Daily Automotive

Daily Automotive


Volkswagen GTI R

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 11:55 AM PST

Volkswagen has decided to equip the Golf GTI and the models of the “R” with a new version of the ESP (Electronic Stability Control) can be switched off completely. The decision came as a result of persistent complaints from customers and press about not being able to fully eliminate the system. Under the lens in rating was over the excessive sensitivity of the device, accused of being too sensitive and too intrusive in a “less drastic” intervention.

Here, therefore, that as of May these models will be produced with the ESP switched off “seriously. ” The system has three modes of operation (such as the BMW). In the first system are active traction control and stability. In the second disables the traction-control in the third and the car is completely in your hands … or almost: in fact, a lot of pressure on the brake pedal in “all off”, will be read from experience as a total loss of control vehicle (or exhaustion of your talent if you like) and this will reactivate the electronic controls automatically.

Porsche Full Hybrid

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 11:52 AM PST

Porsche has made official the debut of a new model full hybrid at Geneva. There were no details of the car, but everything leads us to believe that this is the announced Panamera Hybrid, which will then assist in the lists for the Cayenne Hybrid. According to previous information, Porsche is developing a plug-in version of the Panamera hybrid, but not sure that the production model is now equipped with this technology. The engine, however, should be the same as the Cayenne, the 3-liter V6 333 hp combined with a 47 hp electric motor with different levels of functioning.

Swiss master at the show will also preview the European concept of the Cayman and 918 RSR R, 330 hp, already seen in the halls of Americans in recent months, as well as special series of 911 Black Edition 345 hp and 320 hp Boxster S Black Edition, produced and 987 units respectively in 1911.

BMW ActiveE Electric Vehicle

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 11:46 AM PST

BMW introduces its ActiveE Electric Vehicle based on 1 Series Coupé. The car introduced the brand “ActiveE” which is part of the second phase of development of the strategy developed by BMW Group to develop and promote electric mobility. Like the Mini E, also ActiveE will soon be usable in 1000 copies in certain markets in Europe, China and the U.S. (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, New York, Boston and state of Connecticut)

This final result is a new BMW research step towards the mass production of zero-emission vehicles. The final target is the Megacity Project Vehicle (MCV) that would meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility in congested urban areas. And that is why the engine and battery technologies on which we will find the MCV will be tested with this ActiveE, available from 2011 with formulas of leasing: this solution will help customers to save on fuel and experience the benefits of the electric and will allow BMW to collect valuable data for models with zero emissions tomorrow.



The car is capable of an output of 170 hp and 250 Nm of torque, accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in less than 9 seconds, while its lithium ion batteries to provide a range of about 160 km in conditions ‘urban use. Top speed is electronically governed to 144 km / h. And just like the Mini, the car represents an experiment of conversion has been developed on a platform of integrating the existing car battery, the electric motor and electronics on a frame not designed for that purpose. This special 1-Series is also the first BMW supply available in configurations with 4 seats and a boot worthy of the name.

The propulsion system can be controlled by the driver through the information on-screen entertainment system i-Drive. The ActiveE can also work on how “PRO ECO Mode” which limits the power available to the accelerator and the operation of air conditioning system. The latter serves as a warm up to increase the autonomy of the car. The battery pack (liquid cooled), including the transmission and differential, weighs just 90 kg and is housed on the rear axle (with the motor), as amended for the occasion. The weight distribution was still maintained at 50/50 between the two axles. Needless to say the car is equipped with all the devices of BMW Efficient Dynamics package. The “tank” recharges in 4 / 5 hours at 32 amperes socket, and a time to recharge you can travel 40 km.

Gumpert Tornante

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 11:41 AM PST

Gumpert has unveiled the first image of the curve, the new supercar designed by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show. What we will see the event in Switzerland will be a static model, since the road is expected to debut until 2012, but all ready in the engine compartment to accommodate the 4.2 V8 twin turbo 700 hp Audi of origin, coupled with a change TT40e with paddles on the steering wheel. The statement hints at more powerful versions of the engine, but did not give definitive indications.

The new curve, as well as the Italian design, you can also count on a stick studio cabin, for comfort and ergonomics, along with supercar performance you’d expect from such a vehicle. Confirm gull-wing doors, which are common to the Apollo, while the bodywork is carbon fiber, aluminum space frame to frame.

James Bond Bentley Continental GT 2012

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:05 AM PST

Revolution for James Bond, passing dall’Aston Martin to Bentley. More precisely, the agent 007 will be leading the new Continental GT, chosen for the new novel by Jeffery Deaver titled “Carte Blanche”. The car, saw the title of the film, will be white, but we do not know for now the special accessories made for Bond. Curiously, the choice of English sports resumed Fleming’s first novel in 1953, then Casino Royale which speaks of an old Bentley 4.5-owned secret agent. The novel, set partly in Dubai, will debut next May in England, while the Twenty-third film, as we remember our colleagues cineblog.it, is expected in November 2012.

Mercedes Class C Coupè 2011

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 04:01 AM PST

New leaked shots on the new Mercedes C-Class Coupe. The Stuttgart sports shows in red livery and black roof, no doubt the design is successful: the car is sleek, has a very nice cut of the side windows and a front intriguing. If you really want to find a nit, you might argue a tail too similar to the sedan.

In addition, the door seems to be slightly “short” for a coupe, a longer would have made the car even more slender and elegant. Under the hood will end the present megliori thrusters on the renewed C-Class At the top of the range will be the 63 AMG version, equipped with 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 with 457 hp. However, there is also talk of a possible variant of “Black Series ” features the twin turbo 5.5 V8 for the new CLS 63 AMG and well capable of 563 hp and 900 Nm The official debut is scheduled for the Geneva Motor Show.

Lotus Evora by Mansory 2011

Posted: 11 Feb 2011 03:58 AM PST

What happens if I play with Lotus Mansory? Evora is born that you see in these pictures. No, there is yet an independent body kit: This work has been officially commissioned by Lotus. The English House wants to see how far it will get the customization program that the manufacturer is developing for its customers.

Lotus also has officially denied a hypothetical redesign of Evora. The cars depicted in these images is really intriguing: the wise use of carbon fiber and a dose of muscles “where needed”, they merely make these special coupe version of the English more desirable than ever. Intriguing the roof and rear window made of composite, as well as aesthetic solution adopted to complement the rear wing. We may admire the Geneva Motor Show.

Nissan Esflow Concept

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 03:48 PM PST

Nissan at the show Esflow Geneva, electric sports car prototype that brings technology into cars Nissan Leaf dedicated to pure driving pleasure. Conceptually similar to the 370Z, the Esflow offers 2-seater, rear wheel drive with an electric motor for each wheel axle and laminated lithium-ion batteries: This means to touch 100 km / h acceleration in less than 5 seconds with a range of 240 km. The design is copied from the 370Z, albeit smaller, with the long hood and passenger compartment located practically on the rear wheels, with minimal overhangs and a rear weight distribution studied in relation dell’handling. The body is a composite fiber, and each component has been designed from scratch to not put limits on the creativity of the technicians and get the best possible results, when performance and efficiency.

The aluminum frame houses the battery pack along the axis of the wheels to optimize the center of gravity, while the engines are positioned on the same axis and can work independently to act as a torque vectoring system, maximizing traction. By integrating the structure of a protective roll bar behind the seats, the front pillars have been reduced in thickness, making it particularly easy visibility, despite the high waist line. The seats, upholstered in leather and perforated suede gold, were literally carved into the rear bulkhead and through the control pedals and steering you can find the right driving position.

For the body you have chosen a specific color, similar to a liquid solidified with shades of blue hue echoed by the headlights and the fiber inserts carboio of alloy wheels. Fiber are also skirts, rear spoiler to the bottom of the rear bumper. The rear view mirrors have been replaced by miniature cameras, while the air vents under the headlights hide the links to the batteries.

Suzuki Swift S-Concept

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 03:46 PM PST

Suzuki will present at the Geneva Motor Swift S-Concept. Based on the new Swift, it is the sporty version, of which however were not for the time being informed of the technical content. The teaser at the common statement made shows a more aggressive front air inlets on the bumper and the lights with lights separate unpublished. According to earlier rumors, the recent agreements with Volkswagen may bring under the hood of this version of the 1.4 TSI 180 hp already seen on the Polo GTI, but expect the press conference in Switzerland to discover the details.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Posted: 10 Feb 2011 03:40 PM PST

Chevrolet at the show in Chicago the ZL1 Camaro, the sports version of the much awaited for many months we waited with the Z28 designation. Camaro is the most powerful in history, thanks to the LSA 6.2-liter aluminum engine with 4-lobe Eaton supercharger capable of 550 hp and 677 Nm of torque, paired with a manual 6-speed Tremec TR-6060 clutch and dual disc clutches tight limited slip differential and exhaust valves with choking. Pending approval, and the last test, Chevrolet has not released any data for the time official on the performance of the ZL1. The aerodynamics have been revised, in accordance with requirements of the engine, a new front bumper with larger air intakes and engine cover with carbon fiber inserts and air vents.


Among the most important technical details, to signal to the electronically controlled suspension Magnetic Ride Control, the new electric power steering pump does not absorb power from the engine, Brembo brakes with front discs and 370 mm 6-piston front calipers and discs of 365 mm with 4-piston rear. Also new are forged aluminum alloy wheels 20 “with Goodyear Supercar F2 developed specifically for this release. Inside, which will be available only in black, stand out in leather and microfiber sports seats, new steering wheel and aluminum pedals, head-up display and unpublished secondary instruments, including measuring the boost pressure. Series will be offered a Bosto Acoustic sound system with Bluetooth and USB connection, parking sensors and rearview camera with built-in display in the rearview mirror.

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