Hot Cars

2007 Land Rover Defender unveiled

The Land Rover Defender is the longest surviving SUV, and it soldiers on for 2007 with some important enhancements to its interior and powertrain. First off, the Defender still looks the same way it always has, which is to say utilitarian and square. The only exterior change is to the hood, which receives a new profile to fit around the Defender’s new 2.4-liter four-cylinder CRD diesel engine.

The new motor puts out 120 hp and 265 ft-lbs. of torque, and a new six-speed gearbox with a lower first gear and higher sixth gear improve responsiveness while rock crawling and highway cruising, respectively.

The Defender’s dash has also been completely redone and features bits and pieces from the LR3, a more powerful HVAC system and an improved stereo system with AUX-IN jacks and high-mounted tweeters. Seats have also been upgraded and for the first time the station wagon model can be ordered with a third row of seating.

2006 Porsche Carrera GT By TechArt

The TechArt designers have developed aerodynamically efficient custom-tailored body components made from exposed carbon fiber that serve as a visual contrast to the metallic-orange special paint. A new air outlet on the upper half of the front fascia and a one-piece spoiler lip on the lower half give the front of the two-seater an even more dynamic appearance. The low-reaching front spoiler reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds further and thus further optimizes directional stability.

TechArt has also developed a three-piece gurney flap that serves as the aerodynamic counterpart in the rear. The center piece of the separation edge extends together with the pop-up rear wing and in combination with the fixed spoiler edges on the left and right produces additional downforce on the rear axle.

While suspension and tires remain untouched the peripherals of the 5.7-liter V10 engine are upgraded with a TechArt stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system and a modified intake system. Both benefit not only the engine sound that escapes through the two production tailpipes; the modifications also increase maximum power output from 612 bhp to some 635 bhp.

Further room for improvement of the Carrera GT lay in the cockpit. TechArt customized the interior with an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel with leather/carbon fiber rim, and a shifter made from exposed carbon fiber. Requests for even more exclusive and colorful fully leather interiors are answered by the TechArt upholstery shop.

Audi Q7 3.6 Pricing Announced

Audi has announced that V6 version of its new Q7 sport utility will base for a price of $39,900. The 3.6 Premium models start higher at $45,900. This version of the Q7 is powered by the brand’s 3.6-liter FSI engine that produces 280 hp and 266 ft-lbs. of torque. The only transmission offered will be the six-speed Tiptronic automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive is, of course, standard. Boasting many standard features, the Q7 3.6 option list is limited to seven-passenger seating, Sirius satellite radio, a panorama sunroof, rear side airbags and a 6,600 lb. towing package on the Premium model.

Your other engine option for the Q7 is Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 that produces 350 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. It can get the Q7 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds flat, whereas the 3.6-liter V6 requires 8.6 seconds. The Q7 4.2, however, has a base price of $49,900.

New Brabus GL - Class

Sporty yet elegant design and engine tuning up to 462 hp / 340 kW: BRABUS now offers an extensive individual program for the new Mercedes GL-Class. All components are covered by the unique BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years up to 100,000 kilometers.

BRABUS offers the world’s largest engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles, which also benefits owners of the new GL-Class. For the GL 320 CDI the BRABUS engine specialists have developed the BRABUS D6 (III) PowerXtra performance kit that is fully compatible with the standard diesel particulate filter and meets Euro IV emission limits.

After the simple plug-and-play installation of the tuning module, an operation that can be performed by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, the engine produces a maximum power output of 272 hp / 200 kW and a bullish peak torque of 590 Nm at just 1,600 rpm. Performance improves accordingly: Compared to the production car (9.5 seconds) the sprint time from rest to 100 km/h is shortened to 8.9 seconds, top speed increases from 210 to 218 km/h.

For the GL 500 the BRABUS engine tuning program ranges from the B8 performance kit for a maximum power output of 419 hp / 308 kW to the 462-hp / 340-kW BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine for the same model. Equipped with this V8 engine whose displacement has been enlarged from 5.5 to 6.1 liters the SUV accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 255 km/h. The engine also delivers an impressive peak torque of 615 Nm at 3,100 rpm.

All BRABUS engines are lubricated exclusively with ARAL high-performance motor oil. For all GL-Class engine variants BRABUS offers custom-calibrated BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust systems with four chromed tailpipes.

The BRABUS on-road front fascia was designed to replace the lower part of the stock bumper. The front fascia with its large air inlets gives the SUV an even more dynamic appearance and reduces lift on the front axle at high speed. The GL front can be further upgraded with BRABUS headlamp inserts with two fog lamps and two high beams each.

The BRABUS rocker panels for the GL-Class provide a more favorable aerodynamic transition between front and rear wheel houses. But that’s not all: Integrated entrance lights and chrome trim strips combine elegant design and added safety. The entrance lights are activated with the keyless-entry remote or by pulling on a door handle.

The BRABUS designer suit for the largest Mercedes SUV is rounded out by a rear fascia with integrated diffuser and cutouts for the BRABUS sport exhaust system with four tailpipes. The program also features an understated rear spoiler that is attached to the liftgate.

The exclusive BRABUS look is further characterized by custom-tailored BRABUS Monoblock wheels in three different designs and sizes from 18 to 22 inches in diameter. The classic polished Monoblock VI design with six double spokes is available for the GL-Class either as multi-piece light-alloy rims in size 9.5Jx20 with size 295/45 ZR 20 tires or as one-piece 10Jx22 wheels with 295/35 ZR 22 tires.

BRABUS also offers the new Monoblock E wheel family with nine silver painted spokes and polished flange for the GL models. Customers can choose between 9.5Jx20 and 10Jx22 wheels with custom-tailored tires from BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and Yokohama.

For further improved active safety of the new SUV BRABUS offers various versions of its high-performance brake systems. The top-of-the-line version features 12-piston fixed aluminum calipers with vented and perforated 380 x 36 millimeter discs on the front axle. In combination with six-piston fixed calipers and 355 x 28 mm brake discs on the rear axle they provide stopping power normally reserved for purebred sports cars.

Alfa To Target Mini With New Compact

Alfa Romeo will build an entry-premium compact car to rival the Mini Cooper, according to Automotive News Europe. The move is part of a plan to reach financial break-even, the report said. The introduction of such a mainstream model will bring global sales to 300,000 units, the Italian automaker hopes. Dubbed the “Junior,” the three-door hatchback will arrive by 2008. It will use the Fiat Grande Punto platform and will slot below the 148 (the replacement to the 147). Alfa currently only sells 125,00 units annually, meaning it hopes the Junior will more than double its overall volume. It’s not clear if the new compact car will be among Alfa’s U.S. offerings when the brand returns to America in 2009.

2006 Peugeot 908 RC Concept

The 908 RC is powered by Peugeot’s V12 HDi DPFS (diesel particulate filter system) diesel engine designed to take part in the “Le Mans Race Series” programme in 2007. The engine has a capacity of 5.5 litres and offers a level of performance unprecedented for a diesel engine, with a maximum power output greater than 515 kW and, above all, an exceptional torque in excess of 1,200 Nm. With a 100° V angle architecture, the engine’s centre of gravity is as low as possible. Two particulate filters are located at the end of each exhaust system ensuring the car’s environmentally-friendly credentials.

The originality of the 908 RC resides in its compact design, with the engine arranged in a rear central transverse position. Similarly the compact 6-speed electronically controlled sequential gearbox, has been specially adapted to withstand the phenomenal torque, and is located under the engine.

The position of the power train allows the creation of a large-capacity boot, situated behind the final drive assembly and therefore not encroaching on the generous interior space of the passenger compartment. This design also allows the driving position to be moved forward, maximising the driving experience for both the driver and the passengers.

The design of the 908 RC creates a particularly low-lying exterior body with a stylish tapered design at the front of the vehicle. Its proportions create an elegant and dynamic statement. Sitting on large diameter 20 spoke alloy wheels (20’’ at the front, 21’’ at the rear); the overall effect is that of a big cat, from the nose at the front, to the tip of the rear lights.

More than ever, the Marque’s emblem has played a part in fashioning the power of expression of the 908 RC.

At the front, the lion’s character seems to emanate from each detail, starting with the design of the headlights. Lighting is provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with their dazzling appearance the result of a special finish given to the internal components. The exterior appearance of the lights looks like a crystal cut like a precious stone, creating a faint outline like the pupil of an eye. The bonnet draws its inspiration directly from the head of a big cat. The areas either side of the bonnet create the effect of the cat’s “cheeks” with the bonnet tapering down to a nose, highlighted by the large chromed emblem of the Marque.

A lot of attention has been paid to the design of the exterior body, with its lack of door handles creating surfaces of great simplicity and purity, and highlighting to maximum effect the reflections that accentuate every facet of the body.

Aligned with the curves of the car’s pronounced “hindquarters”, the rear lights, equipped with LEDs, incorporate a polished aluminium insert evoking the shape of a powerful claw. The dynamic rear profile is characterised by the shape of the rear air diffuser, accentuated by chrome detailing and supported visually on each side by twin exhaust pipes.

The metallic black body colour with its bluish reflections further enhances the impression of status, dynamism and purity portrayed by this car.

The ambience inside the 908 RC is the result of meticulous attention to detail on the part of the car’s designers.

Thanks to a forward-positioned passenger compartment made possible by the car’s architecture, and a large glazed surface area of 3 m2, occupants are truly at one with the road and the passing landscape. The special shape of the huge front windscreen allows a completely unimpeded field of vision (as on the RC concept cars). The front windscreen stretches back behind the driver’s head, as far as the B/C post where the glazed roof begins. This gives both front and rear passengers a sense of being at one with the outside environment. Unequalled brightness and visibility combine with a generous interior space, complete with four independent seats, helping to create a truly exceptional ambience.

The light and flowing style of the interior, combined with the latest technology ensures purity of the design and a comfortable interior. For example, all vehicle functions (radio, MP3 player, satellite navigation, four-zone air conditioning, etc) can be easily controlled by means of a large touch screen, the Man/Machine Interface (MMI). The MMI is also accessible by the rear passengers, thanks to a multimedia screen positioned on the centre console separating the two rear seats. The high-quality materials and interior finish of the 908 RC creates an atmosphere that is both luxurious and timeless.

The passenger compartment features dark oak surrounds, integral amethyst-grey leather trim, polished aluminium inserts, touches of chrome, and a Bell&Ross clock: everything stimulates the senses of touch, sight and smell. Practical aspects have not been overlooked either. Numerous storage spaces, in addition to the large air conditioned glove box, are located in the door panels and also in the front and rear consoles.

In the great tradition of Peugeot concept cars, the 908 RC is a unique model conceived in the inner sanctum of the Peugeot Design Centre. The vehicle is built around a pre-impregnated carbon composite and vacuum-polymerised aluminium honeycomb structure. The rear section is a self-supporting shell incorporating a sub-frame consisting of a tubular structure on which the engine and suspension are assembled.

Both at the front and the rear, the car features a drop link, double wishbone type suspension, derived from the 407.

Braking is by means of four monobloc ceramic carbon composite discs which reduce weight and improved thermal efficiency. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 255/35 R20 tyres at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.