No doubt about it. This is going to be a fast car.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Carlsson C25
Carlsson, mostly known for different levels of Mercedes-tuning, is stepping up with their first supercar based on the current SL 600.
From the company:
------------------
The design philosophy of the Carlsson C25
It is the dream of every designer to create a classic Gran Turismo one time. As far as the C25 is concerned, the Carlsson head designer Rolf Schepp has mastered an extreme challenge. The art was to develop an independent design combining the emotional character with safety-relevant aspects and high road capability.
Carlsson has therefore implemented a self-confident, but function-oriented design rendering high dynamics, timeless elegance, visible sportiness and road capability due to subtle line management and well-balanced proportions.
At the same time, the Carlsson design team achieved to integrate the significant Mercedes origin into the independent Gran Turismo design.
This way, the modern interpreted shapes can be traced back to the W 196 up to the “Autobahnkurier” (Autobahn cruiser). This essential basis of the Carlsson design philosophy has been growing over the years and is now also a cornerstone for the design of the C25. But with this automobile, this cornerstone for the first time has been subjected to the independent GT line management. The consequent redesign of the car body led to a carriage which embodies functional purposes besides elegance and sportiness. Therefore, the automobile does not need any extendable attachments in order to render the necessary aerodynamics for everyday use.
Overview
The front view is dominated by the dynamic and aggressive trapezoid shapes of the giant air inlets which are typical for Carlsson and which perfectly interact in a tension-filled contrast with the sovereign lights.
The powerfully vaulted wings which can be perceived as landmarks from the driver´s seat flow into the bonnet with its strong contours at the sides with integrated power domes. In connection with the vertically adjusted daytime running lights, the headlights render a superb racing character.
The side view clearly confirms the classic GT-proportions with front central engine under the elongated bonnet, the firm aero tail and the formally reduced roof construction. Basically, it consists of three plane arches which are dynamically connected by an elaborately offset line management.
The brawny and muscular car body impresses with its crouched appearance with powerfully modelled wings dominating the side view.
A main arch spanning over the cockpit is supported by two arch-shaped wings at the front and at the back which majestically rise over the wheels.
The Carlsson designers created the wheel flange and wings, the negative rear view and the lower front from vertical lines lunging forward and rendering a fast forward-moving impression.
The elaborate graphical design of the motor engine ventilation, wheel flanges, wing edges and door section corresponds with the strongly vaulted sides and renders a rich contrast.
The rear view has a highly visible aerodynamic functionality. The entire rear section has been basically designed like a generous cave in order to integrate the upper rear edge generating downthrust in the best possible formal and logical way. Deliberately, Rolf Schepp puts the dynamic focus on the powerfully designed double diffuser with the significantly integrated end pipe blends which make the rear look not so high.
Rolf Schepp continues to apply the paramount trapezoid shapes from the front which are so typical for Carlsson also to the back by a perfect interaction of the boot lid and the double diffuser. The GT-typical, flowing and filigree roof construction is supported by the broad shoulders of the rear wings and flows into the gently curved ascent of the back tear-off edge.
With the Carlsson C25, the automobile manufactory consequently lights the way into future. The design of the Gran Turismo accomplished to connect agility, elegance and functionality in a unique automobile.
The technical philosophy of the Carlsson C25
The Carlsson C25 has been born from a revolutionary idea. For the first time, the automobile manufactory positions a Gran Turismo in an entirely new way. The coupé is the first own developed car by Carlsson and it combines two vehicle concepts which up to now have been considered as incompatible. On the one hand, the Carlsson C25 renders top performances with its 753 hp strong engine and an acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 3.7 seconds. And on the other hand it breaks out from the supercar category and offers comfortable travel performances and an unsurpassable road capability. Therefore, the Carlsson C25 combines the best from two worlds and with its limited edition of only 25 pieces it offers an outstanding exclusiveness.
The V12-Biturbo owes its 753 hp (554 kW) to Carlsson’s experience and art of engineering. This performance is guaranteed by the interaction between the stainless steel exhaust system, the special sports air filters and the engine electronics especially adjusted to the C25 with its special engine characteristic maps for injection and ignition. Also the charge air ventilation and the manifold are exactly adjusted to the car. Therefore, the high-performance engine renders a maximum torque of 1320 Newton metres, electronically limited to 1150 Newton metres and accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in only 3.7 seconds.
The comprehensive adjustment between car body, aerodynamics, engine performance and undercarriage renders an unsurpassable driving experience. The Carlsson C25 is no serial automobile with an oversized implanted engine, but a special automobile with perfectly adjusted components.
Intelligent undercarriage guarantees perfect road capability
But this is not the only unique selling point of the Carlsson C25. No Gran Turismo with comparable performance data has ever reached the maximum road capability as incorporated by the Carlsson C25. This is among others rendered by the suspension technology C-Tronic® SUSPENSION. The intelligent system recognises the road condition as well as the driving behaviour and continuously adjusts the remaining spring travel and the damping settings to it. This guarantees driving pleasure in narrow curves due to a perfectly limited vehicle roll as well as a comfortable journey on long distances and bad road conditions.
For perfect travel comfort, the Carlsson C25 offers all safety- and assistance systems which fulfil the high Mercedes-Benz standards: ABS, ESP, Airbags, crash-behaviour and pedestrian protection.
Therefore, the Carlsson C25 has the advantage that the Gran Turismo can still be serviced by any Mercedes-Benz garage. The customer is not bound to one dealer specialised in the Carlsson C25, but can always rely on the closest Mercedes-Benz garage.
Intuitive operation and high-quality haptics
In addition to its unsurpassable road capability, the Carlsson C25 offers an operating concept which seems surprisingly familiar to the driver. The cockpit with the central instruments tilted towards the driver, the sport steering wheel and the comfortable seats are made for intuitive operation. The engineers and designers put special emphasis on the arrangement and design of the instruments and that shows in the high-quality haptics and the superb intuitive operation.
But the Carlsson C25 does not only convince with its positioning combining the advantages of a high-performance automobile with perfect road capability. Also when it comes to the price, the Gran Turismo from Merzig/Germany is very attractive. For cars with a comparable performance from Italy or Scandinavia, the customer has to invest at least the double if not the triple price. But even then those car manufacturers can’t guarantee their customers the exclusiveness of the Carlsson C25 as there is only one automobile available per country.
No Carlsson C25 looks like the other
Moreover, the automobile manufactory Carlsson designs the C25 entirely according to customer demands. This includes a varnish in two- or three-colour concept which is also used for the interior. Also Carlsson offers for example an audio system which has especially been produced for the C25 by the French high-end manufacturer Focal.
When it comes to material selection, there are also no limits. Most of all the interior decoration can be lined with all possible combinations made of leather, ultra-suede or textile fabric.
Also, the forged light alloy wheels can be produced according to the wishes of the customer. The customer can opt for the shape and varnish of the rims in one-, two- or three-colour design and therefore the customer can rest assured that his set of wheels is unique all over the world. Moreover, Carlsson offers the ultra-light forged wheel 1/10 UL which sets new standards in wheel design with its revolutionary combination of single- and double spokes..
Carlsson therefore further increases the exclusiveness of the anyway strictly limited series of only 25 pieces. And this ensures that only unique automobiles are produced. No C25 looks like the other.
In the tradition of large coachbuilders
With its first own developed car, the automobile manufactory continues the tradition of large coachbuilders. This already shows in the design of the Carlsson C25 which bears the origins of the legendary Mercedes models such as the W 196 or the “Autobahnkurier” (Autobahn cruiser). Carlsson combined this tradition with the continuously developing Carlsson design which is reflected in the typical trapezoid shapes. As so often with traditional companies which originated from family businesses, the automobile manufactory Carlsson developed a unique car which only uses the platform of a large car company.
Already between both World Wars or from the 1950s onwards, smaller companies have taken a significant influence on larger car companies. This included Mulliner and Park Ward with their groundbreaking work for Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Also Swiss Peter Monteverdi made history with his new auto body for the Ferrari Monza or other cars which combined US-American engines with Italian car bodies such as the Monteverdi Hai 450 with its hand-made carriage.
In exactly the same way as these specialists, Carlsson and the C25 today present which possibilities there are when combining experience, passion and the art of engineering.
From the company:
------------------
The design philosophy of the Carlsson C25
It is the dream of every designer to create a classic Gran Turismo one time. As far as the C25 is concerned, the Carlsson head designer Rolf Schepp has mastered an extreme challenge. The art was to develop an independent design combining the emotional character with safety-relevant aspects and high road capability.
Carlsson has therefore implemented a self-confident, but function-oriented design rendering high dynamics, timeless elegance, visible sportiness and road capability due to subtle line management and well-balanced proportions.
At the same time, the Carlsson design team achieved to integrate the significant Mercedes origin into the independent Gran Turismo design.
This way, the modern interpreted shapes can be traced back to the W 196 up to the “Autobahnkurier” (Autobahn cruiser). This essential basis of the Carlsson design philosophy has been growing over the years and is now also a cornerstone for the design of the C25. But with this automobile, this cornerstone for the first time has been subjected to the independent GT line management. The consequent redesign of the car body led to a carriage which embodies functional purposes besides elegance and sportiness. Therefore, the automobile does not need any extendable attachments in order to render the necessary aerodynamics for everyday use.
Overview
The front view is dominated by the dynamic and aggressive trapezoid shapes of the giant air inlets which are typical for Carlsson and which perfectly interact in a tension-filled contrast with the sovereign lights.
The powerfully vaulted wings which can be perceived as landmarks from the driver´s seat flow into the bonnet with its strong contours at the sides with integrated power domes. In connection with the vertically adjusted daytime running lights, the headlights render a superb racing character.
The side view clearly confirms the classic GT-proportions with front central engine under the elongated bonnet, the firm aero tail and the formally reduced roof construction. Basically, it consists of three plane arches which are dynamically connected by an elaborately offset line management.
The brawny and muscular car body impresses with its crouched appearance with powerfully modelled wings dominating the side view.
A main arch spanning over the cockpit is supported by two arch-shaped wings at the front and at the back which majestically rise over the wheels.
The Carlsson designers created the wheel flange and wings, the negative rear view and the lower front from vertical lines lunging forward and rendering a fast forward-moving impression.
The elaborate graphical design of the motor engine ventilation, wheel flanges, wing edges and door section corresponds with the strongly vaulted sides and renders a rich contrast.
The rear view has a highly visible aerodynamic functionality. The entire rear section has been basically designed like a generous cave in order to integrate the upper rear edge generating downthrust in the best possible formal and logical way. Deliberately, Rolf Schepp puts the dynamic focus on the powerfully designed double diffuser with the significantly integrated end pipe blends which make the rear look not so high.
Rolf Schepp continues to apply the paramount trapezoid shapes from the front which are so typical for Carlsson also to the back by a perfect interaction of the boot lid and the double diffuser. The GT-typical, flowing and filigree roof construction is supported by the broad shoulders of the rear wings and flows into the gently curved ascent of the back tear-off edge.
With the Carlsson C25, the automobile manufactory consequently lights the way into future. The design of the Gran Turismo accomplished to connect agility, elegance and functionality in a unique automobile.
The technical philosophy of the Carlsson C25
The Carlsson C25 has been born from a revolutionary idea. For the first time, the automobile manufactory positions a Gran Turismo in an entirely new way. The coupé is the first own developed car by Carlsson and it combines two vehicle concepts which up to now have been considered as incompatible. On the one hand, the Carlsson C25 renders top performances with its 753 hp strong engine and an acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 3.7 seconds. And on the other hand it breaks out from the supercar category and offers comfortable travel performances and an unsurpassable road capability. Therefore, the Carlsson C25 combines the best from two worlds and with its limited edition of only 25 pieces it offers an outstanding exclusiveness.
The V12-Biturbo owes its 753 hp (554 kW) to Carlsson’s experience and art of engineering. This performance is guaranteed by the interaction between the stainless steel exhaust system, the special sports air filters and the engine electronics especially adjusted to the C25 with its special engine characteristic maps for injection and ignition. Also the charge air ventilation and the manifold are exactly adjusted to the car. Therefore, the high-performance engine renders a maximum torque of 1320 Newton metres, electronically limited to 1150 Newton metres and accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in only 3.7 seconds.
The comprehensive adjustment between car body, aerodynamics, engine performance and undercarriage renders an unsurpassable driving experience. The Carlsson C25 is no serial automobile with an oversized implanted engine, but a special automobile with perfectly adjusted components.
Intelligent undercarriage guarantees perfect road capability
But this is not the only unique selling point of the Carlsson C25. No Gran Turismo with comparable performance data has ever reached the maximum road capability as incorporated by the Carlsson C25. This is among others rendered by the suspension technology C-Tronic® SUSPENSION. The intelligent system recognises the road condition as well as the driving behaviour and continuously adjusts the remaining spring travel and the damping settings to it. This guarantees driving pleasure in narrow curves due to a perfectly limited vehicle roll as well as a comfortable journey on long distances and bad road conditions.
For perfect travel comfort, the Carlsson C25 offers all safety- and assistance systems which fulfil the high Mercedes-Benz standards: ABS, ESP, Airbags, crash-behaviour and pedestrian protection.
Therefore, the Carlsson C25 has the advantage that the Gran Turismo can still be serviced by any Mercedes-Benz garage. The customer is not bound to one dealer specialised in the Carlsson C25, but can always rely on the closest Mercedes-Benz garage.
Intuitive operation and high-quality haptics
In addition to its unsurpassable road capability, the Carlsson C25 offers an operating concept which seems surprisingly familiar to the driver. The cockpit with the central instruments tilted towards the driver, the sport steering wheel and the comfortable seats are made for intuitive operation. The engineers and designers put special emphasis on the arrangement and design of the instruments and that shows in the high-quality haptics and the superb intuitive operation.
But the Carlsson C25 does not only convince with its positioning combining the advantages of a high-performance automobile with perfect road capability. Also when it comes to the price, the Gran Turismo from Merzig/Germany is very attractive. For cars with a comparable performance from Italy or Scandinavia, the customer has to invest at least the double if not the triple price. But even then those car manufacturers can’t guarantee their customers the exclusiveness of the Carlsson C25 as there is only one automobile available per country.
No Carlsson C25 looks like the other
Moreover, the automobile manufactory Carlsson designs the C25 entirely according to customer demands. This includes a varnish in two- or three-colour concept which is also used for the interior. Also Carlsson offers for example an audio system which has especially been produced for the C25 by the French high-end manufacturer Focal.
When it comes to material selection, there are also no limits. Most of all the interior decoration can be lined with all possible combinations made of leather, ultra-suede or textile fabric.
Also, the forged light alloy wheels can be produced according to the wishes of the customer. The customer can opt for the shape and varnish of the rims in one-, two- or three-colour design and therefore the customer can rest assured that his set of wheels is unique all over the world. Moreover, Carlsson offers the ultra-light forged wheel 1/10 UL which sets new standards in wheel design with its revolutionary combination of single- and double spokes..
Carlsson therefore further increases the exclusiveness of the anyway strictly limited series of only 25 pieces. And this ensures that only unique automobiles are produced. No C25 looks like the other.
In the tradition of large coachbuilders
With its first own developed car, the automobile manufactory continues the tradition of large coachbuilders. This already shows in the design of the Carlsson C25 which bears the origins of the legendary Mercedes models such as the W 196 or the “Autobahnkurier” (Autobahn cruiser). Carlsson combined this tradition with the continuously developing Carlsson design which is reflected in the typical trapezoid shapes. As so often with traditional companies which originated from family businesses, the automobile manufactory Carlsson developed a unique car which only uses the platform of a large car company.
Already between both World Wars or from the 1950s onwards, smaller companies have taken a significant influence on larger car companies. This included Mulliner and Park Ward with their groundbreaking work for Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Also Swiss Peter Monteverdi made history with his new auto body for the Ferrari Monza or other cars which combined US-American engines with Italian car bodies such as the Monteverdi Hai 450 with its hand-made carriage.
In exactly the same way as these specialists, Carlsson and the C25 today present which possibilities there are when combining experience, passion and the art of engineering.
Porsche 918 - The full story
The details about this shocking car from Porsche was very brief when released earlier this week. Finally the full spec with more pics are available.
------------------------
Porsche Presents 918 Spyder High-Performance Concept Sports Car in Geneva
Stuttgart. Presenting a high-performance mid-engined concept sports car with ultra-efficient, low-emission drive technology, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is further increasing the Company’s competence in hybrid technology.
The 918 Spyder prototype combines high-tech racing features and electro-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities: An emission level of just 70 grams CO2 per kilometre on fuel consumption of three litres/100 kilometres (equal to 94 mpg imp) truly outstanding even for an ultra-compact city car, on the one hand, combined with the performance of a super sports car and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph) plus, and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT, on the other.
The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche models with hybrid drive making their world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. This trio – made up of Porsche’s new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV with parallel full-hybrid drive, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racing car with electric drive on the front axle and a flywheel mass battery, and the two-seater high-performance 918 Spyder mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid – clearly demonstrates not only the great bandwidth of this new drive technology, but also the innovative power of Porsche as a genuine pioneer in hybrid drive.
The highly innovative 918 Spyder concept car combines Porsche’s Intelligent Performance technology, high-tech in motorsport, and classic but modern design to make a truly convincing statement.
The Porsche 918 Spyder with plug-in hybrid provides the performance of a thoroughbred super sports car on fuel consumption of just three litres/100 kilometres in the New European Driving Cycle, equal to a CO2 emission rating of 70 g/km.
This open two-seater is powered by a high-speed V8 developing more than 500 bhp and running at maximum speed engine of 9,200 rpm as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 bhp (160 kW).
The V8 combustion engine is a further development of the highly successful 3.4-litre power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned midship in front of the rear axle, giving the car the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track through its good balance.
Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungs-getriebe also feeding the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a firm transmission ratio.
The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. The big advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that the battery can be charged on the regular electrical network. A further point is that the car’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery when applying the brakes, thus providing additional energy for fast and dynamic acceleration.
A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.
The Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the drive power goes to the rear wheels, with Torque Vectoring serving to additionally improve the car’s driving dynamics.
In the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track, running at the limit to their power and dynamic output. With the battery sufficiently charged, a push-to-pass button feeds in additional electrical power (E-Boost), for example when overtaking or for even better performance.
With the hybrid drive system offering this wide range of individual modes and applications, the 918 Spyder is able either to achieve lap times comparable to those of a thoroughbred racing car – such as less than 7:30 minutes on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring – or, focusing on a more economical style of motoring, with a reduction in emissions to just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Like the drivetrain, the lightweight body structure of the 918 Spyder also bears out the car’s DNA carried over directly from motorsport: The modular structure with its monocoque bodyshell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP) and the appropriate use of magnesium and aluminium not only reduce weight to less than 1,490 kg or 3,285 lb, but also ensure supreme driving precision thanks to the very high level of torsional stiffness.
Reminiscent of highly successful, legendary racing cars such as the Porsche 917 Le Mans and the current Porsche RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder with its design concept so typical of Porsche arouses powerful emotions. The combination of racing car dimensions, clearly structured design with perfectly balanced surfaces, and innovative details all round creates an overall pattern of aesthetic, perfectly balanced harmony in design full of power and dynamics. This indeed is the ideal synthesis of form and function following Porsche’s design DNA.
The smooth balance of tradition and progress gives the car a powerful stance on the road in its combination of dimensions. Variable aerodynamics typical of Porsche ensure both visionary and traditional highlights especially around the rear spoiler. The striking rear hoods extending out of the headrests, in turn, not only fulfil an aerodynamic function on the 918 Spyder, but also accommodate retractable air intakes with a ram air function.
The driver and passenger are not only perfectly embedded in contoured sports bucket seats, but also form part of the cockpit with its synthesis of efficient function and ergonomic high-tech operation offering an outlook at the interior architecture we may possibly see in super sports cars of the future. The three free-standing circular dials for road speed (left), engine speed (middle) and energy management (right) would appear to come directly from a racing car in the ‘60s, bearing out that unique philosophy of driver orientation so characteristic of Porsche.
The centre console rising up towards the front in the 918 Spyder houses a touch-sensitive surface for intuitive control of the car’s functions, serving consistently to reduce the number of visible controls and maintain the principle of direct operation.
The control units relevant to the driver are concentrated in particular on the three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, while the variable driving modes, again so typical of Porsche, are supplemented by a map switch enabling the driver to call up various drive programs and serving as the push-to-pass button for E-boosting, for example when overtaking. Instrument illumination, finally, varies from green for the consumption-oriented running modes to red for the performance-oriented driving programs.
The 918 Spyder also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover, naturally allowing the driver to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance. In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone.
Applying this information and using further info on the availability and location of special energy filling stations, the driver is then able to choose his personal style of driving as well as the right battery charge and filling strategy.
Offering a unique combination of extremely low fuel consumption, supreme performance and long electric range, the Porsche 918 Spyder represents an essential milestone in Porsche’s strategy on the way to genuine electro-mobility.
------------------------
Porsche Presents 918 Spyder High-Performance Concept Sports Car in Geneva
Stuttgart. Presenting a high-performance mid-engined concept sports car with ultra-efficient, low-emission drive technology, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is further increasing the Company’s competence in hybrid technology.
The 918 Spyder prototype combines high-tech racing features and electro-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities: An emission level of just 70 grams CO2 per kilometre on fuel consumption of three litres/100 kilometres (equal to 94 mpg imp) truly outstanding even for an ultra-compact city car, on the one hand, combined with the performance of a super sports car and acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in just under 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph) plus, and a lap time on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT, on the other.
The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche models with hybrid drive making their world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. This trio – made up of Porsche’s new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV with parallel full-hybrid drive, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racing car with electric drive on the front axle and a flywheel mass battery, and the two-seater high-performance 918 Spyder mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid – clearly demonstrates not only the great bandwidth of this new drive technology, but also the innovative power of Porsche as a genuine pioneer in hybrid drive.
The highly innovative 918 Spyder concept car combines Porsche’s Intelligent Performance technology, high-tech in motorsport, and classic but modern design to make a truly convincing statement.
The Porsche 918 Spyder with plug-in hybrid provides the performance of a thoroughbred super sports car on fuel consumption of just three litres/100 kilometres in the New European Driving Cycle, equal to a CO2 emission rating of 70 g/km.
This open two-seater is powered by a high-speed V8 developing more than 500 bhp and running at maximum speed engine of 9,200 rpm as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle with overall mechanical output of 218 bhp (160 kW).
The V8 combustion engine is a further development of the highly successful 3.4-litre power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned midship in front of the rear axle, giving the car the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track through its good balance.
Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungs-getriebe also feeding the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a firm transmission ratio.
The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell. The big advantage of a plug-in hybrid is that the battery can be charged on the regular electrical network. A further point is that the car’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy fed into the battery when applying the brakes, thus providing additional energy for fast and dynamic acceleration.
A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose among four different running modes: The E-Drive mode is for running the car under electric power alone, with a range of up to 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful.
The Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the drive power goes to the rear wheels, with Torque Vectoring serving to additionally improve the car’s driving dynamics.
In the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track, running at the limit to their power and dynamic output. With the battery sufficiently charged, a push-to-pass button feeds in additional electrical power (E-Boost), for example when overtaking or for even better performance.
With the hybrid drive system offering this wide range of individual modes and applications, the 918 Spyder is able either to achieve lap times comparable to those of a thoroughbred racing car – such as less than 7:30 minutes on the Nordschleife of Nürburgring – or, focusing on a more economical style of motoring, with a reduction in emissions to just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Like the drivetrain, the lightweight body structure of the 918 Spyder also bears out the car’s DNA carried over directly from motorsport: The modular structure with its monocoque bodyshell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP) and the appropriate use of magnesium and aluminium not only reduce weight to less than 1,490 kg or 3,285 lb, but also ensure supreme driving precision thanks to the very high level of torsional stiffness.
Reminiscent of highly successful, legendary racing cars such as the Porsche 917 Le Mans and the current Porsche RS Spyder, the 918 Spyder with its design concept so typical of Porsche arouses powerful emotions. The combination of racing car dimensions, clearly structured design with perfectly balanced surfaces, and innovative details all round creates an overall pattern of aesthetic, perfectly balanced harmony in design full of power and dynamics. This indeed is the ideal synthesis of form and function following Porsche’s design DNA.
The smooth balance of tradition and progress gives the car a powerful stance on the road in its combination of dimensions. Variable aerodynamics typical of Porsche ensure both visionary and traditional highlights especially around the rear spoiler. The striking rear hoods extending out of the headrests, in turn, not only fulfil an aerodynamic function on the 918 Spyder, but also accommodate retractable air intakes with a ram air function.
The driver and passenger are not only perfectly embedded in contoured sports bucket seats, but also form part of the cockpit with its synthesis of efficient function and ergonomic high-tech operation offering an outlook at the interior architecture we may possibly see in super sports cars of the future. The three free-standing circular dials for road speed (left), engine speed (middle) and energy management (right) would appear to come directly from a racing car in the ‘60s, bearing out that unique philosophy of driver orientation so characteristic of Porsche.
The centre console rising up towards the front in the 918 Spyder houses a touch-sensitive surface for intuitive control of the car’s functions, serving consistently to reduce the number of visible controls and maintain the principle of direct operation.
The control units relevant to the driver are concentrated in particular on the three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, while the variable driving modes, again so typical of Porsche, are supplemented by a map switch enabling the driver to call up various drive programs and serving as the push-to-pass button for E-boosting, for example when overtaking. Instrument illumination, finally, varies from green for the consumption-oriented running modes to red for the performance-oriented driving programs.
The 918 Spyder also comes with further innovative functions such as the Range Manager. After being activated in the Center Display, the Range Manager uses the map in the navigation system to present the remaining range the car is able to cover, naturally allowing the driver to influence that range through the appropriate choice of power and performance. In cities with environmental alert areas the Range Manager also states whether the driver is able to reach a certain destination on electric power alone.
Applying this information and using further info on the availability and location of special energy filling stations, the driver is then able to choose his personal style of driving as well as the right battery charge and filling strategy.
Offering a unique combination of extremely low fuel consumption, supreme performance and long electric range, the Porsche 918 Spyder represents an essential milestone in Porsche’s strategy on the way to genuine electro-mobility.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
AMS-TV: Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible
Show me the lost person who wouldn´t enjoy this beast.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Geneva: Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Superleggera
Finally the next generation über-Gallardo is back: From the press release:
-----------
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera
Even more dynamic, lighter, more powerful and stunning – the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is the new top model in the Gallardo line-up. Its evocative “superlight” badge refers to a driving machine of true sporting character and describes a high-performance and lean automotive athlete. The Superleggera makes its entrance to continue the success of its predecessor, launched in 2007, of which Lamborghini produced and sold no less than 618 in just one year.
Compared with the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4, the weight of the Gallardo Superleggera has been trimmed by 70 kilograms (154 lb). The super sportscar from Sant’Agata Bolognese boasts a dry weight of no more than 1340 kilograms (2954 lb) – the lightest road-going model in Lamborghini’s range, and a new arrival in one of the most exclusive market niche segments.
One key factor is the exterior and interior components made from carbon-fiber. Carbon-fiber is ideal for the manufacture of sportscars as its use allows for weight reduction and improved mechanical features. The car’s performance is thus enhanced thanks to a better weight-to-power ratio and reduced total mass, which means that CO2 emissions are also lower. Lamborghini has been at the forefront in this material’s application for many years, and now the brand is extending its leadership even further.
The V10 power unit with 5.2 liters (317,6 cu in) of displacement generates 419 kW (570 CV*) in the Gallardo Superleggera. This puts the weight-to-power ratio of the new top model at only 2.35 kilograms (5.18 lb) per CV and guarantees breathtaking performance. The Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera handles the dash from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and flies past the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark only 10.2 seconds later, ultimately reaching 325 km/h (202 mph). The engine with “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” gasoline direct injection also boasts an impressive degree of efficiency. Its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 20,5 percent compared to the previous model.
The Gallardo Superleggera is an uncompromising driving machine. Its running gear, with its mighty braking system, has a dedicated and exceptionally precise set-up, while its 19-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero Corsa, clad in Pirelli sports rubber, are extremely light. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera brings a whole new meaning to the term “super sportscar”.
Breaking: Porsche 918 Spyder
Another version:
This moment Porsche releases a big suprise. Here is the short press release:
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Porsche presents Super-Sports Car in Geneva
Genf. Michael Macht, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, presented the Porsche 918 Spyder concept car at its world debut this evening in Geneva. This mid-engined two-seater combines the performance of a super-sports car with the CO2 emissions of a small compact, an innovative plug-in hybrid concept reducing emissions to just 70 grams CO2 per kilometre and fuel consumption to 3.0 litres/100 kilometres (94 mpg imp). Within this concept Porsche combines a V8 power unit delivering more than 500 hp and three electric motors with overall output of 160 kW.
In its design and interior architecture, the Porsche 918 Spyder combines classic elements with appropriate solutions for the future. Starting on Tuesday, March 2nd, at 8:15 am (CET), the Porsche 918 Spyder will also be presented at the Porsche Stand in Hall 6 of the Palexpo Building during the Geneva Motor Show.
AMS-TV: BMW 5-series Hybrid
No reason to not have an 5-series Hybrid, when there is an 7-series and X6 with the tech.
AMS-TV: New Porsche Cayenne
AMS have been kind and put out the raw footage of the different new Cayennes. No sound, but very nice glimps of Cayennes in varying colors.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Video: The new Porsche Cayenne - Perforamance
More videos of the new Cayenne is out - this one is about the performance.
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