Friday, July 3, 2009

Updated! : The E 63 AMG – The new generation of dynamic sports saloons with day-to-day suitability with 386 kW/525 hp and AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed s

Mercedes Benz E63 AMG

AFFALTERBACH : July 03, 2009 – AMG, the high-performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is presenting the new E 63 AMG. This dynamic sports saloon with day-to-day suitability is the top-of-the-line E-Class model, offering an impressive combination of outstanding performance, exhilarating driving dynamics and a technology transfer from the SL 63 AMG high-performance Roadster.


The new E 63 AMG distinguishes itself from the regular E-Class models with the powerful AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, the completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping and a new front axle, and with its autonomous exterior and interior design. Newly developed ceramic composite brakes are also available as an option for the top-of-the-line E-Class model . Mercedes-AMG has achieved a reduction in fuel consumption of almost twelve percent for the new E 63 AMG, thanks to the concerted use of fuel-efficiency measures. With its unique combination of pioneering driver assistance systems, the E 63 AMG further consolidates the brand's leading position in the field of automotive safety.

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new E 63 AMG develops an output of 386 kW/525 hp and a torque of 630 newton metres, matching the outstanding figures for the SL 63 AMG. The high-performance Roadster has also donated its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model. This transmission dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual drive modes, the double-declutching and Race Start functions, the resulting direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly dynamic driving experience.

The drive unit is unique in this segment, and ensures decidedly sporty performance figures: the E 63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The high-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility. The newly composed AMG V8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.

Fuel consumption cut by almost twelve percent

Despite 8 kW/11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the fuel consumption of the new E 63 AMG has been significantly reduced: at 12.6 litres of super-premium grade petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption), the fuel consumption of the E 63 AMG is almost twelve percent lower than before, and leads the field among sports saloons developing more than 377 kW/500 hp. This progress has been made possible by a package of efficiency-enhancing measures. These include on-demand delivery of fuel and alternator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun, both of which are standard in the new E 63 AMG. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used on the cylinder walls.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a wet start-up clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, dynamically and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia. The transmission is equipped with four drive modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection briefly during gearshifts under full load leads to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMG SPEEDSHIFT
MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.

In the even more fuel-efficient drive mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears decidedly smoothly, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible. At the same time the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission meets the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic double-declutching and Race Start functions: this enables the E 63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.

Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle

Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the agile manoeuvres of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E 63 AMG. This is made possible by the likes of the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front steel spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height irrespective of the load.

A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button. The E 63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 56-millimetre wider track, a tubular stabiliser, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new elastokinematics and new hub carriers for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking bends at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensure significantly more precision. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C 63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimised elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.
Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®

For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14 : 1 is 22 percent more direct than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.

The 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same, high level of handling safety. The ESP® button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even when driving extremely briskly is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360-millimetre, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle. The newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs guarantee even better brake performance and lower unsprung masses. The ceramic brake discs will perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness, all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of nine and 9.5 inches and mixed tyre sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.

Decidedly dynamic interior and exterior

The decidedly dynamic design of the E 63 AMGis fully in keeping with the uncompromisingly sporty technology. The front aspect is characterised by
17-millimetre wider wings bearing "6.3 AMG" lettering, the new AMGfront apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific daytime driving lights in LED technology. In conjunction with the optional Intelligent Light System, the E 63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side sill panels and AMG rear apron with a black insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

The newly designed interior of the E 63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include the dedicated, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles. The AMG DRIVE UNIT provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension set-up and the AMG drive modes. The AMG E-SELECT selector lever in the centre console is a completely new feature for the DRIVE UNIT. The driver can shift directly between R, N and D simply by nudging the lever, all thanks to drive-by-wire; P can only be selected by pressing a button. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colours, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.

Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras

Customers requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG Performance Studio: the E 63 AMG can, for instance, be dynamically enhanced even further ex factory, with the Performance package. This includes the following:

Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras

Customer requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO: the E 63 AMG can e.g. be dynamically enhanced even further ex factory, with the Performance Package. This includes the following:
  • Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMGlight-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
  • AMG Performance suspension with a stiffer setup
  • AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
  • AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid
  • AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
Optional extras from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are also individually available ex factory:
  • Lightweight, forged 19-inch AMGlight-alloy wheels with size 255/35 R 19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R 19 at the rear
  • AMG rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action
  • AMG Exterior Carbon package
  • AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design
  • AMG carbon-fibre trim in the interior
  • Illuminated AMG door entry sills
  • AMG floor mats
Active and passive safety at a new level

Active and passive safety at a new level

The flagship AMG model in the E-Class traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Naturally this also applies to the new E 63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, BAS PLUS, seven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. On request the safety features can be brought to a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Night View Assist and Speed Limit Assist.

The market launch of the new E 63 AMG will commence in August 2009.

Images : 2009 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG


[Source : DAIMLER - AMG]

Porsche at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed

Porsche Panamera

With an unbeaten record of 16 victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours race, the reputation of Porsche has been founded on success in the high speed, high pressure motor sport environment. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Porsche 917, the first Porsche to win Le Mans outright, and it is therefore appropriate that the theme of the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 3-5) is ‘True Grit – Epic Feats of Endurance’.


To commemorate this birthday occasion in style, a stunning selection of examples of the 917 – many on loan from the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany - will be present at Goodwood, including the 1970 Le Mans winner and the distinctively-liveried 917/20 ‘Pink Pig’.

A novel feature of the Festival of Speed is that it seeks to reunite famous race drivers with cars of the type they raced in period. Porsche enthusiasts visiting Goodwood will be able to see Richard Attwood, former F1 driver and 1970 Le Mans winner for Porsche, driving a 917; sports car racing legend Brian Redman will be behind the wheel of the 917/30 CanAm racer; David Piper, who bought a 917 new from the factory in 1969, will be driving his own car; and Jackie Oliver, who won Le Mans in 1969, will be reunited with an evocative Gulf-liveried 917.

Naturally, there will be many other examples of the Porsche marque in action at Goodwood, and there are in fact two exclusive UK debuts in the Sunday Times Supercar Run, a renowned showcase of the fastest and most exclusive road-going sports cars. The latest Porsche 911 GT3 – ten years since the now-legendary GT3 series began – will be making its first UK appearance, and also guaranteed to draw attention will be the first public unveiling of the new Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo.

Visitors to the Festival of Speed will also be able to experience Porsche power personally courtesy of driving consultants from the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone, who will be demonstrating the performance and handling of the Porsche Cayenne on a specially designed dynamics course at the Porsche Driving Experience area.

For visitors wishing to refuel themselves, the Porsche Café Le Mans will be once more situated on the outside of the track near the footbridge, offering meals and refreshments.

The Porsche Café Le Mans will also host the UK debut of a remarkable 1/6th scale model of the Porsche 917. Produced by Dynamic Concept of Paris, this model offers such outstanding levels of detail that it would not look out of place alongside the legendary 917 examples in the paddock.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed will this year provide the backdrop to a remarkable demonstration of grit and determination when Porsche aims to break a Guinness World Record for the longest distance covered in 48 hours by a team of 12 runners using treadmills.

Organised by the sports scientists from the Porsche Human Performance Centre at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone, this gruelling athletic exercise - supported by Technogym and Adidas - will take place live at the Porsche exhibition area over the Festival weekend. Starting at 12 noon on Friday July 3, the runners are seeking to break the former distance record of 495.76 miles set in April 2008 – which means maintaining an average speed of over 10mph!

Related images : Porsche at 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed







Mazda Refreshes Premacy for Japanese Market

Mazda Premacy 20Z (FWD model with 2.0-liter DISI engine and five-speed automatic transmission)

HIROSHIMA : July 03, 2009 - Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation has announced upgrades to its Premacy (known as the Mazda5 in overseas markets) compact minivan in Japan. Popular due to its sporty styling and driving performance, the freshened Premacy goes on sale today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (including sales tax) for front-wheel drive (FWD) models range from 1,820,000 to 2,195,000 yen.


Since its debut in 1999, the Mazda Premacy compact minivan has earned plaudits for its efficient seven-seat packaging, outstanding driving performance and sporty styling. Ten years later, the Premacy is currently sold in over 60 countries and has become Mazda's best-selling minivan*1, with total global sales surpassing 710,000 units*2.

The range topping 20Z model grade now comes with specially designed aluminum alloy wheels and seat and door trim that enhance its sporty appearance. To highlight its sharp lines, exclusive Dark Plum Mica exterior body paint is also newly available for this model grade. In response to high demand, the mainstay 20CS grade has been augmented with a new fuel economy gauge and a freshly designed center panel. With the addition of these features and a full equipment review, the upgraded Mazda Premacy 20CS is even more affordable than before.

All Mazda Premacy FWD model grades qualify for Japan's eco-car tax incentives, with 50 percent reductions on both the automobile acquisition tax and the automobile weight tax.

*1 According to Mazda's fiscal year 2008 global sales results
*2 As of May 31, 2009


Main features of the freshened Mazda Premacy
  • Sporty, high-quality dark grey 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels which are exclusive to the 20Z model grade.
  • Eight exterior body colors are available, including the newly added Aluminum Metallic and Radiant Ebony Mica. The special exterior color Dark Plum Mica is also exclusively available for the 20Z model grade.
  • Newly designed fabric seat and door trim which is exclusive to the 20Z model grade.
  • The 20CS, 20S and 20Z model grades are equipped with a trip computer that includes a fuel economy gauge as standard equipment.
  • All model grades feature a glossy piano black center panel.
  • Side and rear view cameras are available as a factory-installed option for the 20CS, 20S and 20Z model grades.
anufacturer’s suggested retail prices of the freshened Mazda Premacy
(*price of the model in the attached photo)

GradeDriveEngineTransmissionPrice (yen)Tax
reduction
With taxWithout tax
20FFWD2.0L DISI5-speed EC-AT1,820,0001,733,33450%
4WD2.0L4-speed EC-AT2,031,0001,934,286-
20CSFWD2.0L DISI5-speed EC-AT1,886,0001,796,19150%
4WD2.0L4-speed EC-AT2,122,0002,020,953-
20SFWD2.0L DISI5-speed EC-AT2,100,0002,000,00050%
4WD2.0L4-speed EC-AT2,290,0002,180,953-
20ZFWD2.0L DISI5-speed EC-AT2,195,000*2,090,47750%

-A separate recycling fee of 13,740 yen is necessary in addition to the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices listed above. If the curtain (front, second and third row seats) and front side SRS airbag system is selected as a factory-installed option (available for the 20CS, 20S and 20Z model grades), the fee is 14,310 yen (including sales tax).
-If the special body color Crystal White Pearl Mica is selected, the price increases by 31,500 yen (including sales tax).

[Source : MAZDA]

Dacia'S Adventurer – Sandero Stepway – Now available in France

DACIA Sandreo Stepway

A single version of Sandero Stepway, powered by a dCi 70 diesel engine, is to go on sale in France at the tax-paid price of €10,900 (taking the Dacia1
trade-in for scrap rebate of 1,000 € into account).


Dacia Sandero Stepway – a variant of Sandero immediately recognizable by its adventurer looks – is to be released in France, with order books opening across the network on July 15, 2009.

Dacia Sandero Stepway will be powered by a dCi 70 diesel engine and will feature muscular styling, as well as a comprehensive list of standard equipment for the attractive tax-paid price of €11,900.

Thanks to its raised ground clearance, satin-finish chrome front/rear skidplates and sills, longitudinal roof bars, chrome exhaust tailpipe and 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels, Dacia Sandero Stepway oozes character.

In addition to these distinguishing features, Dacia Sandero Stepway comes as standard with comfort-related equipment such as manual climate control,
electric front windows and a radio-CD with mp3 playback. Three body colours are available: Platine Grey, Com.te Grey and Feu Red.

Dacia Sandero Stepway naturally carries over the same strengths which helped forged the success of its elder sibling Sandero, i.e. unrivalled cabin space for its price (it comfortably seats five tall adults, plus 320dm3 VDA of boot space), as well as impeccable reliability underpinned by a three-year or 100,000km warranty.

With CO2 emissions of just 140g/km, Dacia Sandero Stepway qualifies for the French state's €1,000 rebate for buyers of vehicles which emit less than 160g of CO2/km and who trade in a vehicle aged 10 years or more for scrappage.

Dacia has taken this scheme a step further by extending it to cover vehicles aged between 8 and 10 years which are traded in when ordering3 a Dacia Sandero Stepway. Taking this rebate into account, the tax-paid price tag for Dacia Sandero Stepway is €10,900.


Dacia Sandero Stepway is manufactured at the ISO 14001-certified Pitesti plant in Romania, while more than five per cent of the plastics it contains are sourced from recycling. It is also 95 per cent end-of-life recoverable. In addition, Dacia Sandero Stepway dCi 70 emits just 140g of CO2/km, making it eligible for the Dacia eco.


Dacia Sandero Stepway – Standard Equipment:

Dacia Sandero Stepway is based on Sandero's Ambiance equipment level:
  • Defrosting rear screen and rear windscreen wiper
  • Tinted glass
  • Front door bins
  • Coded immobilizer
  • Driver's front airbag
  • Front passenger front airbag (disconnectable)
  • ABS + emergency brake assist
  • Three three-point inertia-reel rear seatbelts
  • Height-adjustable front seatbelts
  • Height-adjustable front headrests
  • Three rear headrests
  • Rev-counter
  • Central locking
  • Boot light
  • Air recycling
  • Removable ashtray
  • Power steering
In addition to the above equipment, Dacia Sandero Stepway also comes with:

Adventurer looks
  • Ground clearance raised by 20 mm
  • Two-tone front and rear bumpers
  • Satin-finish chrome front and rear skidplates
  • Satin-finish chrome sills
  • Two-tone longitudinal roof bars
Sporty and refined
  1. Black upholstery with visible white stitching
  2. Stone Grey interior trim
  3. Foglamps
  4. Black headlamp masks
  5. Chrome exhaust tailpipe
  6. Chrome-finish grille trim
  7. Satin-finish chrome exterior mirrors and door handles
  8. 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels
Comfort
  • 60/40-split folding rear benchseat
  • Manual climate control
  • Radio-CD with MP3 playback
  • Remote central locking
  • Front electric windows
  • Stepway badging on front doors and front door sills


DACIA Sandreo dimansion :



















































Boot volume




320 dm3 VDA
Boot volume with rear benchseat in folded position




1200 dm3 VDA





(mm)
Overall length




4,024
Front overhang




785
Rear overhang




652
Height( unladen)




1,544
Overall height with roofbars




1,582
Overall width with/without exterior mirrors




1,753/1,997
Ground clearance (laden)




175

Images : DACIA Sandreo Stepway















[Source : RENAULT-DACIA]

MINI One D – A mixture between power and economy

New MINI One D

MUNICH : July 02, 2009 - The MINI model family is set to welcome another new arrival. A new entry-level diesel model will be launched in September 2009 and promises to deliver exceptionally economical driving fun. The MINI One D showcases the qualities of its state-of-the-art diesel engine as part of an attractive entry-level package. The drive system is based on the 1.6-litre diesel engine from the MINI Cooper D. Featuring a turbocharger and common rail direct injection, the new version of this four-cylinder unit develops peak output of 66 kW/90 hp and maximum torque of 215 Nm. Like the petrol-driven MINI One, the new MINI One D provides a particularly economical entry point into the world of the MINI brand, which is defined by driving fun and premium quality.


Instantaneous pulling power and impressively low fuel consumption are also keynote attributes of the MINI One D. Its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine features common rail direct injection technology and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, which ensures optimum power development through the entire engine speed range. Boasting an exceptionally lightweight aluminium construction, this four-cylinder diesel powerplant develops 66 kW/90 hp at 4,000 rpm and sources its peak torque of 215 Nm from as low down as 1, 750 rpm. The MINI One D completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and hits a top speed of 182 km/h.
The new MINI One D is also fitted as standard with a diesel particulate filter and numerous efficiency-enhancing measures, which make an effective contribution to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. These include Brake Energy Regeneration – which concentrates power generation for the on-board power supply on periods when the car is braking and coasting – and the Auto Start Stop Function, which switches off the engine when the car stops at traffic lights or a junction. The MINI One D also comes with a Shift Point Display, which advises the driver of a good time to change gear to ensure efficient driving. The average fuel consumption of the MINI One D in the EU test cycle is 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres, while CO2 emissions stand at 104 grams per kilometre.

A precise six-speed manual gearbox makes every burst of acceleration in the new diesel model a genuine pleasure. As with all the brand’s models, the drive is sent to the front wheels of the MINI One D and – like its siblings – a central feature of its character is the go-kart feeling typical of the brand. This delightfully agile handling is underpinned by a combination of a McPherson spring-strut front axle construction, multi-link rear suspension and Electrical Power Steering (EPS). Speed-sensitive steering assistance guarantees both low steering forces when parking and precise responses at motorway speeds. In addition, EPS also enhances the efficiency of the car; the electric motor is only active, and therefore only uses energy, when steering assistance is required or desired by the driver. Among the safety features on board the MINI One D are front airbags and side head/thorax airbags, and all four seats are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts. All restraint systems are controlled by a central safety electronics system complete with sensors, and are applied as required by the type and intensity of the collision.

The standard equipment of the new entry-level diesel MINI matches that of the MINI One and its appearance likewise shows parallels with its petrol-driven equivalent. The MINI One D also has its roof in body colour, while its model-specific take on the typically MINI hexagonal radiator grille stands out from the other model variants with a chrome surround and black cross louvres. Like the MINI One, the MINI One D also has black mirror caps and a black boot lid handle, and the chromed tailpipe is the same as that on the exhaust system of the MINI Cooper D.

The market launch of the new entry-level diesel variant adds further to the variety of the MINI model range. In addition to the two diesel models – the MINI One D and MINI Cooper D – customers can also choose from the petrol-driven MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S, and the particularly sports-oriented MINI John Cooper Works. All models are built according to the strict quality standards of the BMW Group at the MINI plant in Oxford. The MINI One D is also available with the extensive selection of optional extras and accessories which allow every MINI to become a personalised one-off example of its kind.




[Source : MINI]