BRABUS TUNES DIESELS TO BOMB STATUS

If you thought BRABUS only tuned up AMG models, you clearly don’t know BRABUS. Why recently they started work on the new CLS range and actually tweaked not the AMG big daddy, but the smaller, younger ones, including the CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency. That’s the diesel one if you didn’t know.

Exterior features are quite distinctive and include LED daytime running lights, BRABUS sill skirts, integrated entrance lights, front spoiler, a new rear apron and BRABUS wheels ranging from 17-inch to 20-inch. A special exhaust system should provide the perfect soundtrack to a Godzilla roar on wheels. BRABUS also lowered the suspension by about 35mm so the cars sit closer to the tar.

They have added 22.8kW to the CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency and it now has 560Nm of torque. The CLS 350 CDI BlueEfficiency has 690Nm vs 620Nm for the standard car, and 230kW, as opposed to 190kW.

BRABUS kit is exclusive, the likes of Mastik leather, alcantara finishes, scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logos, aluminium pedals and carbon fibre dashboard inlays.

XENATEC MAYBACH CRUISERIO SEEN BEFORE GENEVA

Xenatec is not exactly well-known for producing anything. Not unless you live in Saudi Arabia and have put down a sweet little deposit on the €675 000 (R6.5 million) asking price. Then you would be one of 100 who will have this Xenatec Coupe, or Cruiserio, which is based on the Maybach 57S. The car was apparently penned by a guy called Fredrik Burchhardt who seems to have much more imagination than the designers at Daimler.

Probably only by coincidence, the Cruiserio happens to be a two-door Maybach whose market seems to be the same as the Mercedes-Benz CL. But being a tuner special means it will invariably be more expensive, thus putting it into the zone of Bentley GTs.

Interior highlights include dark nappa leather in espresso brown, footwells lined in soft alcantara and finished in a blackberry tone and a custom-built panoramic sunroof.

The engine is a blasting 6.0-litre V12 with two turbos kicking out 450kW and 1000Nm of massive torque. It runs from 0 – 100km/h in just 5 seconds and hits a top end of 275km/h.

Look out for it at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show that starts off tomorrow.

Rendered 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Rendered 2012 Mercedes-Benz.This is a matter of time before the Mercedes-Benz AMG version escape of his rival for new C-Class coupe two-door BMW M3, but cars drive Coop Luis Silva of Portugal has decided to a rapid chopping of the C63 AMG Coupe for our Viewing pleasure.

a Rendered 2012 Mercedes-Benz

Annual C63 AMG Coup� could reveal at this year's auto show in Frankfurt. Since the two-door model is based on the current series of Class C, it is almost certain that the two-door variant and 2012 V8 C63 AMG sedan 6.2 liter that produces 457HP and 600 Nm / 442 lb-ft torque standard cutting and 487HP optional AMG Performance package.

ISUZU LAUNCHES OFF-ROAD ACADEMY

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has announced the launch of the Isuzu Off-Road driver training academy aimed at existing and potential Isuzu KB bakkie owners. The Isuzu Off-Road Academy will kick-off this month and is open to all existing Isuzu KB owners as well as potential customers who wish to improve their off-road driving skills.

“The aim of the Isuzu Off-Road Academy is to train Isuzu KB drivers and owners in the correct use their vehicles. We are confident that this course will empower our customers with off-road driving skills and confidence to match the class leading off-road capabilities of the legendary Isuzu KB. Customers who have been on the course will be in a position to make better use of the technology in their vehicles, be it for work or leisure,” says Isuzu Brand Manager, Ryan Visagie.

The Isuzu Off-Road Academy will give existing and potential Isuzu customers the opportunity to improve their off-road driving skills and experience the Isuzu KB in a controlled and safe environment. 

“There is a lot that one can learn from this academy. A good example is driving safely on gravel roads. A lot of drivers are reluctant to engage 4x4 when driving on ordinary gravel roads. Our instructors encourage the use of 4x4 high range whenever one ventures off tarred surfaces as this gives the driver better control of their vehicle,” says Visagie.

The Isuzu Off-Road Academy which is open to customers throughout the country will give customers who attend the course the opportunity to take advantage of the enhanced lifestyle opportunities that owning a 4x4 vehicle allows.

The Academy is based at the Gerotek vehicle testing facility outside Pretoria but  courses will also be conducted at various off-road tracks throughout the country whenever there is demand. Isuzu Off-Road Academy attendees will have the opportunity to hone their off-roading skills in the academy’s powerful Isuzu KB 3.0 and 2.5 litre D-Teq Double and Extended cab bakkies in the presence of qualified off-road instructors. The Isuzu KB D-Teq engines which are the current 72-Hour speed and endurance record holders, combined with the superb Isuzu chassis, prove a formidable off-road combination.

The one day driving course costs R 1,999.00; however, the first 500 customers will be offered a special launch rate of R 1000.00 incl VAT. Interested customers can book a spot on the course through the Isuzu website www.isuzu.co.za or contact the Academy on 011 431 2000.

Customers attending the course can expect to go through a variety of modules including but not limited to: off-road driving theory, inclines & declines, side slopes & water crossings, and tyre pressures.

STORY BY ISUZU

2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8: the momentum continues

2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8: the momentum continues, with a dose of performance and 6.1-liter SRT HEMI � Power

Ultimate American Performance Sedan

Based on the pace of Chrysler, HEMI, and Street and Racing Technology

SRT performance: 0-60 mph in low range of five seconds, 0-100-0 in the range of mid-16-seconds
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8
September 1, 2005, in Auburn Hills, Michigan -

It was not long after the beginning of the C300 Chrysler HEMI � power in 1955 that became known as "banker's hot rod." The main features of this car a powerful V-8 HEMI engine mount tuned performance and handling and high quality services are also key to the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8. And there is a little more.

Introduced in 2005, the Chrysler 300C SRT8 is the first street and motor Racing Technology (SRT) of the vehicle with the 6.1-liter HEMI V-8, which offers 85 more horsepower - the power to 25 percent - to 5.7-liter HEMI. But SRT performance is more than the straight-line speed.

"No other luxury sedan that offers comfort, convenience and efficiency that the 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 delivers," said Jeff Bell, Vice President of Marketing, Chrysler, Chrysler Group. "In terms of availability, no one else comes close to providing the Chrysler 300C SRT8's combination of performance and value."

"2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is a complete package for the customer who wants awesome performance in an award-winning sedan loaded comfort and style," said Dan Knott, Director - Street and Racing Technology. "With the HEMI SRT-engineering of 6 , 1 liter and Brembo brakes, it is designed for incredible acceleration and braking. "

For 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 is available in new color silver steel exterior. Also new for 2006 is a system for monitoring tire pressure standard, an available Kicker � high performance audio system and video system available rear seat.

Powertrain

The Chrysler 300C SRT8 425 horsepower (317 kW), normally aspirated 6.1-liter HEMI has the highest output for its size of any naturally aspirated V-8 engine ever offered by the Chrysler Group. Its nominal 69.8 per liter exceeds even that of legendary 1966 "Street HEMI." Torque is rated 420 lb-ft (569 N � m).
2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8
Although the Chrysler HEMI was born in 1950 and entered into legend in the 1960s and 70s, the current version took much of his inspiration from the original, particularly the namesake hemispherical combustion chamber, which provides power and effectiveness.

When the SRT engineers propulsion system is proposed to develop a more powerful HEMI for the Chrysler 300C SRT8, they were aware of the heritage of the motor, which led to adopting traditional HEMI engine indexes, including a block of orange paint, cylinder and valve covers black.

SRT engineers developed the Chrysler 300C SRT8 engine achieved more horsepower by adding cubic inches, increasing the compression ratio and redesigning the cylinder head, intake and exhaust system to regulate and increase the speed of the engine.

For more displacement, SRT engineers bored cylinders of the HEMI diameter of 3.5 millimeters each in order to increase the displacement to 6.1 liters from 5.7 liters.

The compression ratio was increased to 10.3:1 from 9.6:1, increasing engine power and strength.

Engine breathing was increased with new high-flow head cylinder, specially designed intake manifold and exhaust manifolds with individual tubes encased in a stainless steel shell, all unique in the 6.1-liter HEMI engine. Larger diameter valves and reshaped ports in the head allows the air flow optimized. The intake manifold was designed with larger diameter runners and less for the high speed setting. Exhaust system is routed to a large diameter (2.75 inches vs. 2.5 inches) exhaust with chrome tips of 3.5 inches.

To further increase the power of the camshaft profiles on the basis of performance have been developed to allow more air in and out of the cylinders and run a higher rpm. SRT engineers increased HEMI's peak speed of the engine power by almost 20 percent to 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) from 5000 rpm. Intake and exhaust valve stems are hollow, and exhaust valve stems are filled with sodium to help dissipate heat more effectively.

The high-performance SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is strengthened with redesigned components, including a reinforced engine block, a forged steel crankshaft, powdered metal bars of high resistance connection, floating-pin pistons (cooled guns oil), modified oil and a cover to handle the return of the oil pan sump at high speed.

Power for the SRT 6.1-liter HEMI is channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission specially calibrated driver-selectable Auto Stick �, which offers fully automatic or manual selection. A heavy four pin clamp transmits torque transmission to improve differential and axles.

2006 CHRYSLER 300 USED CAR FOR SALE

2006 CHRYSLER 300 USED CAR FOR SALE

my 2006 300 Touring has been great and horrible at the same time. unfortunately the horrible is starting to out weigh the good. I bought it for it looks and power. At purchase time, 79,000 miles, it was a friends corp fleet vehicle.You can't deny it is one of the coolest looking cars on the road today. The V6 power is great, but the transmission is a pain, shifting is horrible (automatic). ESP works very well, sort of clunky in its responsiveness. Mechanical issues: front end rattling that nobody can seem to fix or id, broken tie rod, brakes:caliper malf replacd evry 20k. worst of all electrical: entire heat/air controls work sporatically, and headlights flicker off at worst time.

Car Features
Rear-Wheel Drive, Engine: 6.1L V8 16V MPFI OHV, Cylinder: 8, 4 Door Sedan, Doors: 4, Fuel Consumption: City: 14, Fuel Consumption: Highway: 20, Memorized Settings including audio, Memorized Settings including door mirror(s),

2005 CHRYSLER 300 FAN

2005 CHRYSLER 300 FAN ,Have you ever thought of spending the Chrysler 300C? Here are some thoughts to think.

Many people believe it is better to give than to receive. When you donate a car service card donation, you may be able to give and receive. When you decide to sell your car through a car donation service of good reputation, it will not use their money for advertising. Your donation will be great to help many people, and contribute to problems in many parts of the world.

So what exactly will your donation support? The possibilities are endless. You may be helping the medical community to find cures for cancer, feeding the hungry, give back to families that provide children with food, clothing and education, etc. There are really no limits to what causes you can contribute.2005 CHRYSLER 300 FAN

car donation is often done for many reasons. No matter why you give your car it is completely tax deductible. Just give a car donation service a call. They search the car at no cost to you almost anywhere in the United States. At that time, you get all the documents you need to claim your very generous donation of your tax return.

The car can become almost anything when it comes to donations. You can go to help children in need, as far as clothes, food, school supplies, housing and more. You can go in September, as the treatment of cancer, AIDS and hunger in the world. Donate food, clothes and all that we can always benefit. The car can go towards a number of types of support. That money is used or the machine will have a lasting impact on any cause and the charity has the privilege of receiving it is.

Car donations can help here in the U.S. causes and abroad. A car can do much in that goes a long way to help spread and goods. You also have control of their vehicle donation. You can be a cause or charity in mind, or just want to know what your vehicle donation for those who do not participate. When choosing a company to donate online, you can choose a company that will give exactly the cause or charity of your choice, or at least you'll know exactly what your donation will help.

Many people want to know that their contribution really makes a difference. Donations need to make a lasting impression. When you donate a car, you must give a gift that is very positive in a sustainable way. Imagine the happiness you give to others. You can also find happiness and contentment within yourself to make a difference in the lives of people in need. The world will be a better place because you made a wonderful contribution. Car donation is on what the impact of the number of vehicle donations are needed. More cars that receive a larger charitable gift donated and supported.

2005 CHRYSLER 300 FAN

The American Relief Foundation invites you to help give poor children across America with the support they need. If you have lost your car title, and can not donate, we have an excellent resource to connect you straight to the DMV to order a copy of car title. We are looking for a car donation to Wyoming to help our cause. If you have a junk car and explore options to donate your car.

[Preview] 2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento [ picture + Video ]

Lamborghini had unveiled Sesto Elemento Concept at Pris Auto Show. It is an all-wheel drive, all-carbon fiber surpercar. This concept was spotted by French Blog Automobile.

 

Video Lamborghini Sesto Elemento in detail + interiour Paris 2010 

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento concept lifts the design DNA of the Lamborghini brand to a new level, the concept is the only vehicle manufactured in the world to have mastered the complete CFRP process across a range of technologies, from 3D design through simulation, validation, production, and testing. It features a lightweight carbon-fiber structure with the entire front frame, reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology.
Interior, Lamborghini has dispensed completely with the conventional seat frame. The ergonomics are provided by the steering wheel, which can be adjusted for height and reach, it can be electrically adjusted longitudinally. The dominant visual feature throughout is the functional CFRP material on the floor, roof, on the doors and center console.
The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine, it products 570 hp (419 kW) at 8,000 rpm and 540 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento weighs only 999 kilograms (2,202 lb) thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber. 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of only 2.5 seconds, the top speed over 220 mph.
The Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory (ACSL) at the University of Washington uses experimental tests to define the mechanical behavior of the different materials, with the technologies using methodology from the aviation industry.

[Sport car] 2005 Ferrari FXX [ Pictures + Video]

The FXX is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello and its mission is to involve Ferrari's most valued Clients as genuine Prancing Horse Test Drivers in their own right. The wealth of data and experience gathered in the course of this very special programme will be exceptionally important.

 Ferrari FXX specs
Top Speed: 243 mph / 391 km/h
0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds
Engine: 6.2 liter V12 800 bhp @ 8500 rpm

Video Ferrari FXX Start up and Drive off

video by youtube
In fact, the feedback from these highly skilled, non-professional Client Test Drivers will be compared and supplemented with suggestions from Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Ferrari's professional in-house Test Drivers.

Every Client who signs up for the FXX project by purchasing one of the estimated 20 or so cars being built, will actually be joining Team Ferrari, and will have his driving experiences at the wheel of this new car monitored directly by the Prancing Horse's technicians and specialists.

The FXX has not been homologated for road use and thus will not be a competition model. It will be used exclusively on the track as part of a specific ongoing research and development programme featuring this first ever group of Client Test Drivers.

The FXX is powered by an imposing 6,262 cc V12 engine that can punch out over 800 bhp at 8,500 rpm. Its gearbox is the result of the transfer of F1 strategies, delivering gear change times of under 100 ms. This is almost as fast as the F1 single-seaters, themselves the absolute pinnacle of current technological achievement.

After a careful client order selection process, the first FXXs will be delivered by the end of this year. The initial testing of the definitive car is currently taking place at Fiorano. The FXX and the relative package cost a total of 1,500,000 euro (excluding taxes) (approx. $1,790,000) and applications to join the programme are being evaluated by a special in-house committee.

2012 Carlsson Mercedes CLS63 AMG from Carlsson

The body kit of the Mercedes CLS63 AMG Carlsson includes a front spoiler lip in carbon fiber, stainless steel insert grille, rear spoiler and new rear apron with integrated diffuser.Carlsson Mercedes CLS63 AMG

Not like other aftermarket specialists, Carlsson is not very enthusiastic about the huge air vents, massive rear fenders and side skirts that fall every speed bump. All of these aerodynamic improvements are visible only on paper. If you're going to look the same

Carlsson Mercedes CLS63 AMG

of these on the street, you will think that "something different in the CLS," but will not be able to put my finger on to come second to the next traffic light. And that's why ... Carlsson has improved out of the Mercedes CLS63 AMG with 600 hp (441 kW). Is 82 hp more than the standard AMG CLS63. Although there are no published performance figures, the 4.4 seconds to 100 km / h in the production version must have fallen a bit. In terms of style, the only thing that really stands out for CLS63 AMG Carlsson are oval tailpipes left and right, and white wings in the rear diffuser.

On the inside, it's a completely different story. Carlsson Mercedes CLS63 AMG program includes Nappa leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber, only the tree, and they say, a number of other natural materials.Carlsson Mercedes CLS63 AMG

2012 Aston Martin Virage on 2011 Geneva Motor Show

2012 Aston Martin Virage

One of the endearing traits of Aston Martin has been his ability to do more with less, especially when it comes to VH (Vertical / Horizontal) platform strategy that uses essentially the same chassis bits to produce all its vehicles from the V8 Vantage through the four-door Rapide.

With the introduction of the Aston Martin Virage in 2012, the British sports car manufacturer now offers three different models V-12 in the same wheelbase, 107.9 inches and place the car as a way for customers to split the difference between DBS DB9 sports and more sports. Or better yet, the new range should be described as sports (DB9), sports (Virage), sports (DBS).2012 Aston Martin Virage

Virage has a lot of its name has been divided into a DB9 and DBS, which begins at the same 6.0-liter V-12 engine. This front-mounted power plant produces 490 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Like the DB9 Touchtronic 2 is coupled to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission and paddle-shift feature, which gives the REV-climbing search. DBS differs in that it provides only a 6-speed manual. With the same weight and size, Virage offers an outcome similar to that of the DB9 is a 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds. and a top speed of 186 km / h.2012 Aston Martin Virage

ROCKET: ANOTHER NEW CONCEPT FROM MINI

A new concept MINI is making its debut at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show. That’s four concepts in two years for the little BMW brand, following the Coupe, Roadster and Countryman. This one, called the Rocketman, is a 3+1 seater with three doors and a total length of around 3 metres. Just as the Countryman boasts four fours (four doors, four seats, 4WD and 4 metres long), the Rocketman is all for 3-somes. It even claims an average fuel consumption of 3 litres per 100km!

It is said to be extremely light in weight through several weight-minimising measures such as lightweight seats and some carbon fibre components.

Don’t be fooled though, this is no kit car by any means. Brimming over with the latest and greatest is Rocketman, boasting among others, a central control unit what can be removed from the car and plugged into any computer to update such things as navigation destinations, the music playlist or contact details for mobile communications. 

HONDA BALLADE IS BACK IN SA!

Honda’s latest Ballade model is now available to buy from the nearest Honda dealership. The car, although not strictly new (it was launched in 24 other world markets, all outside of Europe), still looks fresh and untouched. Judging by our first impressions, the new Ballade will only have its makers and marketers to blame should it not crack monthly top 20 sales charts in this country.

Anyone over the age of 30 will remember Ballades of the early 1980s, which later gained a half Knight Rider-style set of headlights. Distributed and supported by Daimler-Benz South Africa between 1982 and the late 1990s, Honda’s Ballade was known not only as a “baby Merc” by locals, but also as a tough cookie that could last a lifetime in the right hands. The cars were not just luxurious and innovative but also highly durable. And a little pricier than direct rivals from Nissan and Toyota it must be said.

Not the new Ballade though. Offered in a single 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC, four-cylinder petrol, the car promises to be drivable in mid-range where most users need the power. Speaking of which, 88kW of it rubs off at a maximum 6600rpm, with peak torque of 145Nm coming in at 4800rpm. Honda seems oblivious to the turbo revolution that’s currently taking automotive engineers by storm. Nevertheless the motor carries enough grunt to satisfy the everyday user whose needs are not at all tied to how quickly a car can get between nought and 100km/h. Incidentally the slowest model will do just that in 12.2, while the fastest achieves it in 9.8 seconds as claimed by Honda. Gearboxes are either 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, the latter being something of a novelty in this segment.

Four models with two trims each are being sold with immediate effect. At entry is the 1.5 Comfort with a 5-speed manual gearbox and C02 emissions of 148g/km. Standard with that are things like electrically adjustable mirrors, air conditioning, a CD player with radio and MP3 compatibility, as well as a USB connection to play music from. Also fitted at factory level are safety bits such as ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

Elegance trimmed cars add juicy furniture like Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, six airbags and leather trim for the steering wheel. Also 16-inch alloy rims with 185/55 R16 tyres feature prominently at this level.

My little launch trip was covered in the 5-speed manual. Seats are comfortable with good quality fabric. The gear changes proved to be smooth, if not very engaging. There is a familiarity to it of course, since both the Jazz and the Ballade share the same unit. At times I was hitting highs of 180km/h on the isolated open roads with very little trouble. True, the car only had myself and co-driver as loads, but still, that is commendable.

Suspension is cut between hard-soft and soft-soft, giving ground to enough feel for the steering wheel to come alive once in a while, while getting rid of annoyingly bumpy roads. A MacPherson strut front and H-shaped torsion beam layout is the norm for the Ballade, putting it cleanly into the modern family car regime.

My main question, probably similar to yours, was “where then, does the Civic fit in?”. Honda answered that in terms of pricing, specs and overall desirability, the Civic – due to be launched in Mzansi in the middle of the year – will be placed above the Ballade.

Although they expect to move about 190 units monthly, honestly there is no reason why Honda SA cannot at the very least double that. Unless there are supply constraints at the factory in Thailand.

Honda Ballade Pricing

1.5 Comfort manual (R184 900)

1.5 Comfort automatic (R196 900)

1.5 Elegance manual (R193 900)

1.5 Elegance automatic (R205 900)