Volkswagen Beetle GSR, 2013

 

 

 

•  Volkswagen Beetle GSR, 2013

Volkswagen launches a Beetle designed solely with dynamics in mind: the new GSR. The exclusive, powerful 155 kW / 210 PS model will take centre stage at its world premiere at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Limited edition: 3,500 cars; worldwide. GSR - a quaint abbreviation with a legendary predecessor: the "Yellow/Black Racer" based on the Beetle 1303 S. And only 3,500 cars of the earlier model were produced as well. Exactly 40 years ago, the sportiest series production Beetle of all time made its debut. Its yellow/black body made it instantly recognisable. In 2013, Volkswagen is writing a further chapter in the history of the iconic car with the new Volkswagen Beetle GSR. Just like its predecessor, the current version is also being launched as a two-colour model. Orders for the VW Beetle GSR can be made from May onwards; the cars will be delivered from the autumn. Price in Germany: € 30,300.

With respect to the look of the Beetle GSR, Volkswagen has systematically re-interpreted the concept of the 1970s GSR for the modern era. Just like the GSR from days gone by, the body of the new version is yellow. The bonnet and the boot lid of the 1973 Beetle were painted in matt black, as were the bumpers. Black trim strips underneath the side windows and black/yellow side stripes above the doorsills rounded off the look. Now, yellow and black are the link between old and new - the bonnet and the boot lid of the new Volkswagen Beetle GSR are black once again, however the roof and the exterior mirror trims are also black on the new model. Black/yellow stripes with "GSR" lettering ensure a unique silhouette above the side sills. Yellow painted bumpers in new R-Line design and a yellow/black rear spoiler complete the GSR look. As opposed to the older Beetle, the Beetle GSR can also be ordered in "Platinum Grey / Black" as an alternative.

The 15-inch steel wheels (with 175 size tyres) which were commonly used 40 years ago, even for sporty cars, and the "Tornado" 19-inch alloy wheels (painted black) with 235/40 tyres on the VW Beetle GSR are worlds apart.

The black/yellow interior of the GSR from days gone by featured a leather sports steering wheel and sports seats for an extra-dynamic Beetle performance.

Four decades later, it is the ergonomically sophisticated, R-Line racing track sports seats (with fabric covers and contrasting yellow stitching; US version in black leather), a high-grip leather sports steering wheel (again with contrasting yellow stitching) with R-Line logo and a limited edition badge with the special edition number (1 to 3,500) which give the GSR its special character. The car also boasts an R-Line dash pad (designer panel for the dashboard), GSR gear stick, leather handbrake lever and black floor mats with contrasting yellow embroidery.

40 years ago, the yellow/black Beetle needed precisely 50 PS to turn the world of compact cars on its head. But this world has long been turning much faster. The new Volkswagen Beetle GSR with its 210 PS engine needs just 7.3 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h (0-60 mph in 6.6 s). It has a top speed of 229 km/h (130 mph). The torque characteristic of the VW Beetle GSR is even more impressive than the pure road performance. From as low as 1,700 rpm, the turbo engine achieves its maximum torque of 280 Nm; the value remains at this high level up to 5,200 rpm. However, despite this, the car records an average consumption of 7.3 l/100 km which is low in view of its dynamic performance. As an option, the new Beetle GSR can also be ordered anywhere in the world with an automatic 6-speed, dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) as an alternative to the 6-speed manual gearbox.

The combination of performance, design, equipment and the limited number of cars will ensure that the Volkswagen Beetle GSR will quickly become a collector's item. The same was also true of the Beetle 1303 S - today it is one of the most expensive and most sought-after 1970s versions of what was then the most successful car in the world. It will therefore be interesting to see what the VW Beetle GSR will be valued at in the year 2053.

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Tramontana Tramontana, 2007

  

 

 

 

•  Tramontana Tramontana, 2007

Chassis, 100% carbon fibre
It has never been seen in the automotive history a street sports car which resembles so much a Formula 1 like the Tramontana does. It is the first time in the sports car market that it has been incorporated a 100 % carbon fibre monocoque chassis inspired in the design of a Formula 1 and manufactured with the same criteria, guaranteeing a high protection for its passengers. Moreover, it introduces a new structural system that combines an indeformable central zone (cockpit) with a weight of 128kg with other 8 deformable zones calculated for the absorption of the impact energy. In fact, the results extracted of the Crash Test (according to the FIA regulation) confirm that the structural calculation guarantees the integrity of its passengers displacing the lateral components toward the outside. This shows the high impact resistance of the carbon fibre used in the vehicle.

On the other hand, the monocoque, especially developed for the Tramontana, contributes a lightness and maximum rigidity to the whole, factor that together with its suspension system, unique on its market of double wishbones with pushrod and a great length of arms, improves the dynamical aptitudes of the vehicle. All this elaborated with materials of last generation of aerospace technology like the steel to the cromolibdenium, magnesium and duraluminium. Without doubt in the Tramontana the efficiency of the geometry and the weight has been tested, obtaining as result an unequalled performance.

The structure of the monocoque carried out in carbon fibre offers a high torsion resistance, which makes the driver feel like going on a rail.

In the assembly process have been adopted handcraft techniques like the obsession by pre-impregnate and cured in autoclave to 120 ºC, that provides an exceptional finish level and makes the construction of light and strong pieces easier.

Engine, from the competition to the asphalt
Among the final solutions of the Tramontana, we find a new electronic system and a central gasoline engine V12 Biturbo capable to offer a power from 550 Hp to 720 Hp, selectable through a switch situated in the dashboard.

Associated to a 6-speed gearbox, specially developed for the Tramontana, this 12 cylinders propeller in V reaches the 720 Hp to 5.750rpm with a maximum pair torque of 920nm at 4.000rpm. The result, 345 km/h of top speed and 3,7 seconds to reach the 100 km/h from stopped departure.

The weight-power relation is elevated to the 1,7 Kg/Hp, significant data that allow us to discover the kind of sensations that this fantastic assembly of chassis and engine can offer us.

The development of the electronic switchboard is made to measure, in a craft process of more than 2000 hours, that includes full silver wiring and a power map capable to obtain the maximum performance of the engine. Moreover, for the first time in a street car, lifelong relays, fuses and protections have been replaced by a module with just one connector that has only one terminal that brings together all the functions of a conventional device. This innovative system has reduced the wiring, the complexities of the consoles of relays and the fuses, avoiding any electromechanical deterioration.

Car body, beauty and functionality
Without doubt, the design of the Tramontana combines the curves of a fighter with a narrow front and a wider rear of big dimensions and finished in first quality leather and wood imported of the classics of the Spanish automotive industry. This aesthetics remains totally clear thanks to the design of the hardtop, which covers and protects the passengers, and to the rear and front spoilers, in the form of an airplane wing, that assures a great beauty and an excellent support at the same time. In short, a perfect harmony between sensuality, fine materials and elegant lines, an authentic jewel for the collectors.

All the pieces of the Tramontana car body are also elaborated in carbon fibre, assuring the maximum lightness of the vehicle with a total weight of 1.250 kg.

Thanks to the dynamic study carried out by a.d. Tramontana, the pieces that form part of the car body have been created by considering its functionality and the important vehicle performance.

The result is some compacted forms, an expressive front and a suggestive aerodynamic outline with a marked silhouette. Everything in the Tramontana transmits force, character, personality and, above all, sportsmanship, nevertheless the new model is a worthy heir of the sports tradition of the Formula 1.

Suspensions, balance between sportsmanship and comfort
One of the key items of the Tramontana is its system of suspensions of double wishbones with push-rod and its great length of arms, elaborated with a sort of steel of aeronautical and competition specifications of the latest generation.

Two special programs have been used for the development, which have permitted the static and dynamic simulation of the whole vehicle. Different defined adjustments in theoretical calculations have been projected and experienced on it in order to analyze the performance before proceeding to the validation and arriving this way to the definition of the suspensions rates. Finally, a.d. Tramontana has bet on a suspension system that provides a better control, driving comfort, smaller oscillation and better speed cornering, due to the distance between axes, identical to that of a Formula 1.

In the same way, the Tramontana has a system of double electronic height regulation especially developed for the Tramontana, which allows the driver to raise or to lower the height of the vehicle according to the driving needs. It has been looked for a balance between the performance of a street car (at 130mm) and a sports car (at 85mm) considering the different driving styles.

Aerodynamics, the exigency of the geometry
The engineers team from a.d.Tramontana has worked very hard to find the maximal exigency and perfection regarding the aerodynamic performance of the Tramontana, an aesthetical reasoning as similar as possible to a Formula 1.

The aerodynamic performance is though to great speed cornering and, at the same time, get a minimum air penetration coefficient Cx=0,4.

The air intakes and cooling of the motor they have been designed with the objective to minimize the friction of the air and to optimize the performance of the motor.

Moreover, the vehicle has a laminated sheet situated under the vehicle, that eliminates turbulences and improves the drag.

In the same way, the wishbones, designed in the form of drop of water, they help to minimize this coefficient. In fact, all the external elements that stand out from the vehicle are thought to obtain the minimum air resistance. This is the reason of the airplane wing profile of the wishbones.

The front spoilers offer a higher lift compared with the rear ones to avoid loss direction sensations. In this sense, there is an important work to obtain a ground effect thanks to the air flow that penetrates in the lower part of the vehicle. This generates a negative lift toward the ground, making driving to high speeds easier.

Finally, another remarkable factor, has been the study to situate the centre of gravity of the Tramontana as low as possible to increase the cornering speed.

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Toyota RAV4 Adventure Concept, 2013

• Toyota RAV4 Adventure Concept, 2013

The Toyota RAV4 'Adventure' design study accentuates an alternate dimension with a more forceful look to reinforce the RAV4's authentic off-road capabilities.

In this case, the bold Dark Red paint underlines the athletic and strong appearance of the new RAV4. Building upon the new RAV4's muscular proportions (wider and lower than the 3rd generation), the stance of the RAV4 'Adventure' is reinforced by extended wheel arches, designed to accommodate more aggressive 20" alloy wheels.

The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned and finished with matt paint. At the front, the bumper has been redesigned to integrate with a new under-run. And at the rear the bumper has been modified to fully integrate a double exhaust pipe and revised skid plate.

Machined roof rails complete the 'Adventure' look, whilst darker privacy glass adds a sense of mystery to the interior.

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Suzuki Jimny, 2013

 

•  Suzuki Jimny, 2013

Suzuki announced some styling refreshments to its highly popular Suzuki Jimny compact 4x4 model in the UK. The 2013 model receives a number of exterior and interior design updates to help modernise appearance whilst maintaining the long established tough and capable reputation Suzuki Jimny has amongst its 20,000 loyal owners in the UK.

Design revisions include a new front bumper and grille design, new design bonnet shape incorporating central air intake as well as repositioning of the front fog lamps. The new front bumper design has resulted in a slight increase in overall length of 30mm to 3,675mm - although Suzuki Jimny easily remains the most compact SUV on sale in the UK.

For the interior, a new seat fabric trim has been adopted for the SZ3; both SZ3 and SZ4 models have new design front and rear headrests as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings fitted as standard to the rear seats.

Breeze Blue has now been added to the optional metallic paint range of four colours available for the higher specification SZ4 model with three metallic and one solid colour available for SZ3. Metallic paint is a £399 option.

Suzuki Jimny has a neat and practical look and since sales began in 1998, it has accumulated a loyal following of repeat customers who enjoy a quirky alternative to a supermini or crossover SUV. The Suzuki Jimny exceeds expectations off road whilst still being more than capable in any urban area, ideal for customers who want the best of both worlds.

The all-alloy 16-valve 1.3-litre engine benefits from variable valve timing, ensuring lively performance, and strong fuel economy. Maximum output is 85PS, with 81lbft of torque delivered at 4,100 rpm; a flat torque curve means near maximum torque is delivered from as low as 2,500 rpm, giving Suzuki Jimny the kind of flexible driving character and pulling power that are integral to a successful SUV.

There are clear benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions: with the manual transmission model returning an official 39.8mpg in combined cycle driving (38.7mpg for the automatic); respective CO2 outputs are 162 and 167g/km.

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Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition, 2013

 

 

 

 

• Subaru Impreza WRX STI Special Edition, 2013

Subaru of America, Inc. revealed 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions at the 2012 SEMA Show. The new models are in keeping with a long tradition of customized Subaru SEMA show cars - and just in time for Halloween. The Special Edition WRX and WRX STI models feature an "Orange and Black" custom paint scheme, with Tangerine Orange paint off-set with jet black custom wheels, black front fender badging and exterior mirrors. The Special Editions cars also receive black exterior graphics.

The Special Edition line-up is limited to just 200 WRX sedans and 100 WRX STI sedans. For a true custom look, the WRX Special Edition features the dark interior trim from the WRX STI, including a black headliner. The Special Edition orange interior is also applied to the stitching on the seats, doors and shift boot, and custom orange trimmed floor mats. The WRX STI also features front fog lamps.

On sale in spring of 2013, the Special Editions spice-up an already potent line up of AWD sports cars. Featuring Subaru BOXER engines, the WRX and WRX STI models develop 265hp and 305hp respectively. Delivering massive bang for the buck, the 2013 WRX Special Edition produces 244 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm and running through its standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The 2013 WRX STI Special Edition delivers a rally-inspired driving experience with its 305-horsepower turbocharged BOXER engine, six-speed manual transmission and exclusive Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The WRX STI is also equipped with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, the latter featuring a track performance-optimized mode.

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