Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition

Land Rover is launching the limited edition Freelander 2 SD4 Sport at the Bologna Motor Show.

The Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport comes with an updated interior and exterior styling and with a choice between three colors: Fuji White, Santorini black and Firenze Red. For the interior, the Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport offers a choice between two color combinations: ebony and ivory or ebony and pimento.

Unique to this limited edition is a black-finished grill and side vents, new styling for the front corners, a rear spoiler, body-colored door handles and mirror caps, privacy glass and 19-inch alloy wheels in Shadow Chrome.

company's new 190 PS diesel engine which comes mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in the Land Rover Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition will take 8.7 seconds and the car's CO2 emissions levels are 185 grams per Km.

For the interior, Land Rover is offering Ebony Windsor leather with contrast Pimento stitch, or Ebony Napoli leather with matching contrast Windsor leather highlight stripe on the seats.

It also features Intelligent Power Management System (IPMS) provides ‘smart charging’ of the battery by recovering kinetic energy when the vehicle is slowing wherever possible, rather than consuming fuel by charging when the vehicle is accelerating. Furthermore, CO2 emissions are reduced to 185g/km with a corresponding fuel economy benefit thanks to the fact that it is compatible with 10 percent biodiesel rather than five percent.




Press Release

LAND ROVER ANNOUNCES THE NEW FREELANDER 2 SD4 SPORT LIMITED EDITION

• A unique addition to the Freelander 2 range with dynamic exterior and interior styling.
• Available in three distinct exterior colours - Fuji White, Santorini black and for the first time Firenze Red.
• Two interior design themes with striking contrast ebony and ivory or ebony and pimento colourways.
• Available with a high-performance and efficient 190PS diesel engine – with six speed automatic gearbox – delivering 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds and CO2 emissions of 185g/km
• On sale from early 2011 with prices starting at £33,945
• Only 500 vehicles will be available in the UK

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 2 December 2010 - Land Rover today launches the new Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition at the Bologna Motor Show.

This Limited Edition brings together the space and practicality of the Freelander 2, with a refreshed interior and exterior design to create a sportier more overt sense of style.

The exterior has been given a striking renewal, with a sophisticated black finish to the grille and the side vents, a new body styling pack which offers cleaner profiling to the front corners, and a choice of three exterior colourways in either Fuji White, Santorini Black or the all-new Firenze Red. A rear spoiler also features, together with 19" Shadow Chrome alloy wheels, body coloured door handles and mirror caps, and privacy glass to further emphasise the dynamic look of this premium limited edition. Front and rear parking sensors will be available as standard.

The interior is available in Ebony Windsor leather with contrast Pimento stitch, or Ebony Napoli leather with matching contrast Windsor leather highlight stripe on the seats. Piano Black fascia finisher also features together with Ebony carpet mats with a contrast edge of either Ivory or Pimento. These design themes, with the contrast colours and unique stripe design offer a distinct and sporty look for the Freelander 2.

The Freelander 2 SD4 Sport is powered by the new state-of-the-art 190PS diesel engine. This Limited Edition (available with automatic transmission only) accelerates from rest to 60mph in 8.7 seconds with an increased top speed of 118mph.

The use of an Intelligent Power Management System (IPMS) provides ‘smart charging’ of the battery by recovering kinetic energy when the vehicle is slowing wherever possible, rather than consuming fuel by charging when the vehicle is accelerating, and in addition to this, the Freelander 2 Sport SD4 Limited Edition is compatible with 10 percent biodiesel rather than five percent. With these improved efficiencies, CO2 emissions are reduced to 185g/km with a corresponding fuel economy benefit.

“The Freelander 2 SD4 Sport Limited Edition offers customers the practicality, performance and efficiency of our best-selling compact SUV with more dramatic, sporty styling and the overall package represents good value for money,” said Colin Green, managing director, Land Rover UK.

The Freelander 2 is currently Land Rover’s best-selling model, with over 215,000 sold globally since its launch in 2006.

MINI E Police Car

The AC Schnitzer Mini Cooper Police is based on the MINI E - the electric version of the model - and was premiered at the 2010 Essen Motor Show.

The BMW MINI E is an all-electric car that is powered by an electric motor with 204 hp with 162 lb-ft of torque. The battery can be fully charged through a standard outlet in about eight hours. But there is also a higher amperage charger available that will be installed in the customer’s garage enabling a full recharge in just 2.5 hours. BMW claims that the lithium-ion battery has an estimated driving range of 150 miles, and that is plenty to get around town all day. In acceleration, the MINI E can sprint from 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 95 mph.

The vehicle is part of the Verband Deutscher Automobil Tuner’s. (VDAT) TUNE IT SAFE! project, being the sixth release of the campaign, which aims to combine high tuning standards with a maximum safety level.

Dressed up in police guise, the car features modified fascias, aerodynamic side skirts, a ventilated hood, and 18-inch alloy wheels with Hankook tires. Inside, the cabin boasts blue trim, aluminum pedals and custom floor mats.

Interior upgrades includes traditional AC Schnitzer aluminum pedals, footrest and e-brake handle. All of these modifications are currently (or soon-to-be) available for any of the MINI models.




Press Release

Two strong partners for the future: the Electric MINI and AC Schnitzer

MINI Tuning Specialist supports the initiative: "TUNE IT! SAFE!" by the VDAT by kitting out the emission-free concept car

The TUNE IT! SAFE! initiative by the Verband Deutscher Automobil Tuner e.V. (VDAT) impressively shows the future of tuning with its sixth campaign vehicle - an electric MINI in Police Look. Every year since 2004, a special concept car has been presented which meets both the high demands of tuning fans and maximum safety standards.

The campaign, supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development, shows that the yearning for individualisation can continue to be met in the future.

AC Schnitzer, more than almost any other tuning specialist for the MINI brand, stands for individuality and safety. Consequently, the Aachen-based company has largely taken responsibility for the MINI and provided a uniquely spectacular campaign vehicle. The MINI E in Police Look was presented for the first time at the Essen Motor Show 2010 and has since appeared as a symbolic vehicle at numerous shows and tuning events.

The BMW Group is the first manufacturer to apply the latest state of lithium ion technology in a totally electric powered vehicle. So the MINI E lives up to its name - "minimalism" - in terms of drive technology too, thanks to a totally emission-free vehicle. New drive systems have been equipped with complex elements, so the use of safe and reliable products is particularly important here. But there's no lack of sporting performance either, thanks to the tuning package from

AC Schnitzer. The racing suspension takes the MINI perfectly through corners, and the front and rear skirts and bonnet vents both optimise road holding and enhance the styling of the concept car.

The "Police Look" is provided by the latest signalling system from Hella on the roof, and the blue paintwork by AC Schnitzer in conjunction with special stickering from Foliatec.

The Hankook tyres have been given an extra touch by the specialists at AC Schnitzer: in combination with the AC Schnitzer alloy wheels "MI 2" (7.5J x 18"), they transfer the 204 electric HP of the MINI safely to the road.
To enjoy unrestricted driving comfort while being prepared for every situation: this ambition is achieved by the high performance brake system from AC Schnitzer with 4-pot fixed calipers on the front axle. The slotted, internally vented brake discs respond promptly and with precision. At the same time, the high performance brake system is characterised by excellent deceleration values after sustained use, in extreme heat and in the pouring rain. The generously dimensioned discs at 328 x 28 millimetres energetically scrub off the speed with a stable pressure point even after the twentieth downhill hairpin.

AC Schnitzer also shows that safe driving can be combined with individual styling in its design of the interior equipment. The interior is decorated with a pedal set, foot rest and handbrake handle of aluminium. Here, as in all other areas, extracts from AC Schnitzer's wide product range are demonstrated. All the AC Schnitzer accessories are available immediately with TÜV certification, even though the MINI E is not yet available commercially but is well on the way to series production. This almost goes without saying for specialists who have long since made the safe future of tuning their corporate objective.

KICHERER SLS 63 Supersport

German tuner Kicherer has released their program for the Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG. Upgrades include a carbon fiber front spoiler, a stainless steel exhaust system, a new rear diffuser, forged RS-1 wheels and a few carbon fiber interior parts. To top it off, they also include a lift-up system with this package that raises the vehicle by 1.2 inches at a touch of a button. As many owners of lowered sports cars would tell you, this system will often come quite handy.

Applying lessons learned from its previous modified Mercs, the tuner has upgraded the 6.2-liter V-8 engine to the tune of 601 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, lifting performance of the SLS AMG into true supercar territory.

While the Mercedes SLS AMG standard develops 571 hp all, 2010 Mercedes SLS 63 Supersport by Kicherer package goes to the impressive 610 hp and torque to 670 nm. This increase was driven by a stainless steel sport exhaust and performance optimization package. In addition to good performance increase Mercedes SLS AMG also gets a new lift top-line sport chassis, allowing up to 30 mm increased, a feature that makes 2010 Mercedes SLS 63 Supersport by Kicherer easier to run on those annoying speed bumps. On the other hand, are the same sports suspension lowers the button is easy to maneuver through the garage.

The aerodynamic package includes a front spoiler lip in carbon and read diffuser fins in carbon. The package is finished by RS-1 multi-part forged wheels and a series of interior decorative parts in carbon.




Press Release

KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik SLS 63 Supersport

KICHERER - ART MEETS FUTURE

KICHERER Fahrzeugtechnik company from Stockach am Bodensee and photography master of international renown Frank Luger of Art-Photography from Albstadt have been a perfectly aligned team since 2005.

In the course of these years, F. Luger developed a unique image style for presenting the KICHERER-High end vehicles. It perfectly mirrors the company's philosophy.

Our philosophy and our objective is clearly emphasizing the visual basic forms by higher-quality sportive highlights. The complete hand-made KICHERER performance programme consistently presents the sportively dynamic character.

The design objective of the SLS 63 AMG is perfect combination of functional quality, craftsmanship and sophisticated design.

When these requirements are met, we give our vehicles the >>SUPERSPORT<<>

EXCLUSIVE for the SLS:
In cooperation with the KICHERER technology partner KW Automotive GmbH, the lift up system for the SLS 63 AMG was developed. This complete chassis removes the obstacles previously presented by parking garages, garage entries or steps. The vehicle with the KICHERER lift-up threaded chassis is raised by up to 30 millimetres on the push of a button to easily drive over obstacles. We would also like to emphasize the excellent driving characteristics in quick bends. The driving feeling is much more sportive and secure without losing any driving comfort.

Additional technical conversation measures

• KICHERER RS-1 multi-part forged wheels "hand-made"
• KICHERER performance optimisation for approx. 610 PS/670Nm
• KICHERER lift-up threaded sports chassis
• KICHERER stainless steel sports end pipe covers, 4 pipes
• KICHERER front spoiler lip in carbon
• KICHERER read diffuser fins in carbon
• KICHERER interior decorative parts in carbon

Geneva Debut: Rinspeed BamBoo concept

Rinspeed has announced plans to introduce the BamBoo concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The Rinspeed BamBoo is a 'grown-up golf cart' and as the name suggests, many of its interior components are made from bamboo fibers. However this is not some kind of weight saving measure, as the idea behind the Rinspeed BamBoo was to create an open top vehicle, light and easy to maneuver, reminiscent of the 70s for people who love the summer and the beach.

Since the vehicle is called BamBoo, it’s easy to guess that the material will be found somewhere in the workings of the car. Rinspeed states that bamboo fibers are a part of major components of the interior, but we’ll probably have to wait for Geneva to get more information. In fact, we’ll have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show in March to find out a lot about this open-top vehicle. The only other information we could pull from the press release is that, if produced, this vehicle will more than likely be electric for that little bit of modernization needed for this retro design.

These are about all the details released regarding the Rinspeed BamBoo concept, the manufacturer leaving room for speculation. We're sure the Rinspeed BamBoo will be completely revealed next year.





Press Release

"BamBoo" - the Pure Roots of Mobility

The names of the concept cars from Swiss car visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht are more than marketing-driven slick onomatopoeia that polls well with focus groups. At Rinspeed names often have a deeper meaning. That is also true for the latest creation from Rinderknecht. "BamBoo" is the name of his latest ‘baby' that resembles a grown-up golf cart and is bound to evokes plenty of admiration at the next Geneva Motor Show which runs from March 3rd through 13th, 2011.

Nomen est omen - the name says it all - is immediately apparent: Many interior components are made from bamboo fibers. But the four-seater "BamBoo" takes it to a whole new level - to the Meta level so to speak: This open-top vehicle awakens the longing for sun, summer, for lightness and easiness, the desire to be at the beach. It is a reminiscence of the Seventies, of the south of France and St. Tropez. And one would expect to find Brigitte Bardot behind the wheel with playboy Gunther Sachs at her side heading towards Tahiti beach..

Anyone who might think that this is simple retro design for nostalgia's sake underestimates the boss of the Swiss concept powerhouse. Yes, Rinderknecht incorporates the automobile references of the time. But he doesn't leave it at that. He reinterprets them and evolves them into the future. And he focuses in them the yearning to get back to the roots, paired with the absolute desire to be in harmony with creation. That makes electric drive, also for the onboard foldable two wheeler for the last "mile", a must.

Anyone not blinded by horsepower orgies, chrome tinsel and top-speed frenzy should take a closer look. "BamBoo" pushes the ‘reset' button, clears the mind for a new way of thinking. It sports simple, clean lines. No bells, no whistles. Nothing is superfluous. Plain aesthetics in their purest form. As stated before and even in a figurative sense: Nomen est omen. Simply bamboo.