New generation of the BMW 7 Series Hydrogen

Not that mark a true revolution, but that showed how technology could move towards the use of hydrogen as a primary fuel. And so it was two years ago as the BMW 7 Hydrogen was introduced globally. The paste, which is not so much paste, which is in its initial version could pass using gasoline or hydrogen, a good way to imply management issues and obtaining hydrogen.

Now the German mark stands out again introducing a new version of this Series 7 and now it only works with hydrogen additions greater efficiency and power than in the previous version (hopefully more power than the 265 HP engine V12 above) . The base itself remains constant and running by far compared to other alternatives using the free hydrogen: 7 Series Hydrogen makes the combustion of hydrogen, it does not use as a tool to achieve power.


Is this the future of abandoned oil? It's hard to know and BMW neither knows but has decided to test the benefits that hydrogen fuel cells provide. In the words of Thomas Wallner, an engineer at BMW, "evidence of Hydrogen Engine 7 show that emit certain gases that are more friendly to the environment than the outside air reaching the engine originally."

The 7 Series Hydrogen will be in evidence temporarily and thereafter will be available to customers for testing. Hopefully in a short time we know more details of this new generation.

Vía: motorauthority

New packages of equipment in Audi Q7

Audi adds to its large SUV a double package of hardware that combines various elements related and saving part of the purchase price as a whole rather than separately. The two packages are the Technical and Design Exterior.

The package is distinguished by Technical include numerous automated systems security, as the Audi Lane Assist, the Audi Side Assist and Adaptive light, and also includes convenience equipment such as the Audi Parking System, the Advanced Key, the Adaptive Cruise Control Colour and the FIS. Moreover, the package design aesthetic Foreign combines various elements to the body. Essentially, the package includes S line alongside some alloy wheels 20 "with five spokes and some dark tinted glasses.


The price of the first package is € 3,800 and is available for all versions except for the 3.6 FSI quattro with manual gearbox. For its part, the second will cost € 3,350 (versions V8 is reduced to 2,710). In both cases, the savings with respect to add elements of an individual is 40%.

Small glossary with descriptions.

Audi Lane Assist: A system that alerts the driver to a change lanes without prior indication.
Audi Side Assist: A mechanism that detects the proximity of vehicles on the wings, especially important in the dead of vision.
Adaptive light: light front auxiliary marking the path of the vehicle when turning into a corner.
Audi Parking System: acoustic signals indicated by the distance between the vehicle and obstacles placed in the front and rear, being very useful for the parking maneuver.
Advanced Key: Lets start and stop the engine, lock the vehicle and open it using a single remote control.
Adaptive Cruise Control: maintaining a constant speed predefined and amending depending on the distance to obstacles front.
FIS color screen of the dashboard colour.

Via Audi

Kia Magentis, a slight update to this 2008

By the end of this year, the Korean Kia launched on the market a slightly new version of its four-door saloon Magentis. Mainly, the changes will be located in the visuals, both from abroad and from outside, adding a new level and a new block gasoline. Overall retain balanced price / equipping of the current model, whose price also part of the current 19,054 €.

This new impeller gasoline will be a 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine that delivered 175 HP and will be one of the options along the 2.7 V6 188 HP and 247 Nm of 2.0 to 145 HP and 189 Nm and next to the single diesel engine, of 2.0 CRDi 140 HP and 305 Nm of maximum torque. The most likely for the new propellant will be the 6-speed manual or automatic 5, which already equip the turbodiésel and V6 respectively. All these propellants in all likelihood continue delivering power to its front axle as now.

In the inner part of a new occupant will upholstery and perhaps a slight reorganization of the elements, but it is on the outside of the body which is receiving more changes. Both the bumper as lenses have a new look, even changing the fog to a form of trapezoid. As we see in the pictures, the calendar also receives a substantial change.

The level of equipment added, it appears that it will be marking athleticism. Among its elements, have alloy wheels 17 ", a stronger suspension and strong as the rest of equipment, new grille and headlights obscured and the incorporation of flashing lights to the exterior mirrors.
via www.km77.com

BMW reduces with his 520d the consumption of the Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is to cars what the iPod music players, it is not the most environmentally friendly car of all, but everyone comes to mind when we think of cars with the environment. Although according to the figures released by BMW, his 520d could be more environmentally friendly.


The diesel BMW with regenerative braking system, promises a consumption of 4.25 l/100 km, while the Prius is left with a consumption of 3.58 l/100 km. The test to which underwent both cars to check these data was a journey from London to Geneva, to which were added 160 km of urban driving.


At the end of the experiment the BMW had attained a consumption of 4.68 l/100 km, compared with 4.81 l/100 km from Toyota. Where the Series 5 loses out is in the field of CO2 emissions, emits 136 g / km to 104 g / km of the Prius.

While the consumption data are against aerodynamic Prius, we should not change the concept of car respectful of nature that we all have of him. For even though the BMW has spent less fuel, the Toyota where it really shines is in the urban traffic representing an 17.8% of the test, rather than driving on Highway 120 km / h which accounted for 82.2% of the test. Another thing to bear in mind is that the Prius fitted with a 1.5 petrol engine and a 2.0 diesel BMW, which the German saloon has an extra particulate emissions that are not reflected in CO2 emissions but also pollutes .

Volvo's New 3CC

Volvo unveil their design for sustainable mobility

Volvo Car Corporation is rewriting the rulebook on how we will use our cars in the future with its 3CC prototype being unveiled to the public for the first time at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai, October 12-14.

Under the bonnet of the 3CC is an electric powertrain that quietly propels the car to a governed top speed of over 135 km/h (85 mph) and delivers 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration in approximately ten seconds with zero emissions. The Volvo 3CC has dimensions similar to a classic 2-seater sports car but incorporates a unique two-plus-one configuration, providing seating for two adults in the front and a unique rear seat solution for an additional adult or two children.

"With the Volvo 3CC, Volvo Cars is pioneering a new way of looking at mobility so future generations can enjoy the same freedoms the car has given my generation. We believe it is necessary to show new ways to reduce pollution and congestion," says Lars Erik Lundin, Vice President & General Manager of the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC).

The Volvo 3CC is the brainchild of the designers, engineers and business people at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center think-tank in California. Their task was to create a `future-proof concept' that would enhance sustainable mobility. A car not only fuel-efficient, versatile, comfortable, and safe, but also exciting to drive and look at.

"We want to connect in a positive way with consumers so that they say 'I want to be seen in this car' ", Lars Erik Lundin explains. "We want to add emotional value to people's lives by offering an environmentally compatible car that appeals to all the senses, and which people want to drive."

Despite its small proportions, the Volvo 3CC has been designed to feel spacious through organic lines, and light colors. Inside, the fixed eye plane ergonomics and low profile A-pillar aim to create a sense of openness aided by three transparent panels in the roof. As the doors open by swinging upwards, a floating dash panel slides forward to ease ingress and egress. A sliding seat system also assists access to the rear seat. The pedals also adjust for individual requirements.

In the 3CC, Volvo aimed to attractively present a concept that was focused on efficient mobility. This was achieved through good aerodynamics on a compact footprint, lightweight body materials, and an electric powertrain. Volvo opted to give the 3CC a high strength steel space frame and composite sandwich floor panels for safety and reduced weight. The outer body is a bonded one piece carbon fibre shell.

"The double floor used to house the electric energy storage makes the concept future-proof in that the layout can be adapted for the most appropriate powertrain in the future, whether it be petrol, diesel, biogas, or hybrid electric," explains Ichiro Sugioka, Science Officer at VMCC in California.

"In Shanghai, we are demonstrating the electric powertrain, one of the most challenging to package into a vehicle, to highlight its potential where there is abundance of renewable energy that can be converted to electricity." Wind tunnel tests resulted in an enhanced aerodynamic efficiency that is 30% better than the new S40 sedan.

With a potential driving range of over 300 km (180 miles) under certain driving conditions, the torque-to-weight ratio is roughly comparable to the V70 T5 but available over 0 - 3500 rpm. In typical driving conditions, about 20 percent of the energy can be recovered by regenerative braking. This performance is achieved using a drivetrain specifically designed for the 3CC, although it too is a prototype. The electric power comes from lithium-ion cells identical to those used in modern laptop computers that are packaged in the thin sandwich floor.

Front wheel driven, the Volvo 3CC at Shanghai has double wishbone front and rear suspension. The front suspension includes horizontally mounted adjustable coil over shocks that give a low bonnet line. The rear suspension includes vertically mounted adjustable coil over shocks. Due to the vehicle's light weight and the power of the regenerative electric braking, unassisted brakes provide good stopping power.

The interior of the Volvo 3CC offers dynamic ergonomic positioning for both driver and front passenger. Unique solutions include replacing instrument panel toggles with proximity sensors that are activated by a finger as it gets to within 5 mm to adjust lights, climate, and audio system.

"Rather than refining existing cars and technologies for new markets, Volvo has listened, questioned and speculated about the future and developed this all new concept," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of Brand, Product & Business Strategy. "We think the Volvo 3CC opens a door into that future and we will develop the concept further."

source : http://www.conceptcar.co.uk

Jaguar S-Type

Jaguar S-Type is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the 3.0-Liter to the 4.2-Liter R. Upon introduction, the 3.0-Liter is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 235-horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. The 4.2-Liter R is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, V8, 400-horsepower, supercharged engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. The 2007 Jaguar S-Type is a carryover from 2006.

Mercedes-Benz CL

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury coupe, available in two trims, the CL550 Coupe and the CL600 Coupe. Upon introduction, the CL550 Coupe is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 382-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The CL600 Coupe is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V12, 510-horsepower, turbo engine. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is redesigned for 2007.

Mercedes-Benz SL

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a 2-door, 2-passenger luxury convertible, or convertible sports car, available in 4 trims, ranging from the SL550 Roadster to the SL65 AMG Roadster. Upon introduction, the SL550 Roadster is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 382-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The SL65 AMG Roadster is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, V12, 604-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is freshened for 2007.

Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a 4-door, up to 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in one trim only, the Sedan. Upon introduction, the Continental Flying Spur is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, W12, 552-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2007 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a carryover from 2006.

Bentley Continental GTC

Bentley Continental GTC is a 2-door, 4-passenger luxury convertible, available in one trim only, the Convertible. Upon introduction, the Continental GTC is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, W12, 552-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 18-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2007 Bentley Continental GTC is all-new for 2007.

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR Preview – New York Auto Show

Ironically, the worse Ford does, the better Carroll Shelby seems to fare. You'd think that it would be the opposite, seeing as automaker and maker of autos are forever connected by historic acts of automotive genius. Yet when Ford falters, when they need a headline, ‘ol Carroll is at the ready, riding into town with a new supercar Ford fans will easily fall for, and hard. That, of course, is by design, and Shelby (with Ford) is at it again, this time at the 2007 New York Auto Show where they'll debut the Ford Shelby GT500KR in the Big Apple.
source :

Details of Mercedes’ super-sports car

Mercedes won’t be taking any chances in the performance stakes with its new super-sports car following the disappointing results of its SLR supercar, which rarely comes first in comparo reviews.
The new model is set to be slotted in between the SLR and SL, and could feature a 700hp version of the 6.2L AMG V8 engine according to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport. However, we think it’d probably be closer to 600hp so as to not step on the toes of the SLR flagship. The source also reports that it might carry the name ‘SLC’ and could also feature a biturbo V8 model as well.
The SLC will share much in common with the next-generation SL Roadster, including most of the interior but will get its own carbon-fiber roof.

Mercedes-Benz will team up with its official DTM partner, HWA AG, to co-develop and build its new super-sports car as well as several other high-end performance models. The luxury brand is reportedly disappointed by the performance of its SLR McLaren when compared against its main rivals, and this is said to be a key reason why it sought a new partner to develop its latest sports car, reports Automotive News Europe.
In steps HWA. The motorsports company was formed by Hans-Werner Aufrecht in 1967, one of the founders of AMG, and is best known for its HWA Racing team, which competes in the German touring car series with the CLK-DTM.

The new model will be a race car built for the road and is likely to be powered by a higher performance version of the hand-built 6.2L V8 engine from AMG. To make it road-legal, the car will be officially sold under the Mercedes AMG label, but it will remain a genuine HWA race-developed product. Expect to see a concept version at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.
HWA will also be investing €4.5 million to expand its manufacturing facilities, which will see its current plant extend from 1,200 to 3,600 square meters. HWA spokesman Hans Jürgen Matheis revealed to The Insider that the motorsports company always had the ambition to prove to Mercedes that it could build a better road-car than McLaren, and now it finally gets its chance.
McLaren fans shouldn’t be completely disappointed. Substantial cash flows from its successful F1 team and the freeing up of resources from this latest announcement could eventually pave the way for the development of a successor to the original McLaren F1.

Honda dropping the Accord Hybrid

Honda will not launch a hybrid version of its next-generation Accord sedan when the revamped model goes on sale in the second half of the year. According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Honda will instead promote a new range of petrol-electric hybrid versions of the new Civic and another subcompact model currently in development.
Under a new program, Honda’s midsize and large vehicles, including the next Accord, will feature a new clean-diesel powertrain that’s scheduled for introduction by 2009.
Last month, we reported that Honda was working on an affordable, high-volume model that would be hybrid only, as well as a new hybrid sports coupe for launch in 2009. The senior vice president of Honda Motor Europe, Ken Keir, told reporters from Automotive News that the entry-level hybrid will be a family-targeted model and be offered to worldwide markets for around $25,000.
In early May, Honda also announced that it would launch a hydrogen fuel-cell sedan next year to be based on its four-door FCX Concept car. It will be very interesting to see if Honda manages to live up to its bold claims, but we for one welcome the introduction of a cleaner lineup.

Supercharged LS7 V8 destined for Cadillac CTS-V?

Chevrolet is expected to release a supercharged version of its Corvette Z06 later this year, featuring a force-fed 7.0L LS7 V8 developing upwards of 700hp. The latest buzz is that GM won’t limit this awesome powerplant to the Corvette but may shoehorn it into the chassis of a Cadillac CTS-V saloon for the 2009 model-year.
Don’t expect the full 700hp output. According to Motor Trend, the Caddy will run a detuned version with roughly 600hp on tap. This is still significantly higher than any of its rivals, including super-sedans like the 507hp BMW M5 and Mercedes E63.
In naturally aspirated form, the LS7 V8 already produces a substantial 505hp but the engine is said to be lacking enough low-end grunt to give that off-the-line shove. In addition to the new powerplant, engineers will also be adding uprated springs and shocks, larger Brembo brakes, a quicker steering ratio, widened fenders and a sports bodykit.

Mercedes developing 35MPG Bluetec diesel S-class

Mercedes-Benz is reported to be developing a new version of its S-class limo equipped with an ultra-efficient Bluetec diesel engine. With a motor displacing just 2.2L, the new diesel driven S-class should return a fuel economy rating of just 6.6L per 100km, or roughly 35mpg.
We should get our first glimpse of the new car at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show, with production scheduled to start towards the end of next year. Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that Mercedes will be combining the four-cylinder oil-burner with its new mild-hybrid system to achieve the amazingly low consumption figures.
Mercedes previously showcased a Bluetec hybrid S-Class concept at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show, but unlike the concept car which featured a V6 powerplant, the production version will run a twin-turbo four-cylinder motor that produces 204hp.
The vehicle will be in full compliance with future Euro 6 emissions standards, which are expected to roll in by 2014, and we should see its efficient powertrain eventually offered in the E and C-class range.

Lexus LS460 by Wald International

We’re used to seeing plenty of tuned autos from the German marques, but rarely do we see a Japanese saloon get the aftermarket treatment. Wald International is a Japanese tuner that specializes in the modification of some of Europe’s finest, cars like the Bentley Continental GT, BMW 7-series and Mercedes S-class. This time ‘round, its developers have turned their attention to the Lexus LS460 limo.
Its latest kit consists of a subtle bodykit comprised of new bumpers, side-skirts and unique spoilers front and back. Other upgrades include minor updates to the V8 engine and a performance brake package with eight-pot calipers in the front and four-pot units at the back. The final touch is a set of Wald lightweight Portofino alloy wheels in either 20 or 22in diameters.
Inside, the car gets carbon-fiber trim, a sports steering wheel and shift-knob and Wald floor mats.

Via: Autoblog.nl