2011 Jaguar XKR 75 To Debut at Goodwood

Jaguar is to unveil the limited edition Jaguar XKR 75 at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 2 in celebration of Jaguar’s 75th anniversary! Jaguar Cars Ltd.

Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 530PS and 655Nm respectively for the XKR 75, to deliver truly outstanding performance. While the limited edition model’s top speed is electronically limited to 174mph (280km/h), the XKR 75’s 0—60mph (100km/h) acceleration time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 510 PS XKR.

The Jaguar XKR 75 features revised suspension and handling for increased precision and agility in addition to the performance enhancements. To ensure the XKR 75 remains stable at high speeds, a revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler provide increased balance and a reduction in lift. The XKR’s computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

In October, Jaguar will begin delivering cars to customers in the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Press Release

JAGUAR XKR 75 MAKES DEBUT AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

• XKR 75 to celebrate Jaguar's 75thanniversary
• Only 75 will be produced making it one of the most exclusive and exciting XKR's
• Higher performance than standard XKR - 0-60 seconds time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 174mph
• Power and torque increased to 530PS and 655Nm respectively
• Upgraded handling and suspension package for increased precision and agility
• Sports exhaust with improved acoustics to match performance

An exclusive XKR - the XKR 75 - will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 2.

Jaguar Land Rover's new CEO, Dr Ralf Speth, initiated the challenge to the Jaguar engineering team to construct an XKR to celebrate Jaguar's 75th anniversary, which would deliver a combination of enhanced performance, superb chassis and steering control and grip levels to inspire the driving enthusiast to explore the true potential of the XKR's capabilities.

Mike O'Driscoll, managing director, Jaguar Cars, said: "The XKR 75 will provide owners with exclusivity, excitement and a hint of Jaguar's great heritage. This is a fitting way to celebrate the sporting credentials of the XK marque in the 75th year of the Jaguar name," he continued.

Jaguar engineers increased the power and torque of the acclaimed 5.0-litre supercharged engine to 530PS and 655Nm respectively for the XKR 75, to deliver truly outstanding performance. While the limited edition model's top speed is electronically limited to 174mph (280km/h), the XKR 75's 0-60mph (100km/h) acceleration time is reduced from 4.6 to 4.4 seconds compared to the standard 510 PS XKR.

Using the rigid lightweight aluminium architecture of the XK as a solid foundation, theincreased power of the XKR 75 is matched by an agile, dynamic chassis that handles supremely, rides exceptionally well and stops with surefooted reassurance time after time.

The Jaguar XKR 75 features revised suspension and handling for increased precision and agility in addition to the performance enhancements. To ensure the XKR 75 remains stable at high speeds, a revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser and larger rear spoiler provide increased balance and a reduction in lift.The XKR's computerised Active Differential Control also adjusts to reduce steering sensitivity at very high speeds, further improving stability and driver control.

And with an improved acoustics package for the semi-active sports exhaust, the XKR 75 produces a pulse-racing growl to match its performance.

The car's driver-focussed character, however, has not been achieved at the expense of the Jaguar traditional values of refinement and comfort.

"We conceived the XR 75 as a sports car with a duality of character that makes it perfectly suited to driving across Europe to the Nurburgring, completing some very fast laps, and then driving home again, added Mike Cross, Chief Engineer Vehicle Integrity.

The XKR 75 features a new Stratus Grey finish. Red brake callipers contrast the eye-catching 20-inch gloss Vortex forged lightweight alloys with a dark technical finish and diamond turn. Customers will have the option to apply a unique body graphic that runs from the front bumper to the rear haunches.

The XKR 75's interior completes the driver-focussed performance environment finished in Charcoal with ivory stitch, piano black finish to facia and centre console and a Jet suedecloth headlining.

THE XKR 75 AT A GLANCE

The unique features of the exclusive new XKR 75 include:

• Increased performance through detailed engine and transmission recalibration
  • Power increased to 530PS (compared to 510 PS on XKR)
  • Torque increased to 655Nm (compared to 625Nm on XKR)
  • Upgraded torque converter to handle the increased torque

• Upgraded suspension systems for increased precision and agility
  • Increased spring and damper rates (front springs 28 per cent stiffer, rear springs 32 per cent stiffer)
  • New fully-machined aluminium front and revised rear suspension upright for increased camber stiffness (increased by 25 per cent)
  • Re-tuned Adaptive Dynamics damper control software
  • Reduced ride height (15mm front and 10mm rear)

• Aerodynamic body pack with body coloured finish to front splitter, side sills extensions and rear diffuser, and body coloured larger rear spoiler and rear trunk lid finisher

• Sports exhaust with improved performance and acoustics - system has new crossover pipe and larger exhaust outlets
• New Stratus Grey exterior paint with optional graphics pack
• Red brake callipers and 20" Vortex forged lightweight alloy wheels, diamond turned with dark grey finish
• XKR performance interior in Charcoal and Ivory stitch leather, with Jet suedecloth headlining and XKR 75 tread plate
• Active front lighting
• Final calibration was done in partnership with the RSR engineering team which has been collaborating with Jaguar on the 2010 motorsport programme.

Production of the XKR 75 will be limited to just 75 vehicles, which will be available to order from July 2010 in the UK priced from £85,500 OTR. Customer deliveries will commence during October.

Teaser: 2012 Nissan Quest Minivan

Nissan also released today the first 2012 Nissan Quest teaser image and announced the new version will go on sale early in 2011.

Based on the Japanese-market El Grand van, the Quest will likely be powered by a 3.7-liter VQ V6 engine with up to 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) according to InsideLine. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but there are rumors all-wheel drive may be offered as an option.

This will be the first time the Quest isn't built in America, as production has switched to Nissan's Shatai plant in Japan where the fourth-generation El Grand is already being produced. Power will come from the same 3.7-liter VQ V6 that powers nearly every other Nissan, with output in the 300 horsepower range. Front-wheel drive will be standard, and we are hearing rumors of an all-wheel-drive option.

The redesigned Quest will go on sale in the United States early next year.



Press Release

The next-generation Nissan Quest presents a new paradigm in family mobility.

Along with top levels of quality and reliability, the all-new design is a fusion of sophistication, security and thoughtful utility for both families and empty-nesters alike.

The new Quest, which will be available in early 2011, is the perfect vehicle for buyers needing the size, safety, functionality and comfort that a minivan has to offer, without sacrificing style or driving pleasure.

Audi A1: Premium car for new target groups[Video]

• Audi moves into subcompact segment for first time with A1

• Schwarzenbauer: "The A1 fulfills the requirements of urban mobility"

• Sales target: 80,000 units in its first full year

The new Audi A1 is the first premium car in the subcompact segment. The agile, sporty Audi is perfect for use in big cities owing to its compact dimensions and its excellent fuel economy. Its wide range of customization options helps its young, urban target group in particular to express their own personal style.

"The subcompact segment is forecast to grow in Europe by the year 2015 - in Germany alone growth of 30 percent is anticipated. We're currently expecting to sell 80,000 units of the A1 in its first full year," says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG. "People who for practical reasons choose a small car want not only the basic functions, but an exciting design and the latest technology as well. With the A1, we're giving these customers what they want by launching the first premium car in the subcompact segment."

The new A1 also benefits from innovations taken from larger Audi models, such as the A3 and A8. As well as its state-of-the-art engines, examples of what the A1 has to offer include a start-stop system, brake energy recuperation and an on-board computer with efficiency program. These technologies are complemented by an array of infotainment items which are otherwise only found in luxury-class models. There is also the option of customizing various details of the car.

"The A1, as is only to be expected, is a true Audi through and through with the usual high standards of quality and emotion," emphasizes Schwarzenbauer. "It's the perfect entry-level model for young customers in particular. And of course we're confident that we'll be able to delight these customers with the new A1 so that they will stay with the Audi brand and will later want to drive our larger models."

Mercedes-Benz Design: Automobile design as an art form: sculpture [Video]

• A jewel of automotive artistry

• Artistic imagination and the forces of nature

Mercedes-Benz is not only treating visitors to the North American International Autoshow 2010 in Detroit to the world premiere of the new E-Class Cabriolet and innovative technology, but also placing a beautifully executed automobile sculpture at centre stage. It represents a vehicle body taking soft, flowing form from a level surface - as if an automobile of liquid silver was being created, or a shimmering cloth was gently draped over a newly conceived design. As if by a natural process, clearly contoured surfaces are ordered and delineated by sharply drawn, curved lines. They lend the sculpture an organic appearance, giving it a future and origin.


The sculpture is an exclusive, sensuous creation and extraordinarily eye-catching. But it also transports car design into a new, artistic reality. "To us, automobile design means artistic, aesthetically and sensuously oriented creation", says Head of Design Prof. Gorden Wagener. "Mercedes-Benz designers translate their artistic inspiration into the modern idiom of Mercedes-Benz automobile design, which combines dramatic details with harmony, style and passion. Mercedes-Benz design is clear, calm and consistent, but yet emotional and highly sensuous. Mercedes-Benz is the brand best able to present automobile design as an art form in an authentic way."
As an extraordinary jewel of automotive artistry, the sculpture uses its flowing, cloth-like connection to its surroundings and the resulting pattern of folds to symbolise the positively and negatively curved surfaces of the modern Mercedes-Benz design strategy. This is characterised by dramatic, full surfaces whose proportions are attractively defined by fine, softly emerging but sharply contoured lines.


Viewing the sculpture can conjure up many associations. Perhaps a sand dune or a snowdrift, a viscous substance such as hot lava or mercury from which an automobile is being created. The sculpture imitates the formative power of nature: flowing elements change their shape as the form of a new automobile emerges in line with the dynamic laws of gravity and aerodynamics, making this form vaguely visible and solidifying into a work of art with the appearance of a casting possessing contours and clear definitions. It shows shapes and lines that appear natural gradually taking the form of a vehicle body, a sensuous basic structure on which curving, sinewy lines create emotional contours. An aesthetic transformation, "shaped by nature" and the artistic imagination of the designer.


Inspired by and taking its origin from the forces of nature, this artistically executed sculpture also symbolises the key basic values of the Mercedes-Benz brand - intelligent technology and quality, sensuous beauty, style, dynamism and innovative strength for well over a century. Coupled with respect for man and nature. Mercedes-Benz is one of the few automobile companies able to communicate this credibly as a work of art.
This is also reflected in the shining Alubeam silver paint finish, which interacts with the contours of the sculpture to create multi-facetted areas of light and shade. At the same time this Mercedes colour is a reference to the glorious motor racing history of the Mercedes-Benz brand, but also suggests visions of the day after tomorrow and promises the innovations of the future.


This high-quality sculptural depiction was essentially created as an attempt by Mercedes-Benz Design to show the cultural feeling and creativeness of its designers in the five international design studios in Germany, Italy, the USA, Japan and China, to further their artistic ideals and develop a design for Mercedes-Benz. "Many of our designers come from artistic families, carry artistic ambitions in their genes, so to speak, and found their way into automobile design via their artistic talent," is how Prof. Gorden Wagener explains the potential.


With this sculpture, Mercedes-Benz provides an insight into the thinking and perceptions of its team of designers and model-makers. While a design idea initially takes shape on paper, it is subsequently modelled in clay. This is sculptural work in its purest form, and eminently suitable for finding new shapes and creating sensuousness. The automobile as an art form, with heavy concentration on attention to detail that also includes the interior design and choice of materials.


Designing and modelling at Mercedes-Benz Design has a great deal to do with creativity and the work of artists - though art for art's sake is certainly not the intention behind this sculpture! The form of an automobile that suggests itself here in such an artistically sophisticated and encoded way is only vaguely perceptible. Nonetheless the basic proportions challenge the onlooker to interpret the shape of the future, real product that may be nearing the end of its flowing design process. Amazement and speculation in equal measure.
via:worldcarfans

Detroit Premiere: Revenge Designs Verde Supercar Teased Ahead

This year a multiple powertrain option will be announced, although the optional HP2ge hybrid engine will not be displayed due to time constraints. It is said to return 110mpg through its V8/ electric motor combination. The system makes 678Nm (500 lb-ft) of torque. Power is a respectable 294kW (400hp). But the Revenge Verde super car itself, which has apparently garnered so much interest, is set for a public display regardless.


Revenge, the manufacturer-turned-tuner based in Indiana, Ohio, is poised for its second appearance at the North American International Auto Show. Last year the company showcased the Revenge GTMR at the same event.

According to the company website the Verde will launch at a price of US$180,000 which is quite less than the Gallardo's US$250,000. Sales are scheduled to begin in July.


"That Gallardo's clutch will run US$16,800 to repair," says Peter Collorafi, President and CEO. "Ours will be done with domestic vendors and labour and run US$3,200. That's a niche we want to fill."
Tom Dupont from the Dupont Registry will speak regarding the kind of international interest the super car has had when the Detroit curtains drop.
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[Two Video]Audi A1: The countdown starts today

• Design of the Tokyo and Paris show cars was a sign of things to come

• The subcompact car has Audi genes yet is highly individual

• New face: independence and premium for a new target group

A new name, a new segment, a new car. Is there a more fascinating challenge for a car designer? Bold and surprising design was what the Audi team was aiming for in 2007 when it designed the A1 project quattro for the Tokyo Motor Show and again in 2008 for the A1 Sportback concept for the Paris Auto Show. Both studies are emotion-packed visions for a new, young target group and the particular requirements of city driving, and have been systematically refined ever since. The future is almost here: The countdown to the A1 is on.


The car is still a secret, yet Stefan Sielaff, Head of Design at AUDI AG, is already talking about the future smallest model in the Audi family. "The new A1 has Audi design in its genes. Like all Audi models, the ratio of greenhouse to body is between 1:3 and 2:3. The front overhang is short, but the wheel wells are pronounced, giving the A1 a wide road stance."


The Audi design team has also come up with something special for the C-pillar. The coupé-like silhouette of the A1 is clearly different from that of the A3. "Audi is renowned for taking a lot of features of its showcars into series production. The roof arch is a unique characteristic of the Tokyo showcar; there is a certain dynamism in the flow of the A- and C-pillars. An important detail for customization; that much I can tell you," said Sielaff. There will be many ways to customize the A1 to your personal ideas, especially in the interior.


The single-frame grille - a central Audi design feature - will identify the A1 as an Audi. But there's a surprise in store. "We'll do something here, maybe with the corners and the width of the grille," says Sielaff. This will affect the headlights. But more on that in January 2010.
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