Monday, July 31, 2006

Subaru - Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B ModelThe Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B is available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission and, like all Subaru models, features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. Like the Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models, the Legacy spec.B built a loyal following in Japan and Europe before coming to the United States. As it did with the WRX and WRX STI models, Subaru designed a version of the Legacy spec.B specially tailored for U.S. customers.
MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACEThe taut suspension of the Legacy 2.5 GT Limited has been thoroughly revised for even sharper response and greater road feel in the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B. The exclusive Bilstein Sport Suspension equips the Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B model with performance-tuned shock absorbers for flatter cornering response. Subaru engineers also replaced the MacPherson strut front suspension with an inverted strut configuration similar to that in the rally-bred Impreza WRX STI, including aluminum-alloy lower control arms. The multi-link rear suspension gains aluminum-alloy rear arms and upper links in place of cast-iron pieces to reduce unsprung weight (and thereby enhance handling response). Finally, the 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 215/45 R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer performance tires.

Friday, July 28, 2006

With the E46 M3 on its way out, it is the end of perhaps the best sports coupe ever built. BMW emphasized world-class handling with one of the best engines in the world to create a relatively affordable and useful sports sedan. The last model built was the M3 Competition, a watered-down version of the CSL built for Europe. While still a great car, it was a second-rate offering to U.S. BMW fans who were left envious of the more extreme versions available elsewhere in the world. Fortunately, M3 owners have plenty of options to enhance the performance and appearance of their cars. Sam Weinberger of Sherman Oaks, CA decided to take that option with his charcoal gray 2002 M3.
Weinberger had a specific mission when building his car. With the exception of a few subtle appearance changes, all of his modifications serve the specific purpose to enhance the performance of the car. The car is a daily driver, so the bells and whistles that go into a show car are forgotten. The interior is left stock, and no heavy stereo system was added. In fact, Weinberger plans to take out some of the material in the trunk and replace the rear deck lid with a carbonfiber piece. The only big piece of bodywork currently added is an AC Schnitzer carbonfiber front lip spoiler.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Mercedes-AMG GmbH is consolidating its activities. And with the AMG Performance Studio, the company is starting a new initiative to appeal to customers with very special wishes. In addition to the AMG high performance cars, which are available through the worldwide Mercedes-Benz sales organisation, the Performance Studio develops and produces special AMG vehicles in exclusive, limited quantities. Offered as the Signature Series, Black Series and Editions, the unique special models stand out by virtue of their outstanding handling, motorsport performance, technical and visual distinctiveness and exclusive equipment features, depending on the vehicle type in question. The latest product from the AMG Performance Studio is the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, a purist’s lightweight version with a powerful AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine (294 kW/400 hp) and numerous components with technology borrowed from the world of motorsport. In addition to its focus on thrilling AMG vehicles, the Performance Studio satisfies the customers’ individual requests — a traditional strength of Mercedes-AMG. To meet this demand, the Performance Studio team makes very specific technical modifications including AMG sports chassis, AMG high-performance brakes, AMG wheel/tyre combinations, limited-slip differentials and customised interior features, as well as unique, made-to-order models.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

For the new CL-Class, the ultimate luxury coupé, Mercedes-AMG has now developed two AMG optional extras: a powerful AMG bodystyling package and expressive 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with mixed-width tyres. These distinctive AMG components are available for both engine versions. The AMG bodystyling for the new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class comprises a front and rear apron and side skirts. The redesigned front bumper with enlarged air intakes and chrome-ringed circular fog lamps is lithe and athletic in appearance. Typical AMG styling, with two slanted struts and a smooth transition to the prominent wheel arches, gives a strong air of confidence and emphasises the sense of width.

Friday, July 14, 2006

The Brabus Rocket, built in small-series production based on the Mercedes CLS series, is the world's fastest sedan.
The heart of the new record car is the twin-turbo V12 engine from the latest Mercedes 600 models. It was fitted into the tight confines of the four-door with almost surgical precision. BRABUS increases displacement to 6,233 ccm with a special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and forged pistons. In addition the engine is extensively modified internally: Airflow in both intake and outlet manifolds of both cylinder heads is optimized and sport camshafts are installed.
The Brabus engine specialists further equip the engine with custom-developed larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four exhaust pipes and low back-pressure metal catalysts.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

2007 Jaguar XKR

With the much-admired new XK already considered a future design classic, Jaguar’s creative team, led by Ian Callum, had a great starting point from which to produce the XKR. The XK range’s elegant form draws on the lineage of the original XK and E-Type sports cars, and by blending this unmistakeable Jaguar silhouette with contemporary flair, its exterior forms a stunning blend of elegance, athleticism and definition. The XKR takes now this athletic look one stage further thanks to the addition of:
New XKR front bumper with color-keyed finish to unique front fog lamp housings
Aluminum side power vent finish
Hood vents and unique ‘XKR’ aluminum finish to upper and lower front mesh grilles
Aluminum finish to rear signature ‘blade’ and selected exterior brightwork finishers
Unique ‘Jupiter’ design 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 20-inch ‘Cremona’ XKR wheel available as an option
Black brake callipers with ‘R’ logo
Quad exhaust system and unique lower bumper
‘R’ rear badge

The new XK’s interior design has been just as highly praised and the XKR’s cabin represents arguably the most sophisticated yet driver-focussed environment of any car in its class. The XKR has class-leading ergonomics, user-friendly in-car technology and simple, clear information displays in the instrument panel and main dashboard area. A unique sports seat design with additional lateral support for both the driver and front seat passenger has been added, with an ‘R’ badge on the headrests, tachometer, steering wheel and gear selector. The design of the standard aluminum interior veneer is also unique to the XKR, featuring a ‘weave’ pattern from the Advanced Lightweight Coupe showcar.