2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has been a huge success. Sales have exceeded Ford’s expectations and the Raptor’s off-road performance is untouched by any other production truck.

The 2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew comes with a new 6.2-liter V8 cast-iron engine with engine block with bay-to-bay breathing and four-bolt main bearing caps, aluminum cylinder heads, single overhead camshaft with roller-rocker shaft drivetrain and dual-equal variable cam timing.

The fuel tank is also bigger — a 36-gallon fuel capacity. That'll mean more time out on the trails. It's also beefier with a bigger 8,000 pounds towing capacity and another 100 lbs of payload. The cushy-over-bumps predictable-on-the-asphalt ride and handling have been maintained by tuning the Fox Racing shocks and springs front and rear.

Suspension travel is still 11.2 inches front and 12.1 inches in back on both models. In fact, everything is virtually the same on both models other than the rear legroom. Both get the big V8, both get FOX Racing Shox, and both get big BFG rubber. As for handling differences, we'll have to be patient for a review.

The 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor will also include a new computer system that informs the driver of important information while off-roading. The computer will let the driver know the truck’s steering wheel angle and the vehicle’s angle when on a grade, as well as information on what the truck’s various off-road traction and stability systems are doing.




Press Release

2011 FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR ADDS SUPERCREW OPTION, MORE TECHNOLOGY, TOWING, STANDARD 6.2-LITER ENGINE

• Ford F-150 SVT Raptor again is raising the bar for high-speed off-road performance trucks by adding a SuperCrew option and more standard power and towing capability for 2011
• The previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, now comes standard for 2011, making Raptor the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market
• Upgraded technology content, including a standard 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen and SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, keeps customers more in tune with their trucks, while a new graphic and color choice gives them more options

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 3, 2010 – A new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping out 411 horsepower, new technologies and a newly available SuperCrew option that gives Raptor customers more choices in cab size all ensure the 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will remain the off-road performance truck champion in the new model year.

“When we launched the F-150 SVT Raptor, consumers were blown away with the capability of the vehicle,” said Jost Capito, director of global performance vehicles and motorsports business development. “By adding the SuperCrew, we have expanded the versatility of Raptor, and now even more enthusiasts will be able to experience the no-compromise off-road performance that only Raptor delivers.”

The F-150 SVT Raptor is the first-ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacturer and highlights 33 years of Ford truck sales leadership by emphasizing F-150’s Built Ford Tough durability, innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, comprehensive modifications focused on chassis and suspension enhancements.

The F-150 SVT Raptor is 7 inches wider than a base F-150 to make room for the additional suspension components that give Raptor its unparalleled off-road abilities. The wider stance also gives the truck an aggressive appearance. Internal triple-bypass shocks by FOX Racing Shox – the first on a production truck – provide position-sensitive damping and extra suspension travel for extreme off-roading and a smooth ride on the road.

Raptor also has unique cast-aluminum front control arms and SVT-tuned 35-inch BFGoodrich® All-Terrain TA/KO 315/70-17 tires. These components give Raptor 11.2 inches of front suspension travel and 12.1 inches of rear suspension travel on either SuperCab or the new SuperCrew.

The new available 145-inch-wheelbase SuperCrew offering with a 5.5-foot box adds to the extensive list of F-150 SVT Raptor features. While contributing additional space and flexibility for the customer, the SuperCrew delivers performance as well.

Applying lessons learned from the SuperCab F-150 SVT Raptor, engineers were able to tune the truck to handle off-road events with ease. The 12-inch-longer wheelbase on SuperCrew also delivers the benefit of a more comfortable ride, especially in rough off-road situations.

“We spent a lot of time getting the ride and suspension characteristics of the SuperCrew similar to that of the SuperCab, and we were successful in getting the same character and flavor out of the SuperCrew,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “While the SuperCab and SuperCrew both have different strengths, each is worthy of the Raptor nameplate.”

A larger 36-gallon fuel tank and increased towing capability – rated at 8,000 pounds – keep F-150 SVT Raptor SuperCrew a mainstay in the desert environment, with capabilities as a chase or tow truck.

Revved up and ready
The previously optional 6.2-liter V8 engine, which produces 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, will now be the standard engine for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor, the most powerful half-ton pickup on the market.

The Ford powertrain team performed extensive testing to ensure the engine would live up to the Built Ford Tough promise. Hundreds of additional tests beyond the normal verification of truck engines, as well as vehicle testing on a 62-mile durability loop in the desert that simulates the Baja 1000, validated the performance of the engine for reliability and longevity in the harshest conditions.

New color and graphic options
Raptor’s exterior also receives some new touches for 2011, in the form of an additional paint color – Ingot Silver Metallic – that will be available with the standard black interior, or the optional Molten Orange Interior Accent Package.

A new optional hood graphic adds a personalized and functional touch to F-150 SVT Raptor. Inspired by older off-road racing Ford Broncos, matte black accent graphics – including the F-150 SVT Raptor logo – run along the hood, also helping to reduce glare. The Raptor logo in the graphic is done in body-color bleed-through, similar to “SVT” on the side vent. “F-150” and “SVT” are written in dark gray. The graphic is available with or without the box side graphics.

More capability, more technology
Key to helping customers take advantage of all the capability offered by the F-150 SVT Raptor is a standard 4.2-inch LCD (liquid crystal display) productivity screen that is integrated in the center of the new instrument gauges, which have a black face, red pointers and ice blue daytime lighting. Also used on the all-new 2011 Super Duty, the technology was specifically tailored for off-road use with Raptor.

The screen includes a unique welcome animation and offers menu options giving the customer important information related to off-road and towing performance. A truck application screen provides vehicle status information for important off-road parameters such as off-road mode, Hill Descent Control™, electronic locking differential settings and AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™).

An off-road screen informs the customer about steering wheel angle and vehicle angle on a grade during off-road maneuvers. The menu is navigated through a five-way button on the steering wheel and is positioned between the tachometer and speedometer.

“The productivity screen is a great solution for our off-road customers,” said Hameedi. “With one glance, they can tell exactly what settings are enabled on their truck and what the driveline is doing.”

For the customer who wants more control of transmission gear selection, SelectShift Automatic transmission functionality also is introduced on Raptor. A toggle switch located on the console shift lever engages the mode, where the transmission doesn’t second-guess the driver, giving him or her total control over gear selection and performance feel. Upshifts, for instance, are not commanded at redline, and downshifts are allowed at the lowest gear possible as defined by the engine speed.

A Raptor Plus Package debuts for 2011, offering the rear view camera and trailer brake controller. The Raptor Luxury Package also receives additional features, with folding power exterior mirrors and Remote Start System with integrated key fob added to the list.

New standard technology features for 2011 include:

• Perimeter alarm
• Integrated spotter mirror
• Express up/down driver and passenger front windows
• 110 V power inverter in the center console
• Head restraint for second-row middle seat
• Telescoping steering wheel

2010 Raptor equals hot seller
Sales of the truck are off to an impressive start, selling four times quicker than the average
F-150, with the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor equipped with the 6.2-liter engine selling within 11 days of arriving at dealerships. In fact, 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor sales are set to exceed the highest model year sales of the F-150 SVT Lightning.

Dealers will start taking orders for the 2011 F-150 SVT Raptor today, and the trucks will be available in dealerships late this year.

Supercar Sculpture for MPH 2010

This a sketched photo with an 'alien-like' supercar sculpture that is being built by RoboSteel for 2010 MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show. This sculpture will be crafted from recycled steel and will be shaped to look like a unique supercar. The sculpture will be unveiled at Earls Court, London, between November 4th-7th, 2010 and at the NEC, Birmingham between November 11th-14th, 2010. At the end of the show the supercar sculpture will be auctioned off in order to raise money for charity.

The company which decided to blend Gotham City design language with modern supercar styling is RoboSteel, based in Ireland. The 2010 MPH supercar sculpture wants to represent RoboSteel's view of an alien-like vehicle of the future.

According to its creators, the sculpture will take approximately 750 hours to complete and will be shipped to the UK from Ireland in four separate pieces, before being reassembled for the first show.


Press Release

A unique, specially commissioned sculpture of an ‘alien-like’ supercar of the future is being built by RoboSteel using parts taken from hundreds of different cars for the 2010 MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show.

Based in Ireland, RoboSteel is an innovative company that creates sculptures from recycled steel and the concept supercar will be the first to roll off their production line.

The sculpture will be unveiled at Earls Court, London, between 4 and 7 November 2010 and at the NEC, Birmingham between 11 and 14 November 2010. The car will then be auctioned to raise money for charity.

To create the sculpture the components will be welded together, the sharp edges will be smoothed and polished and then the completed car will be coated with several layers of lacquer to protect it from the elements.

The finished artwork will weigh in excess of 500kg, stand at over one metre tall and will comprise of thousands of individual parts.

The sculpture will take approximately 750 hours to complete and will be shipped to the UK from Ireland in four separate pieces, before being reassembled in Earls Court in time for the first show on Thursday 4th November.

Piyanuch Chanphet, the owner of Robosteel said: “This is the first time we’ve used our design concept to create a supercar. The initial design for the car was created by our art designer Toonrama. The RoboSteel concept supercar is based on the complex designs and structures of south Indian temples and the Kirtimukha sculptures that are positioned at the entrance to these temples. Dave Murphy from Dublin Ink has added an Alien theme to a second design drawing. RoboSteel will use both drawings to craft the Alien Supercar and we are really looking forward to this project.

“All of our previous projects have been focused on building alien and futuristic creatures but we’ve been involved with the MPH Show for a couple of years now and it feels like the right time to develop our style, and design a concept car. This sculpture when completed will be one of a kind and destined to become a museum piece in the future.”

MPH The Prestige & Performance Motor Show featuring Top Gear Live will take place at Earls Court from November 4-7th and the NEC in Birmingham between November 11-14th.

For further information about the show please visit www.mphshow.co.uk

2011 Dodge Durango

Chrysler released photos Thursday of the 2011 Dodge Durango,
The redesigned 2011 Dodge Durango, set to hit showrooms this fall, shares a platform with the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee, has three rows of seats and offers a choice of two engines.

The 2011 Dodge Durango comes with a choice between a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. The 2011 Dodge Durango Hemi is equipped with the Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode and both units have variable-valve timing (VVT) technology. The V8 2011 Dodge Durango has a towing capability of 7,400 lbs while the V6 has 6,200 lbs. Both come with trailer sway control and are also available with all-wheel drive. The company says the 2011 Dodge Durango V8 can tow more weight than a 24-foot boat and trailer.

The exterior is there for all to see, an aggressive yet contemporary look with smooth design lines and an unmistakeable front end that breathes Dodge design. The interior has also receieved a massive makeover for a luxurious feel.

Front-seat active head restraints and side-impact airbags are standard, as are side curtain airbags for all three rows, Dodge says. An electronic stability system is also included. Options include a blind spot warning system, adaptive cruise control with Forward Collision Warning and keyless access.




Press Release

Dodge Brand Product Onslaught Begins: Introducing the All-new 2011 Dodge Durango, the Performance SUV with a Soul

Buckle in and hold tight. Dodge is jumping back into the sport utility (SUV) segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row vehicle spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. Durango will lead the Dodge brand’s new product onslaught for 2011.

From its sleek exterior design to its modern, spacious interior, and intelligent, fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the 2011 Dodge Durango is all-new from the inside out. And the changes are more than skin deep. The Durango’s stiffened unibody structure is engineered with the driving enthusiast in mind. The end result is a vehicle that delivers premium driving performance combined with SUV capability and crossover versatility.

The all-new Durango features two engine options: the standard fuel-efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the available 5.7-liter HEMI engine with fuel-saving, Multi-displacement system (MDS) four-cylinder mode. Both engines feature variable-valve timing (VVT) and are available with all-wheel drive. In addition to great efficiency, the engines provide exceptional V-6 and V-8 towing capability with standard trailer sway control (V-8 - 7,400 lbs. and Best-in-class V-6 – 6,200 lbs.). When equipped with the HEMI® V-8, the all-new Durango can tow more weight than a 24-foot boat and trailer.

The Durango’s all-new interior is a surprise owners always deserved but never expected. Created by the same interior design studio that designed the much-lauded interior in the Ram trucks and the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Durango’s luxurious interior materials and thoughtful touches will make owners and their crews want to jump in, hunker down and thoroughly enjoy even the longest drive. Everywhere they touch, Durango passengers will feel materials that are refined and soft to the touch. Not only is it a pleasure to behold, it is extremely functional and gives owners a first-class experience, regardless of the trim level. Durango’s interior is also extremely comfortable for all three rows of passengers, and there’s a surprising amount of interior flexibility. With 22 different seating configurations, there’s plenty of room to store and move plenty of people and their gear.

The all-new 2011 Dodge Durango also offers consumers 45 safety and security features, including standard front seat-mounted side air bags and standard side-curtain air bags that cover passengers in all three rows, as well as all-new standard active head restraints. Electronic Stability Control also is standard. Other available safety and security technologies include Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Keyless Enter-n’ Go.

The best part is, consumers will get all of the all-new Durango’s capability, functionality and flexibility and still get excellent fuel efficiency. In fact, drivers can go more than 500 miles, that’s the distance from San Diego to San Francisco or from Detroit to New York City, without having to stop for fuel.

Built at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., the new 2011 Dodge Durango arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Superchips BMW X5 3.0D

Superchips are ready with another performance package specially for BMW. This time they offer a new ECU remap for the mighty 3.0 liter straight-six diesel. The engine is mounted on 3er (E90/E91/E92/E93), 5er (F10), 7er (F01), GT (F07), X5 (E70), X6 (E71).

by 44hp at 4183 rpm and 90 Nm of torque at just 2222 rpm. This brings the total output to 313hp and 627Nm of torque. In order to accomplish this task, Superchips had to perform a remap of the engine while taking into consideration the "careful optimization of fueling and turbo boost settings". According to Superchips, this reconfiguration allows for a sharper throttle response, a keener, more urgent engine, a harder pull throughout the rev range.

Installation of the Superchips ECU remap for BMW 3.0 D models entails customers visiting one of approximately 80 Superchips performance centres where trained technicians can undertake the remapping procedure.

The Superchips conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 mile supplementary vehicle warranty.

The Superchips BMW X5 3.0D price is 445.00 GBP including VAT.


Press Release

BMW’s 245 bhp 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, direct injection common rail power plant is arguably the most refined and potent mainstream diesel engine on sale today. However, given the nature of the brand, it’s no surprise that there is strong demand from BMW owners seeking to tailor their car’s features to their own individual driving preferences.

Hence why Buckingham based automotive electronics experts Superchips are pleased to announce the launch of a new ECU remap designed to increase the potency of the 2993cc BMW diesel engine, as found in the following popular applications:-

• 3 – series (E90 / 1 / 2 / 3)
• 5 – series (F07)
• 7 – series (F01)
• GT (F10)
• X5 (E70)
• X6 (E71 / 2)

Diligent analysis of the BMW’s Bosch EDC17 ECU enabled Superchips technicians to pinpoint potential areas of improvement to both the performance and efficiency of the 3.0 D engine, involving the careful optimisation of fuelling and turbo boost settings within the revised Superchips remap. These changes have then been rigorously validated through a combination of real world road testing and extensive chassis dyno assessment.

The performance gains from the Superchips ECU remap are significant. Power increases by 44 bhp at 4183 rpm, resulting in an impressive maximum output of 313 bhp (up from a measured 264 bhp as standard.) Importantly, these power improvements are realised throughout the rev range, from 1500 rpm all the way to the rev limiter at 4500 rpm. For safety reasons the 155 mph rev limiter is left unaltered.

However, the Superchips BMW 3.0 D remap also provides a noticeable increase in torque output, resulting in a maximum gain of 90 Nm of torque at just 2222 rpm, taking the peak figures from a measured 549 Nm to 627 Nm (457 lb.ft.)

Behind the wheel the Superchips remapped BMW 3.0 D feels much more potent. Throttle response is sharper, the engine feels keener, more urgent and more willing, pulling harder throughout the rev range. Meanwhile, the additional torque available from the Superchips ECU remap enables relaxed, stress-free overtaking, cruising and towing.

And thanks to careful work of Superchips ECU experts, these performance improvements have little or no impact on the BMW 3.0 D engine’s renowned frugality. In practice the Superchips ECU remap delivers extra fuel efficiency thanks to a combination of performance optimisation and the removal of factory compromises designed to cater for service neglect or low grade fuel.

Superchips is confident that if a remapped version of any BMW 3.0 D model is driven in a ‘like for like’ manner against the standard version, owners will experience noticeable fuel economy improvements due to the additional low rev torque delivered by the Superchips upgrade.

Installation of the Superchips ECU remap for BMW 3.0 D models entails customers visiting one of approximately 80 Superchips performance centres, where trained technicians can undertake the remapping procedure.

Customers can be assured that the Superchips conversion is covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 mile supplementary vehicle warranty.

Available now both directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, the BMW 3.0 D ECU remap is priced at £445.00 including installation and VAT.

Anderson Mercedes CL65 AMG Black Edition

Anderson Germany unveiled today Mercedes CL 65 AMG Black Edition which packs more horses and looks even more exclusive.

For this particular tuning project, the tuner started with the engine, as they all should. Adding some software optimization, sports air filters, a sports exhaust system (plasma coated), racing catalysts, and larger pulleys, the high performance coupe’s engine now delivers a total of 670 HP (up from the standard 621 HP).

It rides on 22x9-inch wheels up front, and 22x10.5-inchers in back.  The glossy black wheels feature carbon edges, and are wrapped in Michelin performance tires.  Black lacquer brake calipers are also included, as well as a new rear lip spoiler.

The interior gets leather finishing, a complete HiFi system, and an interior finish in carbon leather/dark brown leather/dark brown Alcantara.




Press Release

ANDERSON GERMANY MERCEDES CL65 AMG BLACK EDITION

A generation in advance: With the CL, ANDERSON GERMANY has created a new category of vehicles which, for the first time, has combined the elegance and dynamic of a Coupé with the performance of a sports car. The high performance Coupé with the powerful V12 motor and exquisite fittings from Düsseldorf is a synonym for exclusive performance and elite style.

The increased performance should be mentioned first: The engine performance has been improved using software optimisation, sports air filters, a sports exhaust system (plasma coated) including racing catalysors and larger pulleys and now boasts a startling 670 HP.

The new lacquered bodywork in satin matt de luxe/black gives the car an even more elevated status. We also have a carbon exterior packet in jet black made up of an external mirror, window frames, a front grill, door handles, hatchback panel, ventilator frames on the engine bonnet as well as diverse engine room coverings.

ANDERSON GERMANY also offers exclusive light metal rims. For the wheels, the elite tuner has selected 22 inch rims in black/gloss with carbon edging in jet black. These measure 9x22 inches and 10.5x22 inches and are equipped with high performance tyres by Michelin in size 275/25-22 and 295/25-22. Directly behind them are the large break shoes, also lacquered in jet black.

For even better road contact, ANDERSON GERMANY has installed a rear spoiler lip to allow for more output - electronic lowering supports the whole thing.

The interior has also undergone positive change. The leather finishing has been elaborately decorated with double cord edging combined with a diamond pattern. Numerous extras in the interior like the mirror, central console, steering wheel, entrance ledges, door framing and light framing have a carbon finish. The interior also includes a complete HiFi system and an interior finish in carbon leather/dark brown leather/dark brown Alcantara. Despite all this, customer-specific tailoring is still possible upon request.

ANDERSON GERMANY offers a special pick-up service, no matter where the car in question is located. The final product is naturally delivered to the same place again afterwards.

BMW X6 by Enco Exclusive

The German tuners from Enco Exclusive have launched recently a new BMW X6 body kit. The €15,000 (tax included) package comes with new body parts, lighting elements, and a set of 23-inch wheels.

The car features a new aero bodykit, as well as a fresh ‘two-tone’ paint job. The bodykit consists of a front and rear bumper spoiler, new flared fenders, sills and an exhaust system with quad tailpipes.

The new front bumper has three large air intakes to improve cooling of the engine and brakes, as well as integrated LED daytime driving lamps. Full wheel arch surrounds are responsible for a brawny appearance, complemented by a pair of new side skirts. The rear doors have been specially modified to flow seamlessly into the new rear bumper.

Pricing has not been announced yet.

Source: Enco Exclusive




Press Release

Big Brother: BMW X6 Widebody by Enco Exclusive!

It's unlikely that any other BMW has had such a polarising effect as the gigantic X6. The Munich SUV, with its suggestive coupé silhouette, possesses proportions that seem enormous, and is the perfect embodiment of a luxury all-terrain vehicle. Positioned above the much-loved BMW X5, in recent years the X6 has quietly developed into a real sales hit for the Bavarian carmaker.

The name Enco Exclusive is now famous all over the world, and the Chemnitz manufacturer has specialised in refining luxury vehicles since the beginning of the new century. The newest creation out of Saxony is a complete body kit for the BMW X6. The Enco designers have developed a widebody kit that makes the X6 even wider, brawnier and, naturally, more sporty.

The new front bumper has three large air intakes to improve cooling of the engine and brakes, as well as integrated LED daytime driving lamps. Full wheel arch surrounds are responsible for a brawny appearance, complemented by a pair of new side skirts. The rear doors have been specially modified to flow seamlessly into the new rear bumper. The rear appears extremely brawny, thanks to a diffuser integrated into the bumper, and a new, centrally positioned sports exhaust system with four round stainless steel tailpipes.

The four Jura model rims, exclusive to Enco, ensure a suitably impressive appearance. The impressively sized 11 x 23 inch wheels fill out the oversized wheel arches, and are fitted with 315/25 R3 tyres.

The Chemnitz manufacturer is asking approx. EUR 15,000.-, including VAT, for the complete conversion including fresh paintwork.

More information available online at www.enco-exclusive.de