The Best Car in the World?
In 2010, BMW overtook Mercedes Benz as the best selling luxury car manufacturer in India for the first time. But Mercedes has no intention of going quietly into the night. Their line-up now features the all-new E Class, as well as the newly Introduced 7-seat GL SUV. But leading the charge is a refreshed, and lengthened, flagship 8 500L.The wheelbase of the 8 500 has been stretched by 13 centimeters to ensure that corporate honchos and / or world leaders in the back aren't left wanting for leg room. However, BMW stretched its 7 series by one centimeter more, 14 to be precise, in the 750Li. 80 let's delve a little deeper, shall we - to see if the 8 500L can once again profess to be the 'best car in the world,' and reclaim the top spot on the sales charts for the coveted three-pointed star?
From the outside
The current generation S class was introduced in 2005-in India in 2006-and preceded the svelte W220, which, in appearance, was the epitome of understated elegance. The W221 grew to be far more aggressive and shapely, while finding a happy medium between the tank-like S class of yesteryear and the sleek Mercs of today. In 2009, Mercedes tinkered with the S Class in an effort to bring its appearance up-to-date by adding an array of now customary LED lights-both front and rear.
The front end looks more purposeful with added chrome and a redesigned bumper, as well as a more pointed edge. At the rear, this Mercedes flagship wears its S 500 badge proudly. It also has a massive set of rectangular dual exhausts that hint at the serious firepower under hood. The design, on the whole, has just the right combination of curves and creases-the end result is a car hat looks a dominant force going down the road, which of course, is the point.
From the inside
At the recent launch of the S sooL, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, MD & CEO, Mercedes Benz India, pointed out that this particular model is the most expensive car ever made in India, as it's being carefully assembled at their new state-of-the-art facility in Pune - unlike its Bavarian compatriot, which comes in fully assembled as a CBU. And you need only set one foot inside the cabin of the S 500 to see that it is, indeed, money well spent. In fact, even as you open the doors, you notice the individual shockers in each door to ensure that you don't expend any more energy than absolutely necessary to open and close the soft-close-doors - should your chauffeur be slow to react for some godforsaken reason.
Once inside, there's acres of room in the rear, and every surface has a quality feel to it - even the buttons look decidedly decorative, and feel just as good. There was a time in the recent past, during the days of the Daimler-Chrysler merger, when you could in fact find fault with certain pieces of interior trim in a Mercedes - even in an S Class. But such asuggestion is unequivocally banished into the dusty pages of the history books by the current models.
It's eerily silent in the cabin - ideally suited, I suppose, to plan strategy for your next corporate takeover and / or military coup, depending on your line of work. This car is meant to soothe its occupants. In fact, legend has it that Mercedes actually strapped heart rate monitors onto occupants of the S Class, as well as cars made by rival manufacturers, in an attempt to prove that the heart rate of those in the S Class was, on average, roughly five beats-per-minutes less than that of people in other cars.
And it's the little touches that achieve this, such as seat massagers that truly provide the illusion that there are a team of masseurs hiding in the seatback, and head rests that are so soft and fluffy that they truly cradle your head - so that you can do your best thinking presumably. And while it was very business-like in the all-black interior of our test car, the panorama roof was brilliant, and it made the already expansive interior feel even bigger. However, if you are feelingbusinesslike, there are exquisitely moulded walnut tray tables that fold out of the seat backs. On the contrary, if you'd like some R&R, simply recline your seat, and pull out a bottle of your favourite beverage from the fridge in the back - accessed from in between the rear seats.
You can also watch a DVD on the two screens mounted on the back of the front headrests for added entertainment. In fact, even the front passenger can watch a DVD while the car's on the move - courtesy of 'Splitview' technology incorporated onto the 8-inch high-definition TFT screen in the center console, which allows the driver to view vehicle functions from his vantage point, while, at the same time, the front passenger can watch a movie from his. You also get a now customary USB input in the glove box that allows iPod connectivity quiteeasily - unlike in the 7 series, which requires a proprietary cable from BMW. The Harman Kardon Logie-r surround sound system delivers eoo-watts of absolutely astonishing sound quality from its 14 speakers for your choice of media, whichcan range from an iPod, USB stick, SD card, to CD / DVD, or even 2,500 of your favourite tunes in MP3 or WMA format saved in a 7.2 GB in-built hard disc.
And for the driver, there's the Command system that navigates through vehicle functions via a screen on the center console, as well as a multi function steering wheel that controls a myriad of other functions, including Bluetooth connectivity - all of which is displayed on the instrument cluster in direct view of the driver. In order to display all the requisite information, the S Class has a digital speedometer projected on an LCD screen - complete with faux speedo needle. The good thing is that all these various bits of technology work extremely well together to keep you both well informed and relaxed at the same time. Oh, and you can also change the colour of the mood lighting in the car to suit your present disposition - ranging from Solar (yellow), Polar (blue), To natural (white).
On the road
The S 500 doesn't feel propelled so much by an engine, as it does by an invisible force. The 5.4 litre V8 that produces 370 horsepower is sublime-as is the 7-speed automatic transmission to which it's mated. The engine really is incredible smooth-it feels exactly the same at 1500 rpm as it does at 6500. The gearbox, meanwhile, has similar qualities, as shifts are instant and indistinguishable. That being said, there's nothing subtle about how the S class thunders down the road-leaving on-lookers and passengers in absolute disbelief that something this large can move quite so swiftly.
The S 500 gives up about 40 horsepower to the BMW 745Li, and while you do feel the deficit on occasion, it's only because the motor in the BMW appeared to be stolen from a rocket launcher. Nevertheless, Mercedes claim a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of, brace yourself, 5.4 seconds! Step on the acceleration pedal, and the whole car shrinks around you in a manner that you don't quite expect. If you imagine that the current S class will feel large and lumbering to drive, you're in for either a rude shock or a pleasant surprise-depending on your point of view.
Nevertheless, the rate of progress you can achieve in this car is staggering.150km\h is achieved in the smallest of open spaces with consummate ease-in case you're running late for a board meeting that is, And, based on how far behind schedule you really are, you can choose between three driving models-comfort, sport, and manual. Comfort, as the name suggests, ensures that engine and suspension are ideally suited to waft you from place-to-place. Sport mode, on the other hand, readies the suspension for some hooliganism, and the engine revs considerably freeier as well. In manual mode, you can change gears via paddles mounted behind the steering, which means you can hold higher revs in lower gears and burn a barrel or two of oil quicker than in a jet plane. Of course, since the S Class is engineered in Germany, these different engine and chassis setting actually do work.
The Active Body control courtesy of the air suspension ensures that the car remains defiantly flat through the corners. In fact, you can even turn off the traction control and have a little fun-in a two-tone S Class! Go into a corner too fast, and the car will understeer, but not in a way that's recalcitrant. Instead, the chassis communicates what it's doing in an effort to keep the driver informed of the physics defying feat that's being attempted. And if you're a little more clever, you can use the power being driven to the rear wheels to enjoy lurid power slides-I use the term lurid loosely of course, since the traction control cuts is despite being turned off if it feels like you're having a little too much fun.
The S Class, in keeping with its pioneering spirit in terms of technology, also has a battery of technological feats, such as adaptive cruise control, which even has the ability to bring the car to a complete halt by itself, parking guidance, which is optional, but can park the car largely by itself, infrared night view assist, also optional, but useful, pre-safe, which braces for an impact if things go pear shaped, and adaptive headlights, which, of course, are fantastic. you can even manually raise the ride height if you're going over some exceptionally bad roads-of which we have plenty. The brakes and ABS are phenomenal, which goes without saying really-we did test them nonetheless.
After experiencing the S 500L,let's just say our suggestion would be to appear magnanimous, and allow the chauffeur extended paid leave.
Verdict
The competition may be treading on its toes, but you have to admit that there is something about the allure of the S Class that plays into its image of being an automotive icon, which has been carefully created over all these years. It still feels like the right car for the ruling elite. And if you're lucky enough to be able to write a check for one, you're still buying into that heritage. The 7 series BMW is by far a more serious drivers' machine - whereas the S Class does astonish you from behind the wheel, the 7 series simply blows you away.
But that also plays into the hands of the Mercedes somewhat, since being less driver oriented means that the ride comfort, and therefore rear seat comfort, in the Mercedes is unparalleled - it does seem to spoil you a little bit more than the BMW. The S Class may have become the predictable choice to demonstrate to the world that you've arrived - but it's by no means the wrong one.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a sports car from British Manufacturer Aston Martin
The modern Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a sports car from British manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston Martin has previously used the “Vantage” name on high performance variants of their existing GT models, notably on the massively powerful heavyweight Virage-based supercar of the 1990s. The modern car, in contrast, is the leanest and most agile car in Aston’s three-model lineup. As such, it is intended as a more accessible model to compete with cars such as the Porsche 911.Introduced all-new for the 2006 model year, the V8 Vantage was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005. The two seat, two door coupé has a bonded aluminum structure for strength and lightness. The 172.5 inch (4.38 m) long coupe features a hatchback-style tailgate for practicality, with a large luggage shelf behind the seats.
The V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.3 L (4282 cc) quad-cam 32-valve V8 which produces 380 hp (283 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 302 lb-ft (409 N·m) at 5,000 rpm. Though based loosely on Jaguar’s AJ-V8 engine, this engine is unique to Aston Martin and features race-style dry-sump lubrication, which enables it to be mounted low in the chassis for an improved center of gravity. The cylinder block and heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, camshafts, inlet and exhaust manifolds, lubrication system, and engine management are all unique to Aston Martin. The V8 is assembled by hand at the AM facility in Cologne, Germany, which also builds the V12 for the DB9 and Vanquish.
The engine is front mid-mounted with a rear-mounted transaxle, giving a 49/51 front/rear weight distribution. The V8 Vantage can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in a manufacturer claimed 4.9 seconds (62 mph (100km/h), 5sec) and reach a 175 mph (280km/h) top speed. As a testament to the car’s performance, handling, and endurance, an almost-stock Vantage entered and completed the 2006 Nurburgring 24-Hour race finishing 24th overall at the race, among a field of largely motorsport-homologated cars. The only modifications to the car were a roll cage, racing fuel system, fire protection, racing seat, and hydraulic jacks. The car was otherwise completely standard, including a regular production engine, transmission, suspension, and bodywork.
The V8 Vantage retails for £79,000, US$110,000, or €104,000, and Aston Martin plans to build up to 3,000 per year. Included is an exclusive interior with leather-upholstery for the seats, dash, steering-wheel, and shift-knob. A two-tone full-leather interior is available as an option, as are heated front seats, navigation, rear parking sensors, and xenon headlights.
There is expected to be a V8 Roadster in early 2007.
In their 2006 readership survey, readers of Car Design News voted the Aston Martin V8 Vantage as the best current production car design. The survey results were based on over 1000 responses, most from working automotive designers and students of industrial and automotive design. The vantage was also voted one of Automobile magazine’s 2007 “All Stars” for it’s performance, road manners, and design. The V8 Vantage is also one of the only two cars to be added to “the fridge” – reserved for the super-”cool” – on the BBC’s Top Gear (on which it is described as the baby Aston to differentiate it from the V12 powered DB9). The program rates cars from seriously un-cool to sub-zero. The fridge was an extra category added when the presenters deemed the Aston Martin DB9 too cool for the sub-zero category. In the 2005 awards, Jeremy Clarkson declared the V8 Vantage as the best car of the year, while the award winner was actually the Porsche 911. This resulted in Richard Hammond (“Hamster”) eating the piece of paper. The noise created by its V8 engine has been described by Clarkson as, “Like Tom Jones being mauled by an alsatian”.
During the 2006 British Motor Show, Aston Martin revealed a variant of the V8 Vantage that was set to go racing in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race. The car, now known as the V8 Vantage N24, was driven by Aston Martin CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, development engineer Chris Porrit, development driver Wolfgang Schuhbauer and Hans von Saurma in the 24 hour race and finished 4th in class and 24th overall, before being driven home on public roads. Modifications to the car include extensive lightening and strengthening, the addition of a front splitter and extended door sills for aerodynamic efficiency as well as equipment to make the car race ready (roll cage, racing fuel tank, etc.), the engine is left relatively untuned from the regular V8 Vantage, with most of the performance coming from the lightening and revised settings. The N24 is considered Aston’s rival to the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and both cars share similar performance figures, both reaching 62 mph from a standstill in 4.2 seconds. Unlike the rival Porsche however, the N24 will not cost any more than the regular car (price is currently set at about £82,000) as Aston does not believe in the Porsche strategy of charging more for a car with less equipment. Only around 20 or so examples of the N24 are expected to be built.
2010 Jaguar XJ Preview isCool
Even if Jaguar has just unveiled a facelift for the old XJ, this is not the only news coming to us. In 2009 the company will unveil a totally redesigned model, with design cues taken from the latest C-XF Concept and from the upcoming XF sedan. Even if the new generation XJ will be built on the current aluminum platform, everything on the exterior will be changed.
In an attempt to make all Jaguar models the most modern car on the road, the new XJ will have modern and aggressive lines and a more muscular look. The new generation XJ will be designed under the supervision of Jaguar design Chief Ian Callum. Jaguar wants the new XJ, codenamed X351, to be more radical than the XF that will be unveiled in 2008.Ian Callum explains the design philosophy behind the car: “Sports sedans were Jaguar’s mantle with cars such as the Mk2 and Series 1 XJ of the 1960s – and we’re having it back! But we’re not harking back to another era for the sake of it. Instead we need to recognize design elements and move forward in a modern and contemporary way.”With prices to go up to more than $150.000, the new XJ will be a strong competitor for the Mercedes CLS, Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Flying Spur.At 2007 Detroit Auto Show Jaguar unveiled the C-XF, a concept that previews the future generations of sports saloons and reaffirms the direction Jaguar is taking. On the same auto show, the company also promised that the “new Jaguars would be beautiful, fast, glamorous and evocativeâ€�. In order to keep that promise, the new XJ will take many of its design elements from the C-XF concept: the narrower nose with narrower headlights, the same large, square grille. Also the car’s interior design theme is close to that seen in the C-XF concept, but with addition of some hi-tech fixtures and fittings.New on the XJ models will be the windscreen that is said to extend back into the roof panel.Under the hood, the new XJ will feature a lineup of engines including a Volvo-derived in-line six and updated V8. There will be a 3.2 liter V6 and V8 engines and also the new 3.2 litre petrol six. Also the V8 engines from current model will be upgraded to 5.0 liters. The 5.0 liter V8 engine will have an output of 300 hp. It will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 5.8 seconds and will have a top speed of 165 mph.
ABT Sportsline Audi R8 V10 | Audi Tuning Specialist from Germany
ABT Sportsline, Audi tuning specialist from Germany, has released its first details of its tuned Audi R8 V10.The ABT Sportsline Audi R8 V10 is powered by a tuned 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine that produces 600 hp (441 kW), an increase of 75 hp from the stock 525 hp (386 kW) and 530 Nm of torque.
The ABT R8 now sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than the stock R8. The top speed meanwhile is at 322 km/h (200 mph).
With the increase of power, ABT Sportsline equipped the R8 with an adjustable sports suspension system.
ABT’s DTM division designed the body kit featuring an ABT front grille, new front air dams, new side skirts, a rear apron and a rear spoiler.
Other features include a 4-pipe exhaust system and ABT AR and BR 20-inch wheels.
With the increase of power, ABT Sportsline equipped the R8 with an adjustable sports suspension system.
ABT’s DTM division designed the body kit featuring an ABT front grille, new front air dams, new side skirts, a rear apron and a rear spoiler.
Other features include a 4-pipe exhaust system and ABT AR and BR 20-inch wheels.
The Edo Porsche Cayenne GTS engine generates
The Edo Porsche Cayenne GTS engine generates 450 horsepower (331 kW) and a maximum torque of 530 Nm (391 ft-lb) at 3,800 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a scant 6.4 seconds and the top speed is an unbelievable 270 km/h (168 mph). The edo Porsche Cayenne GTS is also equipped with a new brake system. Huge six-piston fixed mono-block calipers clamp down on thicker and larger diameter brake rotors as well as upsized pads in the front. Rotor dimensions: 380 x 38 mm (15 x 1.5 inches). Ideal road contact of the edo Porsche Cayenne GTS is provided by new 22 inch forged wheels with stainless steel outer rims: 10 x 22 inch with 295/30 ZR22 tires up front and 11 x 22 inch with 295/30 ZR22 in the rear.
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