Discussion boards for all car enthusiasts. http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/index.php Fri, 18 May 2012 12:28:27 -0700 Phorum 5.2.15a http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?49,84,84#msg-84 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?49,84,84#msg-84


Volvo's hybrid truck, 'Mean Green', established new world speed records on April 27th at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA. 'Mean Green' achieved the following world record speeds: Flying Kilometre+ --236.577 km/h (147.002 mph) and Standing Kilometre* -- 153.252 km/h (95.245 mph).
]]> Skye Volvo Tue, 15 May 2012 14:45:55 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?58,83,83#msg-83 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?58,83,83#msg-83


At the recent Beijing, Ferrari unveiled the evolution of the HY-KERS project adapted to a mid-rear engine layout. The powertrain consists of a 12-cylinder engine and dual-clutch gearbox coupled to an electric motor. A second electric motor is dedicated to the auxiliary systems and is located in front of the V12. The two electric motors are connected to the batteries which can be positioned in the car in line with the available space and final configuration.

The objective of this configuration is to create a sports car that, thanks to the integration with the electric motors, increases power while at the same time reducing emissions. The KERS features new, smaller and lighter electronic components which come close to achieving the declared target of 1 KW per kg of extra weight added by the hybrid system.

Technological transfer from F1 was fundamental to the design, engineering and construction of an innovative electric motor used to optimise the car's longitudinal and lateral dynamic characteristics, namely torque management, traction control and brake distribution, to the benefit of sportiness and driving pleasure.
]]> Skye Ferrari Tue, 15 May 2012 14:43:49 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,82,82#msg-82 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,82,82#msg-82


The G 55 AMG KOMPPRESSOR has been a favourite since 2004, as a strong character, immune to passing fashions. The AMG 5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine initially developed 350 kW (476 hp), increasing to 368 kW (500 hp) in 2006 and 373 kW (507 hp) in 2009. The maximum torque of 700 newton metres remained unchanged, along with the vehicle's supremely dynamic performance values. The G 55 AMG KOMPRESSOR accelerated from zero to 100/km in 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited).
]]> Skye Mercedes-Benz Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:17:16 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,81,81#msg-81 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,81,81#msg-81


The heartbeat of a new generation grows stronger all the time: with its Concept Style Coupe, appearing at this year's Auto China (23 April to 2 May 2012), Mercedes-Benz will be making a convincing statement in favour of avantgarde design among sporty executive coupes.]]> Skye Mercedes-Benz Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:16:24 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?59,80,80#msg-80 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?59,80,80#msg-80 At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini is presenting the most uncompromising open super sports car of its entire history.

The Lamborghini Aventador J is a force of nature on wheels -- supremely powerful and supremely open. The Aventador J offers its pilot and co-pilot an utterly indescribable experience of power and dynamics. At the same time, the 515 kW / 700 hp two-seater is a first class technology showcase, combining innovative solutions and brand new materials and demonstrating Automobili Lamborghini's enormous expertise in carbon fiber technology.




]]> Skye Lamborghini Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:30:46 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?49,79,79#msg-79 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?49,79,79#msg-79 The all-new V40 is ready to overtake the competition in the Premium Hatchback class with sharpened features and characteristics from larger Volvos wrapped in a sleek, compact package.





"The all-new V40 is the first new model that is fully developed according to our human-centric, Designed Around You strategy. Charged with an outstanding set of high-tech features it definitely will give our toughest competitors a headache," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.]]> Skye Volvo Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:57:26 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?58,78,78#msg-78 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?58,78,78#msg-78 Today's on-line unveiling of the F12berlinetta ushers in a new generation of Ferrari 12-cylinders in the form of a car that delivers unprecedented performance from an exceptional new engine, combined with innovative design that redefines classic themes along with extreme aerodynamics.




]]> Skye Ferrari Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:56:04 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?68,77,77#msg-77 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?68,77,77#msg-77 Episode 6: On this Video Edition of Automotive Tv, the New BMW M5, the high-performance saloon lives on, we take a look at the history of the Mercedes-Benz SL, Bentley Continental V8 Range makes a flying debut in Munich and our feature video showcases testing of the new M Class. Plus we take a sneak look at Sebastian Vettel's new SUV and we go winter testing a new Jaguar.




]]> Skye Bentley Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:54:57 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,76,76#msg-76 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,76,76#msg-76 Episode 6: On this Video Edition of Automotive Tv, the New BMW M5, the high-performance saloon lives on, we take a look at the history of the Mercedes-Benz SL, Bentley Continental V8 Range makes a flying debut in Munich and our feature video showcases testing of the new M Class. Plus we take a sneak look at Sebastian Vettel's new SUV and we go winter testing a new Jaguar.




]]> Skye Mercedes-Benz Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:54:11 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?44,75,75#msg-75 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?44,75,75#msg-75 Episode 6: On this Video Edition of Automotive Tv, the New BMW M5, the high-performance saloon lives on, we take a look at the history of the Mercedes-Benz SL, Bentley Continental V8 Range makes a flying debut in Munich and our feature video showcases testing of the new M Class. Plus we take a sneak look at Sebastian Vettel's new SUV and we go winter testing a new Jaguar.




]]> Skye BMW Mon, 05 Mar 2012 12:53:40 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?53,73,73#msg-73 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?53,73,73#msg-73 1976 MG Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:48:54 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?16,72,72#msg-72 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?16,72,72#msg-72 pcadogan Chevrolet Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:35:49 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?28,71,71#msg-71 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?28,71,71#msg-71 "Now open to the public, Mazda's 2011 Tokyo Motor Show display includes the very latest in SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY: The production-ready CX-5, the all-new Takeri, and some other goodies reserved for the JDM."



]]> Skye Mazda Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:19:42 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?113,70,70#msg-70 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?113,70,70#msg-70 BrianZuk records a stunning yellow Lexus LFA start up it's 560bhp V10 twice and give a few revs...incredible sound! Only 500 LFAs will be produced.




]]> Skye Lexus Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:39:31 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?42,69,69#msg-69 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?42,69,69#msg-69 BrianZuk records the incredible all-new Porsche 918 Spyder. This is the only one in the world at this time. The video begins with the cover being stripped off the 918, then the 918 starts up and drives to the front of the Lodge at Pebble Beach for the Concours. The video then shows all angles of the 918, both the exterior and interior. And finally, the video concludes with the 918 driving off in all-electric mode into a trailer. Incredible car, enjoy this rare footage...




]]> Skye Porsche Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:37:28 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?42,68,68#msg-68 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?42,68,68#msg-68
Using a completely new aluminium body as well as a revamped chassis, wider track and longer wheelbase, the new Boxster really has evolved noticeably. The daytime running lights and the rear bumper clearly take styling cues from the 911, and we like how the rear lights carry the line of the spoiler, but it’s the flanks of the Boxster that have changed the most. Its stretched and sleek shoulder line, coupled with those larger intakes, provide a dramatic and dynamic appearance reminiscent of the iconic Carrera GT.

Due to be launched this April, the Boxster will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or the seven-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) as an option. The base model Boxster uses a 2.7 L flat six which develops 195 kW (265 hp) – 10 hp up on the 987 version, enough for a 5.7 second 0-100 km/h time – with the PDK. Moving up the scale, the Boxster S is powered by a 232 kW (315 hp) 3.4 L engine, allowing a 5.0 s sprint to 100 km/h.












]]> Skye Porsche Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:02:05 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?103,67,67#msg-67 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?103,67,67#msg-67
]]> Skye Audi Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:25:15 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?38,66,66#msg-66 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?38,66,66#msg-66 The world has been given its first glimpse of Nissan's ultimate compact crossover: Juke-R.

Unveiled at a Nissan Crossover media launch in Malaga, Spain, Juke-R shocked an unsuspecting audience when it was revealed as a 'surprise guest' at the end of the press conference. Shown for the first time in the metal, Juke-R continues to create a huge reaction, harnessing the bold design of Nissan's provocative Juke with the speed and power of the company's flagship GT-R...... creating the world's fastest, most innovative, crossover.




]]> Skye Nissan Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:22:36 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?110,65,65#msg-65 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?110,65,65#msg-65 Morgan Motor Co. has big hopes for M3W in China
Steve Rothwell, Bloomberg News
Sunday, December 25, 2011 (SF Chronicle)
The original article can be found on SFGate.com here:
[www.sfgate.com]

In a red-brick shed at the foot of England's Malvern Hills, Morgan Motor
Co. is preparing an unusual assault on the growing Chinese auto market.

Managing Director Charles Morgan said the 100-year-old company has
created a model that will stand out from the crowd in Asian showrooms.
That's partly because the M3W is hand-built, wood-framed and based on
a 50-year-old design - and mainly because it has three wheels.

"Try to sell a Ferrari and you're up against Lamborghini, the Audi R8,
Lotus, McLaren," he said. "Send a Morgan three-wheeler there and they'll
know the difference."

Morgan, known for retro designs harking back to the England of local
composer Edward Elgar, is betting on the M3W to spur Asian demand as
slowing economies crimp European and U.S. sales. The company said it
has been approached by 20 potential Chinese dealers this year for the $39K
successor to a series of three-wheel models it stopped making in 1952.

Other top-end automakers are also targeting China, where luxury sales may
jump 39 percent in 2011 to 939,000, surpassing Germany as the No. 2 market
after the United States, said Jenny Gu, an analyst at research firm LMC
Automotive. British sports-car brand Lotus, a unit of Malaysia's Proton
Holdings Bhd, added its first Beijing dealership in October, even as
Chinese consumer demand is forecast to slow as the economy grows less
quickly.

Founded by Charles Morgan's grandfather, Morgan said the company seeks
to create a sense of "automotive theater" around its models.

"Products that combine design and authenticity are very attractive to the
connoisseur, and Morgan appeals to somebody who wants those real
materials," Morgan said in an interview at the company's base in Malvern
Link. The family-owned company has chosen to remain a niche manufacturer
and avoided overreaching to chase higher volumes, he said, something that
led to the collapse of other British carmakers.

The M3W, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, has just entered
production with a backlog of 800 orders and reaches dealers next year. The
open-top two-seater is powered by a 2-liter Harley Davidson motorcycle
engine made by S&S Cycle Inc. of Wisconsin, and will reach 60 miles per
hour in 4.5 seconds before topping out at 125 mph, all at 50 miles to the
gallon.

Morgan said it is targeting 1,500 deliveries in 2012, half from the
three-wheeler; it said it expects to sell almost 1,000 this year,
including 100 M3Ws. The model joins four-wheeled designs that include
AeroMax, which has a 367 horsepower V8 engine and can reach 170 mph,
and the "Classic" range of 1930s-styled roadsters.

"They're moving a little bit more toward the 21st century while retaining
an extremely large dose of nostalgia to ensure that their products remain
unique," said Andrew Jackson, an analyst at Datamonitor in London. "It'll
certainly produce an interesting offering for China, where there seems to
be quite an appetite for vehicles with a strong brand identity."

The company will open its first Chinese dealers in Beijing and Shanghai
next year and will also offer the three-wheeler via a Harley Davidson
outlet in Hong Kong with the aim of selling at least 50 cars in the first
year and 150 after three.

The push in emerging economies amounts to a "contingency plan" for
coping with the weakness of traditional markets, with sales slow in the
States and "worse than flat" in Europe, said Morgan, 60, who joined the
firm in 1986, when it was making 450 cars a year, after 10 years as a TV
cameraman specializing in war reports. He succeeded his father Peter as
chief in 1999.

"At least in China and India you know they've got money," he said. "We've
got a dealer in Greece, but I don't think we've sold a car this year. If
Greece expands into Italy, into Spain, into France, then we've got
problems. Europe is on its knees and anything could happen. People
could just stop buying."

Morgan is also counting on the M3W to spur sales in the United States,
where it will be sold as a motorized tricycle to avoid a car import
license.

The sales pitch to China will play on Morgan's Englishness and dedication
to traditional craftsmanship.

Ash frames, which the company said are best at absorbing energy, are built
by carpenters at a site across the road from that founder Henry Frederick
Stanley Morgan established in 1909, a mile from the house where Elgar
wrote the Enigma Variations a decade earlier.

The company contracts tasks it's not expert at, Morgan said, sourcing
engines from Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and Ford Motor Co. and gearboxes
from Mazda Motor Corp., as well airbags and brakes from Continental AG and
Robert Bosch GmbH.

"A product like the AeroMax or the three-wheeler has an immediate visual
appeal," Morgan said. "Some would argue that they're really beautiful. And
unlike most cars that are interesting for six months, when you come back
from paying for the petrol the interest remains."

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2011 SF Chronicle


]]> Skye Morgan Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:18:20 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,64,64#msg-64 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,64,64#msg-64 With the completely redeveloped SL, Mercedes-Benz continues a tradition that began 60 years ago.

The letters "SL" have ever since been synonymous with a symbiosis of sportiness, style and comfort -- and with groundbreaking innovations. The new SL has been produced for the first time almost entirely from aluminium and weighs up to 140 kilograms less than its predecessor. Its highly rigid all-aluminium bodyshell provides the basis for agile, sporty handling that has been taken to an entirely new level, coupled with exemplary roll characteristics and ride comfort. Even better driving dynamics come courtesy of the new BlueDIRECT engines; they are more powerful yet at the same time up to 29 per cent more economical than the engines in the outgoing generation. Other new features include the unique FrontBass system, which turns the luxury sports car into a concert hall regardless of whether the top is open or closed, and the highly efficient adaptive windscreen wipe/wash system MAGIC VISION CONTROL; it supplies water from the wiper blade as required and depending on the direction of wipe.




]]> Skye Mercedes-Benz Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:21:15 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?42,62,62#msg-62 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?42,62,62#msg-62


The new generation Porsche 911 Carrera is emerging from one of the biggest development steps in the long history of this classic sports car. Almost 90 per cent of all components have been redesigned or redeveloped. With its all-new lightweight body, further drivetrain efficiencies and new suspension systems, the Coupé offers the driver improved Porsche Intelligent Performance. This manifests itself in yet further enhanced driving dynamics, up to 16 per cent lower fuel consumption and emissions combined with even greater everyday practicality.
]]> Skye Porsche Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:49:22 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,61,61#msg-61 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,61,61#msg-61 Continually braking and accelerating in stop-and-go traffic or when driving bumper-to-bumper on a motorway is a tiring chore which the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system can take care of for you. This highly advanced cruise control system is not only able to maintain a set distance to the vehicle ahead at speeds up to 200 km/h, but can also cope with stop-and-go driving.

If the flow of vehicles slows down, the system brakes your vehicle gently and accelerates it again when the opportunity arises. Should more forceful braking be called for, DISTRONIC PLUS gives audible and visual warnings. If you then press the brake pedal, the BAS PLUS Brake Assist system generates the optimum brake pressure and stops your vehicle safely.

Whether you are travelling at high or low speed, DISTRONIC PLUS keeps an eye on the separation distance.




]]> Skye Mercedes-Benz Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:14:47 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?44,60,60#msg-60 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?44,60,60#msg-60 For more than 25 years the BMW M5 Saloon has defined the high-performance saloon segment, in the process becoming the most successful car of its type in the world.

Now a new fifth-generation model raises the concept of the premium executive saloon combining track-car dynamics and supreme touring comfort to an even higher level.

It features the most potent engine ever devised by BMW's high-performance M division, here making its world premiere, along with race-bred chassis technology that includes, for the first time, an Active M differential and electronic damping control. The unique exterior design has been dictated by the technical requirements of the car, while the luxurious sports car-like cockpit offers an extensive range of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services.




]]> Skye BMW Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:13:23 -0800 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,58,58#msg-58 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?43,58,58#msg-58


Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever -- the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts. The vehicle's lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer's dynamic credentials.
]]> Skye Mercedes-Benz Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:48:44 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?58,57,57#msg-57 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?58,57,57#msg-57


The new 458 Spider joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of Ferrari's mid-rear engined V8s and offering the same uncompromising technological solutions, handling and performance in a refined open-top configuration.
]]> Skye Ferrari Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:18:57 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?68,56,56#msg-56 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?68,56,56#msg-56


The second generation of Bentley's iconic Continental GTC convertible will debut at next month's International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt. Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley's design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with a focus on quality. The Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and first customer deliveries will begin in late 2011.
]]> Skye Bentley Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:12:29 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?42,55,55#msg-55 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?42,55,55#msg-55


At 48, the Porsche 911 Carrera is younger than ever: the completely redesigned generation of the sports car icon is stepping into the limelight with its flat, stretched silhouette. The 100 millimetre (~ 3.9 inches) longer wheelbase and reduced height combined with the up to 20-inch wheels underpin the athletic appearance. Seen from the front, the eye is drawn to the 911's trademark wide-arched wings. They emphasise the wider front track, so that the new 911 Carrera models sit even more solidly on the road. The all-new, lightweight body is an intelligent aluminium-steel construction. It is responsible for a significant proportion of the weight reduction of up to 45 kilograms. Combined with significantly greater rigidity. Aerodynamic optimisation -- including a wider, variably extending rear spoiler -- enabled the new 911 Carrera's lift to be reduced yet further while retaining a very good Cd value.
]]> Skye Porsche Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:00:24 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?63,54,54#msg-54 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?63,54,54#msg-54


Renault's latest concept car has a dual personality. These days, professional and personal lives are so interwoven that drivers constantly find themselves swapping from one world to the other. The role of FRENDZY is to be a partner that takes the strain out of this busy lifestyle.

On the passenger's side, there's no glazing or centre pillar, just one conventional door and one sliding side door which incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. This is the world of work. The driver's side, complete with side windows, still no centre pillar, but with centre opening doors, represents the world of the family. Ease of loading and ease of entry go without saying in both worlds.
]]> Skye Renault Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:43:00 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?103,53,53#msg-53 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?103,53,53#msg-53


The extreme Audi R8 GT quite literally gets its second wind this week as a new open-air Spyder version of the even more focused 560PS super car makes its debut.

Distilling the celebrated R8 V10 formula into an even more concentrated form, the more intensively weight optimized GT soft-top will deliver its breathtaking pace and handling poise to just 66 customers in the UK, and a total of 333 worldwide. They will have the opportunity to formally register their interest in right-hand-drive versions of the new 197mph drop-head via Audi Centres or the audi.co.uk web site from today. Ordering will begin later this summer ahead of first customer deliveries in early 2012.
]]> Skye Audi Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:41:49 -0700 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?18,52,52#msg-52 http://www.autoshrine.com/phorum/read.php?18,52,52#msg-52


Cadillac today unveiled the Ciel concept, an elegant, open-air grand-touring car inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast. The Ciel -- pronounced "C-L," the French translation for sky -- is a four-seat convertible that opens a new chapter in Cadillac's design and product ascent, pushing the brand's Art & Science philosophy into a new stratum. Ciel is a new expression of Cadillac's historical grandeur, as well as a celebration of open-air motoring.]]> Skye Cadillac Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:53:29 -0700