In early 2004 we had a small but very informative conversation with a highly-placed source at BMW. The person revealed that the then-new 6 Series would indeed go quite above 300kW. Much higher. It turned out reference was to the M6, all 378kW of it. That’s not the very interesting part by the way; your yawns are telling. That part is the story of a “lightweight” 6, something we might call an M6 CSL.

Our source confirmed the future production of such a model, but claimed it probably won’t be badged a CSL. And while we trust this source almost 100 percent, we can’t help but nervously look at the clock, relentlessly ticking away. New model 6 is due out in 2010, yet we still have no M6 CSL.

Meanwhile, a growing number of insiders are talking about an M3 CSL, slated for the year 2010. It is said to carry about 100kg less than the standard 4.0-litre V8, but adds at least 30 bhp in the process, giving it a 4.5 second shoot from zero to 60 mph. Excess fat will be trimmed ala the usual suspect material, carbon fiber. Slicker rubber as well as other minuses will ensure these performance figures. What of the Nürburgring though? A time of 7:45 is thought to be the target for that.

[SILVER M6 PICTURES USED DEPICT A FUTURE CONCEPT INTERPRETATION BY GIOM]
Source:WorldCarFans

What is the sense in having a 1-ton vehicle to carry, most of the times, only one person? Loremo is a German-based carmaker that has asked itself about it and came up with a clever solution: make a lighter car. In order to do so, it has used lots of new concepts, such as no regular doors, great aerodynamics and small diesel engines. The results are the LS and GT versions of its car, also named Loremo. Weighing 450 kg, the cars manage to have incredible fuel economy figures. The first one reaches 66.7 km/l, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 20 s and a has maximum speed of 160 km/h. More interesting, the GT reaches 37 km/l, sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in 9 s and tops 220 km/h. For some of you, this must be no real news. The real ones are the changes it has faced before it goes on sale, what is expected to happen in 2009.

Besides being very light, Loremo has interesting safety solutions, such as the absence of regular doors. Its front and its back open to grant access to front and back passengers, which travel back to back, or else, the driver and the front passenger facing the road ahead and the back passengers facing the back window. In a crash, deformation can be better controlled with the use of less pieces in the body.

The engine of the car (a two-cylinder generating 20 bhp for LS and a three-cylinder producing 49 bhp for GT, both turbodiesels) placed among the front and the back passengers. Since the side of the car has no openings, its structure is stronger than in regular cars. Another benefit is the air resistance. Loremo’s cx is only 0.20. LS car will be sold by 11,000 euros, while GT units will cost 15,000 euros.
Source: audos.blogspot.com

Audi is increasing its lead in infotainment technology even further. A new generation of the MMI, the supreme solution for multimedia, communication and operation, has been announced. With a high-capacity hard disk, a DVD drive and fast processors, it is much more versatile and its performance is higher than ever before. The new MMI’s first appearance will be in the A8 luxury sedan, but before long it will also be available for two other model lines.

MMI set new standards from the very start, and proved to be the yardstick the competitors had to equal. Its status was confirmed by many wins in comparative tests. The system was also adopted for the A6 and Q7 model lines, and for the new A4. In this area of technology, the brand with the four-ring emblem pioneered progress from the front.

In 2002, when the Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) was launched, journalists and the general public were unanimous: the new Audi concept was the best on the market. With its control knob on the center tunnel and large function keys to select the main operating areas, it was effortless to control, with self-evident logic that was repeated on the MMI display. Audio, TV, information, telephone and navigation – never before had the driver been able to control all these areas so intuitively.

Apart from the control terminal, the monitor screen is the second important interface between the system and its users. For the new MMI, Audi has provided a large TFT display measuring seven inches from corner to corner. It is located in an ergonomically favorable position high up on the center console. With the very high resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and LED backlighting, this monitor supplies an exceptionally sharp image with plenty of contrast. Even in poor light conditions, the colors are intense against the black background.

Audi has been intensively developing every aspect of its MMI system. The full version, MMI navigation plus, is now a state-of-the-art high-end system. The basic operating principle has been retained, but the innovative joystick makes it even more convenient. This joystick is located on the central knob and can be moved in eight directions – with high precision and the sense of quality that the Audi driver expects.

3D map displays.
On the big screen, the stage is set for another of the new MMI system’s attractive innovations: the way that maps are presented when the navigation system is in use. The driver can choose between the conventional two-dimensional view and the new 3D images. These feature a birds-eye perspective of the map area, with plenty of carefully presented detail. As in an atlas, the various heights above sea level are shown in different colors, and the most important buildings in large cities appear in three dimensions.

As before, there are elegant crossfades between the individual screen displays, an effect that makes the overall impression created by the graphics even more fascinating. If the driver alters the automatic air conditioning settings, the new ones appear in a small screen panel for several seconds. This pop-up window doesn’t occupy very much space, so that the MMI user can still see the main screen content at any time.

If the driver uses voice input to load a destination into the navigation system, this can now be done without spelling out the individual letters. The new MMI understands complete words in a number of national languages. The same applies to the new high-performance telephone directory, which can store up to 5,000 entries each with five numbers for each user.

The technology used here is called “synthetic language”. In a studio, pairs of individual sounds – these are called “diphones” – are recorded and saved to part of the MMI’s memory as data sets. High-speed software identifies them in the driver’s commands, combines them and compares the complete words with the term in the list, for instance “August Horch Strasse Ingolstadt”. The same synthetic language principle is used in reverse for the audible guidance instructions, which sound smooth and natural. The driver can choose between detailed or compact audible guidance modes.

Music and entertainment: the DVD drive.
In the entertainment area too, the latest Audi MMI sets new standards. It has an integral drive for video DVDs; the new joystick function on the control knob is especially practical for this. When played back with the optional sound systems, DVD soundtracks can be heard in Dolby Digital 5.1 multi-channel sound and other frequently used formats. For safety reasons, the picture is only displayed to the driver when the car is standing still. The system also plays music from CDs and SD cards, including those coded MP3, AAC and WMA. Additional technical modules have made the MMI even more attractive. The optional Audi Music Interface makes a perfect connection with an mp3 player, for instance the customer’s iPod. The complete menu structures and contents appear on the MMI display, and control is at the MMI terminal or the multifunctional steering wheel. A universal socket in the glove box and an adapter can be used to connect various players with a USB interface, and analog audio and video equipment.

Another audio highlight is the option of DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) reception. Digital radio signals are far superior to the analog standard in quality. Audi always uses a DAB double tuner in the MMI. This concept has the advantage that the DAB reception frequency can be changed without any interruption. One tuner receives the music signal, while the second searches continuously for alternative frequencies on which the same program is being broadcast. If a changeover takes place, it takes only a fraction of a second. Another advantage is that the list of stations is continuously updated.

The MMI system’s modular structure makes it possible to integrate a CD changer and an analog/digital TV tuner. Audio quality is assured by a choice of sound systems. The top version in the Audi A8 comes as before from the Danish manufacturer Bang & Olufsen. With its rich, subtly differentiated sound spectrum and extended treble response from the tweeters, it provides pure delight for the ears.

The telephone is even more convenient to use with the new MMI. Using a Bluetooth chip, the system can fully integrate customers’ cell phones that support the SIM access profile. The MMI phone is ready for action as soon as the ignition key is inserted. It reads data from the SIM card and the memory into the A8’s own memory, then shuts the cell phone down completely. Telephone operation via the car’s antenna is the key to optimal reception quality. A digital voice processor ensures the best hands-free quality; voice outputs are through the car’s sound system.

In the background: concentrated hi-tech.
The fantastic selection of functions that the new MMI offers is backed by hi-tech in concentrated form. The “main unit” computer is installed in the center console, and integrates all the functions that were previously performed by five separate units, including the DVD drive. One of its key components is the hard disk; 10 GB of its 40 GB capacity can be used as a jukebox, to store up to 4,000 tracks, all sorted for easy access. The hard disk also contains navigation data and an electronic logbook for the car.

Two processors, an 800 MHz chip and a 500 MHz digital signal processor, allow all applications – navigation, voice input, telephone and audio functions – to operate simultaneously, although each of them needs high performance from the computer. Using the 3D graphics processor from Californian 3D chip manufacturer Nvidia gives the MMI access to the third dimension. Audi has used this chip’s outstanding performance with graphics for the first time to provide a genuine 3D map display – a “digital topographical model”. With this processor, the screen display sets new standards: it is attractive, with high resolution and presentation quality, smooth animation and crossfading.

A second block, the “radio unit”, combines the tuner and sound system functions. A central interface connects the two units with the rest of the car’s network. All the new MMI components have been developed to comply with strict specifications issued by Audi in Ingolstadt. Audi’s quality standards are as stringent as they always were. This is important because in-car operation, with extreme temperatures and vibration, imposes severe stresses on the electronics.

The new MMI will extend Audi’s lead over its competitors. It can be ordered as of now for the A8 luxury sedan, and will be available before long in the Audi A6 and then in the new Audi Q5 performance SUV.
source: Audi via:WorldCarFans And cartype

Michael Schumacher is currently completing the track and road development stages of the Ferrari California, the new 8-cylinder model due to be officially unveiled at the Paris International Motor Show on October 2nd this year.

The seven times Formula 1 world champion has been involved in the development of the latest Prancing Horse road car since its inception and has worked with Ferrari’s team of engineers, technicians and test-drivers on honing the car in general, but more specifically on optimising its performance parameters.

“I have to say that, as with the 430 Scuderia, participating in the project since the very beginning has been really fascinating and great fun,” commented Schumacher at the end of a test session at the Fiorano circuit. “Although the cars are very different, they both offer absolutely unique driving pleasure because of the inherently sporty character of all of the cars that come out of Maranello. The 430 Scuderia is, of course, a more extreme model with a focus on absolutely cutting-edge performance. However, although the Ferrari California is very much a Grand Tourer in terms of its usability and high level of interior comfort, it is still surprisingly sporty and fun to drive under any kind of conditions.”

“The Ferrari California, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use and for weekends away whilst still guaranteeing all of the emotional impact that only an authentic Ferrari can deliver.”

Schumacher also recently addressed the Ferrari dealer convention in Maranello and explained the differences between the two 8-cylinders: “They were designed to meet different requirements: the 430 Scuderia is aimed at drivers who want the very essence of a Ferrari and will get it out on the track as often as they can.

Michael Schumacher’s contribution to the development of the Ferrari California has resulted in a car that delivers extraordinary performance: it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4 seconds, delivering superb driving pleasure whilst still being exceptionally comfortable and versatile.

Much like the Porsche 996 to 997 design evolution, the second generation Cayenne will receive a slightly more sculpted body while maintaining the same overall silhouette of the first generation.

When this second gen prototype first hit the streets it was speculated that it was the new “baby” Cayenne fictitiously dubbed, Roxster. However, closer inspection puts this prototype at the same size as the current Cayenne.

Despite decreasing popularity for SUVs, Porsche plans to adapt the Cayenne by offering diesel and hybrid versions. With an accelerated launch schedule, pushed through by Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche hopes to launch the new Cayenne by the first half of 2010, eclipsing the next generation VW Touareg which is expected to debut in late 2010 at the earliest.

With U.S. sales for the Cayenne up 12.4 percent for the year and Touareg sales down 11.4 percent, it’s not difficult to understand why emphasis is being put on the Cayenne.

One of last week’s hottest news stories involved the French Police raid at Auto Plus (magazine) over spy pictures and details of a new model that were leaked to the press.

Well, we’re far away from France and unlike what is implied in the newspapers regarding a journalist at Auto Plus, we didn’t have any inside information – but our spy snappers stumbled upon a video shoot in the United States involving the next Megane. And although we have a variety of people attempting to cover the vehicle, photographers managed to get pictures of the next Megane – showroom ready!

The new Renault Megane III will be launched at the Paris Motor Show later this year and, as you can see, will be a strong departure from the current Megane design.

The new Megane will be a small family car offered in 3- and 5-door hatchback guise, with other versions (sedan, coupe, convertible, station wagon and probably crossover body-styles) to follow. Built on the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai, this European Renault will engage in a formidable fight with the Peugeot 308, Fiat Bravo and VW Golf VI, and will obviously be much more than just a mature evolution of the current Megane.

Gemballa is the ultra finess tuners who modify Porsches and turn them into Gemballa Modified Exotics, such as the Gemballa Mirage GT, which I spotted in Toronto, Ontario Canada in May.

This modified Porsche Carrera GT (CGT) valued at $1.1 Million, appears to have gone into the siderails at a generous speed while driving at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France. The German prince is famous for his extravagant lifestyle and international chain of strip clubs! Maybe he was jealous of Lewis Hamiltons Father who crashed a friends Porsche Carrera GT?

Prince Marcus Eberhard Edward of Anhalt, Duke of Saxony and Westphalia, Count of Askania, well known for his jetsetting and international tabledance club chain “Pure Platinum” as well as extensive supercar collection has taken the displeasure of severely cracking his orange Gemballa Porsche Carrera GT at the famous Paul Ricard racing circuit in France.

Several spy shots are all over the internet, depicting the next BMW 5 Series which is due for unveiling in 2010 and goes on sale in most world markets in 2011. Our artist has put CGI and Photoshop together to create an agile rendering of the 5 Series using the concept CS as a basis.

Several existing technologies will feature in the 5 Series, including further improved iDrive, FlexRay processing, the electro-magnetic handbrake, HUD, as well as Active Steering. Bigger, wider and longer than current 5, new car grows in size but not by much. BMW’s new double-clutch M-DCT gearbox with 7 speeds is part of the package. Currently the ‘box can handle close to 600Nm in torque.

Key engines will be the 3.0-litre twin turbo petrol, 2.0-litre twin turbo diesel, the hybrid and the 4.4-litre twin turbo V8. Three brand new engines will also feature, introducing themselves through the 5 and include a new compact super diesel making well over 700Nm. Later in 2013 the mighty M5 should be seen boasting over 450kW under the hood. What is unclear at this point is if that power will come force-fed or by natural means. BMW spokespersons have said the company does not rule out turbocharged M cars, “as long as they keep to the traditions of what an M car stands for”. Be assured though that whatever it is, it does not yet exist and will debut as a brand new engine.

PRESS RELEASE

• A limited edition luxury limousine, with a V12-Motor and over 700 HP
• Developed in collaboration with the leather lifestyle brand Aigner
• Made in Germany, to the ultimate in engineering standards
• High end entertainment and a business package
• Carlsson Office Concert Hall Infotainment System, with high-speed internet access

Following the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Eau Rouge, automobile manufacturer Carlsson, a firm that specializes in refinements for Mercedes Benz, has introduced its next limited edition luxury car: the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont. Conceived in collaboration with the leather and lifestyle brand Etienne Aigner AG and developed by the Carlsson engineers, this luxury limousine, produced in an exclusive small series, catches the mood of an international clientele precisely. Inside the car the fine leather fittings, offset by a combination of selected woods, Alcantara and aluminum, bewitch and beguile. On the outside, the Blanchimont is discreet, sporty and seductive, with exclusive two-colour paintwork.

A technical masterpiece

At work beneath the bonnet of the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont, there’s a 12-cylinder engine with an output of 705 HP and an electronically limited torque of 1.100 Nm. The Carlsson engine conversion includes a specially-tuned electronic control unit with special maps for injection and ignition. On the intake side, special sports air filters make sure that aspiration is optimised, while a stainless steel sports exhaust pipe system optimises exhaust gas back pressure. A further performance-enhancing modification to the engine is improved intercooling to reduce the temperature of charge air. The upshot is that the V12 is constantly at the top of its game – allowing the driver to relax, with an abundance of power resources to draw on.

An elegant vehicle with an incomparable finish, the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont must surely represent the most thrilling and luxurious limousine ride currently available. For example, the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont revels in a top speed of 320 km/h – electronically regulated for safety reasons – together with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Hardly surprising, then, that the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont can test virtually any other sports car to its very limits.

Stainless steel rear exhaust silencers: sonorous tones and enhanced flexibility

The Carlsson sports exhaust gas system produces a particularly powerful sound as well as improved output. Dominating the rear view of the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont are four exhaust tailpipes designed by Carlsson. The sporty, sonorous tones these generate are an impressive sound. In contrast to the regular production model, in this exhaust gas system both the exhaust gas back pressure and the pipe run have been optimised – thus allowing Carlsson to achieve an improved torque and higher output.

Ultra-light forged wheels for greater driving comfort

Unlike the standard form of cast wheels, the Carlsson Ultra Light metal wheels are approximately. 50% lighter than the standard form of cast wheels. The result is that because of their reduced, unsprung mass, they are less inclined to tramp than cast wheels, thus providing an almost ideal level of contact with the road. For the driver, this mean improved handling, and thus greater driving safety and greater driving comfort. The Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont travels on 2/11 Ultra Light forged wheels with dimensions of 9 x 21” at the front axle, using Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 265/30 ZR 21 tyres, and 10.5 x 21” at the rear axle, using Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 295/25 ZR21 tyres.

Real carbon for improved aerodynamics

Carbon is normally only used as a material in motor sports the aerospace industry. For the engineers at Carlsson, however, it is the material of choice. Which is why the sporty appearance of the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont is underscored by the RS front spoiler lip and the RS rear apron lip, both designed in a typical Carlsson diffuser look, and also by the RS rear wing. All the aerodynamic attached parts improve the contact pressure, this in turn improving driving stability. The cd value is kept down to 0.33 – significantly below that found in comparable limousines.

Electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION ABC-2 lowering gear

The Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont comes equipped with the electronic C-Tronic® SUSPENSION ABC-2 lowering gear, which lowers the vehicle approximately 30 mm further. However, not only does the Carlsson C-Tronic® SUSPENSION lower the centre of gravity, it also uses a sophisticated technology to enable the vehicle to react intelligently with the actual road conditions. On a poor stretch of road, or in the event of persistently heavy compression, the height of the vehicle is automatically readjusted to ensure that the necessary reserve of spring travel required for preserving driving comfort is maintained. The driver feels the effects of the C-Tronic® lowering gear in the form of reduced body roll and a much greater agility in handling. In other words, the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION also means greater driving pleasure. In addition, the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION also guarantees that even at speeds in excess of 120 km/h, the vehicle is never lowered below the maximum depth permissible for the standard model – in other words, the minimum vehicle level – thus ensuring that the suspension travel remains sufficient at all times. At the same time, with less air flowing beneath the vehicle, there is a reduction in aerodynamic drag and lift.

Blanchimont – the very life’s breath of motor sports

The Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont provides luxury – not for nothing was it named after one of the world’s most famous race track curves, the Blanchimont turn on the Spa Francorchamps track in the Ardenne in Belgium. Many of the technical developments in the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont have their origins in motor sports.

The fragrance of Etienne Aigner leather permeates the interior

The vehicle’s interior trim and upholstery were created by the world-famous lifestyle brand Etienne Aigner. A combination of the renowned Aigner leather and Aigner Alcantara invite the viewer to climb inside and savour the ambience. The highest level of workmanship characterises the newly-created interior. The ergonomic design of the Carlsson sports steering wheel in leather and in Alcantara turns driving and controlling the Carlsson Aigner into a particularly enjoyable tactile experience. Carlsson aluminium sports pedal pads, illuminated door sill protectors and further visual touches all point the way into a world of sportiness and luxury.

The In-Car Infotainment System or Carlsson Office Concert Hall Infotainment System

Whether you want to be entertained or to work when you’re on the move, Carlsson has the right solution. In terms of entertainment, only components by Alpine and Focal – companies that set the benchmark standards – are use. Passengers travelling in the front will experience an exceptional improvement in audio terms in the form of a 3-way loudspeaker system of the Focal Utopia Be Kit No.7 make, which the specialist press has praised as the “best system in the world” von. Power amplification is provided by a further benchmark in the in-car hi-fi sector, the 2-channel output stage Focal Dual Monitor. Muscular bass sounds are provided courtesy of a 33cm Focal Utopia Be 33 WX2 subwoofer. For the front passengers, the signal source is the original COMAND system, which is not interfered with by the Carlsson entertainment package. But it goes without saying that passengers in the back can savour high-tech sounds too. Carlsson’s “Rear Seat Entertainment” creates the atmosphere of a cinema. The ears are pampered with authentic 6.1 surround sound, while 7” monitors behind the headrests make it possible for the rear passengers to enjoy different programmes at the same time. Still more of a cinematic experience is provided by the 15” monitor integrated into the roof interior. Control of the system is handled by the Alpine F#1 Status DVD tuner, which has garnered countless awards worldwide. Three 3-way systems of the Focal Utopia Be Kit No.7 make are used for playback of the left, centre and right channels. The “Rear Seat Entertainment” system is completed by further Focal Utopia Be components for the surround sound channels and signal reinforcement. Bass sounds are provided by the subwoofer of the front system as soon as the rear system is activated. The rear centre console – which is probably unique in this form – has been converted by Carlsson to serve as the centre speaker. The entire entertainment system has been specially adapted to be compatible with the interior of this particular vehicle, thus making it possible to enjoy a sound quality you would otherwise expect to hear only from a top-quality home audio set-up.

Naturally, all the components, such as the loudspeakers or the power amplifiers, are unobtrusive or have been integrated into the decor attractively. There has been no change in the standard volume of the boot.

If required, the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont also functions as though designed as a workspace. Anyone who is being driven can take advantage of Carlsson’s business solution, “Carlsson Office Concert Hall Infotainment System”. Each of the hinged tables behind the front seats can easily accommodate a laptop, and the integrated power supply ensures this will remain ready for use even during lengthy journeys. The highlight – a genuine worldwide first – is a WLAN UMTS router, enabling three laptops to go online, wireless and completely independent of each other. You don’t need a UMTS card – all you need is a WLAN-enabled laptop. So users have their own personal hot spot right inside the car – in fact, they can even use it a short distance away from the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont!

Individuality that knows no limits

The Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont is offered on an individual basis in countless two-tone combinations – with no limits imposed on the individuality and desires of its clientele. “With this car, we quite deliberately adopted a positioning between the S Class and the Maybach – while still remaining faithful to the essential manufacturing concept and to the desire for maximum performance. With a horsepower in excess of 700, the Carlsson Aigner CK65 RS Blanchimont is the most powerful luxury limousine in the world,” declares Markus Schuster, C.E.O. of Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH. Prices start at 464.100,00 Euro in Germany and 390.000,00 Euro for export.

The world’s newest hypercar, the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series, is not only a guaranteed money loser for Mercedes, but a guaranteed success in terms of marketing and branding. From the local pub to the office water cooler, conversations about how great or how terrible it is will perpetuate for many years to come. So, it’s just as fitting that Mercedes launch a flashy (no pun intended) microsite in honor of the 661 hp monster. Check it out and enjoy:
Source: www.worldcarfans.com