Friday, April 6, 2012

Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800, 2011

 
 
 
 
Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800, 2011

The Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800: 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft) transform the Mercedes-Benz S 600 in latest Brabus specification into the world's most powerful luxury sedan. But that's not all: With an electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) the exclusive four-seater also wins the 'Blue Ribbon' as the world's fastest luxury liner. Brabus rounds out the new high-performance standard with a sporty yet elegant designer suit, custom-tailored wheels with diameters of up to 21 inches, a high-performance brake system and customer-specific interior upgrades including a state-of-the-art "iBusiness" multimedia system with Apple components.

Twelve-cylinder high-capacity engines in the S-Class look back on almost two decades of tradition at Brabus. Powered by the SV12 R Biturbo 800 engine originally developed for the Brabus E V12 "one of ten" the automotive luxury class now attains a new level of performance.

Displacement of the V12 engine that normally powers the latest Mercedes 600 models is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cu. in.) The displacement increase is the product of a special crankshaft with longer stroke, precision-balanced piston rods, larger-diameter pistons and corresponding larger cylinder bore. The inner workings of the Brabus engine are modified further by high-performance camshafts and flow-optimized cylinder heads.

The new air intake was custom-developed to fit in the available space under the hood of the S-Class. The combustion air is routed through a special carbon-fiber system. Also newly developed was the Brabus Biturbo system with two special high-performance manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. The system also includes four water-to-air intercoolers. The Brabus stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with sport catalysts and four exhaust tips with Brabus-characteristic design optimizes power yield and gives the engine a more dominant exhaust note.

Newly calibrated engine electronics with precision-programmed mapping for injection and ignition ensure exemplary power yield and compliance with strict EURO V emission limits. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner ARAL.

The Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 engine produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm. For technical reasons peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission. A Brabus high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent is available as an option.

The extraordinary performance figures elevate the Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 to the exalted position of the world's most powerful and fastest luxury sedan. Acceleration times from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 3.9 seconds and of just 10.3 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) are as unmatched in this vehicle category as is the electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

To ensure that this level of performance can be enjoyed safely at all times Brabus also significantly upgrades suspension, brakes and aerodynamics.

These upgrades naturally also include tires capable of handling the speeds this car is capable of. The Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 can be equipped with Brabus Monoblock wheels with diameters ranging from 19 to 21 inches. The largest version features wheels in size 9Jx21 on the front axle and in size 10.5Jx21 in the rear. These wheels are available in four distinct designs: Three-piece forged and high-gloss polished Brabus Monoblock VI wheels with six double spokes, multi-spoke Monoblock E wheels, Monoblock S wheels with double-spoke design and especially exclusive Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels with cross-spoke design. All wheels are mounted with Pirelli or Yokohama tires in sizes 265/30 ZR 21 in front and 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle.

To further improve the already excellent driving dynamics of the high-performance luxury sedan Brabus developed an electronics module for the Active Body Control suspension that lowers the ride height by some 15 millimeters (0.6 inches).

Maximum deceleration is even more important than exceptional acceleration and thus the Brabus high-performance brake system is part of the high-tech package of the Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800. The brake features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 380 x 36-mm (15.0 x 1.42 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs in front, and 355 x 28-mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle.

Brabus ensures extremely high directional stability with a sporty yet elegant designer suit developed in the wind tunnel. The Brabus front fascia lends the S-Class an even more striking face while its sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. The large central air inlet optimizes cooling of engine and front brakes. Integrated auxiliary headlamps and LED daytime running lights further improve active safety. The Brabus front spoiler lip is made from clear-coated carbon fiber and attaches to the underside of the Brabus front fascia. It further optimizes the car's aerodynamic properties.

For an even more extravagant appearance of the sedan Brabus offers custom-tailored aluminum front fenders that replace their production counterparts. The exclusive character of these fenders is embodied by an integrated air vent made from clear-coated carbon fiber and a horizontal brace that spans the vent with embossed Brabus signet and integrated LED lights. The latter are activated just like the ones in the Brabus side sills via the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle.

For optimizing the airflow around the sides of the vehicle the designers sculpted Brabus sill skirts that feature integrated entrance lights for added utility. They are activated by the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle as are the blue-illuminated Brabus logos integrated into the scuff plates on both sides of the vehicle.

The Brabus aerodynamic-enhancement concept is rounded out by the Brabus rear spoiler lip, also available in a clear-coated carbon-fiber version, and the new rear fascia with centrally located reflector and custom cutouts for the Brabus quad sport exhaust system. The underside of the rear fascia also features integrated LED lights which illuminate the ground behind the vehicle. They help avoid any unfortunate missteps into puddles or potholes lurking in the dark.

The Brabus combines this high-performance technical feast with exclusive interior options that suit each customer's personal taste down to the last detail. These options include fully leather interiors in any color imaginable, Alcantara supplements and exclusive wood trim sets which can be ordered in any desired color thanks to an innovative staining technology.

A particular Brabus specialty is the creation of state-of-the-art multimedia equipment including the innovative Brabus "iBusiness" concept,
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Thursday, April 5, 2012

Suzuki Swift Sport, 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Suzuki Swift Sport, 2012

The Suzuki Swift Sport is the performance flagship of the Swift model range and offers higher levels of tuning, steering and braking performance than the standard Swift on which it's based. The previous model first went into production in Japan in 2005 and in Hungary in 2006. The sporting experience and everyday practicality have earned many devoted fans in approximately 40 countries and territories around the world.

The new Swift Sport has the same DNA as its predecessor, but reflects the concept of developing a refined sport compact from the new Swift that Suzuki launched in the UK in Autumn 2010. Befitting its status as the new performance flagship of the Swift model range, it reflects the pursuit of even better handling, driving performance, environmental compatibility and an uncompromising focus on quality. Overall, it offers a rewarding experience of Suzuki's sporting DNA.

Exterior
The new Suzuki Swift Sport's exterior design reflects the model's evolution towards a more sporting look. The ground-hugging form gives a sense of stability, the large front grille hints at the performance within and is flanked by big, distinctive finned fog lamp bezels that add even more sporting character.

Aerodynamic parts exclusive to the new Suzuki Swift Sport control the airflow, suppress lift and give the car a lower visual centre of gravity. Newly developed high-intensity discharge headlamps with a metallic-grey coating as well as new design rear combination lamps heighten the sense of dynamism expressed by the exterior design.

Sporty and refined Interior
Sporty, exclusive design features in the new Swift Sport's cabin heighten the driving pleasure and a high-quality look and feel generates pleasure of ownership with new design sport seats in an exclusive fabric together with a five-dial meter cluster that combines easy legibility with an uncluttered look.

Dimensions
The new Suzuki Swift Sport's strong presence belies compact dimensions that make it exceptionally nimble. Wide treads and a short wheelbase (key characteristics of the Swift series) combine with chassis systems that include an exclusively designed rear suspension to ensure brisk handling and outstanding high-speed stability. The new Swift Sport has an overall length of 3,890mm, an overall width of 1,695mm, an overall height of 1,510mm, and a wheelbase of 2,430mm.

Handling

Since the new Suzuki Swift Sport is the performance flagship of the Swift series, Suzuki pursued higher levels of chassis performance, achieving an exceptional balance of controllability and stability.

Greater toe and camber rigidity for the torsion beam, greater lateral rigidity in the torsion-beam bushings, and larger rear wheel bearings enhance stability at the rear under hard cornering. Increased spring rates for the front and rear coil springs and added rebound springs in the front struts significantly contribute to stability by providing greater roll stiffness. Modifications to the steering-gearbox member, suspension-frame member as well as larger front wheel bearings all boost yaw response, resulting in handling that has evolved even further from that of the previous Swift Sport.

The Engine
The new Suzuki Swift Sport's M16A engine is based on that of the previous model. Thanks to the addition of a variable intake system, optimisation of the intake VVT and increased valve lift, maximum output is up from 92kW in the previous Swift Sport to an impressive 100kW with the new model. Maximum torque is up from 148Nm to 160Nm. As a result, the driver can enjoy superb performance across the rev range. The engine's high output is combined with improved fuel economy; CO2 emissions are down around 11 per cent from 165g/km to 147g/km and a revised exhaust system yields a sportier note.

Transmission
The new Suzuki Swift Sport's manual transmission was developed specifically to take full advantage of the M16A engine's performance. The use of six gears (up from five in the previous Swift Sport) allows sporty driving combined with fuel economy. A triple-cone synchromesh for first and second gears permits lower shift effort and a larger counterweight at the transmission end of the shift lever yields a sporty shift action that is now lighter and more positive.

Wheels and tyres
Exclusive 17-inch aluminium-alloy wheels are standard on the new Swift Sport. They have a sharp, exquisite design and are produced in such a way that they are each about 1kg lighter than those of the previous Swift Sport. The tyre sizes are 195/45R17 and have been developed specifically for the new Suzuki Swift Sport.

Safety
The new Suzuki Swift Sport represents an evolution in terms of safety. Comprehensive safety technologies mean it offers the same control and peace of mind as the new Swift, which earned a five-star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme.

Extensive use of high-tensile steel and computerised structural analysis keep the body light while promoting safety, There are seven airbags (including curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag), and the pillars incorporate shock-absorbing materials that soften any contact with occupants' heads.

Suzuki took a multifaceted approach to achieve higher levels of active safety. As a result, ESP and an antilock braking system with electronic braking-force distribution are standard equipment.
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Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept, 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 

Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept, 2011

American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) unveiled a turbo concept version of its Kizashi sport sedan at the 2011 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The turbocharged Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept showcases the link between Suzuki's automotive division and its championship-winning motorcycles.

More Power Under the Hood
The Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept features a Garrett turbocharger, an air-to-liquid intercooler, electronic boost control, and a specific engine control unit calibration to provide outstanding drivability. The system takes the Kizashi's peak output into the 275-300 horsepower range, with a maximum boost of 8.5 psi. This powertrain is matched exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. Specific system components are as follows:
  •     Garrett/Honeywell 2871 R ball bearing turbocharger
  •     Internally wastegated 0.86 A/R turbine housing
  •     Oil and water cooled bearing system
  •     Turbine housing cast from high-nickel "Ni-Resist" material for extreme applications
  •     Turbine wheel cast from lightweight iconel materials for extreme applications

Key to the Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept's performance is its air-to-liquid intercooler, purposed for more effective charge air cooling in a smaller package. The unit's relatively small heat exchanger and circulation pump are designed to be minimally intrusive to vehicle cooling. The intercooler's primary advantage comes from the reduction in the overall length of ducting, which results in faster throttle response and a lower turbo lag, giving peak boost faster than most air-to-air intercooler systems. For impressive engine breathing, the Apex Concept utilizes a free flowing true dual exhaust system.

Race Bike Grapics
The livery on the Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept is based on the actual Suzuki superbike race design theme and highlights the vehicle's bloodline connection to the Suzuki GSX-R Superbike. For a more expressive front-end, the lower fascia wears customized LED-based foglights. The Apex Concept is shod with Yokohama S.Drive 245/35-R19 tires, featuring advanced nanotechnology micro-fiber compound to maximize traction in both wet and dry conditions. The wheels are lightweight performance alloys with a "burnt asphalt" finish to communicate this Kizashi turbo's high level of performance. To make sure all this power is put to use in the right place, the Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept uses Suzuki's Euro-spec high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps.

Race-inspired Interior
The Suzuki Kizashi Apex Concept's cabin receives an eye-catching treatment in black leather, with laser blue Alcantara accents on the sport seats and steering wheel.
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Rover 75 Coupe Concept, 2004

 Rover 75 Coupe Concept, 2004

The company's design team wanted to mark the first 100 years of the Rover marque with a stylish design that would sit confidently as the latest in the line of renowned Rovers like the P4, the handsome P5 coupe, the innovative P6 2000 model and the bold SD1 hatchback.

This has been achieved in the form of the Rover 75 Coupe concept - a beautiful and elegant two-door expression of the stylish 75 Saloon. The concept's interior strongly focuses on Yew wood and Tan leather hide introducing the style of designer furniture into the automotive lounge, extending Rover's trademark for a welcoming interior.

Peter Stevens, Rover's design director says: "I want people to turn away for a moment from post modern brutalism and to enjoy the elegant and timeless lines of the Rover 75 Coupe Concept design. The true character of a Rover comes from its ability to present a cosseting environment with comfort and refinement being the high priorities, elements that should be expressed in the form and detailing of the exterior of the car.

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Zenvo ST1, 2010



 Zenvo ST1, 2010

The Zenvo ST1 is designed to express the excessive power and performance of the car.

The design brief from the Zenvo creators to the designers at hermann & brandt design consultancy was to design a supercar that looked like no other supercar. The design had to be aggressive mixing supercar styling with race car elements.

The design of the Zenvo ST1 is made from free flowing accelerating lines creating the shape of the wheel arches, the roof line, side line and the lower side air intake. The sharp lines are connected by muscular organic surfacing creating dramatic reflections. Contrasting the general surfacing the design features a race car inspired lower carbon splitter.

The front of the Zenvo ST1 is designed around the hexagonal trademark Zenvo grille flanked by the large front air intakes used for brakes and engine cooling. The intakes are raked back to minimize drag and at the same time making the side impression of the car more compact.

The theme of the front is repeated in the rear which is designed around the big diffuser necessary for high speed stability. As on the front the center volume is flanked by large air exits extracting hot engine air as well as housing the exhaust and rear lights.

The rear spoiler mandatory for a car capable of extreme high speeds is partly integrated in the rear wing. It has a unique aerodynamic design following the raked shape of the rear end.

Technical Specifications
    * Max. power: 1104 hp (810 kW) at 6900 rpm
    * Max. torque: 1430Nm at 4500 rpm
    * Top speed: 375 km/h (electronically controlled)
    * Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.0 s
    * Dimension

          o Overall length: 4665 mm
          o Overall width, without mirrors: 2041 mm
          o Overall height: 1198 mm
          o Wheelbase: 3055 mm
          o Weight: 1376 kg
          o Headroom front: 1002 mm
          o Legroom front: 1104 mm
          o Shoulderroom front: 1398 mm
          o Cargo volume: 130 l
          o Fuel tank volume: 69 l
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Zagato Perana Z-One, 2009

 
 
 
Zagato Perana Z-One, 2009

The Zagato is launching an exciting World Premiere on the occasion of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show: the Zagato Perana Z-One (Zee-One).
The sports car Zagato Perana Z-One signals the first collaboration of the Milanese Coachbuilders with a South African Vehicle Manufacturer: Perana Performance Group.

The Perana project is the result of Zagato's 90 year-long expertise in constructing fully functional running concepts. Virtual reality development has been integrated from inception, effectively eliminating the need for the traditional styling model and enabling the prototype to be completed in less than 4 months by the South African team.

The Design Concept
As the latest descendant of the Zagato sports car family, Z-one is designed with full blooded Zagato form language.
Reflecting this pure passion from this brand new sports car specialist, the proportion and volume of Z-one is even tighter than usual sports car styling, accentuated by couple of long and dynamic curves with keen edge which visually integrate some important design features like the air out-lets. Surfaces defined by those cutting edges are even more sculptured maintaining the modern Zagato line which we have been developing for a decade.

Initiative
Following in the footsteps of Zagato's long tradition of masterfully designed cars, the Zagato Perana Z-One is no mere dream car, but a thoroughly practical and feasible production proposition that is expected to be available for sale to discerning European buyers by July 2009.
The Zagato Design Centre has styled the Zagato Perana Z-one to ensure it is built as a limited series production car. Sales will be limited to 999 cars per annum within Europe to assure exclusivity and to commemorate the 90 years of Zagato design.
Complying with Euro 4 emission legislation, this value proposition is expected to be launched at the introductory price of under 50.000 Euros, before taxes - an irresistible and highly competitive offer.

The Technical Development
From the innovative tubular and box section chassis to the exciting interior styling, the Zagato Perana Z-One is a concentration of advanced design and engineering. Fully certifiable for the road, this ultra high-performance, front engined sports coupé uses a powerful 6.2 litre V8 engine that drives the rear wheels. This genuine 2-seater coupé, enjoys the benefits of almost 50/50 weight distribution allowing for exhilarating, balanced and predictable road manners.

Specification Sheet
    * Dimension
          o Curb Weight: 1195 kg
          o Weight Distribution
                + Front: 50%
                + Rear: 50%
          o Wheelbase: 2540 mm
          o Track
                + Front: 1627 mm
                + Rear: 1570 mm
          o Length: 4406 mm
          o Height: 1233 mm
          o Width: 1924 mm
          o Seating Capacity: 2
    * Engine
          o Configuration: V8, All Aluminium
          o Displacement: 6200 cc
          o Power: 328 kW
          o Torque: 583 Nm
          o Max. rpm: 6600 rpm
          o Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injection. Electronic, Sequential Port.
          o Compression Ratio: 10.7: 1
    * Drive train
          o Gearbox: 6 speed manual
          o Differential: ZF Limited Slip
    * Wheels: Perana / Zagato
          o Front: 18 x 10J
          o Rear: 19 x 12J
    * Tyres: Michelin PS2
          o Front: 275/35 ZR18
          o Rear: 345/30 ZR19
    * Chassis
          o Layout: Front/Mid Engine, RWD
          o Frame: Steel Tube Space Frame
          o Body: Vinyl-Ester/Glass Composite
    * Brakes
          o Front: 325mm
          o Rear: 305mm
          o Assist type: Vacuum
    * Steering: ZF Power Assist
    * Suspension
          o Front: Unequal Length A-arms, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, Anti-roll bar
          o Rear: Unequal length A-arms, Eibach springs, Bilstein shocks, Anti-roll bar
    * Fuel Capacity: 85 litres
    * Performance
          o Power/weight ratio: 328 hp (240 kW)/tonne
          o 0-100km/h: <4 secs (est)
          o 0-160km/h: <10 secs (est)
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