Volkswagen 1 litre teaser

Things have been a bit quiet in car land for the last day or two. The calm before the Frankfurt storm, clearly. One little tidbit that has popped up, though, is this nifty little gadget from Volkswagen. It is a new, more realistic, 1 litre two seater concept city car.

The “1 litre” name is inspired by the car’s fuel consumption goal of being able to travel 100 kilomtetres on a single litre of petrol. An earlier concept, in black, was previously revealed by former VW CEO Ferdinand Piech. He used the car for a publicity stunt, using it to drive to Volkswagen’s AGM, back in 2002.

The new, more production ready model is understood to be powered by sub-30kW two cylinder diesel engine, mated to a 7 speed DSG transmission. There’s talk there could be an electric engine, of sorts, hidden away in the 500kg bodywork as well.

Volkswagen have previously stated they would like a car of this ilk to go in to production. Possibly as early as next year. So, it seems, along with all of life’s other secrets, all will be revealed at the Frankfurt IAA later this week.

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 and RCZ HYbrid4 concepts

Peugeot RCZ Hybrid4 Concept

PARIS : August 17, 2009 - Peugeot to unveil two concept cars for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 3008 HYbrid4 (CO₂ of 99g/km) and the RCZ HYbrid4 (CO₂ of 95g/km) illustrates the Peugeot commitment to the environmental responsibility and the radical new technologies.

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 (CO₂ of 99g/km) previews the production model scheduled to appear in the Spring of 2011, while with the experimental Peugeot RCZ HYbrid4 (CO₂ of 95g/km), the manufacturer proposes a synthesis of performance and environmental responsiveness.

Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 Concept

Both Peugeot concepts are representatives of the HYbrid4 technology, which is innovative hybrid-diesel technology that capitalises on Peugeot’s recognised expertise in HDi diesel engines and electric vehicles. The new technology’s parallel architecture allows alternate or simultaneous operation of the HDi engine and the electric motor for optimal efficiency in town or on the open road.

With the HYbrid4 solution, the innovative location of the electric motor at the rear of the vehicle offers new benefits – four-wheel drive, without the drawback of a mechanical connection – and ensures technical and economic viability thanks to the preservation of an engine compartment at the front able to accommodate different conventional engines and offering the benefit of adaptability.

GTbyCitroen coming to the Frankfurt Motor Show

Of the many Citroen vehicles that will be introduced in next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the GTbyCitroen is one of the most highly anticipated. The concept was first displayed at last year’s Paris Auto Show and will soon enter production. It’s very exclusive and in fact, only 6 units of the GTbyCitroen will be rolled off the assembly lines.

According to our sources, Citroen is selling each unit for 1.5 million euros (around $2.1 million). Only a little is actually known when it comes to its specifications. A report earlier this year by a Citroen insider said that he production form of GTbyCitroen will have many of the features available on the concept, including most of the carbon fiber-made parts and interior details. The engine that will be used has not been confirmed yet however, company’s head Vincent Besson initially hinted that the company will choose a V8 unit designed by either Ford or General Motors. Expected output will be at least 500 horsepower, with a manual gearbox likely to make the final production version. The reason for the borrowed engine is actually obvious; it would be too expensive to build a new engine, especially for a limited edition of only six units.

2010 Honda Fit Overview and Pictures

The Honda Fit distinguishes itself from all other subcompacts with its impressive practicality thanks to four-door hatchback versatility and ingenious interior packaging.

The Fit offers five-passenger seating and a unique second-row "Magic Seat" that either folds flat with the cargo floor, or flips up to carry tall items behind the first row of seats. The Fit is available in two trim levels, base and Sport, both are powered by a 117-hp 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and a choice of a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The Sport gets steering wheel mounted paddle shifters when equipped with the automatic transmission. Standard safety features include front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, four-wheel ABS and electronic brake-force distribution. The Sport adds many niceties such as alloy wheels, fog lights, leather steering wheel, keyless entry with security system and cruise control. Electronic vehicle stability control and a navigation system are optional on the Sport.

The Fit is a carryover for 2010 after being completely redesigned for the 2009 model year.

2009 Fiat Qubo Trekking Edition Price

A rugged new version of the versatile Qubo range is gearing up for a UK introduction later this month, following its international public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.

The Qubo Trekking not only looks tougher than the regular car, but drives tougher too, thanks to the addition of Traction+, a system that utilises an electronic differential lock to the front wheels to improve handling and control in mud, snow and other low-grip conditions.

Unlike most ordinary four-wheel drive systems, Traction+ does not have an impact on fuel economy or maintenance costs, and is designed to attract a much wider audience of motorists looking for an affordable off-road vehicle.

The system works by braking the driven wheel with the lowest grip and transferring more torque to the other wheel, with the result that there is more grip to overcome slippery conditions.

There will be no mistaking the new Trekking version. It stands 20mm higher than the regular Qubo and comes as standard with sturdy features including front bumper with engine guard, exclusive wheel trims, Pirelli 2500 M&S (mud and snow) tyres and rear ‘Trekking' stickers.

Priced at £12,650 OTR, the Trekking represents excellent value for money for drivers looking for extra grip and control without the need for a full 4WD system. The Trekking also comes equipped with Fiat's Blue&Me entertainment and communications system and attracts a low road tax thanks to its 115 g/km CO2 figure.

"The shape, size and look of the Qubo already lends itself to a Trekking version," says Elena Bernardelli, marketing director, Fiat Group Automobiles UK. "And the added benefits of the Traction+ system will complement the Qubo's practicality and versatility perfectly, especially as it does so while keeping motoring costs down."

The Qubo range starts at £9,755 for the 1.4 Active.

Valencia GP Grid Car Girls 2009

Jenson Button and girlfriend Jessica Michibata, European grand prix, Valencia Spain 20.08.2009 / Copyright: Batchelor / xpb

Paddock Girls, European Grand Prix, Valencia Spain

Audi A2H2 Hydrogen Car

The Audi Hydrogen A2 car (dubbed A2H2) combines the high-tech environmentally friendly design of a green H2 vehicle with the peppiness of a small sports car. The Audi A2H2 uses a Ballard PEM fuel cell stack combined with a high-torque electric motor to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just under 10 seconds. The A2H2 is based upon the Audi A2, which is a popular model in Europe.

Audi A2H2 Hydrogen Car

Audi Hydrogen A2H2 car during the NHA Annual Hydrogen Conference 2006 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. I also had the further pleasure to be quickly passed by the Audi A2H2 as I was driving another Volkswagen hydrogen vehicle, the HyMotion in a caravan of six other hydrogen vehicles, who were all taking a spin around the block. With much glee (and a bit of a lead-foot), the driver who shall remain nameless, passed us at quite a clip and may have very well gotten a speeding ticket, which in my opinion would have done all the more to promote hydrogen cars had this incident made the 11 O'Clock news.

The Audi Hydrogen A2H2 car has a top speed of 109 mph, a range of 137 miles and an effective efficiency of 94 mpg. The Audi A2H2 contains three Dynetek hydrogen storage tanks at a pressure of 350 bar, for a total capacity of 1.8 kg (3.96 lb.) of compressed hydrogen. What gives the A2H2 its power is the 66 kw synchronous electric motor that delivers up to 425 nm (313 lb.-ft.) torque, which can be powered both directly by the PEM fuel cell as needed and the 38 kw NiMH traction battery pack. This combination can deliver up to 150 bhp (110 kw) for short periods such as for passing another vehicle or for climbing hills.

The Audi Hydrogen A2H2 car has another feature familiar in hybrid vehicles and that is that the A2H2 uses regenerative braking in order to recapture kinetic energy and recharge the battery pack.

Audi A2H2 Shifter

In start mode is the only time that the Audi A2H2's entire system is supplied with electricity from the battery and the only time the electrical current flows from the battery to the fuel cell system.

Another aspect of the Audi A2H2 that surprised me was how the shifter for the automatic transmission was configured. The reverse, neutral and drive gears were on the right side and the high and low gears on the left closest to the driver. According to the test engineer who took me for the drive, there was usually a laptop on top of the dashboard taking diagnostic readings that were then sent back to Germany for analysis, but since the public was invited along for the ride, the laptop was gone for the day.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL Hydrogen Car

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL

Mercedes-Benz has improved upon the 60 F-Cell A-Class test vehicles that have been rolled out to United States, Japan, Germany and Singapore with what else, the F-Cell B-Class. The newest DaimlerChrysler Mercedes-Benz F-Cell B-Class offers more power and extended range (inside of its sports tourer segment) over the earlier A-Class version.

DaimlerChrysler Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell Tourer

The electric motor of the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell Sports Tourer generates 100kw (136hp), which is 35kw (48hp) more than the A-Class version. Due to reduced fuel consumption and increased storage capacity, the driving range of the F-Cell Sports Tourer has also been increased to 250 miles, which is more than double that of the F-Cell A-Class vehicles.

According to Dr. Thomas Weber, member of DaimlerChrysler's Board of Management with responsibility for Research and Technology and for the development of the Mercedes Car Group, "With this car, we are continuing our highly successful practical tests on an even larger scale."

The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell Sports Tourer was developed as an automobile for family, travel and leisure offering the same sandwich concept that many hydrogen car manufacturers are going towards, which places the fuel cell and other components under the floorpan, sandwiched in the vehicles double underbody, in order to maximize roominess and comfort for the passengers.

The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell Sports Tourer is also a hybrid vehicle as well, using battery power to start the vehicle and assist the hydrogen fuel cell in delivering power to the electric motors during acceleration. The battery pack is also recharged by the fuel cell and with regenerative braking indicative of other hybrid vehicles.

Inside the F-Cell B-Class Tourer

The Mercedes F-Cell B-Class was first unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. In Geneva, it was demonstrated that the F-Cell B-Class Tourer uses modular design as a step toward marketability. The components have been designed in such a way as to provide easy access and removal for servicing. According to Mercedes representative Peter Heim, "We pared away the body shell in such a way that people can see the major components of the fuel cell drive, and that helps them to understand the principle behind it. In order to ensure that people are able to form a clear and concrete idea about how the fuel cell drive works, it's very important that future components should be presented as realistically and as close to the series-production stage as possible."

The Mercedes-Benz F-Cell Sports Tourer offers quite a leap in technology over its predecessor and with new developments happening all the time, its only a matter of time until the newest hydrogen Mercedes vehicle hits the showroom floors.

2009 HAMANN Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG

HAMANN Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG 2009 - Front Angle Picture

On the occasion of the 30th birthday of the Mercedes-Benz G model, HAMANN Motorsport honors the legendary all-terrain vehicle with an extensive refining program. With its exquisite tuning options for the current top model, the Mercedes-Benz AMG G55 Supercharged, HAMANN-Motorsport once more confirms that it is the first address for sporty accessories.

HAMANN Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG 2009 - Front Picture

HAMANN Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG 2009 - Front Side Picture

Already since 1986, the Laupheim-based company develops and manufactures products for individualizing exclusive automobiles. The HAMANN technicians thereby profit from hundreds of successful participation in motor sports. The know-how which was gained there is the basis for development of HAMANN products and guarantees the highest level of product quality and production. The result: Stainless steel exhaust systems with a sporty and earthy sound, powerful performance enhancements, lifting force reducing aerodynamics components and striking light alloy rims from 20 to 24 inches. The accessory assortment includes perfectly lined interior equipment in combination with color-coordinated floor mats and non-slip aluminum pedals.

Already during the designing phase, HAMANN perfectly adjusts the individual components of the aerodynamic kit to the striking car body shape of the automobile.

This results in an exciting styling with an optimised air flow over the car silhouette.
Two integrated LED daytime running lights are integrated in the front spoiler and render a sporty and dynamic look and increase the passive safety at the same time. At the same time the lifting forces of the 5-door car are reduced in connection with the roof spoiler. Powerful fender extensions broaden the G-model by 40 millimeters at the front axle and 60 millimeters at the back axle.

The newly designed rear skirt with the integrated diffuser perfects the attractive overall appearance of the car body. If desired, air inlets for the bonnet and a 13-part exterior set made of carbon fiber (radiator grill, headlight protective grid, mirror cases, door handles, air inlets in the side wings, bonnet air blind) set further visual highlights In addition to the exciting look of the aerodynamics look, the HAMANN engine department developed two powerful performance enhancements for the 5.4 liter motor. The customer can select an engine operating map with 35 hp / 25 kW additional output while the maximum torque increases to 100 Newton meters. The maximum power enhancement results after adding the performance kit HM 600 with breathtaking 600 hp / 441 kW (serial value: 507 hp / 373 kW) and an impressive torque of 782 Nm at 3,000 – 5,200 rpm The extensive engine modification includes an amended motor electronic with annulations, a belt pulley kit, metal catalysts, 6-pipe sport end silencers, gear oil cooling system and an optimised gear control.

The modifications lead to an acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in only 5.1 seconds and the 4-wheel car achieves a maximum speed of 261 km/h (serial value: 210 km/h).

One of the technical highlights and maximum dimension in the available rim program is the three-part HAMANN aluminum wheel called DESIGN EDITION RACE “ANODIZED“ 24“. Characteristic for the modern style of the ultra-light forged wheel is the black rim star and the titanium bolting. The ultra gloss polished rim flange emphasized the noble appearance. HAMANN offers the 24-inch wheel in the dimension 10,5J with tires measuring 315/35 R 24.

In addition to the existing serially offered interior equipment, HAMANN presents accessories made of fine aluminum. The pedals and foot rests render motor sports atmosphere and perfectly go with the 24-part interior set made of carbon fiber. Door sill ledges made of brushed stainless steel with blue lights are adorned with the HAMANN logo as well as the embroidered HAMANN floor mat set perfect the overall look of the noble interior. The ergonomically re-designed airbag steering wheel in 4- spoke design is both sporty and lies very well in the hand. If desired, everything up to the entire leather equipment can be manufactured in artisan precision.

For more information about the extensive HAMANN refining program, please visit the web site www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.com

2009 HAMANN Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG - Dashboard Picture

2009 HAMANN Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG - Interior Picture

HAMANN Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG 2009 - Side Picture

2009 HAMANN Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG - Rear Angle Picture

2009 HAMANN Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG - Rear Picture

Mercedes Brabus SV12 R

Brabus once again prove that they have no equal in the elaboration of cars under the brand Mercedes. German tuners have prepared for exhibition in Frankfurt so-called SV12 R, which is based on the S model 600 and makes a claim for the fastest, most powerful luxury sedan in the world. Brabus engineers have increased the working capacity of the standard V12 bi-turbo engine from 5.5 to 6.3 liters and equipped it with new crankshaft, forged pistons, cylinder heads and camshafts. All this is supported by a larger turbocharger, optimized software for management and performance intake and exhaust systems. For claims to have the fastest, most powerful luxury sedan in the world should possess spectacular parameters as Brabus SV12 R has received after the improvements. 750 h.p. power is achieved and the maximum torque – 1 350Nm. But for security reasons, it is electronically limited to 1 100Nm. The final result is acceleration from 0-100km / h. for 4.0 sec, 0-200 kilometers per hour for 11.9 sec and has a maximum speed limit of 340 kilometers per hour
For such power and efficiency are needed the most reliable brakes, to ensure the security of the driver and passengers. Here again by Brabus fault because they are equipped tuned Mercedes S 600 with high-performance brake system features 12-piston thickness and 380 millimeters. front discs with 6-piston thickness and 355 millimeters rear discs. Appearance of SV12 R is typical for all models Brabus aggressive style, with a number of additional air vents that help to better cool the engine and brakes, as well as many halogen and LED lights. Customers can choose between several types of alloy wheels in sizes from 17 to 21 inches. All who buy Brabus SV12 R, to get it ultra thin laptop, color printer and wireless internet access to enable the vehicle to perform the functions of an ideal mobile office of its owner. The luxury sedan also has a 15.2-inch screen, built-in restraints on front seats, automatic blinds and electric retractable tables and decorative inserts are made from a unique combination of maple and exotic tropical wood.

Mercedes E 63 AMG got 585 hp from Carlsson

2010 Mercedes E63 AMG

The German tuner Carlsson has shown the so-called E-CK63 RS, which is based on the new Mercedes E 63 AMG, but the company has not yet revealed what will be its price. Carlsson engineers are able to increase the power of the 6.2-liter V8 engine of the E 63 AMG from standard 525 h.p. to 585 h.p. through new control unit of the unit and exhaust system. Result is achieved by acceleration 0-100km / h. for 4.5 sec. E-CK63 RS has received a comprehensive aerodynamic package consisting of bumpers, side aprons diffuser and boot lid spoiler, all elements are made of material PU-RIM.
The appearance of the car is supplemented by 20-inch wheels Carlsson REVO, and make an impression in the interior with new carpets logo tuners, and upholstered in soft leather and suede seats, steering wheel and doors.

BMW has released a special edition X5 to celebrate the models 10th birthday. The new special edition X5 will be powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six diesel engine that pumps out 286-horsepower. The X5 xDrive35d 10-Year Edition will have a special Sophisto Grey metallic paint job with a set of 20-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and a panoramic glass sun roof.

The special edition will have a Nappa leather upholstery, a Piano Black trim, anthracite headlining and other features which the company has not yet released. The 10-Year package will have special plates fitted to the doors and on the dashboard to make you feel a bit more ’special’.