2012 MINI Cooper London Edition【Video】

England long jump champion and London 2012 hopeful J.J. Jegede today succeeded in his attempt to jump over the roofs of three cars at the launch of the MINI London 2012 Edition Models.

Built to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games, the London Edition is available in three colors (Chilli Red, White Silver and Lightning Blue) and features a Union Jack hood stripe, a white roof (with the 2012 Olympic logo) and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the car gets even London-ier with a full London skyline etched on the dashboard. The black 'lounge leather' seats feature white piping and red and blue stitching. The patriotic seats are completed with London 2012 logo and Union Jack-piped headrests. The hand brake, gear stick gaiter and floor mats also get colored stitching.

Prices start at £17,800 for the MINI Cooper and rise to £20,860 for the MINI Cooper SD. The order book is now open with deliveries planned for March 2012.






Press Release

MINI LONDON 2012 EDITION HITS THE STARTING BLOCKS

MINI, official partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, has unveiled its new London 2012 special, limited edition models to celebrate the monumental London 2012 Olympic Games.

There will be just 2,012 of these special edition models built, which are available in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD trims and come in the Union Jack themed colours; Chilli Red, White Silver or Lightning Blue. All models boast white mirror caps and a white roof featuring the iconic London 2012 Olympic graphic.

The exterior also features a distinctive Union Jack single sport stripe which runs over the bonnet, roof and rear tailgate of the car. The side scuttles also bear the London 2012 Olympic graphic. To finish off the dynamic look, the MINI London 2012 edition features unique grey 17-inch conical spoke alloy wheels - unavailable on any other MINI model.

Inside, the most striking feature is the London skyline, beautifully etched across the width of the piano-black dashboard. Silhouetting some of London's most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Battersea Power Station and the London Eye, the dashboard also displays the words "London 1 of 2012".

The London 2012 inspiration continues with red and blue stitching twined with white piping on both the front and rear Black ‘Lounge Leather' upholstery. The headrests complement the theme with Union Jack piping and a London 2012 logo is stitched on the inner edge of both front seats. Coloured stitching also features on the hand brake, gear stick gaiter and floor mats which also have piping.

All London 2012 special edition models come packed with a bundle of extra options like Lounge Leather sports seats, DAB radio, air conditioning, cruise control and chrome interior touches. MINIMALISM technology* also comes as standard; helping to make the 99g/km CO2 emitting Cooper D models exempt from London Congestion Charging.

As well as fuel sipping mpg figures and low CO2 emissions - MINI is one of the top five low CO2 car manufacturers** - drivers can enjoy the brand's trademark go-kart handling and charismatic personality in a truly patriotic driving experience.

To bag one of these must-have street accessories of 2012, the new MINI London 2012 Edition pre-sale list opens at today, with the new models hitting UK roads from March 2012. On the Road Prices for the MINI London 2012 Editions models are:

MINI Cooper Hatch £17,800
MINI Cooper D Hatch £19,080
MINI Cooper S Hatch £20,125
MINI Cooper SD Hatch £20,860

Kicherer Mercedes ML63 AMG Carbon

Kicherer unveiled their new tuning program for the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.

The German aftermarket developer used the Carbon Series designation. The car is covered in carbon fiber foil and has been given smoked taillights and dark tinted windows. The unit features 23-inch alloy rims, which have a five-spoke design.

The tuner has also played on the tech field,gifting the 6.2-liter V8 with an ECU remap and a stainless steel sport exhaust system.

Kicherer also fits an aero body kit, then covers the exterior in matte foil.

Inside, the cabin is elegantly appointed with carbon-leather, Alcantara upholstery.




Press Release

KICHERER ML63 "Carbon Series"

In addition to the black carbon foil, KICHERER gifts the ML63 AMG with a performance increase to 540 HP (397 kW), with a new maximum torque at a full 640 Nm. In addition to exciting acceleration values, this power also provides for a maximum speed far in excess of 250 km/h.

Additionally, a specially developed stainless steel sports exhaust system and a KICHERER PowerConverter were installed. With a carbon edition exterior package, the ML63 appears uni-coloured: All cover elements have been refined in the most exclusive foil currently available.

Gigantic 23 inch wheels rotate in the wheel cases of the luxurious sports SUV; combined with the electronic chassis adjustment, they achieve a much more sportive alignment, transferring the 540 HP power perfectly to the asphalt surface as well. For the passenger space, KICHERER offers a fine interior set in carbon-leather and alcantara.

2012 Porsche 911 officially launched at Frankfurt

Porsche has unveiled the 2012 911 (991) at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Arguably the biggest bit of news regarding the 2012 911 is its seven-speed manual transmission, available with both the 3.4-liter and 3.8-liter flat-six engines. That, combined with start/stop technology means the new 911 will be more efficient than ever, though its impressive output numbers (300 horsepower for the 3.4-liter mill, 400 hp for the 3.8) mean it'll still be an excellent enthusiast machine out on the road. Porsche claims 0-60 times of 4.4 seconds for the base Carrera and 4.1 seconds for the Carrera S.










Press Release

World premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show
The new Porsche 911 Carrera: Tradition meets modernity


Stuttgart. At 48, the Porsche 911 Carrera is younger than ever: The completely redesigned generation of the sports car icon is stepping into the limelight with its flat, stretched silhouette, exciting contours and precisely designed details, yet from the very first glance it remains unmistakably a 911. True to the 911 tradition, the distinctive Porsche design language with its tendons and muscles exudes power and elegance.

The 100 millimetre (~ 3.9 inches) longer wheelbase and reduced height combined with the up to 20-inch wheels underpin the athletic appearance. At the same time, the typical sports car compact exterior dimensions were retained. Seen from the front, the eye is drawn to the 911's trademark wide-arched wings. They emphasise the wider front track, so that the new 911 Carrera models sit even more solidly on the road. The remodelled exterior mirrors are accommodated on the upper edge of the door and not as before on the mirror triangle. Not only is this aerodynamically advantageous, it also emphasises the new design line and visual impression of width.

The all-new, lightweight body is an intelligent aluminium-steel construction. It is responsible for a significant proportion of the weight reduction of up to 45 kilograms. Combined with significantly greater rigidity. Aerodynamic optimisation - including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler - enabled the new 911 Carrera's lift to be reduced yet further while retaining a very good Cd value.

To complement the modern exterior design, the Porsche designers created an interior, the architecture of which takes its cue from the Porsche Carrera GT. The driver is now even more closely integrated with the cockpit thanks to the centre console rising up to the front with the high-mounted shift lever or gear selector located especially close to the steering wheel in typical motorsport fashion. Classic Porsche elements are also to be found inside, as they are on the outside: the instrument cluster with five round instruments - one of them a high resolution multifunction screen, the central rev counter and the ignition lock to the left of the steering wheel.

Setting the standard in its class, as it has for generations, the new 911 Carrera and Carrera S raise the performance and efficiency bar yet another notch. All versions get by with significantly less than ten litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (28 mpg imp.). Fuel consumption and emissions are up to 16 per cent lower compared with its predecessor. Among other things, this is achieved by systems and functions such as auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world's first seven-speed manual transmission and - in conjunction with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) - sailing as it is called. The new electro-mechanical power steering offers not only Porsche's typical precision and feedback but also helps to increase efficiency and reduce fuel-consumption.

For example, the 911 Carrera with the new 350 hp (~ 257 kW) 3.4-litre boxer engine and optional PDK consumes a mere 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres (~ 34 mpg imp.) based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) - 1.6 l/100 km (~ 6 mpg imp.) less than its predecessor. Also, at 194 g/km CO2, it is the first Porsche sports car to make it below the 200 g/km mark. With the 911 Carrera S as well, with its 3.8-litre boxer engine and what is now 400 hp (~ 294 kW), fuel consumption when paired with the optional PDK is reduced by 14 per cent or 1.5 l/100 km (~ 5 mpg imp.) to 8.7 l/100 km (~ 32 mpg imp.) despite 15 hp (~ 11 kW) more power. That equates to CO2 emissions of 205 g/km.

At the same time there are performance improvements in both models. The 911 Carrera S with PDK manages to accelerate from nought to 100 km/h (~ 62 mph) in 4.3 seconds. Pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono package cuts that to 4.1 seconds. The 911 Carrera with PDK needs only 4.6 seconds (Sport Plus 4.4 seconds) to sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h (~ 62 mph).

The new 911 doesn't just offer better longitudinal dynamics, however, but top performance at an unprecedented level in terms of transverse dynamics as well. In addition to the longer wheelbase, the greater agility, precision and driving stability are based, among other things, on the wider front track, the new rear axle and new electro-mechanical power steering. Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics. That is especially true for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. For example, the system reduces lateral inclination when cornering, the tyres always being in the optimal position relative to the road surface and able to transmit higher lateral forces. Maximum cornering speeds are increased; even faster lap times on racing circuits are possible.

It has therefore been possible in the new model to extend yet further the span of apparently contradictory attributes such as performance and efficiency, sportiness and everyday practicality that has always typified the Porsche 911. That makes the 911 Carrera more of a 911 than ever. The new Porsche 911 Carrera celebrates its world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. The launch of the new 911 models gets under way on 3 December 2011, the new cars can be orderd from September 1st. Prices in Germany are 88,038 euro for the 911 Carrera and 102,436 euro for the 911 Carrera S, including 19 per cent VAT and market-specific equipment.

2011 Frankfurt: Audi Urban Concept【Video】

Audi has officially unveiled the Urban concept. This car is intended to show what the future of small and very fuel-efficient cars for city dwellers might look like.

The lithium-ion battery – weighing in at 90kg and counting for almost 20 per cent of the Urban Concept’s total weight – lives behind the seats and takes about an hour to charge for a range of 45 miles. It takes 16.9 seconds to get to 62mph.

The Audi Urban Concepts weight 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb) thanks to the lightweight chassis design and the numerous CFRP components, and measure 3,219 millimeters (126.73 in) in length, 1,678 millimeters (66.06 in) width, and just 1,189 millimeters (46.81 in) height.

The 21-inch wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective arches feature blinking strips of LED lights.

The aircraft-inspired cabin is minimalistic, but features a floating dashboard, aluminum pedals and a hexagonal steering wheel. Occupants sit side by side, but the passenger seat is moved back 30cm (11.81 in) to "provide sufficient shoulder and elbow room."







Press Release

The Audi urban concept

Audi is breaking new ground: The Audi urban concept technology study is a 1+1 vehicle for urban and metropolitan areas. The electric powered show car has four wheels, but does not fit into any current automobile category. Weighing just 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb), the Audi urban concept combines elements of a racecar, a roadster, a fun car and a city car into a radical new concept. It has the potential to become the trendsetter for a new form of mobility.

Concept
"How much car is necessary to deliver driving pleasure and urban mobility in an entirely new way?" This question was the starting point for the Audi urban concept. A model of a sailplane was in the studio during the development process as an example of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction - of the principle of "less is more."

The result is a vehicle that cannot be pigeonholed, a vehicle that redefines the term "driving pleasure" and is completely unencumbered by the baggage of conventional concepts. The Audi urban concept concentrates on the pure essence of driving and conveys freedom at the premium level. At the same time, it offers the comfort and safety of a closed automobile, making it far superior to any motor scooter. With its sleek body and free-standing wheels, the technology study is progressive and highly dramatic while at the same time extremely sporty, yet surprisingly comfortable.

The cabin of the Audi urban concept offers slightly offset seating for two. The roof slides back for entry. This innovative solution makes the Audi urban concept even more fun to drive because the canopy can remain open in good weather. It also allows the cabin to be aired out very quickly. The fit and finish of the show car is characterized by the obligatory Audi perfection. The car's technology is reflective of the brand's wide-ranging competence, particularly in ultra-lightweight construction.

The brand with the four rings has created an entirely new class of vehicle with the Audi urban concept, and that on the premium level. It also marks the new entry point to Audi's future range of electric vehicles, which is crowned by the R8 e-tron high-performance sports car. The Audi urban concept quite literally makes it easy to get into electric mobility.

The technology study is targeted toward people who are interested in technology and are enthusiastic about new approaches to mobility, independent of their age and status. In particular, it addresses an urban public whose lifestyle both reflects the car's modern concept and the driving pleasure associated with it and is a good fit for a possible innovative leasing system.

Exterior design
The Audi urban concept features an all-new design that still has certain historical roots in the Auto Union racecars of the 1930s. They were well ahead of their time conceptually: they were extremely lightweight and their engines were mounted in the rear. Their large, open wheels also stood out from the chassis - another parallel with the modern show car.

Painted in Electric White, pearl effect, today's technology study - 3,219 millimeters (126.73 in) long, 1,678 millimeters (66.06 in) wide, but just 1,189 millimeters (46.81 in) high - has a body on which all the lines are surging forward. The greenhouse is extremely flat. The roofline drops down like a wedge while the side window rises upward. The typical Audi tornado line gives the urban concept a strong shoulder.

An upright, forward-leaning blade in front of the rear wheel accentuates the side view. The Speed Red contour gives the appearance of a roll bar and evokes the Audi R8 high-performance sports car. The flanks of the body flare outward toward the bottom to enlarge the floor. This serves two purposes: It generates downforce at higher speeds and it can be used to charge the battery via induction - a particularly convenient method.

The characteristic Audi single-frame grill, which sports the four rings, appears as a closed surface on the Audi urban concept. It tilts forward to provide access to the charging socket. The narrow LED headlights project three-dimensionally from the body.

The turn signals are LED strips running along the fenders. These closely encircle the free-standing wheels, and the front fenders turn with the wheels when steering. The three-dimensional rear lights with the tail light and brake light are integrated into the vehicle body and wrap around the top of the rear window. At the back of the car is a small luggage compartment that pulls out like a drawer.

The front segment of the greenhouse is movable - another innovative idea that is unique to the Audi urban concept. Mounted on rails, it can be slid back by hand over the fixed rear segment.

It is up to the driver to decide whether to close the canopy or leave it open. The technology study is a roadster-on-demand that has neither roll-down windows nor a heavy air conditioner. When closed, the canopy provides protection against rain and cool air. Audi has also developed a second body variant as an alternative to the urban concept: a Spyder with a flat window strip wrapping around the cockpit and doors that open upward at an angle.

Interior
Entry to the Audi urban concept is via the slide-back canopy. The driver and passenger step over the edge of the vehicle as if they were stepping into the bathtub - there are no doors. This does not require any great flexibility; a handle on the windshield frame and special cutouts on the seating surfaces facilitate entry.

The show car offers room for two. The driver and passenger sit next to one another, with the right seat offset by 30 centimeters (11.81 in) to the rear to provide sufficient shoulder and elbow room. The seats are fixed, integral components of the monocoque, which provides for significant weight savings. They are covered with foam seating surfaces custom-fabricated to the measurements of the customer, just like in a racecar. The seat belts run through cutouts in the seat backs.

Sitting in the Audi urban concept is somewhat like sitting in an airplane cockpit. The seating position is very sporty. The driver can precisely adjust the positions of the aluminum pedals and the steering column. Both components are telescoping. The pedals can be moved a total of 22 centimeters (8.66 in), while the steering column can be moved 14 centimeters (5.51 in) for easier entry and additional 6 centimeters (2.36 in) for a custom driving position.

The steering column is exposed - a thick, elegantly designed section, open in the center and mounted virtually horizontally. At the far end of the steering column is a display for the most important information. The small, hexagonal steering wheel includes buttons and roller switches for controlling various systems, including selecting the Audi drive select modes for the electric drive system.

The entire interior of the technology study is subjugated to the strict dictates of ultra-lightweight construction. Running below the windshield across the entire cabin is a wing-shaped section that is also open in the middle. This new style of dashboard includes satellite controls for the heater and two large air vents.

Rather than carpeting, an innovative mat covers parts of the floor. This is made from a technical textile originally developed for athletic shoes that is water repellant and very durable. The seats are covered with cloth, with the edges of the foam pads framed in kangaroo leather. Aluminum applications accentuate the dashboard.

Technology
The Audi urban concept is also without peer with respect to the technical concept. The outer skin of the show car is made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP); the occupant cell is a mix of CFRP monocoque and an aluminum structure. This ultra-lightweight construction is the foundation for the technology study's extremely low curb weight of just 480 kilograms (1,058.22 lb).

The sophisticated chassis underscores the distinctively sporty personality of the Audi urban concept. Wishbones made from a combination of aluminum and CFRP locate the free-standing, 21-inch wheels.

Manufactured using cladding technology, the wheels are very light and feature a variant of the blade design from the Audi e-tron models. The tire sizes are as unusual as the car as a whole - 125/60 up front and 145/50 in the rear.

The Audi urban concept uses pushrod technology borrowed from motorsports. As in a racecar, the struts mounted in the interior of the monocoque are nearly horizontal. Four disc brakes provide the stopping power. The turning circle measures less than nine meters (29.53 ft) - ideal for a city car. Thanks to the vehicle's low weight, the rack-and-pinion steering does not require any power assistance. Crumple zones in the front and rear plus two airbags provide for a high degree of passive safety. An innovative assistance system helps the driver to avoid collisions with pedestrians.

The battery is mounted transversely behind the seats. The lithium-ion battery, which weighs around 90 kilograms (198.42 lb), stores 7.1 kWh of usable energy. The study's two electric motors together produce 15 kW (20 hp) of continuous power and 47 Nm (34.67 lb-ft) of torque. The motors are mounted between the rear wheels, which they drive via a single-speed transmission.

The Audi urban concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 16.9 seconds. It reaches 60 km/h (37.28 mph) in around six seconds. The show car steps off from traffic lights smartly thanks to the torque of the electric motors, which is fully available from standstill. Top speed is governed at 100 km/h (62.14 mph).

The action radius in the European driving cycle is 73 km (45.36 miles). The battery recharges completely in about 20 minutes with 400 volt three-phase current, and in approximately one hour with 230 volt household current.

Audi Wireless Charging
Audi is hard at work on the future of charging technology as an alternative to the charging at a power outlet. Audi Wireless Charging (AWC) refers to contactless induction charging. The infrastructure side, comprising a coil and an inverter (AC/AC converter), is placed on the normal parking spot of the Audi urban concept and connected to the power grid. The 3.6 kW primary coil set into the plate generates a high-frequency alternating field.

The charging process begins automatically when the urban concept drives onto the plate. The alternating magnetic field of the infrastructure side induces an alternating current across the air gap in the secondary coil, which is integrated into the vehicle. This current is rectified and fed into the vehicle's electrical system, where it charges the battery or powers consumers such as the heater. The alternating field is only generated if the vehicle is standing over the plate and thus poses no danger to people or animals.

Charging stops automatically when the battery is fully charged. The driver can interrupt charging at any time. The efficiency of AWC is comparable to that of other charging technologies. It is not affected by rain, snow or ice. The new technology makes charging electric vehicles easy and extremely convenient. A later version of the technology will be able to be integrated into the transportation infrastructure as a retrofit for parking garages or residential streets, for example.

AC Schnitzer BMW 1 Series M Coupe

AC Schnitzer has releases new tuning packages for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, this program will debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

At the exterior, the German specialists decided to add a body kit including air vents for the bonnet, new front spoiler and a rear diffuser. All these components are made of carbon fiber while new 19 or 20-inch wheels are available as well.

Inside, the most important change is the replacement of the standard seats with track-ready ones. The interior is painted with the same Valencia Orange color as seen on the outside, including the center console. The gear know, iDrive and pedals also get the AC Schnitzer treatment.

The additional 60 horses and 110 Nm of torque are achieved by few usual tricks such as a remapped ECU unit or a revised exhaust system. There is also a high performance braking system with 6 and 4 pistons. With the power boost, the German model is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,7 seconds and hit a top speed of 300 km/h.




Press Release

Strong Presence Between Sky and Road


AC Schnitzer presents a complete range for the 650i Convertible
Since spring this year, the new BMW 6-series has been providing airy driving pleasure between
sky and road. The open 6-series fun is now enhanced by Aachen company AC Schnitzer with its
tuning range for the 650i Cabriolet, which celebrates its premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt this year.
Top down driving pleasure and aerodynamics have not been mutually exclusive for some time.
This is proven by the tuning experts with aerodynamic components previously unavailable in this
form. Front spoiler, chromed front grille and chrome decor strips can be fitted individually or
as a harmonious set to realize the dream of an individual sporting vehicle. AC Schnitzer also
offers a rear skirt insert and loading lip protection film to give the bodywork of the 6-series
cabrio that finishing touch.


In the engine too, no technical know-how has been spared with a wealth of innovations. The 650i
Cabrio by AC Schnitzer has been given a performance upgrade taking it from 407 HP (standard)
to 540 HP. Now the eight-cylinder engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
Added to this is the AC Schnitzer power plant and engine bay styling, which demonstrates the
power of the engine even when stopped. The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer with
chromed "Sport Trim" tailpipe trims right and left means that the 650i can also be seen and heard
from behind.


For the export market, the Aachen tuning experts have developed an 8-pot high performance
brake system for the front, in response to the increased driving power. The 8-piston fixed calipers
on right and left, and the 8-piece set of brake pads with caliper holders together ensure that the
"open-topped rocket" scrubs off the speed quickly and safely. The driving dynamics are further
assisted over bumps by the AC Schnitzer suspension spring kit.


In the interior too, the 650i by AC Schnitzer lives up to its exterior promises. Interior trim painted in
matt space grey, a sports airbag steering wheel, the AC Schnitzer "Black Line" aluminium
cover for the i-Drive system controller and the AC Schnitzer aluminium foot rests and pedals,
together with boot and foot mats in velours, ensure that the driver of this cabrio enjoys a feeling
of exclusivity.


The wheelarches can be perfectly filled with AC Schnitzer wheels and corresponding tyres in
Type IV BiColor or silver, Type V forged alloy rims in BiColor or Type VIII in BiColor or as forged
racing rims in BiColor. A totally new addition to the range is the Type VIII forged alloy wheel in
BiColor in 21-inch, which weighs in at just a sensational 11.5 kg (9.0J x 21") or 11.9 kg (10.0J x
21"). So in comparison with standard wheels (star spoke 311) in 20-inch, these offer a weight
saving of 30%. And that's despite the fact that the AC Schnitzer Type VIII forged alloy wheels are
a full inch larger.


A strong presence between sky and road which will certainly not pass unnoticed at the coming
IAA.