13% of the mix) and the ever increasing retail price of Diesel fuel eating away most of the cost benefits to the customer, Clear Tec packages will replace the previous Diesel powertrain in the Mitsubishi Colt range.

Grown Up
The next generation Mitsubishi Colt is also a better / nicer place to spend long hours of driving with changes driven by customer feedback over the past 4 years, including lower level of NVH (Noise - Vibration - Harshness), redesigned dashboard, new higher quality trim, enhanced equipment and revised rear seating flexibility leading to an increased cargo volume (from 854 l for the previous Mitsubishi Colt to 1,032 l now).
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Mitsubishi Colt, 2009

Mitsubishi Colt, 2009

 
 

Junior Lancer
In that sense, the next generation Mitsubishi Colt gets closer to its sharp Mitsubishi Lancer siblings introducing an exterior design thoroughly refreshed by Mitsubishi Design Europe.

Trading the MPV-like high stance of its predecessor for a lower and wider attitude, it first strikes with the adoption of a rather in-your-face full "Jet Fighter" grille together with all-new body panels fore the A-pillar, all contributing to a stronger on-road presence, but also to an improved level of pedestrian safety.

The side view offers a more elongated window line thanks to black sash foils applied on the C- and D-pillars (D-pillar only for Mitsubishi Colt 5-door body) and blacked-out sills.
At the back, a wrap-around and slimmer backlight, lower rear combination lamps, a new liftgate stamping and more elaborated bumper design add character whilst visually lowering and widening the car considerably (5-door only).

Signature
In line with Mitsubishi's brand heritage & positioning, a new Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart (150 PS 1.5 turbo) is introduced, available for the first time in 5-door form as well.
Compared to the previous Mitsubishi Colt CZT and in addition to a stronger structure, the Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart suspension has been amended in eight different points for sharper driving dynamics, including reduced body roll thanks to a thicker front stabilizer bar.

Clear Tec
In parallel to the existing petrol engines (1.1 / 75ps, 1.3 / 95ps, 1.5 / 109ps), Mitsubishi will introduce new "low CO2" variants of the next generation Mitsubishi Colt, under the umbrella name of "Clear Tec".

They will feature - amongst others - "Automatic Stop & Go" (AS&G) and regenerative braking technologies, leading to an improvement of over 10% in terms of CO2 emissions (according to variant/engine - figure subject to final homologation).

A dedicated "Flex Fuel" (FFV) variant will also be part of the Clear Tec program for Mitsubishi Colt.
Considering the rather low volume of Diesel Colts sold since 2004 (only 13% of the mix) and the ever increasing retail price of Diesel fuel eating away most of the cost benefits to the customer, Clear Tec packages will replace the previous Diesel powertrain in the Mitsubishi Colt range.

Grown Up
The next generation Mitsubishi Colt is also a better / nicer place to spend long hours of driving with changes driven by customer feedback over the past 4 years, including lower level of NVH (Noise - Vibration - Harshness), redesigned dashboard, new higher quality trim, enhanced equipment and revised rear seating flexibility leading to an increased cargo volume (from 854 l for the previous Mitsubishi Colt to 1,032 l now).
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Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, 2009

Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, 2009


 

The Mitsubishi Eclipse offers the sport coupe customer an "attainable exotic" with striking design, sports car handling and dazzling performance. For 2009, Mitsubishi restyled the front and rear bumper fascias and gave the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT model a large rear spoiler. The GT also gets three significant upgrades for 2009: a new dual exhaust system yields a more powerful sound while also boosting horsepower to 265 (up from 263); standard high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps sharpen front styling and aid nighttime visibility, and standard Active Stability Control (ASC) enhances driving safety and performance.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is offered as the 4-cylinder GS and the V-6 GT. The GS model's 162-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. The GT's 265 hp 3.8-liter V-6 produces 262 lb.-ft. of peak torque and is teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. In both engines, Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) helps to optimize efficiency and power across a broad engine speed range. Both automatic transmissions feature Sportronic™ shifters to allow manual gearshift control.

The rigid platform and 4-wheel independent suspension give the Mitsubishi Eclipse sporty road manners and a compliant ride. All models are equipped with standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); the GT features larger, ventilated rear discs and standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse interior combines exotic-looking design with comfort and safety, including standard advanced dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side air bags and front seat curtain side air bags. High-back front bucket seats feature integrated, open head restraints for a sporty look and enhanced rear visibility. The 50:50 split-folding rear seatbacks provide cargo versatility.

Key Specifications
    * Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
    * Length: 180.4 in.
    * Height: 53.5 in. (53.8 in. with 18-in. wheels)
    * Width: 72.2 in.
    * Curb weight: GS, 5-speed manual - 3,263 lbs. / GT, 6-speed manual - 3,479 lbs.
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