Hot Cars

Carlsson CK55 RS

Carlsson, based in Merzig in the Saar, offers the CK55 RS performance kit for all MB vehicles with the M113, 5.5-liter supercharged AMG engine type. Carlsson thereby alters compressor transmission, resulting in a higher maximum compressor RPM. This allows Carlsson to raise the boost pressure and thus the required air flow rate. The combined result is then significantly enhanced performance.

Carlsson modifies the compressor in such a way that it generates more pressure very early on - that is, even at lower rpms - supplying the engine with high torque. That’s how Carlsson achieves not only considerably better flexibility, but also better driving comfort.

A customized exhaust system also boosts performance - a design created by Carlsson which optimizes exhaust flows. To reduce exhaust gas back pressure, the automobile tuner uses rear mufflers of corrosion-resistant stainless steel - as seen in sports cars - which work according to the principle of absorption. The SL’s four tailpipes hint to the rest of the world at the brachial power that can now be tapped with the CK55 RS performance kit. Finally, Carlsson also adapts the electronics of the 5.5 liter V8 engine, rounding off the engine tuning.

This performance makeover increases the power of the elegant roadster’s engine to a mighty 601 bhp/442kW with a maximum torque of 810 Nm at 2600 rpm, definitively establishing the sporty character of the Carlsson CK55. The maximum speed is over 332km/hour. A sprint from 0 to 100 km/hour yields an acceleration time of 4.2 seconds - from 0 to 200 km/hour takes 13.06 seconds.

GM’s Racy New Concept To Wow Paris Crowds

There’ll be some high octane thrills from Chevrolet at this year’s Paris Motor Show, with the debut of an all-new concept car designed to celebrate the brand’s motor sport heritage and push Chevy’s styling language to the extreme.

The WTCC Ultra will be the focal point of the Chevrolet stand in Hall 5 at the Paris Expo, and is much more than just a styling study.

For beneath the bold, muscular exterior, styled by 25-year old designer Ewan Kingsbury, is a fully working vehicle, that’s not just ready for the road, but raring to go on the racetrack.

The concept clearly illustrates Chevrolet’s commitment to using GM’s global resources. Kingsbury himself works for GM in Australia, while development work on the concept was carried out in the UK, Germany and Switzerland. The Ultra’s engine was built in Korea, and the prototype was assembled in Japan.

It’s equipped with a 190PS common rail turbodiesel engine, based on the 2.0-litre unit that will debut in the Captiva SUV and Lacetti models next year, and unlike most motor show styling studies is a fully-working vehicle, with performance to rival high performance petrol cars.

The concept exists as a vision of a new generation of World Touring Cars, and follows on from the success of Chevrolet’s WTCC race team, which took its second victory of the season earlier this month at Brno in the Czech Republic. British driver Rob Huff successfully held off championship leader Andy Priaulx in his BMW, and set the fastest lap time, to lead from the first lap.

Also drawing the crowds to Chevy’s stand at Paris will be the new Captiva SUV, which will reach UK showrooms in the first half of 2007, powered by a 150PS version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine or a 2.4-litre petrol unit.

Maybach 57 S In A Shining Mother-Of-Pearl Finish

At the 78th International Motor Show in Paris, Maybach is presenting its Model Maybach 57 S in a shining white paint finish for the first time. In this way the tradition-laden German Maybach luxury brand is meeting the desire of one of its customers for even more individuality. In standard trim the sporty and luxurious Maybach Model 57 S is only available with a single-tone paint finish in either black or silver.

The shining new “Antiqua White” finish impressively emphasises the dynamic character of this high-end luxury saloon, whose outstanding performance potential particularly captures the enthusiasm of passionate owner-drivers.

The white paint finish of the Maybach 57 S is applied in multiple layers by experienced specialists using a highly involved process – there are almost twice as many layers than is usual for other luxury cars. In contrast to conventional paint finishes using just one base paint to provide the colour tone, two different paints are necessary to achieve this incomparable, mother-of-pearl-like sheen – one of these contains mica.

This highlighting material is responsible for the particular sheen of the paint finish, which varies slightly depending on the lighting angle and shines especially brightly in sunlight. The paint layers are mainly applied by hand, and several additional layers of clearcoat ensure a highly resistant finish. “Antiqua White” is available to customers on request, as part of the more than two million Maybach individualisation options.

Jaguar XK Coupe Wins UK TV People ‘Car of the Year’ Award 2006

Jaguar’s XK Coupe has been named ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ at the UK TV People Awards 2006. Over 10,000 UK TV viewers voted from a choice of 16 vehicles and chose the new XK as their favourite car overall.

Throughout the week preceding the awards ceremony, viewers watched Formula 1’s Louise Goodman test drive the 16 vehicles on the UK TV channel where she highlighted the various attributes of each car. The vehicles were then divided into four categories for viewers to make their selection. The categories were Sport, Family, Luxury and 4×4.

Jaguar’s UK Managing Director Geoff Cousins, said of the award: “We are delighted that the XK came out top of the bunch in what was an extremely strong and competitive short list. This recognition is especially pleasing as it was voted for by the public. I am also delighted for everyone responsible for the car’s production here in the UK; they should all feel very proud that Jaguar came out top.”

Loris Vigiani, Production Manager for UK TV said: “The competition was tough but the performance, shape and sheer beauty of the Jaguar XK Coupe obviously won the hearts and minds of the viewing public, beating Volvo, Mercedes and Maserati to win the ‘Luxury’ category; as well as Lotus, BMW and Porsche amongst others to win overall.”

Fifth Gear’s Vicki Butler-Henderson and Adrian Simpson hosted the live awards. Viewers were invited to make their choice by text message on their mobile phone or via the UKTV website.

Since the Jaguar XK went on sale in March this year, Jaguar has taken more than 9,000 orders and delivered 5,000 vehicles worldwide. The XK has won eight awards in total since its launch, including ‘Car of the Year’ at the Auto Express Awards 2006. Prices start at £59,995 for the XK Coupe and £65,995 for the Convertible.

Jeep Commander Wins U.K. 4×4 Of The Year Award

The U.K. publication, 4×4 Magazine, has voted the Jeep Commander “4×4 Of The Year 2007″. Facing 53 contenders in seven different categories, the Jeep Commander showed its stuff and handily beat everything else in the field, literally. 4×4 Magazine is the only publication that gathers all of their candidates together in one place at one time. Every vehicle is tested in real world off-road situations.

The Jeep Commander not only won the Family SUV category, but also beat the other six category champions’ scores (which ranged from 26 to 36 points) to win the overall honor with 39 points.

According to 4×4 editor John Carroll: “The new premium Jeep surprised us. The Commander reverts to the true core off-roader value of functionality over form. Look past the brash grille and see the stepped up roofline allowing ‘theatre’ seating and the way the roof rails fold over to give a grab-handle effect on either side of the tailgate. The squared-up shape maximizes interior space and practicality. Underneath, is the Quadra-Drive II system, so the Jeep has the genuine capability to back up its genuine off-roader looks.”

4×4 OTY 2007 – Group winners
1- Jeep Commander 39 points
2- Range Rover 36 points
3- Hummer H3 35 points
4- Audi A6 Allroad 31 points
5- Daihatsu Terios 26 points
6- Nissan Navara 29 points
6- SsangYong Kyron 29 points

Mazda To Premiere European CX-7 At The 2006 Paris International Motor Show

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the European version of the Mazda CX-7, its highly-anticipated crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV), at the Paris International Motor Show to be held from Thursday, 28 September through Sunday, 15 October 2006.

A unique combination of sports-car driving fun, bold designing and SUV practicality and comfort, the Mazda CX-7 features a 6-speed manual transmission, new power output and many design elements that are specific to the European model.

Joining the Mazda CX-7 will be the all-new Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe with power retractable hard top and the all-new Mazda BT-50 pickup, which is even more stylish, practical and rugged than its successful B-Series predecessor. Also on hand will be the winner of the Grand Prix Du Plus Beau Concept Car at the XXIth Festival Automobile International in Paris in January this year, the Mazda Senku, making its first appearance at a European Motor Show.