Motorward

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• Video: Top Gear Season 17 Stig Trailer
• Porsche Boxster & Cayman Reach 300,000 Milestone
• Volkswagen Introduces ‘Temporary Auto Pilot’
• 2012 VW Beetle In Britney Spears Music Video
• Switzer Porsche Panamera P680
• Nissan Plans For 2011 Goodwood FoS
• 2012 Renault Koleos Facelift Revealed
• Video: Modified Porsche 911 GT3 RS On Track
• MINI Coupe JCW Endurance Racer
• Aston Martin Cygnet & colette

Video: Top Gear Season 17 Stig Trailer Posted: 23 Jun 2011 11:05 AM PDT Since the sacked Stig (Ben Collins) revealed his identity and got replaced with a new one, the mysterious character has been locked down tight by the BBC and we never heard of him much. So much so that most people began to forget he’s actually a very important member of the Top Gear family. Now though, they’ve put together a trailer for Mr. Stig, just in time for the start of season 17, showing him in his off time. Apparently he’ been dangerously bored. That’s why he went to party with Barack Obama!

Porsche Boxster & Cayman Reach 300,000 Milestone Posted: 23 Jun 2011 08:40 AM PDT Porsche is celebrating a production milestone as the production of Boxster and Cayman pass 300,000 units. 300,000 might not sound like a big number, but it is actually a very good record for a sportscar. That said, it took Porsche 15 years to make that much Boxster and Cayman. The celebratory model marking this occasion was a Boxster Spyder with Platinum Silver metallic finish and Carrera red natural leather interior trim for a German customer. Boxster has always been considered as the underdog, a discount version of the 911 for those who cannot afford the full-fat Porsche. We don’t agree with that. The Boxster has its own character. Alright, so it’s might not be the prettiest sportscar out there, but to drive it is certainly one of the all time greats.We don’t feel the same about the Cayman though, because it’s just a gap-filler in the market between the Boxster and the 911. Here’s a little history for you: The Boxster's origins testify to the typical Porsche blend of capability, courage and farsightedness. In economically straitened times the company decided to go onto the offensive and unveiled a concept car for a classic mid-engine roadster at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show. In its design language, the show car was reminiscent of the 356 »No. 1« and the 550 Spyder. The overwhelming public response clinched the decision to proceed to series production of the Boxster, which began in the summer of 1996. The model range currently comprises the four open-topped variants, the Boxster, Boxster S, Boxster S Black Edition and Boxster Spyder. These are complemented by the Cayman, Cayman S, Cayman S Black Edition and Cayman R Coupe.

Volkswagen Introduces ‘Temporary Auto Pilot’ Posted: 23 Jun 2011 08:19 AM PDT We car guys hate self-driving cars for obvious reasons. But it seems they are our inevitable future. We’ve already seen a fully functional self-driving car from BMW, and Google too is hard at work developing such vehicles. They believe it’s ridiculous that people are still driving cars, it should be computers. And now check out Volkswagen’s system called the ‘Temporary Auto Pilot’ system. This is apparently a semi-automatic system that – under supervision of the driver – can take control of the car for short periods of time and even go as fast as 130 km/h. the way it does it is by utilizing known electronic driving aids such as radar-guided cruise control and lane assist system. Technical details of this system will soon be released for geeks. For now go through the official press release if you need more details: Monitored by the driver, the car can drive semi-automatically up to a speed of 130 kilometres per hour on motorways. It represents a link between today's assistance systems and the vision of fully automatic driving. “Above all, what we have achieved today is an important milestone on the path towards accident-free car driving,” emphasises Leohold at today's final presentation of the EU research project HAVEit in the Swedish city of Borås. The Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP) bundles semi-automatic functions, i.e. functions monitored by the driver, with other driver assistance systems, such as ACC adaptive cruise control and the Lane Assist lane-keeping system into one comprehensive function. “Nonetheless, the driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control,” continues Leohold. “The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it.” TAP always offers the driver an optimal degree of automation as a function of the driving situation, acquisition of the surroundings and driver and system states. It is intended to prevent accidents due to driving errors by an inattentive, distracted driver. In the semi-automatic driving mode – referred to as Pilot Mode, for short – TAP maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, drives at a speed selected by the driver, reduces this speed as necessary before a bend, and maintains the vehicle's central position with respect to lane markers. The system also observes overtaking rules and speed limits. Stop and start driving manoeuvres in traffic jams are also automated. With TAP, it is possible to drive at speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour on motorways or similar roads. Drivers must still continually focus their attention on the road, so that they can intervene in safety-critical situations at any time. In contrast to previous research vehicles such as “Junior” and “Stanley”, TAP is based on a relatively production-like sensor platform, consisting of production-level radar-, camera-, and ultrasonic-based sensors supplemented by a laser scanner and an electronic horizon. “One conceivable scenario for its initial use might be in monotonous driving situations, e.g. in traffic jams or over sections of a driving route that are exceedingly speed-limited,” comments Leohold. About HAVEit The EU funded R&D project HAVEit (“Highly Automated Vehicles for Intelligent Transport”) was set up to develop research concepts and technologies for highly automated driving. This will help to reduce the drivers' workload, prevent accidents, reduce environmental impact and make traffic safer. Launched in February 2008, 17 European partners from the automotive and supply sector and the scientific community collaborated on the project. Total investments in HAVEit amounted to EUR 28 million. EUR 17 million of this sum came from EU grants, and EUR 11 million was contributed by the 17 project partners, of which EUR 7 million was invested by the automobile industry. The HAVEit consortium consists of vehicle manufacturers, automotive suppliers and scientific institutes from Germany, Sweden, France, Austria, Switzerland, Greece and Hungary: Continental, Volvo Technology AB, Volkswagen AG, EFKON AG, Sick AG, Haldex Brake Products AB, Knowllence, Explinovo GmbH, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), University of Athens, Institute of Communications and Computer Systems (ICCS), University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Universität Stuttgart, Institut für Luftfahrtsysteme, Wuerzburg Institute of Traffic Sciences GmbH, Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (Inria), Institut français des sciences et technologies des transports, de l’aménagement et des réseaux (IFSTTAR).

2012 VW Beetle In Britney Spears Music Video Posted: 23 Jun 2011 07:59 AM PDT Volkswagen decided to already ruin the reputation of the new Beetle by placing it in Britney Spears latest music video. We haven’t watched this video, but apparently somewhere in it the car gets flashed by Britney. Hmmm, wonder how much VW has paid for that! First Oprah, now this. The 2012 VW Beetle has secured a permanent spot in the “Seriously Uncool” section of the Cool Wall.

Switzer Porsche Panamera P680 Posted: 23 Jun 2011 07:12 AM PDT Switzer Performance as you might know doesn’t care much about styling. They are complete horsepower freaks and it shows with their package for the Porsche Panamera. On the styling front you really don’t get much more than a set of wheels and some tinted windows. But the performance is more than make up for the looks. Switzer has boosted the output of the Panamera Turbo with bigger intercoolers and optimized engine management software. It makes astonishing 680 hp, hence the name, which is good for a top speed of 350 km/h. The car makes 100 km/h form standstill in just 3.5 seconds which is supercar performance. Given the performance it delivers, the $22,000 asking price is actually very reasonable. The ideal Porsche Panamera for us would be one with a Project Kahn bodykit and this performance package!

Nissan Plans For 2011 Goodwood FoS Posted: 23 Jun 2011 06:54 AM PDT Nissan is putting the spotlights on more ordinary models at this year’s Goodwood FoS rather than the GTR flagship. Their plans are ambitious, but Kinda silly. Nissan LEAF and Nissan Juke both are set to break records at the event. The LEAF will attempt to become the fastest car ever to be driven up the famous hill climb course – backwards, while the Juke will take the on the hill on two wheels and will try to set the fastest ever two-wheeled speed. So as we said, silly. But a lot of fun for the visitors! The thing about the LEAF going up the hill in reverse is, the LEAF has an electric powertrain that, theoretically, enables it to be driven backwards as fast as it can go forwards. So in Theory it should be able to hit 90 mph. Here’s complete details on Nissan plans for this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: NISSAN LEAF NISMO RC MAKES UK DEBUT The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC – the "Racing Competition" version of the electric car will make its UK dynamic debut. The car is a purpose-built prototype that wraps production LEAF components and technology in a carbon fibre body and has been designed to show that electric cars can be fast and exciting. Like the production Nissan LEAF, a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules powers the NISMO RC version and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. GT1 GT-R CELEBRATES SUCCESS ON HILL CLIMB COURSE In a more conventional demonstration run on the hill climb course, one of the Sumo Power GT team's GT1 race-winning Nissan GT-Rs.. Celebrating the second win in succession of the RAC tourist trophy at Silverstone in the FIA GT1 championship this year, the 600HP V8 car is visiting Goodwood for the first time. Behind the wheel will be Alex Buncombe, Nissan's FIA European GT4 Championship and GT Academy driver. Meanwhile, the road going 2011 GT-R will also take part in non-competitive supercar run and is sure to be a star attraction in the Supercar Paddock. The 2011 GT-R offers drivers 523bhp and improved handling and feedback compared to its already highly-rated predecessor. Joining the flagship GT-R in the Supercar Paddock will be the Nissan 370Z GT Edition, which not only celebrates 40 years since the very first Z-badged car arrived in the UK, Nissan's GT racing success and the award winning GT Academy**. This special edition features unique body colours, GT stripes, darkened 19 inch RAYS forged alloy wheels and a number of significant suspension and equipment changes. NEW NISSAN STAND OFFERS VISITORS CHANCE TO WIN SILVERSTONE EXPERIENCES There will be plenty for visitors to get involved with over Goodwood weekend, including the chance to try the road going Nissan LEAF for themselves as part of the Moving Motor Show on Thursday 30 June. Meanwhile, throughout the Festival of Speed weekend itself, visitors will enjoy Nissan's exciting, interactive new stand display. The wind tunnel-themed display features the ESFLOW concept car, an electric sports car for the future.  You'll also be able to experience the new 100% electric Nissan LEAF in 3D and find out why the 2011 European Car of the Year is also going to be the car of tomorrow. Anyone who thinks they can design their own car can put their skills to the test in the 'Innovation Lab'. Or, if racing cars is more desirable then enter the GT Academy qualifying competition and follow in the footsteps of Le Mans 24 Hours podium finisher, Lucas Ordonez with Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo 5 and at the same time win some amazing prizes. Visitors will be also be able to get 'up close and personal' with the Nissan 370Z GT Edition, the 2011 GT-R, LEAF, Juke and Qashqai.

2012 Renault Koleos Facelift Revealed Posted: 23 Jun 2011 06:37 AM PDT This is the new generation Renault Koleos, heavily revised inside and out. It still looks like a simpleton though. Koleos is a fine crossover and offers lots of good features for not much money. The substantially modified looks of the car at front features an elegant chrome grill and LED indicators. It has nothing to do with the old one, and that is a good thing! The side view does resemble the old car though, and it has the same sort of profile. The rear-end is also similar to the outgoing Koleos with the steeply-raked rear window which suggests forward movement and provides the model with a particularly original stance. The new one also gets a fancy new color called Cayenne Orange you see here. The interior is upgraded as well, obviously, and they’ve done a very good job there. Besides the new layout and great materials, it features stowage space of up to 70 litres. Access to the large boot (450dm3 VDA) is facilitated by the split-opening tailgate, the bottom section of which forms a robust bench when lowered, like a Range Rover! The 60/40-split rear bench seat is equipped with the Easy-Estate system, which means it can be folded in one quick movement to free up a flat floor and boot space of 1,380dm3 VDA. The panoramic opening roof makes the cabin even brighter and more enjoyable. Other features include audio, navigation and dual-zone climate control and you can even specify a Bose sound system. Engine-wise Renault Koleos can be ordered with the 150hp or 175hp version of the M9R diesel engine, or with the 170hp (TR25) petrol engine. Like before you can have it with two or four wheel drive. The CO2 emissions of the 4×2 version powered by the dCi 150 engine are just 148g/km, which means it is no longer subject to the eco-surtax applicable in France. The emissions of the bigger dCi 175 engine have also been reduced to 166g/km. Some of the electronic features available include ESP, emergency brake assist, hands-free entry and ignition, an electronic parking brake, automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation and a joystick-operated Carminat TomTom navigation system, as well as Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control for 4×4 models.

Video: Modified Porsche 911 GT3 RS On Track Posted: 23 Jun 2011 06:16 AM PDT Check out this new video released by Youtubist Marchettino. This time he brings to us some heavy track action involving a modified Porsche 997 GT3 RS. The matte black car benefits from Manthey Racing tuning and features X-Ost exhaust system. That’s why you are advised to use headphones for this video, or crank up your speakers to max, so you fully enjoy the superb noise this thing makes.

MINI Coupe JCW Endurance Racer Posted: 23 Jun 2011 04:25 AM PDT MINI is celebrating the new Coupe by making a racing version of the car and take part in this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours. MINI John Cooper Works Coupe Endurance might not be the fastest car on the ‘Ring, even though it’s powered by the 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit which is the most powerful engine offered, but it certainly will be one of the most fun to drive. Honestly, I can drive it for 24 hours non-stop! The Coupe Endurance is more poised and precised as it has lost a couple of stones and has a full racing body kit and interior. The enigne makes 250 hp, and the Overboost function pushes peak torque up to 330 Newton metres, and the top speed is 240 km/h. The aerodynamic package includes the front spoiler, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing generate downforce, optimising the balance between the front and rear axle. It also has uprated suspension with adjustable shock absorber units. It definitely feels like an ultimate go kart. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance achieves an exceptionally high level of safety thanks to features including a roll cage welded to the body and a sports bucket seat with six-point safety belt and Formula One-style HANS (Head And Neck Support) system. When it comes to active safety, the car adopts the proven braking system with Race ABS from MINI Challenge racing and adds a specially tuned DSC dynamic control system. This is our favorite car in this year’s Nurburgring race.

Aston Martin Cygnet & colette Posted: 23 Jun 2011 04:00 AM PDT This is a limited edition, bespoke version of Aston Martin Cygnet by French fashion brand colette. And it has cushions at the back! Yes, it comes with, among other girly features, blue leather cushions so guys would automatically stay away from it. Although each car will be personalised precisely to customer specification by Aston Martin specialists, but main features on all cars include Lightning Silver paint with exclusive colette blue styling details including a race collection inspired front bumper and bonnet livery, mirror caps and diamond turned road wheels. The interior features a bitter chocolate theme from colette's mascot Oscar, the chocolate-brown Labrador. The Works Tailored team has created unique 'Cygnet & colette' elements including: Stainless steel hand formed and engraved door handle badges 'Cygnet & colette' branded hand enamelled boot badging manufactured by     Thomas Fattorini Quilted Alcantara sun visors to complement the quilted leather door and seat inserts Hand trimmed, quilted colette blue leather occasional cushions for the rear seats 'Cygnet & colette' branding on satellite navigation start up A unique 'Cygnet & colette' key ring machined from solid aluminium with blue enamelling The car also comes with some goodies, as they say, to make passing time in traffic more fun. They include candies, a Wallpaper* Paris guide, a custom Sigg bottle to stay hydrated and the latest colette compilation CDs. Oh Dear! And the price of this mobile bedroom? a whopping €48,995. That is an awful lot for something that’s basically a Toyota iQ with a posh badge, some leather, cushions and chocolates! But you are paying for the badges on the car. If you are an Aston Martin owner, this little fella could be the perfect gift for your wife or girlfriend. Scroll down for pictures and full specifications… Aston Martin 'Cygnet & colette' Specification Exterior Lightning Silver body colour colette blue aspects: Grille lipstick and body stripe 8-spoke alloy wheels with diamond-turned finish Mirror caps Unique 'Cygnet & colette' metal badges Door handle Additional side and rear Gloss black painted tear ducts and bonnet louvres Black side strake mesh Interior Bitter Chocolate leather with colette blue stitch Hexagon Quilting on: Alcantara sun visors Blue leather scatter cushions Door and seat inserts Full satin chrome interior finish Blue leather console strap with Bitter Chocolate stitch 'Cygnet & colette' embossed leather grab handle 'Cygnet & colette' sill plaques Key protection pouch with blue stitch Other 'Cygnet & colette' key ring Special edition DianaF+ & colette camera by Lomography colette protective car cover colette custom candies Air aroma colette fragrance spray colette Sigg bottle colette Francis Kurdijan bubbles Wallpaper* City Guide – Paris 4 x colette compilation music CDs Body Two door body style with full width tailgate and four seats Bright aluminium front upper and lower grilles Bright metal side strakes Bi-halogen headlights LED tail lamps Rear spoiler and diffuser blade Heated and electrically retractable door mirrors Side turn indicators on outer door mirrors Rain sensing wipers Dusk sensing headlamps Front fog lamps Rear privacy glass with washer jet and wiper Rear parking sensors Rear tailgate bright finisher Engine 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i engine 4 in line cylinders 16 Valve DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) chain drive Electronic fuel injection Front mounted engine and differential Front-wheel drive Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system Compression ratio 11.5:1 Max Power 72 kW (97 bhp / 98 PS)at 6000 rpm Max Torque 125 Nm (92 lb ft)at 4400 rpm Max Speed 170 km/h (106 mph) Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 11.8 seconds (6-speed manual) 11.6 seconds (CVT) Fuel economy EU combined test cycle 5 l/100km / 56.5 mpg [6-speed manual] 5.2 l/100km / 54.3 mpg [CVT] EU Urban test cycle 5.8 l/100km / 48.7 mpg [6-speed manual] 6.1 l/100km / 46.3 mpg [CVT] EU Extra Urban test cycle 4.5 l/100km / 62.8 mpg [6-speed manual] 4.6 l/100km / 61.4 mpg [CVT] CO2 emissions EU combined test cycle 116 g/km [6-speed manual] 120 g/km [CVT] Transmission 6-speed manual (with Stop & Start technology and gear shift indicator) Optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (with Eco Driving Indicator) Front mounted differential Steering Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock Column tilt and reach adjustment Tyres Front and rear Bridgestone B250 175/60 R16 Suspension Front MacPherson strut system Rear torsion beam Brakes Front ventilated brake discs 255 mm diameter Rear solid brake discs 259 mm diameter Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Anti-lock braking system (ABS) Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) Traction Control (TRC) Vehicle Stability Control+ (VSC+) Interior Equipment Portable Satellite Navigation system with integrated Bluetooth mobile phone connection Automatic climate-controlled air conditioning Hand stitched leather steering wheel with audio switches Hand stitched leather gearshift knob Cirrus Grey Alcantara headlining 4 Piece floor mats with leather edge binding Machined aluminium interior features Electro-chromatic rear-view mirror Electric Windows Glovebox bag Rear seat stowage tray under rear seats Keyless Entry (driver and passenger doors plus boot) Keyless Start Multi-information display: audio, average speed, clock, outside temperature, current and average fuel consumption SRS front airbags: driver and passenger SRS curtain shield airbags: driver and passenger (front and rear) Driver's SRS knee airbag Seat cushion airbag switch-off Seat belt warning: driver, passenger and rear occupants Front seat belts: 3-point ELR with pre-tensioners and force-limiters Rear seat belts: 3-point ELR ISOFIX child restraint system Removable rear head restraints Rear seats 50:50 split folding In Car Entertainment Radio, CD, six speakers including MP3, Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility 3.5 mm auxiliary input socket Dimensions Length: 3078 mm Width: 1680 mm excluding mirrors Height: 1500 mm Wheelbase: 2000 mm Front and rear track: 1480 mm Turning circle: 4 metres (13.1 ft) kerb to kerb Fuel tank capacity: 32 litres Kerb weight: 988 kg

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