Things have been heating up with recent debates and talks about auto manufacturers in Ok buddy, we understand your anger, but was it really worth the possible misdemeanor charges, 6 months in prison and a $1,000 bail? We think not! Whatever happened to good old fashioned pot banging and picketing in front of the
Posted by Dani
Technorati: auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
Our second post on Porsche today reveals the upcoming 997 Turbo Cabriolet caught red-handed without a trace of camouflage. Like its Coupe counterpart, the rich-boy-toy rag-top will be equipped with Porsche’s twin turbocharged 3.6-liter, 6cylinder boxer that boasts an output of 480Hp. Expect the 997 Turbo Cabriolet to make its public debut at the Frankfurt Show in September which means we’ll probably have the first official pics in mid-summer. Via:Autoblog.nl , Source:RS6
Technorati: Porsche+911+Turbo+Cabriolet, 997, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
Infiniti just came out with the official press release of its 
PRESS RELEASE
INFINITI EX CONCEPT FEATURES COUPE-INSPIRED SUV DESIGN, WORLD DEBUT OF TWO ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
– Stylish Design Concept Previews New Infiniti Production Crossover SUV –
The Infiniti EX Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, follows in the tradition of previous Infiniti design studies with its combination of seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems – including an advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system. And, like many of the Infiniti concepts that have come before, the new EX Concept is a very real preview of an upcoming production vehicle – the 2008 Infiniti EX crossover SUV.
“The Infiniti FX, M and most recently the new 2008 G Coupe, can all trace their evolution from show stoppers to Infiniti showrooms in a short period of time,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With this stunning EX Concept, we’re pleased to announce that along with the basic exterior and interior designs, the production Infiniti EX will include much of the EX Concept’s innovative technology, including the Around View Monitor and Lane Departure Prevention.”
Coupe-Inspired Exterior
The EX Concept’s sculpted elegance expresses a timeless appeal – sleek lines that portray speed, grace and finesse. Its layout combines the look and feel of a luxury coupe – including short front and rear overhangs – and the ample interior roominess, optimised seating height and luggage space of an SUV.
“The EX Concept is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a high-utility SUV,” said Igo. “Its ‘right-sized’ packaging gives it excellent around town manoeuvrability, while the wide rear hatch and low load floor make it a versatile performer for everyday and weekend use.”
The EX Concept exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including the double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile. The exterior also features a high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler.
Special features created especially for the EX Concept are the all-in-one sash-style side door mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and electric outside door handles with push switches. The EX Concept also includes paint and 19-inch 7-spoke aluminium alloy wheels mounted with 245/55R19 tyres.
The most striking exterior design element of the EX Concept is its dramatic liquid crystal full-length glass roof panel that is able to change from transparent to translucent via input from a special touch sensor system.
“The EX Concept’s glass roof technology is a fascinating study in how technology can be utilised to change the entire interior atmosphere of a vehicle by adding or subtracting not just light, but the occupants’ view of the outside world,” said Igo.
Elegant Interior Design
Like all Infiniti vehicles, the EX Concept is conceived to offer a reinvigorating and engaging interior environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiring. The “wave-inspired” cabin layout is focused on the driver, with easy-to-read high-contrast gauges with violet-colour illumination and an electric soft-touch shifter system.
The EX Concept’s rich, leather-appointed and aluminum-alloy trimmed interior also offers plenty of passenger luxury – with deep, supportive seats and an ambient lighting system that includes special indirect headrest illumination.
A large, leather-appointed centre console box provides utility for driver and front passenger, while the instrument panel includes a wide LCD monitor and signature Infiniti analogue clock. The advanced audio system includes aluminium speaker finishers, matching the door-side trim. The roomy rear cargo area combines function with design with its aluminum-alloy flooring with luggage rails.
“The EX Concept’s interior is all about driving pleasure and passenger comfort,” said Igo. “Like the exterior, it offers a coupe-like feel but surprising utility – ideal for today’s active lifestyles.”
Advanced Platform and Powertrain
Under the EX Concept’s dramatic body is an equally advanced platform and powertrain based on the latest Infiniti production hardware. Its advanced FM platform provides the same high levels of handling precision and balance as it does for the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe and
The EX Concept is powered by a V6 engine, coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The EX Concept also includes an all-wheel drive system.
The World Debut of Two New Technologies
The EX Concept’s advanced technology design is highlighted by two systems that are expected to be the first production versions in the world when the new Infiniti EX goes on sale in
The Infiniti Around View Monitor utilises small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle – helping reduce blind spots when parking.
“Conventional mirrors, no matter how carefully you use them, just can’t provide a view around the vehicle that the Around View Monitor’s four-camera system does,” said Igo. “Rear bumper sonar systems help detect objects behind a vehicle, but again they can’t give the view of the space around the vehicle that the AVM does.”
The Lane Departure Prevention system builds on the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system that is currently available on the Infiniti FX and M. Rather than just use an audible/visual warning system to alert the driver of unintentional vehicle movement outside the designated lane, the LDP system uses the vehicle’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift outside of the lane.
Both Lane Departure Prevention and the LDW systems use a small camera installed behind the windscreen to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle and calculate its position relative to lane markers and warn the driver of lane drift (pending lane change without use of the turn signal) with a visual display and audible buzzer.
If the driver does not return the vehicle in the direction of the centre of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver by using gentle control (generating part of the necessary yaw movement), using the VDC’s brake actuator to control the brake pressure of each individual wheel to generate the intended movement..
“Infiniti has taken a leadership position in offering the first production Lane Departure Warning systems for production vehicles. We’re now poised to take the next big step with the upcoming EX’s Lane Departure Prevention system,” said Igo. “We’re confident that the production Infiniti EX will be just as stylish, dramatic, luxurious and innovative as this EX Concept show vehicle. The line continues to be drawn.”
The Infiniti EX Concept was created at the
About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G sports coupe and sedan, the M luxury performance sedan, FX premium crossover SUV, and the QX full-size luxury SUV. More information about Infiniti and its total ownership experience can be found at www.Infiniti.com.
INFINITI EX CONCEPT
KEY DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Engine/Transmission V6 engine/5-speed automatic transmission
Platform FM (Front Mid-ship) platform
Drive Configuration Front engine/all-wheel drive
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
Suspension Subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminium-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers, stabiliser bar
Independent multi-link rear suspension with aluminium-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers, stabiliser bar
Steering Vehicle speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system
Brakes Power-assisted front and rear vented discs with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
Wheels/Tyres 19-inch 7-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels with 245/55R19 tyres
Wheelbase 112.0 inches/2800 mm
Length 185.2 inches/4630 mm
Width 72.0 inches/1800 mm
Height 63.2 inches/1575 mm
Seating Capacity 5 passengers
Select Technology
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, using a small camera mounted behind the windscreen and an advanced microprocessing unit, utilises the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift out of the lane; Around View Monitor (AVM) system with front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce the blind spots when parking; BluetoothÒ hands-free phone system
Select Exterior Features
Unique liquid crystal glass roof panel that can change from transparent to translucent; Infiniti signature double-arch grille and dynamic arch profile; Infiniti signature L-shaped headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights; thin, elegant LED taillights; all-in-one sash-style side door mirrors with integrated LED turn signals; electric outside door handles with push switches; high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler.
Select Interior Features
Driver-oriented, leather-appointed interior with luxurious passenger space; liquid crystal glass sunroof with touch sensor system control; Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel and Infiniti-signature analogue clock; high contrast instrumentation with aluminium-alloy bezel surround; electric soft-touch shifter system, designed for an artistic, jewel-like appearance; aluminium-alloy door-side finishers and speaker finish; oversize front and rear seat headrests with indirect lighting; special ambient mood lighting throughout the cabin; large-sized high-touch leather-appointed centre console; aluminium-alloy rear cargo area finisher with integrated luggage rails.
Technorati: Infiniti+EX+Concept, New+York+international+Auto+Show, NYIAS, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images
Technorati: Porsche+Panamera, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007
Mercedes AMG has released details on its top-buck CL65 AMG coupe prior to its Big Apple debut in a few days. The uber-alles CL features a 6,0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that delivers 612Hp and a whopping 1.000Nm of torque, capable of slinging the AMG from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4,4 sec while the 200-km/h (124mph) mark comes after 13.3 sec. As in all Mercedes’, Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155mph). Since the presentation of the CL65 AMG coincides with AMG’s 40th birthday, Mercedes decided to run a special limited edition of just 40 cars dubbed "40th Anniversary". The latter feature among others, a new type of paint finish called “Alubeam” that looks like liquid metal, or at least that’s what Mercedes says. Via: Jalopnik & Mercedes -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & a high-res image gallery
PRESS RELEASE: CL65 AMG: THE NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE COUPE
Also Available as "40th Anniversary" Limited Edition Model
Two special events make 2007 a particularly significant year for Mercedes-AMG: the arrival of a new top model - the CL65 AMG high-performance coupe with its 450 kW /612 hp V12 engine - which rounds off the unique AMG range and which also, in "40th Anniversary" limited edition guise, marks a special anniversary: the high-performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group (MCG) celebrates its 40th birthday in 2007.
Another dream car has joined the AMG model range in the form of the new CL65 AMG. The powerful AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine familiar from the S65 AMG and SL65 AMG twelve-cylinder models delivers a truly impressive driving experience in the exclusive high-performance coupe. Its maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp and maximum torque of 1000 Newton meters are reflected in its outstanding performance data: the CL65 AMG attains 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reaches the 200-km/h mark in 13.3 seconds. Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
Standard features include AMG body styling, 20-inch AMG forged wheels, the unique AMG interior and highly advanced technology, such as AMG sports suspension, based on the Active Body Control system, and the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. The AMG high-performance brake system with new double-frame sliding calipers offers maximum deceleration without fading: under emergency braking from 100 km/h at the permissible gross vehicle weight, the CL65 AMG comes to a standstill in 35.6 meters; this represents a maximum deceleration of 11.1 m/s2.
"40th Anniversary" Edition with AMG Alubeam Paint Finish
In order to mark the 40th anniversary of Mercedes-AMG - the high-performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group - in suitably glittering style, the CL65 AMG is also being offered as a "40th Anniversary" limited edition model. A new type of paint finish reflects the special status of this exclusive version, which is restricted to just 40 vehicles for the whole world. This exceptional AMG coupe is the very first series-production Mercedes to feature AMG Alubeam, a unique paint finish which has previously only been seen on a handful of Mercedes show cars.
A world first, this new process causes the paint to gleam like liquid metal. The color, which seems to be stretched over the vehicle body like a metallic skin, emphasizes the compelling lines of the large Mercedes coupe more effectively than any other paint finish while the light plays on them in a way calculated to make them even more vivid. This is made possible by the use of pigment particles which measure just 30 to 50 nanometers and are therefore able to be incorporated in the surface of the paint much more evenly. As a result, the light is reflected much more intensively and the luster of the paintwork is enhanced. To put this into perspective, conventional paintwork pigments measure between 100 and 300 nanometers.
This fine pigment structure calls for a perfect body surface which the Mercedes experts achieve by means of an elaborate preparatory process before the actual painting stage. It goes without saying that AMG Alubeam also has a clear coat with enhanced scratch resistance which offers greater protection from environmental influences.
Superb Interior Ambience with Special Appointments
The superbly styled interior also makes an impressive statement: the CL65 AMG "40th Anniversary" features two-tone EXCLUSIVE PASSION all-Nappa-leather upholstery with a diamond pattern, a color-coordinated Alcantara roof lining and embossed V12 logos on the front head restraints. The airbag unit of the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel is also finished in Nappa leather. High-quality trim elements made from genuine carbon add a decidedly sporty touch.
The "40th Anniversary" lettering on the center console confirms the exceptional character of the new coupe and at the same time serves as a reminder of the incomparable history of AMG. Further evidence of the car's highly exclusive status is provided by the "ONE OUT OF 40" badge on the hand rest of the COMAND controller.
Designed by the specialists of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, which was set up in 2006, the "40th Anniversary" CL65 AMG belongs to the exclusive "Editions" category of vehicles whose distinctive look and feel differentiate them from the series-production models and give them their special appeal.
V12 Biturbo Engine: Dynamic Performance at the Highest Level
The highest level of performance is guaranteed by the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine with its displacement of 5,980 cc: its maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp is maintained between 4800 and 5100 rpm while the maximum torque of 1000
Key Data for the CL65 AMG at a Glance:
Cylinder arrangement / valves per cylinder: V12/3
Displacement cc: 5,980
Bore x stroke mm: 82.6 x 93.0
Compression ratio: 9.0 : 1
Output kW/hp @ rpm: 450/612 @ 4,800-5,100
Max. torque Nm @ rpm: 1000* (738 lb-ft) @ 2,000 - 4,000
Acceleration 0-100 km/h in seconds: 4.4
Top speed in km/h: 250* (155 mph)
* Electronically governed
The twelve-cylinder biturbo engine of the CL65 AMG features the very latest technology from the world of motorsports. Highly resilient components and materials guarantee consistently high power and torque levels, even at extreme operating temperatures. A case in point is the charge-air cooling system which uses an air/water heat exchanger and a particularly large low-temperature radiator at the front of the vehicle. The maximum charge pressure is 1.3 bar.
The characteristic AMG twelve-cylinder sound is ensured by the AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chromed V12-design tailpipes. Catalytic converters with tri-metallic coating provide a faster response from a cold start, more efficient exhaust-gas aftertreatment and a longer service life. The CL65 AMG complies with the EU 4 emissions standard as well as specific requirements of the
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-Speed Auto with Steering-Wheel Shift Paddles
The drive power of the new CL65 AMG is transmitted to the wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift. An "S/C/M" mode button in the center console allows the driver to choose between the "Sport", "Comfort" and "Manual" driving programs. As well as changing the transmission characteristics, these modify the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control. Gears can also be shifted manually at any time by means of the silver-colored aluminum shift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.
AMG Sport Suspension Based on Active Body Control
The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control reduces almost all of the body movements that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. The CL65 AMG negotiates bends of every type with a greatly reduced roll angle while body roll during fast avoiding maneuvers is effectively suppressed. In this way, the AMG V12 coupe not only opens up new dimensions of dynamic handling, but also offers noticeably enhanced comfort.
AMG High-Performance Brakes with Innovative Twin Sliding Calipers
The polished 20-inch AMG twin-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey also contribute to the superb roadholding of the CL65 AMG. At the front, the 8.5-inch-wide wheels are fitted with 255/35 ZR 20 tires, while 275/35 ZR 20 tires equip the 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear. With their filigree spokes, they offer tantalizing views of a brake system, the like of which is not to be found in any other manufacturer's products. The system in question is the AMG high-performance brake system which sets new standards for stopping power, sensitivity and resistance to fading. In keeping with the innovative approach typical of AMG, the front brakes of the CL65 AMG are equipped with twin sliding calipers. A world first, this new technology combines the advantages of a floating-caliper brake - lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly enhanced comfort as a result of the way the brake pads are located - with the performance of a large fixed-caliper brake.
At the rear, braking is handled by a large frame-type sliding caliper. Composite blind-drilled brake discs at the front and rear with respective diameters of 390 and 365 millimeters ensure the shortest stopping distances, excellent resistance to fading and outstanding sensitivity. Under emergency braking from 100 km/h at the permissible gross vehicle weight, the CL65 AMG comes to a standstill in 35.6 meters; this represents a maximum deceleration of 11.1 m/s2. Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, the electronically controlled dual-circuit hydraulic brake system supports numerous driver assistance functions - such as the PRE‑SAFEâ Brake system, Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS - for even greater safety and comfort.
AMG Body Styling: Powerful and Elegant Design
The advanced technology of the CL65 AMG is complemented perfectly by the vehicle's powerful, elegant and dynamic design idiom. The AMG body styling and the self-assured lines of the large Mercedes coupe make a superbly cohesive formal statement. Large air intakes, side air outlets and round fog lamps with chrome surrounds dominate the front, as do the special AMG radiator grille with two horizontal chrome louvers and the darkened bi-xenon headlamps. Distinctive side skirts and "V12 BITURBO" lettering enhance the sides while the two twin chromed V12-design tailpipes and the muscular rear apron with its black diffuser insert make the rear of the vehicle particularly eye-catching.
Interior: Dynamic Style and the Finest Materials
Inside, too, the V12 top model impresses with its dynamic style and its use of the finest materials: the AMG sports seats have a special upholstery pattern as well as both multicontour and massage functionality; the EXCLUSIVE PASSION Nappa leather upholstery has a new diamond pattern. All four seats feature metal AMG badges. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel has a specially sculpted rim and silver-colored AMG aluminum gearshift paddles. Integrated in the AMG instrument cluster (which is calibrated up to 360 km/h and features "V12 BITURBO" lettering), the AMG main menu shows the currently selected gear and recommends when to shift up to the next gear. It also allows the driver to choose between viewing the engine oil temperature or the battery voltage as well as the "RACETIMER". Using the latter, the driver can measure lap times - when driving on a private race circuit, for example. A particularly notable highlight of the interior is the IWC-design analogue clock. Fine poplar wood trim elements as well as AMG door sills and the AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel complete the picture.
Today’s… cabriolet rendering is based on Fiat’s all-new compact hatch, the Bravo. To tell you the truth, we haven’t heard of on any future plans for an open-top Bravo but you have to admit that it sounds quite interesting. Infomotori’s proposition doesn’t specify whether the Cabriolet will have a soft-top or a retractable hardtop, but if Fiat where to create such a version I’d bet it would get the second. Via: Infomotori
Technorati: Fiat+Bravo, Cabrio, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures,
I hate to break it out to you but from the looks of it, there’s no hope whatsoever that the first set of scanned pictures we saw a couple of days ago might have been “chops”. First there’s a new set of official pics that Edmunds discovered… lying around the net with the quote: “Original photo source unknown” and second, we found a new scanned image from Motortrend Magazine, informing us that, “The MT video crew tagged along on our exclusive (…) photo shoot and scored behind-the-scenes loo at the new WRX”.To be honest I’ve been left speechless with the Impreza hatch’s looks. What the heck where they thinking about when they designed the car? Even Kia's look better (or rather much better) than this dull-ugly duckling. At least from what we’ve heard they haven’t mucked around with the mechanics with the WRX getting a slightly uprated version of the current 225Hp 2.5-liter boxer engine. Via: Straightline
Technorati: Subaru+Impreza+WRX, New+York+International+Auto+Show, NYIAS, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures
