High Performance Car: February 2010

Friday, February 12, 2010

Chevrolet Cruze

The new Chevrolet Cruze will premier in the US at the Los Angeles Auto Show on December 2. The car has previously been launched in other global markets including Europe, Asia and Africa. US dealers will receive the latest model in the third quarter of 2010. Brent Dewar, vice president, Chevrolet, said that the Cruze is “extremely gas friendly” with an expected fuel economy of up to 40 miles per gallon.

On the other hand, the Volt electric vehicle can be operated gas-free. Dewar also stated that Chevrolet is focused on “forward-looking technologies” to benefit its customers.

This includes the highly efficient, small-displacement turbocharged engine in the Cruze and the Volt electric vehicle with extended range. The Cruze’s engine is a 1.4-liter turbo that provides good fuel economy, performance and driving fun.

In addition, the Cruze offers more interior and cargo space than the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. In the US version, features will include Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and a total of ten standard airbags.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

For those who liked the brand new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG we have a big announcement: the new sports car from the German manufacturer will be available to order from Monday, 16 November 2009. The sales price will be 149,000 euros net and 177,310 euros gross (including 19% VAT). “Following a high-profile world premiere at the IAA, we are very excited about the SLS AMG’s commercial release on Monday.

There is huge interest in our new super sports car and we are convinced that the SLS AMG will captivate our customers,” said Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of the Management Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The car can also be configured online at www.mercedes-amg.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

The new SLS AMG takes the Mercedes-Benz cars into a new era and demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order. Everything found beneath the stylish design is impressive: AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW/571 hp peak output, 650 Nm of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed double-declutch transmission in a transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones and a kerb weight of 1620 kilograms based on the DIN standard – this superlative combination guarantees driving dynamics of the highest order. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is made in just 3.8 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 317 km/h. Fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) makes it one of the best among its competitors.

Some of the main options include:

- AMG ceramic composite high-performance braking system: €9500 net/ €11,305 gross
- AMG performance suspension with a stiffer setup for optimum lateral
dynamics: €1200 net/€1428 gross
- AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), tyre sizes 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €950 net/€1130.50 gross
- AMG forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, size 9.5 x 19 inches (front) and 11.0 x 20 inches (rear), with tyre size 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear): €2000 net/€2380 gross
- AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara: €400 net/€476 gross
- AMG sports bucket seats: €3300 net/€3927 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre engine compartment cover: €4000 net/€4760 gross
- “AMG alubeam silver” paint finish: €10,000 net/€11,900 gross
- “AMG monza grey magno” paint finish: €3250 net/€3867.50 gross
- AMG carbon-fibre trim (front stowage tray and rear stowage compartment including lid, AMG DRIVE UNIT surround, surrounds for the centre console, shiftgate and rear, trim strips for centre console and door armrests): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- AMG interior carbon package (carbon-fibre trim, trim on seat backrests and sides, door sill panels): €3500 net/€4165 gross
- leather nappa exclusive single-/two-tone: €2500 net/€2975 gross
- Memory package with electric seat and steering column adjustment, as well as four-way lumbar support: €1225 net/€1457.75 gross
- 6-disc DVD changer: €660 net/€785.40 gross
- Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system: €5900 net/ €7021 gross

Jaguar has plans to produce an all-new C-Type that will be positioned further upmarket and will cost between £45,000-£50,000. The new model, which will sit below the XK, will be designed to rival top-end performance cars such as Audi’s TT RS, the Mercedes SLK 55 AMG and Porsche’s Cayman. With a blend of pace, luxury and practicality, the C-Type will have a futuristic design, an XJ-style grille and distinctive headlight arrangement.

The C-Type is likely to be available as a fixed-head coupé or a roadster. As you can see from these images, the C-Type will be a forward-looking design with an XJ-style grille and distinctive headlight arrangement. With features such as the chrome mesh, sporty air intakes and a bold bonnet bulge, the car is sure to turn heads.

Adding to its good looks are the sculpted edges along the flanks, vast chrome alloys and pert but muscular tail complete with twin exhaust pipes. To complete the look, there is an electrically operated folding canvas roof to be stowed behind the occupants’ heads. The C-Type is as luxurious as it is practical. It has about the same size as Audi’s A5 and is bound to have a useful spacious boot. The images show only two seats but the final design is likely to have four.

Similar to the XK’s, the new C-Type’s chassis will be an aluminum monocoque with extruded body panels. This has an arrangement that may be lightweight but is highly strong and stiff, improving handling response. Powering the car is Jaguar’s latest 5.0-litre V8, producing 380bhp. Other possibilities include a twin-turbo diesel and an R version powered by the company’s supercharged 500bhp V8.

Lumma Design CLR 730 RS based on Bmw M5

LUMMA Design in cooperation with G-Power took a BMW M5 model and turned it into a “unique, extreme, and spectacular” super sports limousine. The LUMMA Design CLR 730 RS is clearly associated with racing and is riveting with its stylish exterior and awe-inspiring performance. The car is able to produce 730 hp and 700 Nm of torque from its G-Power’s V10 bi-compressor engine.

Aerodynamics play a huge role in the car’s capability of getting a top speed of 367,4 km/h and of going from 0 to 100 km/h sprint in only 4.2 seconds. The LUMMA CLR 730 RS has a wide bodykit that consists of ultra light compact carbon components, including a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders.

The car has a special sport suspension that lowers the vehicle 45 mm closer to the ground and allows multiple adjustments on both axles. A set of three-piece LUMMA Racing rims in 10×21” with tires size 255/30-21 on the front, and 12Jx21 with tires size 295/25-21 on the rear axle make the car more agile as well add to its style.

In addition, the car is equipped with a stainless steel LUMMA sport exhaust system with 100 cells racing catalysts and 105 mm end pipes, and a 405 mm (380 mm), 6-pistons (rear axle 4-pistons) brake system. Pure racing style is the theme for the interior. The upgraded cockpit features a bicolor complete leather interior in red/white, carbon beautified elements and Ultra suede improvements.

Lucky buyers of a 2010 Jaguar XKR or XFR will get the chance to drive the fastest Jaguars at a race track with a topnotch driving instructor. The R Performance Academy was launched earlier in the week and will begin December 1, with a session at the Homestead Miami Speedway.

The circuit stretches 2.21 miles and features 14 turns to challenge to even the most experienced racers. A full day of driving is in store for the participants who will get to experience multiple types of driving, from maximum acceleration to braking to emergency lane changes. There is a special autocross event and there are lessons for driving without stability and traction control to those who dare.

The academy is intended to help drivers explore the capabilities of these special automobiles and to develop the skills and techniques needed to safely experience their high-performance dynamics. Both the XFR and XKR are powered by a supercharged V-8 engine generating 510 horsepower. The XFR is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds while the XKR can do so in 4.6 seconds. After the initial Homestead Miami Speedway session, the Jaguar R Performance Academy will then be hosting events at a quarterly basis at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Monticello Motor Club in Monticello, New York and the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, among others.