Brand new video showing the début of Porsche’s 991 at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Porsche also asks two racing legends – Walter Rohrl and Jacky Ickx – for their thoughts on the all new model. (more…)
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Facelifted Audi RS 5 Coupé unveiled
Audi’s monster, quattro-equipped RS 5 Coupé has been brought up to date, in line with the rest of the A5 range, by receiving its 2012 facelift.Retaining its V8 unit, the 4.2 FSI churns out 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm, and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm, equating to an impressive figure of 108.1 hp per litre. 100 km/h (62 mph) appears in just 4.6 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250 kmh (155 mph), although Audi will increase that to 280 km/h (174 mph) – if you ask them very nicely. The seven-speed S tronic transmission comes as standard, and, not only does it offer lightning-quick shifts, but that extra-long seventh cog results in lower engine revs while cruising on the motorway at high speed, meaning less fuel stops.
The Audi drive select driving dynamics system allows the driver to select between three preset modes – comfort, auto and dynamic – all bringing different characteristics to the steering, transmission and the accelerator. For cars specified with the MMI navigation system, the driver can program their own fourth mode – allowing them to tailor the RS 5’s personality to suit them, perfectly.
[Source: Audi]
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DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé launched in Frankfurt
Even though Ralf Schumacher is a Mercedes DTM driver, for some reason the company chose ‘F1 superstars’ Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg to unveil its 2012-spec C-Class Coupé DTM car in Frankfurt today.Mercedes is following in the footsteps of Audi and BMW by choosing to base its DTM car on a Coupé model, rather than the current C-Class saloon.
The stunning Coupé is based around a carbon fibre monocoque with steel roll cage, and comes equipped with equipped with six – front, lateral and rear – energy-absorbing crash structures. The bonnet, doors, side panels and wings are all constructed from carbon fibre.
Power comes courtesy of a 4.0L V8 unit (fitted with two 28 mm air intake restrictors), which develops 500 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. Drive to the rear wheels is via a six-speed transmission with the driver enjoying the benefits of a pneumatically operated sequential gear shift, allowing split-second changes facilitated by the steering wheel-mounted flappy paddles.
Involved in DTM and ITC since 1988, Mercedes-Benz has secured an impressive 33 titles: nine in the drivers’ championship – five with Bernd Schneider, two with Klaus Ludwig, one with Gary Paffett and one also with Paul Di Resta – plus ten in the manufacturers’ championship.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
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Mercedes-Benz F125! Concept surfaces
Mercedes-Benz has revealed this stunning luxury saloon of the future, the Mercedes-Benz F125! Concept. Seen as a vision of how the 2025 CL-Class will have evolved, the gullwinged F125! is fuelled by hydrogen, and, due to integrated tanks within the body of the car, has a range of 1000 km (620 miles).Using a similar drive system to the one found in the SLS AMG E-CELL, the F125! gets its drive from four powerful motors, which generate a total continuous output of 170 kW (231 hp) and a peak output of 230 kW (313 hp). This translates to an impressive 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 220 km/h (136 mph).
The bodyshell is a lightweight hybrid construction, manufactured largely from fibre-reinforced plastics, with a mix of carbon-fibre, aluminium and steel, allowing a drastic weight reduction. And, such is the car’s strength, that the omission of B-pillars is achievable, leading the way for extra wide CRP gullwing doors – which can be opened by hand or hand-gesture – allowing instant access to all four seats.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
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Volkswagen reveals its Polo R WRC
Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the first drivable prototype of its Polo R WRC, the car that will eventually lead to the company’s involvement in the FIA World Rally Championship from 2013.Based on the popular Polo model, the rally machine is powered by a tuned version of the 1.6-litre TSI engine delivering around 300 HP and 350 Newton metres of torque. This unit falls perfectly within new downsizing engine regulations that will be introduced this year. For the first time, units with a maximum displacement of 1,600 cc, direct injection and turbochargers are prescribed.
For Kris Nissen and his team, it’s not all about developing the car, but also finding the right team line-up. Hence, a selection of young drivers have been competing in various rallies – driving a 270 hp Škoda Fabia S2000 SWRC car – in the hope of securing a Polo seat in 2013.
“It would be great if we could find a new Walter Röhrl or Michèle Mouton using this approach,” said the Volkswagen Motorsport Director.
[Source: Volkswagen Motorsport]
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Carlsson CK63 RS
Merzig-based Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist, Carlsson, is offering a new program for the CLS 63 AMG, labelled the CK63 RS. Thanks to the company’s Performance Package and the addition of a new stainless steel sports exhaust, output from the V8 bi-turbo engine jumps from 557 hp (410 kW) and 800 Nm of torque to 649 hp (477 kW) and 900 Nm. Carlsson also caters for owners of the CLS 500. Its CK 50 kit offers an upgrade from 408 hp (300 kW) and 600 Nm to 475 hp (349 kW) and 687 Nm.Visually, the CLS benefits from a complete aerodynamic package with carbon components, including a front spoiler and lip, a subtle boot lid spoiler and RS diffuser. The front grille inserts are stainless steel – painted black. The 1/10 ultra light forged wheels are 40 percent lighter than the factory rims; they can be specified up to 20 inch diameter and are available in three different finishes: Brilliant Edition, Graphite Edition and Titanium Edition. Behind them lies Carlsson’s C-Tronic intelligent suspension system, which not only lowers the CLS by 30 mm, but because it is linked to the car’s data communication system, can monitor road speeds and surfaces before adjusting itself accordingly for optimum performance – every 150 milliseconds.
Inside, Carlsson fits out the cabin with Nappa leather, and contrasting carbon inserts elsewhere – including the door panels, dashboard and centre console. The company’s logo is attached to several items, including the velour floor mats, sill plates and head rests.
[Source: Carlsson]
