Wednesday, March 5, 2008

2008 Geneva Auto Show: Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes

Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowThis exceptional model – Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes – is priced at 1.55 million euros (not including tax).
Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowBugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowBugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowBugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowBugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowBugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermes at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowPRESS RELEASE

Emile Hermes and Ettore Bugatti

1956 saw the last Molsheim-built Bugatti pass through the factory gates of the famous Alsatian car manufacturer. Fifty years later, in the spring of 2006, the first of the new generation of Molsheim Bugattis, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, was delivered to its owner.

Ettore Bugatti and Émile Hermès met in the 1920s, when Ettore ordered a bespoke suitcase for his first Bugatti Royale. Almost eighty years later, at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Élégance, representatives of Bugatti and Hermès met again. And this encounter turned out to be the beginning of a new collaboration between the two houses.

The revival of this relationship may initially appear surprising, as the association between the renowned luxury house and the legendary car manufacturer in today's automotive context would not immediately spring to mind. It confirms that heritage is able to survive over a time span of several decades.

"Art-Forme-Technique", the mythical legacy of Bugatti underlines that strong brand values and a total commitment to excellence are as valid today as they were when Ettore Bugatti and Émile Hermès met for the first time. And today's exchange of expertise, skills and craftsmanship, common to both houses in their respective fields, is still as exciting and rewarding as at the time of Émile and Ettore's first encounter.

What had begun as a personal friendship has now turned into a modern industrial design project and an important part of Bugatti's new individual-isation programme. The new Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès is a milestone in Bugatti's renaissance and an enthusiastic and promising partnership between Hermès and Bugatti – between a "car-loving saddle- maker" and a "horse-loving carmaker".

Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen
President
Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

The meeting between Émile Hermès and Ettore Bugatti, at the beginning of the 20th century, marked an epoch-making encounter between a prestigious Parisian saddler with a passion for cars, and an exceptional carmaker with a passion for the world of horses. The result was a friendship nourished by shared enthusiasms, respect and admiration, and a common vision of the importance of innovation, creativity and modernity.

The Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès revives the historic links between Bugatti and Hermès, demonstrating the enduring power of their shared values, in the pursuit of contemporary excellence.

Since its beginnings in 1837, Hermès has always sought to accompany people on the move: on horseback, by car, by plane or most recently by helicopter... Elegance, functionality, creativity and extreme attention to quality are the principles shaping the design and production of everything we make. The Bugatti Veyron was, then, studied, "tamed" and rethought. At the invitation of Hermès Artistic Direction, designer Gabriele Pezzini worked with our craftsmen to create a car that is just as much Hermès as it is Bugatti.

The utmost attention has been paid to the reworking of the interior and exterior alike. A highly detailed approach, reflecting the spirit of excellence underpinning the collaboration between teams from Bugatti and Hermès on this shared project. Handcrafted leatherwork by Hermès is to be found throughout, even under the hood.

This exceptional car has been invested with an aura of serenity and refinement that accompanies it wherever it goes, from country lanes to city streets. In Paris, we shall be delighted to see it glide, astonishingly acquiescent, along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

Patrick Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Hermès

The"Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès"

On the occasion of the 78th Geneva Motor Show (from 6 to 16 March 2008), Bugatti and Hermès copresent the fruit of their partnership: the "Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès", associating Bugatti's technical performance with the expertise of Hermès and its craftsmen. In partnership with Hermès, designer Gabriele Pezzini has married the distinctive Hermès style to the legendary Bugatti Veyron 16.4, magnifying the car's personality.

This remarkable car features an array of excep¬tional characteristics: the innovative alliance of a technologically advanced engine, delivering 1001 horsepower, with an understated yet uncompromising silhouette reflecting the high performance capacities of state-of-the-art engineering and design, and above all, the pleasure these inspire in every Bugatti owner.

The fascination exerted by this sports coupé, capable of reaching 407 km/h, is due in large part to its unique alliance of the very finest motor-racing technology with comfortable handling for everyday driving. The 16-cylinder "W" configuration engine is fed by four turbochargers and features 64 valves, generating 1001 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The engine draws on its 8-litre displacement to deliver a maximum torque of 1250 Newton-metres between 2200 and 5500 rpm. With full-time all-wheel drive, the car's phenomenal power produces breath-takingly dynamic handling, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.5 seconds. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 benefits from aeronautical and aerospace technologies, making it the fastest production car ever made. The car also features a braking system designed to deliver unprecedented powers of deceleration, establish¬ing a new industry benchmark. The carbon-fibre discs provide brake pressure of up to 180 bars, combined with eight-piston monobloc callipers and titanium pistons fitted with fine steel heads and ceramic heat protectors. Apply the brakes at speeds above 200 km/h, and the rear wing acts as an airbrake, positioning itself at an angle of 113 degrees in less than 0.4 seconds, augmenting the Bugatti Veyron's already impressive stopping power. The airbrake increases negative lift at the rear of the car to 300 kg, enhancing the braking torque on the rear axle. At 400 km/h, emergency braking will bring the sports car to a complete halt in less than 10 seconds.

This, the world's most fascinating car, has pushed back the limits of physical engineering to offer a completely new sensation for driver and passenger alike. But it has also adopted a radically different stance to that of other sports cars: its features and finish are sure to impress the most demanding clientele. Hermès and designer Gabriele Pezzini have lavished attention on the interior and exterior of this exceptional car, to create the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4: the "Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès"

A harmonious design, inside and out
The official name of the highly exclusive Bugatti Veyron "Fbg par Hermès" refers to the historic Hermès headquarters on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, in the heart of Paris's eighth arrondissement: the "Fbg" appellation evokes the house's "faubourg" address.

With the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès, the exacting standards of Émile Hermès and Ettore Bugatti come together for the first time, in an exceptional collaboration: the culmination of their extreme attention to aesthetic and technological quality and performance.

Gabriele Pezzini has reinterpreted Bugatti's traditional two-tone carriage work, fostering a fluid, harmonious transition between the car's exterior and interior design. The colour of the hood extends to the interior of the cockpit, and re-emerges behind, at the level of the rear wing.

As a tribute to the celebrated 1924 Bugatti Type 35, undoubtedly the most famous of all time, thanks to its many successes on the racetrack, the new Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès features eight-spoked wheels in polished aluminium, central butterfly wheel locks branded with the letter H, and air vents around the rims repro¬ducing the characteristic appearance of Hermès saddle-stitching. The horseshoe radiator grille, and the lateral ventilation grilles flanking it, are made from lightweight alloys with a design of interlocking H's evoking the Hermès "signature".

A refined formal vocabulary
The inner surfaces of the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès have been designed and sheathed in bull calfskin by the Hermès workshops in Paris. The care and attention to detail observe an extremely refined, minimalist formal vocabulary, reflecting the tradition of the very first Bugattis and the fundamental design principles of the house of Hermès. The door handles echo the fluid forms of handles on Hermès travel bags and luggage. And the dashboard, traditionally finished in brushed aluminium, is here clad entirely in bull calfskin. Passengers aboard the Bugatti Veyron Fbg par Hermès will find a dashboard glove compartment designed to hold a selection of small travel accessories and a zipped Hermès wallet. Both seats are covered in two-toned bull calfskin, and the panel separating the cockpit from the central rear engine – traditionally made of carbon fibre – is covered in the same fine leather. The leather-lined trunk holds a specially-fitted "Toile H" and leather case, hand-made by craftsmen from the Hermès workshops.

This exceptional model – in toning colours of ebony and étoupe, or ebony and brick – is priced at 1.55 million euros (not including tax), available at the end of 2008.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowRolls-Royce Phantom Coupe at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowRolls-Royce Phantom Coupe at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowRolls-Royce Phantom Coupe at the 2008 Geneva Motor ShowROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM COUPÉ

INTRODUCTION
In 2006, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled 101EX, an experimental car hand-built to explore an exciting new design direction for a modern coupé. Wrapped in a sleek, rakish body, 101EX was an engineering-led study, showcasing the technical and architectural innovation inherent in the quintessential modern Rolls-Royce car. Both handsome and elegant, it encapsulated the essence of contemporary coupé style.

So positive was the worldwide reaction to 101EX that, in autumn 2007, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that a series model would go into production in the summer of 2008. This coupé would complete the Phantom family, standing alongside the Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase and Phantom Drophead Coupé.

Revealed at the Salon International de l'Automobile, Geneva in March 2008, the Phantom Coupé is the third new model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since BMW Group became custodian of the marque in 1998.

The Coupé is the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line. A number of subtle but significant modifications have been made that change its character. It is noticeably more dynamic, whilst still offering incredible levels of comfort a balance not easily achieved.

The Coupé marries cutting-edge technology with a beautifully proportioned, muscular body that exudes power and style. Utterly contemporary in appearance, it nonetheless incorporates timeless Rolls-Royce design cues such as the long bonnet, large-diameter wheels, short front and long rear overhangs and the classic dynamic, rising profile.

Pleasing to the touch and to the eye, every material used in the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé has been carefully selected to combine form with function. The cabin's sumptuous leather, rich wood grains and cool chrome accents create a driver environment unparalleled in luxury and comfort.

Designed to cover great distances with the minimum of fuss, the Coupé is a sublime choice for a transcontinental trip, its effortless power provided by the Phantom's 6.75-litre V12, producing a phenomenal 453 bhp and 720 Nm of torque. Agile, fast, long-legged and virtually silent, the Phantom Coupé allows both driver and passengers to emerge unruffled, even after an all-day run.

DESIGN
"Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style," says Ian Cameron, who led the design team. "For the Coupé design we have emphasised the dynamism. The driving dynamics of the Phantom have always come as a surprise to customers and the Coupé builds on this visually as well as dynamically, via hard engineering changes. Its design adds drama to the outstanding engineering and drivability that are fundamentals of Rolls-Royce cars.

"We could have simply bolted a hard-top roof to the Drophead in order to make the Phantom Coupé. After all, the convertible is an incredibly well mannered car that performs impeccably. But this would not have been the right thing to do. The Coupé and the Drophead are two distinct cars, with different personalities and specific performance characteristics."

EXTERIOR
The sleek lines of the Coupé suggest tremendous, effortless power. Designed to look like a moving form even at a standstill, the Coupé has the demeanour of a muscular animal, ready to be unleashed.

The front end, with its slim LED sidelights and larger, round driving lamps, has a gently raked, softer-edged appearance, sweeping back over the long bonnet to the strong line of the triangular A-frame. The front coach-doors are rear-hinged and were newly homologated for use on the Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupé. Enabling all passengers to enter and exit more gracefully, these doors also offer safety benefits: the rear hinging allows an uninterrupted A-pillar, which adds significantly to the car's overall torsional rigidity. For ease of operation, the doors may be closed at the simple touch of a button, housed discreetly inside the front quarterlight.

In classic Rolls-Royce style, the Phantom Coupé has a dynamic, rising profile, its high waistline tapering back to a contemporary take on a boat-tail. Sleek body panels create an uninterrupted visual flow, complemented by accents of stainless steel and aluminium.

The picnic boot, as seen on the Drophead Coupé, is a wonderfully sociable feature. When lowered, it provides a seating platform for two, with hinges substantial enough to hold a weight of 150 kg / 330 lb. At the same time, it also offers easy access to the luggage compartment, which has a volume of 395 litres / 13.9 cu ft – enough for four sets of golf clubs.

The mirror-like finish of the paintwork perfectly sets off the stunning lines of the Coupé. Each body receives five individual coats of paint and lacquer, with hand-finishing between each layer. It is then polished for five hours to create a lustre that is unsurpassed in the automotive world. A new palette of nine standard paint colours has been selected for the Coupé, including Darkest Tungsten, Anthracite and New Sable. However, through the Bespoke programme, customers can choose from more than 44,000 different hues. Like the Drophead Coupé, the new model is available with a brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar surround. These parts are machine-brushed to create a uniform grain and then hand-polished to a unique and flawless finish.

Extraordinary attention to detail is the hallmark of a true Rolls-Royce and this is exemplified in the finer details of the Phantom Coupé. Visible tailpipes hint at its role as a driver's car, as do the 21-inch wheels, which are available in three styles, including two forged alloy options. Indispensable to those who spend a lot of time in town is an optional camera, nestled below the front numberplate. When pulling out of a side road or parking, it transmits a split-screen view of the road ahead. At the rear, another camera is fitted beneath the chrome boot-lid handle, to aid reversing manoeuvres.

INTERIOR
An exquisite interior, hand-built using the finest materials, supremely comfortable and equipped with a studio-quality sound system, makes the Phantom Coupé the perfect car for all-day driving. Clean and contemporary, the cabin uses traditional materials in a modern way to create a tactile and visual feast: driver and passengers touch only leather, wood or chrome.

All the controls are intuitively and conveniently positioned, the simplicity of the facia belying the technology beneath. An analogue clock set in a bookmatched veneered panel hides the media screen, only to be revealed when called upon. The multi-zone climate control has chromed eyeball vents and traditional 'organ stop' controls, while additional features are accessed using beautifully crafted 'violin keys' – contemporary uses of long-established, and well loved, Rolls-Royce design features.

The Lexicon LOGIC7TM sound system can be controlled by just one dial. Unique in its use in the automotive industry, the Lexicon system has 15 metal-matrix speakers to deliver an unparalleled clarity of sound, regardless of where a passenger may be seated. A nine-channel amplifier powers these speakers – two sub-woofers fitted beneath the seats and 13 100 mm mid-range and 44 mm tweeter arrays carefully placed around the car – to an impressive 420 watts of sound. The Coupé is available with iPod connectivity as an alternative to the standard six-CD changer.

The commanding driving position affords the most inspirational view in motoring: straight down the long sweep of bonnet to the Spirit of Ecstasy. Closer fitting than those of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the slim-line front seats offer outstanding comfort, ensuring that both driver and passenger remain fresh and relaxed after a day's drive.

The rear of the Coupé houses an inviting lounge seat, a curved sofa that interior designer Alan Sheppard describes as, "intimate for two yet superbly comfortable on long journeys". Boulevard lighting creates a gentle luminescence, an effect that can be heightened by the optional, full-length starlight headlining, which incorporates hundreds of tiny fibre optics to give the impression of a star-filled night sky. Adjustable to provide a quiet glow or ample light to read by, this beautiful lighting is complemented by discreet directional reading lights in the C-pillars.

As with every Rolls-Royce car, the interior of the Coupé can be personalised via the Bespoke programme, allowing for any number of features, each tailored to the tastes of the individual.

ENGINEERING
At the core of the Coupé is a sophisticated, all-aluminium spaceframe, first seen in the Phantom. It provides an exceptional base for the car, offering great strength, a very high degree of torsional rigidity and low weight, all of which benefit dynamics. Manufactured to within a tolerance of just 0.1 mm / 0.004 in, each spaceframe is constructed by hand and then checked by computer to ensure total accuracy. The body's structure, comprised of box sections of aluminium, is painstakingly hand-welded by a team of experts. Every morning, each member of the team performs a 300 mm test weld to ascertain atmospheric effects on the metal with which they are working so that these can be taken into account. In all, more than 130 metres of weld are used to create the Coupé's spaceframe.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé's lightweight and rigid structure, the most torsionally stiff in the Phantom line, provides the foundation for its excellent dynamic abilities, but it also offers safety benefits. The box sections are exceptionally strong and offer greater dispersion of energy in the event of a collision. Frontal impacts are absorbed by crumple zones that direct the force into Y-shaped chassis members and the main understructure, the strongest part of the chassis. Side impact intrusion is minimised by the double-skinned floor construction, side sills and integral side impact bars in each door.

The inherent safety of the spaceframe is enhanced by other safety systems controlled by ISIS (Intelligent Safety and Information System). This takes readings from sensors located throughout the car and, in the event of an impact, makes up to 4000 calculations a second to establish its severity, deploying safety systems as necessary. These include intelligent braking and restraint systems, such as Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control, seatbelt pre-tensioners and any of six airbags.

With the exception of the picnic boot, steel bonnet and A-pillar surround, all the Coupé's panels are created from aluminium, a material that delivers a substantial weight saving over steel. The large, single-piece front wings are made by a process called super plastic forming. The alloy is heated and then formed, without stress of the material, to the required shape and size in a process seen for the first time in the automotive industry.

At the heart of the Coupé is the same 6.75-litre V12 engine as used by the Phantom. Featuring advanced direct fuel injection with variable valve lift and timing, it offers the perfect combination of power and outstanding combustion efficiency. Designed to develop massive low-down torque, it delivers 75 per cent of its maximum power at just 1000 rpm, giving the smooth, unstressed performance associated with Rolls-Royce cars. The powertrain develops 453 bhp / 338 kW of power at 5350 rpm and 720 Nm / 531 lb ft of torque at 3500 rpm – ample for even the most enthusiastic of drivers. At 100 mph (where permissible), the Coupé's power reserve dial shows that 90 per cent of the engine's power remains untapped.


DRIVING
The objective of the Phantom Coupé engineering team was to create a driving experience that was entirely true to Rolls-Royce, yet noticeably more dynamic. The resulting balance of agility and refinement, however, surprised even those closest to the project.

Smoothness of ride is still exceptional, yet has been made a little firmer by the introduction of stiffer rear dampers and modified spring rates. Body roll is reduced by fitting a thicker rear anti-roll bar and the steering has been tuned to offer more feel – a sensation enhanced by a slightly thicker, hand-stitched leather steering wheel.

The suspension and chassis tune mean that the power is put down on the road incredibly effectively. Outstanding grip means that the dynamic stability control (DSC) is less likely to be activated under enthusiastic cornering, making it feel more balanced when pushing on.

A sport button on the steering wheel activates a new gearbox programme. Each gear is held for longer, increasing the rate of acceleration. Kick-down is also faster and accelerator pedal response has been enhanced.

Together these individual changes to the car's set-up give a substantially more dynamic feel than the Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupé. In combination with the effortless power that is always on tap, the new state of tune makes driving the Phantom Coupé not only pleasurable but also exhilarating. With a limited top speed of 155 mph / 250 km/h, the Coupé accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

The Coupé's wheelbase is 250 mm shorter than that of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, giving greater agility. Its 49:51 weight ratio ensures that it remains beautifully balanced through corners, while the slight rear weight bias maximises straight-line acceleration and traction. Self-levelling air suspension continuously adjusts to driving conditions, enabling drivers to place the car accurately through bends. The steering has modified Servotronic assistance to provide increased road feel.

The extreme rigidity of the Coupé's chassis gives magnificent control and precision. The front double-wishbone suspension features a hydraulic mount to minimise vibrations through the steering wheel, while multi-link rear suspension gives increased ride comfort, with anti-lift and anti-dive technology for stability under heavy acceleration and braking. This combines with the stronger rear anti-roll bar and stiffer spring and damper settings to increase both accuracy and agility.

As standard, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé has 21-inch Goodyear tyres with run-flat capability, sitting on seven-spoke aluminium or two different styles of forged aluminium rims. In the unfortunate event of a flat tyre, the Coupé can run for at least 100 miles / 160 km at speeds of up to 50 mph / 80 km/h before the tyre has to be replaced. As well as being convenient, this run-flat technology negates the need for spare wheels and a jack, freeing up space in the luggage compartment. The Coupé's 100-litre fuel tank allows for the longer drives that its character encourages, giving a range of around 400 miles / 630 km.

Braking is provided by massive 374 mm / 14.7 in ventilated disc brakes at the front and 370 mm / 14.6 in at the rear. Twin piston alloy calipers at the front and single piston calipers at the rear ensure that the Coupé is brought to a stop quickly and without drama. Naturally, the braking system incorporates the latest in anti-lock systems and Emergency Brake Assist is activated under heavy braking, applying full force in an emergency stop.


CRAFTSMANSHIP
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has never accepted what is nearly right, only what is best. Henry Royce's maxim, "Strive for perfection in everything you do" is exemplified in the extraordinary craftsmanship of the car's interior. Highly skilled men and women employ both traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology to create an interior that is unsurpassed in terms of quality and attention to detail. They work with only the finest natural materials, including cashmere blends, wood veneers and leather, all of which are specially selected by a team of experts before being painstakingly prepared so that their inherent beauty is captured.

Each wood veneer is chosen for its complexity of grain and colour and is selected from sources worldwide. Woods available for the Coupé include Zebrano, Elm Cluster, Mahogany Flare, Rosewood and Walnut Burr. Each part is crafted by hand in the wood shop at Goodwood. Veneers are laid onto a substrate part of up to 24 layers of wood and aluminium, carefully constructed to provide strength and safety in the event of an impact. They are then lacquered and polished to a mirror finish, perfectly showcasing the beauty and intricacy of the wood's grain.

The Coupé's interior uses larger pieces of leather than the Phantom's, mainly because of the nature of the seats, and this makes the selection of appropriate hides even more challenging. Following a unique barrel-dyeing process, which ensures a rich, uniform pigmentation throughout the leather, each hide is checked by hand and eye, and any naturally occurring blemishes and imperfections are marked in preparation for cutting. Where possible, the hide is used in such a way that these marks are hidden rather than discarded, minimising waste and creating a perfect finished product.


COLOUR AND TRIM
In addition to the options above, customers can specify unique features through the company's Bespoke programme. For example, they may choose from 44,000 exterior colours, specify a one-off leather colour or even select an unusual wood to complement the interior. Our Bespoke interior designers can also use embroidery and marquetry to personalise the inside of the car. All manner of other technical, structural and aesthetic detailing is possible, to meet the precise requirements of customers.

Exterior colours
Diamond Black
English White
New Sable
Madeira Red
Darkest Tungsten
Midnight Blue
Woodland Green
Jubilee Silver
Anthracite

Interior leather
Black
Smoke Grey
Seashell
Navy Blue
Moccasin
Cacao
Consort Red
Signal Red
Roseleaf

Interior veneers
Mahogany Flare
Rosewood
Walnut Burr
Piano Black
Zebrano
Elm Cluster


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION - WORLD VERSION
Dimensions
Number of doors / seats: 2 / 4
Vehicle length: 5609 mm / 220.8 in
Vehicle width: 1987 mm / 78.2 in
Vehicle height (unladen): 1592 mm / 62.7 in
Wheelbase: 3320 mm / 130.7 in
Turning circle: 13.1 m / 43.0 ft
Track, front: 1687 mm / 66.4 in
Track, rear: 1671 mm / 65.8 in
Width at shoulder height, front: 1491 mm / 58.7 in
Width at shoulder height, rear: 1298 mm / 51.1 in
Elbow room, front: 1562 mm / 61.5 in
Elbow room, rear: 1266 mm / 49.8 in
Head room, front: 981 mm / 38.6 in
Head room, rear: 942 mm / 37.1 in
Boot volume (DIN): 395 ltr / 13.9 cu ft
Fuel tank capacity: 100 ltr / 22 Imp gal

Weight
Unladen weight (DIN): 2590 kg / 5710 lb
Axle load ratio, rear (unladen): 51.5 %
Gross vehicle weight: 3050 kg / 6724 lb
Payload: 460 kg / 1014 lb
Axle load limit, front: 1425 kg / 3142 lb
Axle load limit, rear: 1800 kg / 3968 lb

Engine & transmission
Engine / cylinders / valves: V / 12 / 48
Fuel management: Direct injection
Displacement: 6749 cc / 411.8 cu in
Stroke: 84.6 mm / 3.33 in
Bore: 92.0 mm / 3.62 in
Power output @ engine speed: 453 bhp / 460 PS (DIN) / 338 kW @ 5350 rpm

Transmission
Max torque @ engine speed: 720 Nm / 531 lb ft @ 3500 rpm
Compression ratio / fuel type: 11:1 / premium unleaded1
Transmission type: ZF 6HP32

Tranratsmission ios
1st / 2nd / 3rd /: 4.171 / 2.340 / 1.521 /
4th / 5th / 6th: 1.143 / 0.867 / 0.691
Reverse: 3.403
Final-drive ratio: 3.460

Steering & brakes
Steering type: Rack & pinion, speed-sensitive variable-rate power assistance
Brakes, front / diameter: Ventilated disc / 374 mm / 14.7 in
Brakes, rear / diameter: Ventilated disc / 370 mm / 14.6 in

Aerodynamics
Drag Cd: 0.36
Drag Cd x A: 0.985 m2 / 10.6 ft2

Performance2
Top speed: 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed)
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.6 sec
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.8 sec

Fuel consumption2
Urban: 23.2 ltr/100 km / 12.2 mpg (Imp gal)
Extra urban: 11.3 ltr/100 km / 25.0 mpg (Imp gal)
Combined: 15.7 ltr/100 km / 18.0 mpg (Imp gal)
CO2 emissions: 377 g/km

Wheels (21 in alloy)
Tyre, front: Goodyear EMT 255/50 R21 106W
Wheel size, front: 8 in x 21 in
Tyre, rear: Goodyear EMT 285/45 R21 109W
Wheel size, rear: 9.5 in x 21 in

Filling capacities
Radiator incl. heater / engine oil: 14 ltr / 8.5 ltr
Transmission fluid / final-drive fluid: Lifetime filling

Electric system
Battery capacity / installed position: 90 + 70 Ah / boot
Alternator / output rating: 2 x 180 A / 2520 W

1. The engine is designed for octane grade 98 fuel; however, it may be run on fuel with a minimum octane grade of 91.
2. Subject to final verification.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION - US VERSION
Dimensions
Number of doors / seats: 2 / 4
Vehicle length: 5609 mm / 220.8 in
Vehicle width: 1987 mm / 78.2 in
Vehicle height (unladen): 1592 mm / 62.7 in
Wheelbase: 3320 mm / 130.7 in
Turning circle: 13.1 m / 43.0 ft
Track, front: 1687 mm / 66.4 in
Track, rear: 1671 mm / 65.8 in
Width at shoulder height, front: 1491 mm / 58.7 in
Width at shoulder height, rear: 1298 mm / 51.1 in
Elbow room, front: 1562 mm / 61.5 in
Elbow room, rear: 1266 mm / 49.8 in
Head room, front: 981 mm / 38.6 in
Head room, rear: 942 mm / 37.1 in
Trunk volume (SAE): 10.5 cu ft
Fuel tank capacity: 100 ltr / 26.4 US gal

Weight2
Curb weight: 2630 kg / 5798 lb
Axle load ratio, rear (unladen): 51.7 %
Gross vehicle weight: 3050 kg / 6724 lb
Payload: 420 kg / 926 lb
Axle load limit, front: 1425 kg / 3142 lb
Axle load limit, rear: 1800 kg / 3968 lb

Engine & transmission
Engine / cylinders / valves: V / 12 / 48
Fuel management: Direct injection
Displacement: 6749 cc / 411.8 cu in
Stroke: 84.6 mm / 3.33 in
Bore: 92.0 mm / 3.62 in
Power output @ engine speed: 453 hp (SAE) @ 5350 rpm

Transmission
Max torque @ engine speed: 720 Nm / 531 lb ft @ 3500 rpm
Compression ratio / fuel type: 11:1 / premium unleaded1
Transmission type: ZF 6HP32

Transmission ratios
1st / 2nd / 3rd /: 4.171 / 2.340 / 1.521 /
4th / 5th / 6th: 1.143 / 0.867 / 0.691
Reverse: 3.403
Final-drive ratio: 3.460

Steering & brakes
Steering type: Rack & pinion, speed-sensitive variable-rate power assistance
Brakes, front / diameter: Ventilated disc / 374 mm / 14.7 in
Brakes, rear / diameter: Ventilated disc / 370 mm / 14.6 in

Aerodynamics
Drag Cd: 0.36
Drag Cd x A: 0.985 m2 / 10.6 ft2

Performance2
Top speed: 155 mph (governed)
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 5.6 sec

Fuel consumption
City: To be confirmed
Highway: To be confirmed
Combined: To be confirmed
CO2 emissions: To be confirmed

Wheels (21 in alloy)3/4
Tire, front: Goodyear EMT 255/50 R21 106W
Wheel size, front: 8 in x 21 in
Tire, rear: Goodyear EMT 285/45 R21 109W
Wheel size, rear: 9.5 in x 21 in

Filling capacities
Radiator incl. heater / engine oil: 14.8 quarts / 9 quarts
Transmission fluid / final-drive fluid: Lifetime filling

Electric system
Battery capacity / installed position: 90 + 70 Ah / trunk
Alternator / output rating: 2 x 180 A / 2520 W

1. The engine is designed for octane grade 98 fuel; however, it may be run on fuel with a minimum octane grade of 91.
2. Manufacturer's test results. Actual results may vary depending on specifications of the vehicle, road and environmental conditions, testing procedures and driving styles. These results should be used for comparison only and verification should not be attempted on public roads. Subject to final verification.
3. With run-flat tires, you can continue for a distance of at least 100 miles at speeds up to 50 mph; however, when notified, you should check your tire condition at the next available opportunity.
4. The Goodyear Extended Mobility Tire system (EMT) has run-flat capabilities.


Photos: autoblog.com

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Photos: 2008 Detroit Auto Show

2007 Detroit Auto Show - Jeep Renegade Jeep Renegade
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 roadster Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 roadster
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Land Rover LRX concept Land Rover LRX concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Lexus LF-A Lexus LF-A
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Li Shi Guang Ming Li Shi Guang Ming
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Lincoln MKT Lincoln MKT
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mach5 Supercharged Race Mach5 Supercharged Race
2007 Detroit Auto Show - General Motors Corvette 1953General Motors vintage Corvette 1953
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mercedes GLK Mercedes GLK
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mercedes GLK Mercedes GLK
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mercedes GLK Mercedes GLK
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Ford Verve Ford Verve
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Ford Verve Ford Verve
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Audi R8 V12 TDI Audi R8 V12 TDI


Photo: Reuters, AP, AFP, DPA, Getty Images, Bloomberg News

Photos: 2008 Detroit Auto Show

2007 Detroit Auto Show - Audi R8 V12 TDI Audi R8 V12 TDI
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Audi TTS Audi TTS
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Bei Jing Shi Guang Ming Bei Jing Shi Guang Ming
2007 Detroit Auto Show - BMW 1-series BMW 1-series
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Chevrolet Volt Chevrolet Volt
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Chrysler ecoVoyage Chrysler ecoVoyage
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Chrysler ecoVoyage Chrysler ecoVoyage
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Dodge Zeo concept Dodge Zeo concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Dodge Zeo concept Dodge Zeo concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Dodge Zeo concept Dodge Zeo concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Fisker Karma concept Fisker Karma concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Fisker Karma concept Fisker Karma concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Honda Pilot conceptHonda Pilot concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Hummer HX Hummer HX


Photo: Reuters, AP, AFP, DPA, Getty Images, Bloomberg News

Photos: 2008 Detroit Auto Show

2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mazda Taiki concept Mazda Taiki concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mazda Taiki concept Mazda Taiki concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mazda Taiki concept Mazda Taiki concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mercedes McLaren Roadster Mercedes McLaren Roadster
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mercedes McLaren Roadster Mercedes McLaren Roadster
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mitsubishi Concept-RA Mitsubishi Concept-RA
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Mitsubishi Concept-RA Mitsubishi Concept-RA
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Saab 9-4x biopower concept Saab 9-4x biopower concept
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Scion Scion
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Smart Fortwo Smart Fortwo
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Toyota A-BAT Toyota A-BAT
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Toyota Venza crossover Toyota Venza crossover
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Volkswagen Passat CC Volkswagen Passat CC
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Volkswagen Passat CC Volkswagen Passat CC
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Ferrari 430 Scuderia Ferrari 430 Scuderia
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Ferrari F430 Spider Ferrari F430 Spider
2007 Detroit Auto Show - Cadillac CTS coupe Cadillac CTS coupe

Photo: Reuters, AP, AFP, DPA, Getty Images, Bloomberg News