Hot Cars

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Mercedes-Benz will in future also market its SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster with a top. In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it, too, will be made of carbon fibre, a material that will endow the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupé version.

This gives rise, in combination with the racing-type chassis, to outstanding ride characteristics. The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h (207 mph), therefore at the same high level as the coupé.

Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle’s suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.

Like the coupé version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR legend of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.

The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis.

The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.

The puristic top is suitable for high speeds

The exceptional qualities of the Roadster are attributable also to the fully retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the SLR McLaren. Its newly developed roof material, which is available in three different colours, not only guarantees complete suitability for everyday use in all weathers, but also endows the high-performance sports car with characteristics that are exceptionally unusual in a roadster. For example, at 332 km/h (207 mph), the maximum speed is at the high level of the coupé version. Conversation is still possible at well over 200 km/h (124 mph) on open-air journeys thanks to the favourable aeroacoustics.

The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, thereby combining the desire for convenience with the puristic character of the roadster. To open, the roof merely needs to be unlocked from the windscreen frame and be briefly raised, after which it folds away electrically. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when retracted.

Sophisticated aerodynamics and racing-type chassis

In the wind tunnel, the Roadster has been optimised for high speeds with regard to handling, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. It likewise employs the aerodynamic concept already known from the coupé version, featuring an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffusor in the rear bumper to provide increased downforce on the rear axle.

The open two-seater is equipped with a racing-type chassis featuring high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs, thereby setting extremely high standards. Its front-mid-engine provides for optimum weight distribution. With 460 kW/626 hp and a maximum torque of 780 Nm, the AMG V8 compressor engine, which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, accelerates the Roadster from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds.

Unique safety and exclusive fittings

A high degree of safety is ensured by unique carbon-fibre crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. The comprehensive specification also features adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

The exclusive standard equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, like the coupé, is produced at McLaren’s Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, in accordance with stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria and will be available as from September 2007.

Taxi’s Home Town Hosts Trade Showcase

The record-breaking latest incarnation of the famous London taxi will take pride of place at a trade show in the city where it is made. LTI Vehicles, manufacturer of the TX4 taxi, will be among the exhibitors at Taxi Expo, on May 15 and 16 at the Ricoh Arena, in Coventry.

The firm’s base is just a couple of miles across town and bosses are proudly looking forward to showcasing their latest model – still instantly recognisable as a London-style cab but with a host of refinements over previous models.

As well as having two TX4 models on the stand at the show for visitors to look around, a further cab will be laid on to whisk delegates across town to the Holyhead Road headquarters of LTI Vehicles for a factory tour.

Matthew Cheyne, Sales and Marketing Director with LTI Vehicles, said: “We are very proud of the motor manufacturing heritage in Coventry and are delighted that this taxi trade showcase is being held here in our home city.

“Since its launch last October, the TX4 has broken all sales records. We will have two models at the show for those who have not seen it to come and have a look and see what all the fuss is about.

“After the success of our factory tours last year, we will again be running trips from the Ricoh Arena to our factory to show interested drivers how the vehicles are made.

”We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the event.”

It is the second year the Ricoh Arena has hosted the event.

The TX4 features anti-lock brakes as standard and a new Euro IV-compliant VM engine. It also has a new suspension system and further refinements inside to improve passenger and driver comfort and safety.

ZAP-X Crossover Electric Car

ZAP has announced with Lotus Engineering the development of the new ZAP-X Crossover, incorporating distinct technological advancements that will result in one of the most advanced electric cars ever developed.

ZAP and Lotus are utilizing the award-winning APX lightweight aluminum architecture design to achieve unprecedented levels of performance and utility for electric cars.

The drive system alone is enough to excite driving fanatics, featuring an innovative all-wheel drive option with revolutionary electric motors inside each of the wheels, potentially delivering 644 horsepower and speeds up to 155mph.

An advanced battery system will enable the car to travel a range up to 350 miles between charges, with a rapid charge technology that can recharge the batteries in as little as 10 minutes.

STARTECH Refines The Dodge Caliber

Tuning ‘Made in Germany’ for the Dodge Caliber: STARTECH offers a strikingly styled aerodynamic-enhancement program, and engine tuning for the diesel model. To add more sporty emphasis to the characteristic appearance of the Dodge Caliber the STARTECH designers have developed an aerodynamic-enhancement kit that adds to the compact car’s striking design.

The STARTECH front fascia not only visually upgrades the front; it also reduces lift on the front axle.

The sides are given a more homogenous appearance with the STARTECH side body cladding that gives the Caliber a lower and sleeker appearance.

The rear of the Dodge can also undergo sporty modifications: The custom-tailored STARTECH lift-gate attachment continues the bullish contour of the rear fascia over the entire width of the rear. The rear fascia with stylized tailpipes left and right gives the Caliber a more powerful look. The fascia can be complemented with the STARTECH sport exhaust system. The rear spoiler is attached to the liftgate and stylishly rounds out the STARTECH designer suit.

For the Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD with common-rail turbodiesel engine STARTECH offers powerful and reliable power tuning that ups power output by 40 hp / 29.4 kW. The STARTECH SD3 performance kit consists of a plug-and-play control module that can be installed by any authorized Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer in half an hour, thanks to an included custom wire harness. Like the production models the STARTECH-tuned Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD meets EURO IV emission limits.

With STARTECH SD3 tuning peak power output of the 2.0-liter common-rail four cylinder engine with Diesel particulate filter jumps from standard 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW at just 4,000 rpm. Even more important for everyday driving is the increase in peak torque from 310 Nm to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Thus equipped sprint time from 0 - 100 km/h is shortened from 9.3 to 8.6 seconds. Top speed of the tuned Caliber diesel model increases to 201 km/h.

STARTECH offers a stainless-steel rear muffler with one oval tailpipe on either side for all engine variants of the Caliber. There are two versions, one to be combined with the STARTECH rear fascia and one for installation in combination with the stock bumper. The exhaust system lends the Caliber not only a more thrilling rear appearance but also a more powerful exhaust note.

STARTECH offers more driving fun in the form of custom-tailored modifications to the suspension of the Dodge. Progressive-rate springs precision-calibrated to the standard shocks lower the ride height of the vehicle by some 30 millimeters.

Wheels make a car and STARTECH offers various custom-tailored STARTECH Monostar tire/wheel combinations with 19- and 20-inch diameters for the Caliber. The palette of suitable Monostar IV five-spoke wheels ranges from size 8.5Jx19 all around with tires up to 245/40 R 19 in size to an especially exclusive version with size 9Jx20 wheels and 245/35 R
20 tires.

The STARTECH program also offers numerous customization options for the interiors of all Caliber models: The STARTECH Lifestyle interior package will go on sale in the near future.

Extravagant highlights can be added with striking STARTECH accessories: Polished aluminum serves as the material of choice for door-lock pins, shifter and foot pedals. Also available are high-quality floor mats with STARTECH signet.

Audi A4 Range Polts A New Course

A significant reduction in the price of optional DVD satellite navigation has just made the route to an exceptionally well equipped Audi A4 even more accessible.

Valid from this month, the new navigation offer brings the price of the much praised Audi system covering the whole of Western Europe down from £1,975 to £500 for all A4 SE and S line, S4 quattro and RS 4 quattro models registered by September 30th.

The comfort-oriented SE and more sporting S line upgrades also currently represent exceptional value, with the SE specification available at no extra cost and the S line sports trim at a reduced premium of £750 for cars registered by September 30th. These model lines continue to benefit from an alloy wheel upgrade to a 17-inch wheel for SE versions and an 18-inch for S line models.

A total of ten advanced petrol and TDI engines can be matched to these specification options, the latest line-up including the multiple award winning 2.0 TFSI petrol unit and the recently adopted 2.7 TDI and 3.0 TDI V6 diesels featuring state-of-the-art common rail piezo injection. Prices range from £19,915 OTR for the A4 2.0 SE to £30,065 OTR for the A4 Avant 3.0 TDI quattro S line.

Widely acknowledged as the most effective and user friendly system of its kind currently available, the Audi Satellite Navigation System Plus delivers maps from a single DVD covering the whole of Western Europe to a 6.5-inch high resolution colour monitor.

It incorporates useful features such as a ‘bird’s eye view’ mapping option, split-screen functionality and TMC, which through information gathered from sensors mounted across the road network enables the system to take accidents and delays on a prescribed route into account and to automatically re-route around them wherever possible.

Jeep Introduces Compass Rallye Package From Mopar

The Jeep® brand continues its expansion into new territory and into the world of rallye car toughness with a new body kit from Mopar®. For a limited time, a new Rallye Package featuring Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar will be available for both 4×2 and 4×4 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Compass Limited models. Mopar is the Chrysler Group’s original equipment parts manufacturer.

Arriving in U.S. and international markets in late 2006, the Jeep Compass is an all-new compact sport-utility vehicle that combines classic Jeep cues with contemporary lines. The Mopar Rallye Package takes this sleek style another step, wrapping Jeep Compass’ modern design in an aggressive toughness.

“The Rallye Package from Mopar enhances the sleek, sophisticated and expressive styling and appearance of the Jeep Compass,” said John Plecha, Director – Jeep Marketing and Global Communications. “It embellishes its modern Jeep appeal and gives the Compass a character all its own.”

The Jeep Compass Rallye Package – available in Black, Silver, Inferno Red, Jeep Green and Steel Blue – includes:

* Unique 18-inch x 7-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with machined edges and chrome center caps
* Roof-mounted rear spoiler that adds performance-oriented styling
* Auxiliary driving lights with covers that feature the Jeep logo
* Bright exhaust tips that reinforce the Compass’ forceful personality
* Chrome Rallye badge
* Mopar body kit featuring front and rear fascia overlay appliqués, lower honeycomb front fascia grille and side sill lower panels and door appliqués

The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Jeep Compass Rallye Package is $1,985 (Sport) and $1,850 (Limited). Limited production began in April for the United States and international markets. Pre-orders are being taken now.

The Jeep Compass Rallye edition debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2006 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Jeep Compass competes in the compact sport-utility segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2006 calendar year was 520,045 units, up 34 percent from 387,828 units in 2005. The compact SUV segment is expected to continue to grow to 814,000 units by 2016. This is a great opportunity for the Jeep brand to attract new buyers who want a stylish, fuel-efficient, affordable, safe and capable SUV.

Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar are available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships across the United States. Mopar accessories are covered under DaimlerChrysler’s 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Mopar’s 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty, whichever is more favorable to the customer. These warranties are serviced by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships.