Sunday, September 9, 2007
AC Schnitzer GP3.10: Gas Powered and Manic!
Click on images to enlarge
Having boosted, tuned and dressed up BMWs over the good part of 20 years, AC Schnitzer will present a gas (LNG) powered GP3.10 super 3-series coupe (E92). Equipped with a modified version of the BMW M5/M6’s 5.0L V10, the engine – which can also burn petrol - produces 552hp (+45hp vs standard M5/M6) and kicks out 540Nm of maximum torque. When it alternatively uses LNG (which is significantly cheaper than petrol) the V10 spews about 15% lesser CO2. Yet, imagine lining up with LNG-powered taxis in Malaysia - for the limited gas refuelling island(s) - at only certain fuel-filling stations!
Under the ventilated hood lies BMW’s award-winning V10 engine additionally equipped with sequential LPG system consisting of two parallel 5-cylinder vaporizers. Impressively, there's no loss of power and its delivery dynamics, with sprinting to 100 km/h in 4.5secs, and the 200km/h attained in just 13.9secs! It will spurt all the way to 320km/h if you’ve got the gall and mental strength. Racing suspension from Aachen sharpens stability and handling in view of the massive power and torque hike. Just as important, brakes are uprated too: 8-pot fixed calliper brakes with perforated vented discs of 374mm x 36mm up front, while the rear axle gets a 4-pot brake system with 350mm x 24mm rotors.
The rear styling with its bulbous-concave contours, the rear skirt with integral diffuser and the rear roof wing with carbon centre part are muscular and menacing. Just as aesthetically aggressive is the distinctive front skirt with coarse-mesh sports grille lining the massive air dam. Equally jaw-dropping is the racing rims Type VI, also by Aachen which combines the classic Y-spoke appearance with five striking hollow spokes, both items in different shades.
Having boosted, tuned and dressed up BMWs over the good part of 20 years, AC Schnitzer will present a gas (LNG) powered GP3.10 super 3-series coupe (E92). Equipped with a modified version of the BMW M5/M6’s 5.0L V10, the engine – which can also burn petrol - produces 552hp (+45hp vs standard M5/M6) and kicks out 540Nm of maximum torque. When it alternatively uses LNG (which is significantly cheaper than petrol) the V10 spews about 15% lesser CO2. Yet, imagine lining up with LNG-powered taxis in Malaysia - for the limited gas refuelling island(s) - at only certain fuel-filling stations!
Under the ventilated hood lies BMW’s award-winning V10 engine additionally equipped with sequential LPG system consisting of two parallel 5-cylinder vaporizers. Impressively, there's no loss of power and its delivery dynamics, with sprinting to 100 km/h in 4.5secs, and the 200km/h attained in just 13.9secs! It will spurt all the way to 320km/h if you’ve got the gall and mental strength. Racing suspension from Aachen sharpens stability and handling in view of the massive power and torque hike. Just as important, brakes are uprated too: 8-pot fixed calliper brakes with perforated vented discs of 374mm x 36mm up front, while the rear axle gets a 4-pot brake system with 350mm x 24mm rotors.
The rear styling with its bulbous-concave contours, the rear skirt with integral diffuser and the rear roof wing with carbon centre part are muscular and menacing. Just as aesthetically aggressive is the distinctive front skirt with coarse-mesh sports grille lining the massive air dam. Equally jaw-dropping is the racing rims Type VI, also by Aachen which combines the classic Y-spoke appearance with five striking hollow spokes, both items in different shades. 
At a glance: AC Schnitzer GP3.10
Maximum power output: 552hp @ 8000rpm
Maximum torque: 540Nm @ 6200rpm
0 - 100 km/h = 4.5secs
0 - 200 km/h = 13.9secs
Top speed = 320km/h
Maximum torque: 540Nm @ 6200rpm
0 - 100 km/h = 4.5secs
0 - 200 km/h = 13.9secs
Top speed = 320km/h
Friday, September 7, 2007
All-New Mazda6 Sedan, Wagon and Liftback for 2008
Click on images to enlarge
The all-new Mazda6 which Mazda Motor Co. will unveil at the Frankfurt International Motorshow 2007 looks to be sporty and lithe, and is expected to have shed some kerb weight thus claimed to be more fuel efficient along with lower CO2 emission. No power figures are available at posting time. However, the scooped images revealed that the all-new Mazda6 will be offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon and liftback variants.
The all-new Mazda6 which Mazda Motor Co. will unveil at the Frankfurt International Motorshow 2007 looks to be sporty and lithe, and is expected to have shed some kerb weight thus claimed to be more fuel efficient along with lower CO2 emission. No power figures are available at posting time. However, the scooped images revealed that the all-new Mazda6 will be offered in 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon and liftback variants.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
New 2008 Jaguar XF
Sporting a coupe-like profile but fitted with 4 doors, the XF is a four-door Jaguar that fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and comfort of a luxury saloon.
Click on images to enlarge
The new XF will be available with a choice of four engines, all featuring Jaguar's six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted 'paddles' for manual gear selection (JaguarSequential Shift):
- 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbocharged diesel: 0-100kph in 8.2secs and a top speed of 230km/h
- 3.0-litre V6 petrol: 0-100kph in 8.3secs and a top speed of 238km/h
- 4.2 V8 petrol: 0-100kph in 6.5 secs and will top out at an electronically limited 250km/h
- 4.2 Supercharged V8 petrol: 0-100kph in 5.4 secs with a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.
Jaguar craftsmanship adopts a sharp new edge on the XF. Sophisticated instrumentation, a Touch-screen, modern materials and graphics complement new 'surprise and delight' features. Upon entry into the XF, the start button pulses red, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive Selector rises into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn from their flush, 'parked' position to their functional open position.
Click on images to enlarge
The new XF will be available with a choice of four engines, all featuring Jaguar's six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted 'paddles' for manual gear selection (JaguarSequential Shift):- 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbocharged diesel: 0-100kph in 8.2secs and a top speed of 230km/h
- 3.0-litre V6 petrol: 0-100kph in 8.3secs and a top speed of 238km/h
- 4.2 V8 petrol: 0-100kph in 6.5 secs and will top out at an electronically limited 250km/h
- 4.2 Supercharged V8 petrol: 0-100kph in 5.4 secs with a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.
Jaguar craftsmanship adopts a sharp new edge on the XF. Sophisticated instrumentation, a Touch-screen, modern materials and graphics complement new 'surprise and delight' features. Upon entry into the XF, the start button pulses red, like a heartbeat. Start the engine and the JaguarDrive Selector rises into the palm of the hand, while rotating vents turn from their flush, 'parked' position to their functional open position.
Key driving aids on the XF include Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Anti-lock Braking System, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, and Engine Drag Torque Control. And, for the first time in a Jaguar, Understeer Control Logic which decelerates the car and helps to restore grip to the front wheels when required.
There are three levels of audio system, all controlled through the Touch-screen. The top-of-the-range Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) 440w Premium Sound System option offers extraordinary clarity and faithful sound reproduction. Designed and tuned for the XF by Bowers & Wilkins, the surround-sound system delivers a powerful and vivid performance.
Boot capacity is a generous 540 litres despite the swoopy profile.
Fans of the luxury marque will be able to get their hands on this sleek and sporty 4-door coupe beginning March 2008 in Europe with other world markets to follow later.
To view video footage:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/09/new-2008-jaguar-xf-video.html
Monday, September 3, 2007
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate
Click on images to enlarge
Stationwagon or estate version has always been about versatility and space. The new W204 C-Class Estate is no exception. Luggage space is a respectable 485litre with rear bench upright while a maximum of 1500litres is available for extreme load lugging, with all back seats folded down.
Powerplants offered will be the same as the C-Class Sedan, with the usual 4-cylinder Kompressor and V6 petrol, as well as CDI (turbodiesels). The top-of-the-bunch will be the 2008 C63 AMG Estate which will house the AMG hand-built V8 engine with 457hp.
Stationwagon or estate version has always been about versatility and space. The new W204 C-Class Estate is no exception. Luggage space is a respectable 485litre with rear bench upright while a maximum of 1500litres is available for extreme load lugging, with all back seats folded down.
Powerplants offered will be the same as the C-Class Sedan, with the usual 4-cylinder Kompressor and V6 petrol, as well as CDI (turbodiesels). The top-of-the-bunch will be the 2008 C63 AMG Estate which will house the AMG hand-built V8 engine with 457hp.
European sales will begin sometime mid-September following its debut at Frankfurt International Motor Show 2007. Don’t expect to see this new C-Class variant in Malaysia anytime soon since estates are not popularly accepted by our motoring public. That said, we may see an occasional grey/ reconditioned import in say, maybe 2010 or thereafter.
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