Archive for the ‘Shows’ Category

Jaguar has released details of the C-X16 concept ahead of its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Looking firmly to the future, the C-X16 marks a new chapter for Jaguar.  The two-seater concept has inspired new advances in design, in engineering and in vehicle technology to create the most compact and responsive Jaguar in a generation.  A hybrid, the C-X16 combines searing performance with beautifully realised styling.

Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars: “The C-X16 embodies the established Jaguar strengths of sensual design, animal-like agility and inspirational performance and combines these with attributes that set us on a course to create sustainable sports cars of the future.”

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars: “Jaguars have always been dramatically different. With the C-X16 we have moved the current award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance.”

Under the muscular clamshell bonnet is a next-generation supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 380 PS (280kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque. Already boasting a high specific power output of 126 PS-per-litre, the performance of the C-X16 is further supplemented by a Formula 1-inspired hybrid boost system with a steering-wheel mounted button for on-demand acceleration.

Integrated into the eight-speed gearbox is a motor generator which draws power from a 1.6kWh battery pack mounted behind the seats for ideal 50:50 weight distribution. Charged through a brake energy regeneration system, the batteries allow the motor to provide an additional 95 PS (70 kW) and173 lb ft (235 Nm).

Mounted in an aluminium chassis structure, the result is 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds, a top speed of 186 mph and acceleration from 50-75 mph of 2.1 seconds. The  C-X16 is also able to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph under electric power alone and has CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.

The C-X16 measures 4,445 mm in length, 2,048 mm in width and 1,297 mm in height and has a wheelbase measuring 2,622 mm.  In terms of overall length, the C-X16 is the smallest Jaguar created since 1954 and the XK120.

The C-X16 will be presented at the Jaguar Land Rover press conference in Hall Five at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday September 13 at 09:15 CET.

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More news from Eterniti…………

Posted: September 5, 2011 by The Car Spy in Eterniti, General, Shows
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Eterniti Motors, the recently announced new British car company, will make its public debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) on 13 September.

Eterniti is an independent, boutique British luxury carmaker, uniquely based in London. The company aims to satisfy a growing demand for additional luxury, personalised specifications and exclusivity among car buyers, particularly in major cities and global wealth centres.

The company’s first car will reflect this. The Hemera will be the world’s first Super-SUV, providing new levels of luxury, space and performance in an SUV to create a new niche. It will feature a limousine-like rear cabin, including twin reclining seats, iPads and a drinks chiller, giving customers the option of being chauffeured as well as driving. But with compact dimensions, 4×4 ruggedness and dynamic performance, it is also both practical and retains driver appeal.

The Hemera will be shown in Frankfurt as a prototype, with production and deliveries to start in 2012. It is based on the latest generation of the best large SUV platform available, which will undergo a chassis-up rebuild, with a new, repackaged interior, carbon-composite body panels and additional performance.

Eterniti is backed by a group of international investors and has been established by people who have a passion for cars. The team has extensive experience in retailing some of the most prestigious British and European luxury and high-performance car brands, in markets from the UK to Asia-Pacific. It has further experience in the development and manufacture of high-end components and motor sport.

The engineering team is led by Alastair Macqueen, who was responsible for the development of the Jaguar XJ220 supercar to production and has won the Le Mans 24-Hour race with both Jaguar and Bentley. Eterniti also has its very own F1 driver, Johnny Herbert, like Macqueen victorious at Le Mans but in addition a winner of three Grands Prix during a 10-year Formula 1 career. Johnny will have an active involvement in developing Eterniti vehicles as well as serving as an ambassador for the brand.

Eterniti is establishing a London hub featuring a showroom, car build and service centre, and a separate atelier where customers can discuss their requirements and create a bespoke specification for their cars, which will be hand-built on site by British craftsmen and technicians. The London facilities will open later this year, with further showrooms in key international cities to follow from 2012.

McLaren goes for Chrome too…….

Posted: August 31, 2011 by The Car Spy in McLaren, Shows
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McLaren Automotive today announces the official launch of McLaren Special Operations, a division of the new sports car manufacturer responsible for delivery of bespoke projects for McLaren sports cars.  McLaren Special Operations celebrated its launch at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this year by presenting an example of the groundbreaking new MP4-12C, finished in a unique version of Volcano Orange, and featuring a range of bespoke carbon upgrades.   

The exclusive 12C unveiled at Pebble Beach has been specified with the aim of inspiring existing and future owners of the first ever pure McLaren sports car.  Bespoke treatment applied to this car includes stunning satin matte Volcano Orange paintwork, a gloss black roof, diamond cut finish wheels with gloss black inners, MP4-12C branded carbon sill panels, carbon steering wheel, front wheel arch louvres and carbon fibre engine cover vents, rear deck vent and wiper system cover.  A short film including footage of this unique MP4-12C can be viewed at www.youtube.com/mclarenautomotivetv

The new MP4-12C made its North American debut at Pebble Beach in 2010, so it was a natural choice to return to the event in 2011 for the launch of McLaren Special Operations.

Paul Mackenzie, Programme Director at McLaren Automotive, with responsibility for McLaren Special Operations*, said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of the first 12C customers in North America at Pebble Beach.  For nearly twenty years we have been closely managing relationships with owners of the McLaren F1, and understanding their needs is a great foundation on which to launch a service that will now include 12C customers.

“McLaren Automotive already offers 12C customers extensive options to personalise their car.  However we recognise some owners have specific tastes and we have the knowledge and capability to design, engineer and produce almost anything a customer may desire for their 12C.”

McLaren Automotive enjoyed a high-profile position overlooking the famous 18th fairway at Pebble Beach.  Paul Mackenzie was one of three McLaren Automotive Directors to feature in a ‘McLaren Speaker Series’, staged in the hospitality suite. His presentation covered the development of the legendary McLaren F1, while Design Director Frank Stephenson gave an exclusive audience his perspective on the design philosophy he is developing at McLaren Automotive, and Research Director Dick Glover discussed Formula 1 technology now supplied in the new MP4-12C sports car.

Car and Driver magazine Technical Editor Aaron Robinson was a guest of McLaren Automotive at Pebble Beach.  Following a speech outlining the secrets of testing supercars, Robinson said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the 12C on roads in North America.  It won our recent supercar group test, largely because of the way its technology translates to outstanding performance.  McLaren has huge brand equity in North America and I have no doubt the company and its planned range of sports cars has a bright future here.”

The full interview with Aaron Robinson can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/mclarenautomotivetv

McLaren Automotive presented a second special version of the MP4-12C on the ‘Concept Lawn’ at Pebble Beach. This unique 12C was painted by McLaren Racing (the Formula 1 focused sister company to McLaren Automotive), using AkzoNobel Sikkens chrome coating, which is usually applied exclusively to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 cars. The special lightweight coating is designed to minimise friction and have a low drying time requirement; critical for manufacturing demands of Formula 1. The paint scheme is not however available for commercial purposes and is reserved exclusively for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 programme.

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After its international public debut at the Geneva Motor Show last April, the Alfa 4C Concept will be exhibited at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt next month in a new and exclusive ‘fluid metal’ exterior colour that dynamically enhances the smooth and sinuous lines of the car.

In recent months the project has been refined and enriched with technical contents to enhance the dynamic excellence of the Alfa 4C Concept. Vehicle weight is confirmed at around 850kg, the engine delivering more than 200 bhp and a power to weight ratio less than 4kg per HP – traits worthy of a true ‘supercar’.

The Alfa 4C Concept showcases the formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé with its central engine, a length of approximately 4 metres and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres.  These dimensions on the one hand emphasise the Alfa 4C Concept’s compact attributes, whilst on the other accentuate its agility.

The Alfa 4C Concept uses technology and materials derived from the 8C Competizione – carbon, aluminium, rear-wheel drive – and technology from Alfa Romeo models currently on sale: the 1750 turbo petrol engine with direct injection, the ALFA TCT twin dry clutch transmission; and all the best of Alfa’s DNA technology, obviously including the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector.

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The Land Rover DC100, a modern interpretation of the iconic Land Rover Defender will make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Land Rover also confirms today, that production of a new Defender is intended for 2015.

Commenting on the Land Rover DC100 concept car, Gerry McGovern, Director of Design, Land Rover said: “Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide.  This isn’t a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century.”

John Edwards, Global Brand Director, Land Rover added:”Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market.   

We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalise the details of the new vehicle.  One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be an exciting journey, and we can’t wait to get going.” 

The Land Rover DC100 concept builds upon the essential elements of the car’s character and allows Land Rover to open the debate and inspire people to dream about the Defenders of the future. The next chapter in the Defender story will unfold at 09:15 hrs (CET) on September 13, 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. 

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