The most luxury British feline: Jaguar XJ Ultimate
At Beijing Auto Show, Jaguar introduced the most luxurious model of its range, XJ Ultimate, based on long-wheelbase version of “flagship” of British manufacturer. Outside a few minor changes can be observed, but give a touch of elegance and style to slightly redesigned British car.
Slightly redesigned front bumper, the exhaust with oval profile and Brown 20-inch wheels specially designed for this model emphasizes the elegant character of car. Even if Jaguar brought changes at exterior for the new XJ, the interior is what defines this model. Rear seat was replaced by two independent seats separated by a center console.
Jaguar XJ Ultimate is a sedan designed for successful people, most probably businessmen who like to travel in the rear seat. Perhaps because of this, British manufacturer has installed a special place to cool the champagne from the rear seats. UK manufacturer made everything possible, so passengers to not get bored, installing a tablet PC in front seat backrests, which are connected to a system of sound with 20 speakers created by specialists in this field, Meridian.
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Toyota TS030, irreparably damaged in tests
Toyota will come this year to FIA Endurance World Championship with the hybrid prototype TS030. This is the first time when a hybrid will take the start in the 24-hour race from Le Mans.
On May 5, Toyota had to attend at the first official race at Spa Francorchamps. Unfortunately, during the tests in the rain on Paul Ricard circuit was severely damaged, unable to be repaired until the competition. Toyota said that the accident occurred because of an electronic component that was not sealed properly.
The unfortunate event caused irreparable damage to the monocoque chassis and the time until Belgium’s race is too short to allow the manufacture of a new one. The Japanese manufacturer claims that participation in 24-hour race at Le Mans is not jeopardized and will start testing as soon as a new chassis will be built.
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Tesla S will be sold for less than 39,000 EUR
Tesla has announced that the most expected electric five-door model of the company will start the mass production in autumn this year.
S Model is expected to have a starting price of $49,900 for the basic version and the autonomy of this version is up to 162 miles. Top version as equipment (S Performance) will end up costing up to $ 84,900 and will be able to travel up to 300 miles. The sprint from 0-60 in just 4.4 seconds is for the latest version. There are two variants which will be produced in only 1,000 units, S Model Signature, whose price will be up to $ 97,900 (Signature S Performance).
As announces U.S. manufacturer, all 1,000 copies have been reserved for future owners. Tesla Company announced earlier this year, that expects to triple its sales volume this year, and S Model is intended to be sold in 5,000 copies per year.
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162mph on ice, with an electric propulsion
Electric RaceAbout prototype set a new speed record on ice, in the category of electric cars. Top speed was 162mph. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences from Helsinki, has launched in 2009, a project called E-RA or Electric RaceAbout. The car will be an electric sports car, combining ultra-light body with an electric propulsion system.
E-RA has four electric motors, one for each wheel and were produced by AXCO Motors. The body is monocoque and is built entirely of fiberglass and the batteries which are used are lithium-titanium. The test took place on the frozen lake Inari-Ukonjärvi (Finland), using tires of 225/40 R18 which adhesion is enhanced by attaching nails.
In the early morning weather was totally unfavorable for the test, but ultimately, the test driver, Janne Laitinen was lucky. He managed to reach an average speed of 252.09 km/h and a top speed of 260.06 km/h. Unfortunately, the performance could not be put on Guinness World Records, because there is no category for this time of trial.
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Land Rover at New York 2012
Land Rover takes advantage of Auto Show from New York to celebrate his 25 years on the U.S. market and the general public on that occasion present a concept called DC100 Expedition and one special edition Discovery and for Range Rover Sport.
DC100 Expedition is almost identical with DC100 concept presented at Frankfurt Motor Show from 2011. The only differences are that the Expedition is also a snorkel, roof rack and a crane. In addition, it has sonar, with which measures water depth to traverse. It seems that Land Rover wants to test in this way bringing a similar model with Land Rover Defender from the U.S. market.
On two special editions Range Rover should be noted that they were subject only to changes in design. The first special edition, called Range Rover Supercharged Limited Edition, stands out through the body and red brake calipers the same color.
Inside, this version draws attention with huge leather chairs and sound system of 825-watt Harman Kordon. This model will be produced in only 500 copies will be available only in the United States. The second version, called LR4 HSE Luxury Limited Edition, corresponding European Discovery. This provides an improved exterior view, because alloy wheels 20-inch and chrome.
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A Gift for Fernando Alonso â€" Ferrari FF
Life of a F1 driver is a bizarre combination of stress, years sacrificed to becoming the best, emotional victories and attractive rewards. Fernando Alonso, Spanish pilot for Ferrari Scuderia, is not an exception.
After winning the Malaysian Grand Prix, Alonso was called at Ferrari headquarters for a discussion with Luca di Montezemolo. After his success was celebrated as it should, and when reward came. Fernando Alonso became the owner of a newly Ferrari FF.
We not have any doubt about the pilot’s ability to restrain the 660 bhp of the car, and that, not only because the Spaniard has an extensive experience on the track, but for many other reasons. What would they be? Well, Ferrari 458 Italy, Maserati GranCabrio, Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, ie all cars received by the pilot over the time.
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Renault Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7 Edition
From the beginning we mention the negative side of this new special edition of Renault Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7: we speak of a strictly limited edition for France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium and Austria.
The price of new special editions amounts in France, at the sum of 27,900 euro, 4,000 euro extra to a normal Clio RS. For the additional money you’ll receive the matte black body paint, contrasting yellow details (such as mirror housings, “mustache” from the front grille and rear diffuser, roof style with racing flag or badge on the door’s , which evokes the F1 team.
Also, Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7 has the right of a set of 18-inch wheels, shod with Bridgestone RE050A performance tires, same for the Megane RS. In addition, the brake calipers are painted red, and inside the car is equipped with Recaro seats, but with a RS Monitor, while the wheel is garnished with yellow stitching sports.
Otherwise, the technically Renault Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7 not suffer other changes, the aspirated 2.0-liter engine developing 200 hp. It is not known yet how many units will be built this special edition, but the French hoped that the little hot hatch to stir among fans of Formula 1 team.
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Vauxhall Announced Three New Transmissions
During the speech at Geneva Motor Show, Karl-Fredrich Stracke, Opel’s chairman, announced in the near future emergence of three new gearboxes. Although the premium boxes with double-clutch gearbox are no longer a novelty, GM has this technology available on any model.
Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Opel’s chairman, hinted during Geneva Motor Show, that in the near future will install a double-clutch transmission with seven gears on a model from GM group, without specifying the brand or model (probably Vauxhall Insignia). In addition to new double-clutch transmission, General Motors will launch two gearboxes: manual with six reports and for the upper class models, an eight-speed automatic.
Stracke said that the Vauxhall Insignia has been proved that can be produced a luxury car, but they need a new model to introduce in premium segment and to remain there. He said that the alliance with SAP, which is now confined to developing a common platform, would involve the exchange of technology for the development of three transmissions.
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