Posts Tagged ‘frankfurt motor show’

Full 911 (991) details from Porsche at Frankfurt

Posted: September 13, 2011 by The Car Spy in Porsche, Shows
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New Porsche 911 Carrera to debut at Frankfurt Show

  • World premiere of new 911 at 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, September 13 -25
  • New generation of benchmark sports car
  • Innovative chassis technology raises dynamics
  • Lighter, more powerful, less fuel consumption, class-leading emissions
  • Carrera costs from £71,449, Carrera S from £81,242

Porsche is proud to present the new 911 Carrera, a completely new generation of the iconic coupe that has been acclaimed as one of the world’s benchmark sports cars since its launch in 1963.

Tradition meets modernity

True to the 911 tradition, the distinctive Porsche design language exudes power and elegance. The unmistakable silhouette still catches the eye while incorporating new, exciting contours and precisely designed details; a 100mm longer wheelbase for improved stability and greater interior space; front and rear overhangs are shorter, maintaining the compact footprint that has been a longstanding 911 attribute; the sporting stance is emphasised by the lower roof line and a wider front track increases on-road presence further still while raising the renowned chassis dynamics.

The rear-mounted, flat six cylinder engine is an equally symbolic component of the 911 identity; and behind the rear axle of the new car lies an uprated range of powerful, efficient and evocative ‘boxer’ engines. The 911 Carrera is powered by a new 3.4-litre engine developing 350 hp, and the Carrera S features a 400 hp version of the familiar 3.8-litre. These new engines offer performance improvements for both models. The 3.4-litre Carrera with PDK accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.6 sec, 0.1 sec quicker than the prior model. Pressing the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono Pack cuts that to 4.4 sec. The 3.8-litre Carrera S with PDK can accelerate from 0- 62 mph in 4.3 sec (Sport Plus 4.1 sec), 0.2sec quicker than its predecessor.

All-new lightweight body

Principle among the innovative steps forwards is the all-new, lightweight body, featuring intelligent aluminium-steel composite construction. It is responsible for a significant proportion of the vehicle weight reduction of up to 45 kg. The body structure also delivers significantly greater rigidity, and aerodynamic optimisation – including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler – has reduced the lift generated by the new 911 Carrera while retaining an impressive overall drag factor.

Innovative chassis technology

That the new 911 offers better acceleration in a straight line goes without saying, but it also offers top performance at an unprecedented level across the entire dynamic repertoire. In addition to the longer wheelbase, the greater agility, precision and driving stability are based, among other things, on the wider front track, a new rear axle and new electro-mechanical power steering.

Depending on the model, there are other standard or optional active control systems available as well that further enhance the driving dynamics. That is especially true for the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) active roll stabilisation system, available for the first time on the 911 Carrera S. The system reduces body roll when cornering, with the result that the tyres are always in the optimal position relative to the road surface and thus able to transmit higher lateral forces. Consequently, maximum cornering speeds are increased, and even faster lap times on racing circuits are possible.

Exterior design

The familiar athletic appearance of the 911 is given further dynamism with a 100mm longer wheelbase, reduced height, and up to 20-inch diameter alloy wheels. At the same time, the typically compact exterior dimensions have been retained. Seen from the front, the eye is drawn to the trademark wide-arched wings, emphasising the wider front track and making the new 911 Carrera models adopt a particularly sporting stance on the road. The redesigned exterior mirrors are now mounted on the upper edge of the door and not as before on the mirror triangle. Not only is this aerodynamically advantageous, it also emphasises the new design line and visual impression of width.

Interior design

To complement the modern exterior, the Porsche designers created an interior style which takes its cue from that of the Porsche Carrera GT. The driver is now even more closely integrated with the cockpit thanks to the centre console rising up to the front with the high-mounted shift lever – or PDK gear selector – located close to the steering wheel in typical motorsport fashion. Classic Porsche style elements are also to be found inside, just as they are on the outside. For example, the instrument cluster with five round instruments, with the central dial naturally the rev counter. On the right is a new, high resolution multi-function screen, just one of the comfort features added to meet evolving customer demands.

Porsche Intelligent Performance

Setting the standard in its class, as it has for generations, the new 911 Carrera and Carrera S raise the performance and efficiency standard to new levels. Fuel consumption and emissions of all versions are up to 16 per cent lower compared with its predecessors. Among other things, this is achieved by systems and functions such as auto start/stop, thermal management, electrical system recuperation, the world’s first seven-speed manual transmission and – in conjunction with the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) – a ‘coasting’ function that decouples the engine for enhanced fuel efficiency when the throttle is closed.

The new electro-mechanical power steering system offers not only the typical precision and feedback expected of a Porsche, but also helps to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. For example, the 911 Carrera with the new 350 hp (257 kW) 3.4-litre direct injection engine and optional PDK returns 34.4mpg Combined based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) – 6mpg more than its predecessor. Also, at 194 g/km CO2, it is the first Porsche sports car to sit below 200 g/km CO2. In the case of the Carrera S, with its 400 hp 3.8-litre direct injection engine, economy when paired with the optional PDK is increased by 14 per cent, or 5 mpg, to 32.4mpg Combined despite 15 hp more power. That equates to CO2 emissions of 205 g/km.

Evidently, it has therefore been possible in the new 911 Carrera to extend yet further the span of apparently contradictory attributes such as performance and efficiency, sportiness and everyday usability that has always typified the Porsche 911. It could be said that the new 911 Carrera is thus more of a 911 than ever.

In the UK from December 2011

The new Porsche 911 Carrera celebrates its world premiere at the 2011 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show and the new 911 models will be in UK Porsche Centres from December 17 2011.

The 911 Carrera is priced from £71,449 and the 911 Carrera S is priced from £81,242. Standard equipment on all models is leather interior, sports seats, automatic climate control, Bi-Xenon headlights, 7-inch colour touch-screen Porsche Communication Management with satellite navigation, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and a three year warranty.

The Carrera S adds 20-inch alloy wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with rear limited slip differential, in addition to the power advantage of the larger 3.8-litre engine.

Fitted to every 911 is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

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Frankfurt Show updates from Audi

Posted: September 13, 2011 by The Car Spy in Audi, Shows
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The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will play host to four new high-performance Audi S models sharing one remarkable new eight-cylinder engine which enables them to counterbalance outputs of up to 520PS with the potential for up to 29mpg*. The new bi-turbo V8, incorporating cylinder on demand technology and a host of other advances, replaces the naturally aspirated V10 FSI engine in the all-new S6, S6 Avant and S8 models, and in the process improves economy by as much as 25 per cent. It is also at the heart of a completely new addition to the S quattro Series – the new S7 Sportback. 

The S6 and S6 Avant, S7 Sportback and S8 share a new V8 bi-turbo petrol engine featuring cylinder on demand technology, the S6 models and S7 Sportback taking the unit in 420PS form and the S8 using a 520PS version.

Main points summarised:

  • New twin-turbo V8 TFSI petrol engine replaces naturally aspirated V10 FSI in latest S6 and S8 and also powers new S7 Sportback
  • All newcomers expected to open for UK order during quarter 4 2011
  • Engine features new cylinder deactivation system that disengages four of the eight cylinders under part load to maximise fuel efficiency
  • Start-stop and energy recuperation systems also feature as standard
  • Version in S6, S6 Avant and S7 Sportback delivers 420PS and 550Nm, version in S8 offers 520PS and 650Nm
  • Reduces fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent compared with V10
  • S6 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph, 29.1mpg*, S6 Avant 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph, 28.8mpg*
  • S7 Sportback 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph, 29.1mpg*
  • S8 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, top speed limited to 155mph, 27.7mpg*
  • Active noise cancellation system broadcasts antiphase sound via four cabin-mounted microphones to suppress external noise intrusion into the cabin
  • quattro all-wheel-drive with self-locking centre differential – sport differential standard for S8

 

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Launch film of the Jaguar C-X16

Posted: September 13, 2011 by The Car Spy in Jaguar, Shows
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Eterniti makes its public debut at Frankfurt

Posted: September 13, 2011 by The Car Spy in Eterniti, Shows
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Eterniti Motors, a new luxury carmaker, makes its public debut today at the Frankfurt IAA, the world’s largest automotive motor show, and is previewing a prototype of its first product, the Hemera.

Brand Launch and Hemera Preview

When launched next year the Hemera will become the world’s first Super-SUV, providing new levels of luxury, exclusivity and performance in an SUV to create a new niche. The body of the car shown at Frankfurt closely reflects the final production version, although that will have bespoke Eterniti LED headlamps and lenses. All panels are new and made of carbon composite. The interior, which will be almost 100% unique to Eterniti, is in the final stages of prototype testing and will be revealed later in the year.

Eterniti is backed by a group of international investors and is an independent, boutique British marque, uniquely based in London, where it is establishing a hub with not only a showroom but an atelier and a build facility where bespoke vehicles can be created and hand-built on-site to any specification required. The facilities will be completed later this year, followed by further Eterniti-owned showrooms from 2012 in key overseas markets.

The business aims to help satisfy a growing demand for additional luxury and personalised specifications among wealthy car buyers, particularly in major cities, global wealth centres and emerging markets ranging from London to the Asia-Pacific region.

The company’s debut vehicle will be a first step towards becoming a fully-fledged carmaker but will fully reflect the bespoke luxury objective. The Hemera will be the first product in a space which Bentley, Maserati and Aston Martin, with the Lagonda brand, have identified for future product. It will be based on the most dynamic version of VW Group’s latest-generation large SUV platform, the best in the industry. At Eterniti it will undergo a complete chassis-up rebuild, including a new, re-packaged interior, and the light-weight carbon-composite re-skin. It will also have additional engine performance, with the 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing over 620bhp for a top speed in excess of 180mph.

The Hemera will feature a limousine-like rear cabin, including twin electrically-reclining rear seats with heating and cooling, twin iPads with wireless keyboards, and a drinks chiller. This satisfies a specific – and currently unmet – need, particularly in Asian markets, for a car suitable for being chauffeured in as well as driving. Unlike a conventional limousine, an SUV’s relatively compact footprint and wheelbase allow it to offer excellent handling and driver appeal, and the ride height and ruggedness are suitable for poor road surfaces which can make limousines and conventional high-performance cars impractical.

Production will start early in 2012, with deliveries by the summer. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but will be around £150,000 for the standard vehicle. Buyers will receive a full, three-year warranty. Warranty and servicing work will be carried out on-site in London, with collect-and-return and supplemented by a ‘flying doctor’ service. Customers will have access to finance and insurance depending on the market.

People

Although Eterniti is basing its business case around meeting market needs, its people 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, including Aston Martin, Porsche, Bentley and Ferrari, in markets from the UK to Asia-Pacific. It has further experience in 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 three times, with both Jaguar and Bentley. Eterniti also has its own F1 driver, Johnny Herbert, like Macqueen victorious at Le Mans but in addition a winner of three Grands Prix during a ten-year Formula 1 career, including one for the British Stewart team. Johnny will have an active involvement in developing Eterniti vehicles as well as serving as an ambassador for the brand. Alastair and Johnny have a long association, having both graduated from the Eddie Jordan stable and then competed together at Bentley. The trim operation is headed by one of the luxury car industry’s leading interior trim specialists, who has worked closely with marques including Bentley.

Future

Eterniti has a long-term plan. It will be opening an Asia-Pacific hub in Hong Kong in 2012, and showrooms in Tokyo and Taipei are scheduled to open by the end of the year. Representation in China will be established from 2013. The product plan includes a second Hemera derivative for 2012. Plans for another SUV and a high-performance car which could form the basis of a racing programme are currently being developed.

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Aston Martin to premiere two new DBS Carbon Editions at Frankfurt

Posted: September 12, 2011 by The Car Spy in Aston Martin, Shows
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Following on from the success of the DBS Carbon Black, introduced in 2009, the 2011 DBS Carbon Edition will be available in two new colours including Flame Orange and Ceramic Grey together with the existing Carbon Black. Each DBS will undergo Aston Martin’s unique paint process receiving seven layers of paint together with a 25 hour hand flat-and-polish finish resulting in a glass veneer normally the reserve of jewellery production. A first for Aston Martin is the option to specify a satin lacquer paint finish, creating a silk-like texture.

The DBS Carbon Edition features 10-spoke gloss black diamond turned wheels with a reversed diamond turned or full gloss black finish as an option. Complementing the wheels, black brake callipers will be delivered as standard with yellow, orange, red or grey as an option.  Harmonising with the exterior finish is a warm black grille, carbon fibre mirror heads, carbon rear lamp in-fills and smoked rear lights creating a DBS specification like never before.

The cosseting and inviting interior of the coupe plays host to the familiar swathes of obsidian black or maranello orange semi-aniline leather. This type of leather is more natural looking and softer to touch. The interior of a DBS Carbon Edition will take in excess of 70 man hours to hand stitch and finish.

On the DBS Carbon Edition coupe, the headlining is quilted in leather providing a luxurious envelope to the cabin. Immediately distinguishing the Carbon Edition from a standard DBS is the carbon fibre facia with a carbon weave that has been positioned exactly to follow the form of the dashboard. Only by hand can the fibres be laid to create a perfectly aligned weave.

The magnesium alloy paddles that control the Touchtronic II automatic gearbox are tipped with carbon fibre bringing the Carbon Edition direct to the fingertips. A unique carbon fibre special edition sill plaque with laser etched metal inlay completes the specification.

The standard DBS has recently been updated to feature the new Aston Martin Garmin satellite navigation system possessing improved graphics and intuition to provide a sleeker user experience. Beam blade windscreen wipers are also a new feature providing reduced wind noise and a cleaner wipe, even at high speeds.

DBS Carbon Edition prices start at £186,582 (€257,912/$287,576) for the coupe and £196,581 (€272,913/$302,576) for the Volante with customer deliveries expected from quarter one 2012.

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