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Porsche releases technical innovations on new 4-door Panamera luxury sportster
2009-03-21 12:57AM / 標準BLOG
March 19, 2009 Porsche's 4-door Panamera will be finally unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 20 - not that we haven't already had plenty of chances to take a good look at it through the company's prolific PR department. Designed to be at once more luxurious than an S-Class Benz and sportier than a Beemer M5, the Panamera is the first 4-door Porsche with an uncompromising performance focus. It looks like a belter too, considering rumors that the 500-horsepower, US$132,600 turbo model actually had to be reined back in performance terms just so it wouldn't trouser the 911, which is supposed to be Porsche's performance flagship. As a brand new, extreme high end model, you'd be expecting the Panamera to pack a few technological punches - and you'd be right. Here's a few of the key innovations.
Engineers at Porsche have tucked in with gusto to the task of producing a luxury 4-door sports limo that makes no compromises in comfort or performance. To achieve their goals, they have loaded the upcoming 2009 Panamera with some pretty nifty technology. Let's take a look at a few items.
PDK transmission
PDK stands for Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe - ten points if you can pronouce that. It's a double-clutch automatic, meaning that there's actually two transmissions, one handling reverse, first, third, fifth and the hugely overdriven economy 7th gear, and the other handling second, fourth and sixth gears. Each has its own clutch, so that, for example, when you shift up from first, second gear is engaging at the same time as first is disengaging.
The result is basically that there is uninterrupted power delivered to the wheels as the car accelerates through the gears - and since no engine revolutions are lost in the gearchange, there's a benefit in terms of fuel economy as well.
The PDK, a several thousand-dollar option on the 2008 911, is standard on all three Panamera models.
Start/stop System
The idea of turning the engine off when you're stopped at the lights, then istantly turning it back on when you lift your foot from the brake, is nothing new. An economy measure used to boost a car's gas mileage and help lower emissions, it's a clever addition to the Panamera range.
Porsche claims this is the first time such a system has been implemented on a premium car with an automatic transmission, and economy tests have rated the Panamera S at 26.2mpg, which isn't bad for a luxury sportster.
Adaptive Air Suspension
The Panamera's adaptive air suspension system adjusts not only the pressure of air in each shock, but for the first time, the volume of each chamber, giving the car a wider range of performance, comfort and compromise suspension settings to play with on the fly.
Adaptive Rear Spoiler
While the whole car has been given plenty of attention in the wind tunnel - including the addition of a completely covered, flat underfloor - the star of the aerodynamics show is the moving rear spoiler. It pops up as speeds increase, and gradually extends to give the optimal blend of stability, aerodynamics and performance.
Interior Acoustics
It's a luxury car, so it's supposed to be whisper-quiet. Wait, it's also a V8 Porsche sportscar, it should snarl at you when you hit the gas until the hairs stand up on your arms.
Porsche believes it's got the balance right on this one, with super-quiet aeroacoustics a priority from day one to deliver a quiet and discreet ride when you're cruising. When you plant the pedal, though, and the 4.8-litre engine really starts to sing, care has been taken to make sure the occupants are in the front row for its performance.
Ultralight body construction
Porsche has devoted a lot of time to getting the Panamera as light as possibe. To that end, each part of the body of the car has been assessed for optimal materials use. Several different grades of steel are used, as well as plastics, aluminium and magnesium alloys in search of the right mix of light weight and strength where each is required.
The lightweight doors, for example, have a load-bearing structure made of laser-treated pressure-cast aluminium, an aluminium outer skin, and door window frames made of thin-walled pressure-cast magnesium. This has led to a nice low weight of 1,770kg for the Panamera S - just 80kg heavier than the 2-seater 911 Turbo Cabriolet.
Pricing
The 400 horsepower Panamera S, which will hit 60mph in 5.2 seconds, will sell for US$89,900.
The 4S, featuring all-wheel-drive, will get you to 60 in 4.8 seconds, for US$93,800.
The big daddy Panamera Turbo, at the top of the range, boasts 500 horsepower and makes 60 in 4 seconds flat. Top speed is a mighty adequate 188mph. It will set you back US$132,600.
Loz Blain
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First images of Lamborghini Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster
2009-03-17 1:14AM / 標準BLOG
March 14, 2009 Automobili Lamborghini has released the first photographs of a limited edition Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster. The Roadster version of the Murciélago will offer an uprated 6.5 litre V12 engine producing 650 hp (478 kW) along with permanent four-wheel drive and attain a top speed of around 330 Km/h (205mph). With 660 Nm of torque, the LP 650-4 Roadster will accelerate from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 3.4 seconds
The special edition model will be produced in a limited volume (50 units only), with a Grigio Telesto exterior that combines grey bodywork with a special bright orange Arancio LP 650-4 featured on the front spoiler and sills. The LP 650-4 logo applied to the car’s exterior is recognition of the car’s increased power. The car features orange brake calipers and a transparent V12-engine cover, which shows off the V12 engine behind the driver.
Interior features echo the car's striking grey-and-orange exterior: besides the orange touches, there is an asymmetric dash design, with black Alcantara Nera on the driver's side, including door panel and central tunnel, and black leather Nero Perseus on the passenger's side.
The increased power of the Murciélago engine, from 640 to 650 hp, will be unique to the Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster: it demonstrates even further the developments that Lamborghini is able to offer from a current engine, and creates the exclusive characteristic of the Murciélago LP 650-4 Roadster.
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Mercedes AMG builds a new Gullwing
2009-03-14 1:47AM / 標準BLOG
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGImage Gallery ( 36 images )
March 13, 2009 For the first time in its 40 year history, the Mercedes-Benz performance brand AMG has developed a vehicle completely in-house: the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. This "super sports car" takes an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine developing 420 kW/571 hp peak output, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones, wraps it in an aluminum spaceframe and throws in a set of always-in-style gullwing doors. The combination of the company's first ever use of an aluminum chassis and body frame coupled with lightweight, high-strength components such as a carbon-fiber driveshaft delivers a kerb weight of just 1620 kilograms and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp. Provisional performance figures put acceleration at 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 315 kmh.
SLS AMG features an aluminum chassis and body
Compared with the traditional steel design, the aluminum chassis and body results in a significant weight saving illustrated by the planned DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms, as well as meeting requirements in terms of passive safety. The car's design also delivers an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 48 to 52 percent and a low center of gravity according to Mercedes Benz.
AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine achieves a peak output of 420 kW/571 hp at 6800 rpm. A power-to-weight ratio of 2.84 kg/hp comes courtesy of the low vehicle weight and the eight-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine delivers maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. The Gullwing accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, before going on to a top speed of 315 kmh (all figures are provisional).
The principal measures to increase output include the all-new intake system, the reworked valve train and camshafts, the use of flow-optimized tubular steel headers and the de-throttling of the exhaust system. This results in much better cylinder charging, which feeds through into an increase in output to 420 kW/ 571 hp with maximum torque of 650 Nm. Mercedes-Benz says that the eight-cylinder engine responds swiftly to movements of the accelerator pedal, demonstrating much more pronounced high-revving flexibility across the entire rev range. They go onto to say that the switch to dry sump lubrication translates into a much lower position of the engine in the vehicle and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity has also paved the way for high lateral acceleration and exhilarating driving dynamics.
The use of high-strength components compensates for the increased engine load associated with the higher output. Forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft bearing, optimized crankcase structure, along with improved lubrication with an on-demand high-performance oil pump ensure optimum durability. The engine weight has been further reduced resulting in a kerb weight of 206 kilograms and, in turn, a power-to-weight ratio of 0.36 kg/hp.
The improved catalytic converter should enable current and future exhaust emission standards such as EU 5, LEV 2 and ULEV to be met. The friction-optimized twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating on the cylinder walls – a process exclusive to AMG – also reduces fuel consumption, as does the on demand, map-optimized oil supply along with the regulated generator management. Mercedes-Benz says the fuel consumption for the SLS AMG is around 13 litres of Super Plus per 100 kilometers (NEDC combined, provisional figure).
Dual-clutch transmission with transaxle configuration and torque tube
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers its power via a light weight carbon-fibre driveshaft at the rear axle – similar to the set-up used on the DTM C Class racing touring car. The transmission is mounted at the rear (transaxle principle) and is connected to the engine housing via a torque tube. A carbon-fiber shaft rotates at engine speed in the torque tube and Mercedes-Benz says the advantages of this sophisticated solution are associated with the rigid link between the engine and transmission and, in turn, the optimum support for the forces and torque generated. A new AMG dual-clutch transmission with seven gears takes care of power transfer and the transmission boasts fast gear changes with no loss of tractive force, says Mercedes-Benz. The driver has a choice of four different driving modes, ranging from comfortable to sporty, as well as a RACE START function. Optimized traction comes courtesy of the mechanical differential lock, which is integrated in the compact transmission casing.
The chosen solution with a front-mid engine plus transaxle configuration ensures what's said to be an ideal front/rear weight distribution of 48 to 52 percent. Further, mounting the engine behind the front axle has created the ideal conditions for consummate driving dynamics with precise steering, first-class agility, low inertia with spontaneous directional changes and outstanding traction according to Mercedes. Wheel location comes via double wishbones and hub carriers made of lightweight forged aluminum. The 'Gullwing' comes with 3-stage ESP® as standard, providing the driver with access to the three "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT" and "ESP OFF" modes at the push of a button.
Ceramic composite brakes, innovative flow-forming wheels
Braking is provided by either AMG high-performance composite brakes or the newly developed, optional ceramic composite brakes with larger brake discs. The ceramic brake discs will perform reliably at even higher operating temperatures thanks to their greater hardness; all combined with an impressive weight reduction of around 40 percent. Further to this, light-weight design was also a key consideration with the wheels: weight-optimized AMG light-alloy wheels – 9.5 x 19 inch (front) and 11.0 x 20 inch (rear) – based on the flow-forming principle reduce the un-sprung masses while increasing driving dynamics and suspension comfort. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tires developed exclusively for AMG provide the grip.
The design and development phase for the SLS AMG got underway in the last quarter of 2006 and the intensive vehicle testing program will be completed by the end of 2009. The reinterpretation of the legendary Gullwing is scheduled to be launched in spring 2010.
David Greig
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600 hp Infiniti Essence: the World's most powerful hybrid car
2009-03-11 5:07AM / 標準BLOG
March 7, 2009 To celebrate 20 years as a brand Infiniti has produced a stunning concept car for the 2009 International Motor Show in Geneva. The Infiniti Essence is the world’s most powerful Hybrid car with a total of 600 horsepower combined output from its V6 twin turbo and electric motor. The luxury sports car hybrid offers enormous power on the open road and zero emission driving in urban settings.
In specification the car looks very much like a hybrid version of Nissan’s GT-R. (Infiniti is a Nissan owned brand) With a 3.7 liter V6 DOHC Twin Turbo VQ based engine (VQ37DETT) putting out 434 hp (320 Kw) in a rear wheel drive FM (Front Midship) platform currently used in modified form in both the Nissan GT-R, 350Z and Infiniti V36. An additional 158 hp (116 Kw) and 500 Nm comes from the twin clutch mounted Disc type electric motor giving a total of 592 hp (435 Kw). No combined torque figure was released by Infiniti but it should be in the region of 1088 Nm (802 Ft/lb)
Strictly a two seater, the front-engined rear wheel drive super-luxury coupe is Infiniti’s first super-performance car with design cues that Infiniti says will distinguish its production cars of the coming years. The Essence is a real styling exercise featuring razor sharp lines, side windows that appear to be resting on a ledge and a steeply raked windscreen that combines as a sun roof and extends all the way to the B pillar while the car rides on 22-inch wheels. The Essence also comes complete with Bespoke Louis Vuitton luggage.
The petrol engine and electric engine can work independently or together as a “parallel” hybrid system. At urban speeds the Essence operates as a pure battery electric vehicle. A lower trunk mounted laminated lithium ion battery supplies power to a new type of electric motor called the 3D Motor. The motor is a BLDC design that maximizes torque density to meet tough requirements on size and power output. The result is a particularly slim, disk-shaped motor that has twice the torque of a conventional unit. Its design was achieved by 3D magnetic field analysis to optimize the layout of the electromagnetic coils and permanent magnets. The motor is positioned between the engine and transmission and provides 158bhp (116 Kw). The 3D Motor operates in both propulsion and power regeneration modes to recapture braking energy to keep the battery pack charged up.
600 hp + 30 MPG
Optimized energy usage across the widest possible range of driving conditions is guaranteed by two separate clutches which “switch in” the motors as required. It is a system that needs no torque converter and the result is a 600 hp sports car with combined fuel economy of 8 liters / 100 km (30 US MPG).
The Essence also previews some next-generation collision avoidance safety features. Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems are available in today’s production Infinitis but the Essence adds Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP) to extend the anti-collision shield all the way around the car.
With SCP, when the driver decides to change lanes, side-mounted sensors activate a warning if an approaching vehicle is detected in the driver’s intended lane. A yaw mechanism is then activated through brake control of individual wheels to help prevent a potential collision. Back-up Collision Prevention works in a similar way, sensing a vehicle behind, giving the driver a warning but then, if the warning is not heeded, activating the brakes automatically.
Paul Evans
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Bugatti's Veyron “Bleu Centenaire” - NOT with 1375 bhp
2009-03-10 12:57AM / 標準BLOG
March 9, 2009 The automotive world held its breath when Bugatti's turn came during the Geneva Auto Show press conference merry-go-round last week. Here was the world's most over-the-top brand name addressing the assembled global automobile industry in its centenary year. Highly credible sources such as respected German magazine Auto Motor und Sport were suggesting during the lead up to the conference that Bugatti was to gazump all the contenders for the world's fastest production car with a 1007 kw (1375 bhp) Veyron derivative with a top speed of 273 mph. The rumours even got the name right - the Centenaire.
It was all entirely credible. If anyone was going to produce a 1000 kw production car, it would be Bugatti, Though the 1001 bhp Bugatti Veyron has only been on the market for three years, it is unquestionably one of the most significant automobiles in history, and from the outset was to be a limited edition of just 300 cars. With 250 cars ordered to date, there are only 50 more Veyrons to be sold. Despite the limited-edition-of-150 Grand Sport derivative staving off the inevitable need for a new model, Bugatti must announce a new car soon, or else it won't have any cars to sell. Whatever it decides upon, it will obviously need to be significant, and this is Bugatti's 100th year – the company first participated in the Geneva Show of 1909, so it was logical that something very special would be presented.
In the end, something special was presented, though the enormous expectations created by the rumours left the crowd somewhat disappointed when the exquisite Veyron “Bleu Centenaire” one-off anniversary model was presented. The special Centenaire model uses the traditional Bugatti two-tone-specification, but portrays it in matt and gloss Bugatti blue. The roof-trim-stripes and the exterior rearview mirrors are of polished, anodized aluminum. A special wheel design has been added – enhanced by a bright red brake-capillar. The grills at the front and at the side air intakes are in “mirror shine”. The interior of the Centenaire is fitted in a special snowbeige leather with quilting on the seats. The central console is covered in the same leather.
New LED lights, Park Distance Control and a rearview camera have become part of the standard equipment for all Bugatti Veyrons from this year, and the Bleu Centenaire shares all the performance characteristics of other Veyron models. The car will cost EUR 1.35 Million exclusive of taxes and transportation. Bugatti will celebrate its hundredth anniversary on various occasions throughout the year, culminating in an event in Molsheim on September 12, 2009. The next highlight Bugattisti should look out for will be the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Cernobbio in the North of Italy between April 24 and 26. Our betting is that some time in 2009, we'll get to see that 1375 bhp Bugatti, and with Bugatti's market more likely to be at one of these two events, that's where we'll see it first.
The company broke with tradition of releasing major new cars at one of the major international auto shows last year when it showed the world's fastest open top car at the Pebble Beach Concours D'elegance - realistically, a place where people who do have USD1 million plus disposable income to spend on a car might be found, not fighting hip and shoulder with the masses at an auto show.
