New Kawasaki bikes at MCN London Show

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Close to Gibraltar, the popular southern Spanish town of Malaga played host to the launch of the much anticipated Z1000SX and Z1000SX Tourer in late October.

Based on the popular Z1000 Streetfighter, the new concept is a machine which effectively bridges the gap between the naked urban concept of the Z1000 and the Supersport Ninja models by adding long distance fun yet not incorporating some of the “compromises” that many sport riders accuse conventional tourers of.

Representatives of the European media – including the UK motorcycle press – spent two days riding both variants of the machine on differing Spanish roads in a variety of conditions including what might be called “typical UK weather”…that being rain!

Day one and the group left Malaga and made their way via Monda and Coin towards the romantic hill top town of Ronda, itself a destination for many motorcycle and car launches in this popular part of Spain with manufacturers.

With darkening skies, the conditions were challenging especially as it began to rain on previously sun baked roads creating what could only be described as “limited adhesion” characteristics.

As an unplanned test of the handling and poise of the new bike, there could have been none better. Able to “feather” the throttle on the fuel injected bikes and use the gears for braking as well as the “feel” of the radial front brakes, all riders navigated unfamiliar roads with ease and praised the confidence the bikes engendered.

A photo shoot and tracking shots completed the group enjoyed slightly better weather for the run to lunch and the first chance to collect their thoughts and make notes in the comfort of the lunch stop. The general initial impression of all was that the concept – a bike that would appeal to migrants from the Supersport class and be able to tour effectively – rang true and that the design, look and feel was “integrated” in comparison to many machines on the market.

The road down the mountain from Ronda is justifiably famous among journalists and in dry conditions the chance to examine the handling of the Z1000SX and SX Tourer was grasped with both hands.

Reducing radius corners, deceptive apexes, long straights and bumpy sections were all despatched with ease, most journalists saying in complimentary terms that the bike was so accomplished that they could effectively spend the majority of their time thinking about the road conditions other than the machine beneath them – the sort of inverted compliment that only motorcyclists could understand!.

A second day including more mountain roads and a long motorway section to test the three position screen ended with a dash back to Malaga airport and flight home with no “incident or issue” with either machines or roads.

Four pages in this week’s MCN are headed “New Z1000SX fulfils its sport tour promise” while the full page article in Friday’s Daily Mirror hailed the SX and SX tourer with the headline “Trailblazing Z1000SX splices sport DNA and Tourer durability to deadly effect” – watch out for launch reports in UK motorcycle magazines and on enthusiast web sites over the coming days and weeks.

The new Z1000SX and the Z1000 SX Tourer will be at the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live event at the NEC, Birmingham later this month.





Source: Kawasaki Press Release, Youtube.

Exclusive Spy Shots: New Civic stork in Japan in 2012

Our correspondent exclusively in Japan, John Paul Vizioli, just catch the first units of vacating the premises Civic 2012 Honda at Suzuka. He said the car should be going to the U.S., since there are some units of the Fit Insight and also in their North American versions in the cart.

The New Civic 2012 will come to Brazil, but it is believed here that he will have some visual differences, becoming more like the City, seeking toconquer the more conservative buyer who is a fan of the Corolla .

Source: Noticiasautomotivas. (Language Translation in Portuguese to English) Google Translation

Audi Big Game 2011 Teaser - Startled Smart (Part 1)

Audi Big Game 2011 Teaser - Kenny G Riot Suppressor (Part 2)



Source: Youtube.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG features new design & enhanced technology.

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The successful Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG is now more attractive than ever: the modified design of the top-of-the-range C-Class model is complemented by numerous enhancements to its technology which deliver even more driving enjoyment while reducing fuel consumption significantly. The introduction of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with the "Controlled Efficiency" mode as standard along with a new power steering pump helps to reduce the combined NEDC fuel consumption by about ten percent to 12.0 l/100 km (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km). The output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is unchanged at 336 kW (457 hp) and can be increased to a maximum of 358 kW (487 hp) with the optional AMG Performance package. Agility, grip and ride comfort have been enhanced as a result of numerous measures to optimise the AMG sports suspension. New assistance systems and a new generation of telematics with internet access increase both safety and comfort.

The latest 2011 generation of the C 63 AMG is now more dynamic and athletic than ever. Thanks to its new radiator grille with a large Mercedes star and a wing-type transverse louvre, as well as a new AMG front apron with a lower cross member painted in high-gloss black, special AMG daytime running lights and side air outlets, the front section recalls the look of the SL 63 AMG high-performance roadster. The new bonnet with its modified powerdomes is now made of aluminium. New clear-lens headlamps emphasise the car's distinctive, self-confident presence, especially when the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) is also specified. The wide front wings with the "6.3 AMG" legend and the new 5 twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels which are painted in titanium grey and have a high-sheen finish dominate the side view. Good contact with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 and 255/35 R 18 tyres at front and rear respectively.1 February 2011.

The rear view of the C 63 AMG also evokes the SL 63 AMG: the new AMG rear apron has a distinctive, black diffuser insert with three pronounced diffuser fins. The two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system are as pleasing to the ear as they are to the eye.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission from the SL 63 AMG

Under the skin, too, the top C-Class model boasts a wealth of new technology including the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission - another advanced feature adopted from the SL 63 AMG. Rather than using a torque converter, this innovative transmission has a wet start-off clutch which allows it to deliver a much more efficient, agile and direct response. Fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced significantly thanks to the "Controlled Efficiency" mode and a new power steering pump: at 12.0 litres per 100 km (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km) the combined NEDC fuel consumption of the C 63 AMG is 1.4 litres (Estate: 1.3 litres) lower than that of the predecessor model; this represents a reduction in fuel consumption of some ten percent. The CO2 emissions figure is now 280 (Estate: 288) grams per kilometre. Both power variants have identical fuel consumption and emission figures.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission impresses with its exceptional flexibility: with four driving modes as well as double-declutching and RACE START functions it is as compatible with a relaxed, fuel-saving driving style as it is with high-speed laps on a closed racing circuit and extremely dynamic overtaking manoeuvres. The Controlled Efficiency "C" mode is programmed to provide early, comfortable upshifts while maintaining the lowest possible engine speed to help the driver keep fuel consumption down. The "S", "S+" and "M" modes deliver increased agility through fast, responsive gear changes and higher revs. Gear changes in the "S+" and "M" modes take just 100 milliseconds.

The naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with its large displacement of 6208 cc develops 336 kW (457 hp) at 6800 rpm and attains a peak torque of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm. A look at the performance figures confirms that the new C 63 AMG retains its predecessor's position as the top performing model in its segment: acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 4.5 seconds (Estate: 4.6 s) while the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Performance package: technology transfer from the SLS AMG

Even more dynamic performance is available with the optional AMG Performance package: this offers 358 kW (487 hp) and allows a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.4 seconds (Estate: 4.5 s). The Mercedes-AMG engine experts have achieved this increase in output thanks to a technology transfer from the SLS AMG: the forged pistons, connecting rods and the lightweight crankshaft all come from the gullwing model's engine. The reduced mass inertia of the components – which are three

kilograms lighter than those of the standard version – allows the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine to rev up with even greater ease and agility. Models equipped with the performance package can be identified by the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey under the bonnet, the AMG high-performance braking system with composite front discs and red painted brake calipers all round, the carbon-fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid (Saloon) and the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather with an Alcantara® grip area.

Key data at a glance:

C 63 AMG C 63 AMG Estate
Displacement 6208 cc 6208 cc
Bore x stroke 102.2 x 94.6 mm 102.2 x 94.6 mm
Compression ratio 11.3 : 1 11.3 : 1
Output 336 kW (457 hp) at 6800 rpm
358 kW (487 hp) at 6800 rpm* 336 kW (457 hp) at 6800 rpm
358 kW (487 hp) at 6800 rpm*
Max. torque 600 Nm at 5000 rpm 600 Nm at 5000 rpm
Engine weight (dry) 196 kg 196 kg
Fuel consumption NEDC combined 12.0 l/100 km 12.3 l/100 km
CO2 emissions 280 g/km 288 g/km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h 4.5 s 4.4 s* 4.6 s 4.5 s*
Top speed** 250 km/h** 250 km/h**

* with AMG Performance package; ** electronically limited

Optimised suspension, new steering system reduces fuel consumption

The AMG sports suspension with a special front axle, reinforced rear axle and wider track all round has undergone thorough modification; the driver benefits from this in two ways as the C 63 AMG now offers greater driving enjoyment and ride comfort at all times. The new, stiffer elastokinematics, the revised axle kinematics with more negative camber all round and the new rear-axle anti-roll bar with a larger cross-section result in higher agility and greater lateral acceleration. But driving dynamics is not the only area in which progress has been made: new spring and damper rates have optimised both the responsiveness of the suspension as well as the road roar and tyre vibration characteristics.

The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with a direct ratio (13.5 : 1) has a newly developed power-steering pump which plays a decisive role in reducing the fuel consumption. This is because the power assistance for the steering only requires energy when the driver is actually making steering movements. Reliable deceleration at all times is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated discs all round.

Interior: high quality and perceived value

Even a quick glance at the interior of the C 63 AMG reveals the considerable progress which has been made: the completely new dashboard design with an integrated screen impresses with its particularly attractive appearance and the superior quality of the details which immediately bring the new CLS 63 AMG to mind. The quality look and feel meet the highest standards. The new, all-colour, three-dimensional TFT display in the middle of the redesigned speedometer welcomes the driver by showing the AMG logo. The new three-spoke AMG performance steering wheel - another feature adopted from the CLS 63 AMG – which is trimmed in nappa leather and features a metallic trim element has flattened top and bottom sections as well as grip areas which are specially shaped and trimmed in perforated leather for perfect steering control. Aluminium shift paddles allow manual gear selection.

Fine trim elements in brushed dark aluminium are to be found on the dashboard and doors. Situated in the centre console, which is enhanced with high-gloss black piano lacquer trim elements, is the new rotary control for selecting the transmission modes C, S, S+, M and RACE START. The special AMG sports seats with integral head restraints and adaptive backrests are available from launch with combined ARTICO/DINAMICA black upholstery. DINAMICA is a new type of breathable man-made fibre which is pleasant to the touch and is characterised by low emissions and a high degree of lightfastness. The side bolsters of the AMG sports seats are covered in ARTICO while the centre panels of the seat cushions are also upholstered with DINAMICA.

Available as an option, designo leather appointments give the interior of the C 63 AMG a particularly exclusive character: four single colours and three two-tone combinations are available. As a further option, these can be complemented with "extended black designo leather appointments" for the top section of the dashboard and the upper section of the door linings.

Other attractive optional appointments are also exclusively available for the C 63 AMG from the AMG Performance Studio:
AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres
AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in matt black with a high-gloss finish on the rim flange, with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres
AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package
AMG rear axle differential lock
AMG trim elements in carbon fibre/high-gloss black piano lacquer
Illuminated AMG door sill panels
AMG velour floor mats

Eleven new driving assistance systems already established in the S-Class and CLS

The C 63 AMG features eleven new driving assistance systems which are already established in the S-Class flagship range and the trend-setting CLS. These assistance systems use the latest radar, camera and sensor technology and are designed to combat common causes of accidents, such as insufficient distance to the vehicle ahead, drowsiness and darkness. They raise the safety standard of the C-Class to a new level by warning the driver of a hazard, or, if necessary, taking active corrective measures.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Active Blind Spot Assist
ATTENTION ASSIST
DISTRONIC PLUS
Speed Limit Assist
PARKTRONIC including parking guidance
PRE-SAFE® Brake
Reversing camera
Lane Keeping Assist
Blind Spot Assist

New generation of telematics is the first to feature internet access

The C-Class sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be gradually introduced in other model series. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, telephone directory transfer via Bluetooth®, wireless music reproduction and a USB interface in the centre console.

The top-of-the-range COMAND Online system now provides internet access for the first time. When the car is stationary the customer can browse freely or surf to a Mercedes-Benz Online service whose pages load particularly rapidly. The integrated services include weather information and a local search function as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google maps and sent to the car. The navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with virtual city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be entered and stored and three alternative routes can be displayed on the screen - one of them a particularly economical variant.

As a first in the C-Class, the Becker MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level Audio 20 radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the COMAND Controller and the Audio 20 display.

C 63 AMG – fast-track to best-seller status

Launched in summer 2007, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG rapidly established itself as a real best-seller in the AMG model range. Customers all over the world appreciated this unique combination of a powerful and torquey naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine, a distinctive sound, an agile sports suspension and expressive design. Over the past three and a half years more than 17,000 AMG enthusiasts have chosen the C 63 AMG, 88 percent of them opting for the Saloon (Estate: 12 percent). The AMG Performance package, which has been available since autumn 2009, is proving particularly popular: over 30 percent of all the C 63 AMG models delivered in 2010 were specified with this attractive option.
The new C 63 AMG is available as a Saloon and as an Estate; the market launch starts in July 2011. All prices at a glance (incl. 19 % VAT):
C 63 AMG Saloon:€ 71,340.50
C 63 AMG Estate:€ 73,899.00
AMG Performance package:€ 7166.20 / € 6471.70 Euro (Saloon / Estate)

Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release.

Porsche Boxster S Black Edition

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The Porsche Boxster S Black Edition combines the timeless appeal of the classic open-roofed roadster with a powerful engine and dramatic styling. Just 987 will be available worldwide, each one finished in black and with a range of special features that accentuate the driving dynamics and muscular appearance of the two-seater sportscar.

As is typical of a Porsche sportscar, at the heart of the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition beats a flat-six 'boxer' engine. Mounted in front of the rear axle behind the seats, the 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine is similar to that fitted to the Boxster S, with direct fuel injection for greater power and efficiency. In the Black Edition its output is 320 hp - 10 hp more than in the Boxster S. The revised engine reaches its rated power at 7,200 rpm, the Boxster S power pack at 6,400 rpm. Peak torque of 370 Nm - boosted by 10 Newton metres - is available at 4,750 rpm.

This increase in output and power equals more dynamics, and the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition underpins its leading position with a superior driving performance. With its standard six-speed manual transmission, it accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Boxster S. This extra performance has not been achieved at the expense of fuel economy, however, for the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition contents itself with as much fuel as the Boxster S: 28.8 mpg Combined (NEDC).

As a consequence of the low centre of gravity provided by the flat-six engine, the Boxster chassis delivers an impressive level of agility. A decisive contribution to the enhanced driving dynamics of the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition is the particularly lightweight ten-spoke design alloy wheels, previously fitted to the Boxster Spyder, and which save 5kg overall. These are fitted with 235/35 ZR 19 tyres on the front axle and 265/35 ZR 19 on the rear.

When fitted with the seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch gearbox, dynamics and efficiency are raised even further. This shortens acceleration times from 0-62 mph to 5.1 seconds, and in combination with the Sports Chrono Package Plus with launch control this can be lowered further still to 4.9 seconds. In comparison with the manual transmission, the intelligent gear shifting strategy of PDK lowers fuel consumption to 30 mpg Combined (NEDC) and, more significantly, reduces the CO2 emissions to 221 g/km; placing the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition in vehicle excise duty Band K.

The colour concept of the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition is consistent in every detail. The model lettering painted in black on the rear luggage compartment lid identifies the Black Edition as much as the embossed Black Edition model designation on the side of the fabric hood. The roll-over bars are painted in black, together with the rear side air intake grilles and the twin tailpipe of the exhaust system.

The black theme of the exterior is continued inside. The stainless steel door entry guards feature the "Black Edition" model lettering in black. The standard, three-spoke Sport Design steering wheel has a black leather rim. The trim strips of the dashboard and of the gear shift lever or PDK selector are painted in black. The dials on the instrument cluster are black, as are the partial leather seats with the Porsche emblem embossed in the headrests. A bespoke badge on the glove compartment lid further identifies each Black Edition.

Comfort and convenience is also enhanced for the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition with standard features including anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, cruise control and a climate control system. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including satellite navigation module is also standard. In addition, the universal audio interface offering MP3 player compatibility and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation are also standard. The Sound Package Plus creates an impressive audio experience, and standard Bi-Xenon headlamps with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights ensure safety on dark roads.

Upon request, the Porsche Boxster S Black Edition can be individualised even further with other options. For example, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is an option as well as the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the adaptive sports seats with memory function.

The Porsche Boxster S Black Edition goes on sale in the UK and Ireland from March 2011 and is priced from £47,426. Included in the purchase price is the invitation for customers to explore the dynamic attributes of their Boxster and develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone.

Source: Porsche Press Release.

NOBLE M600

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The ethos of the Noble M600 has developed from a small team passionate about driving. This evolved from our research of the available "supercars" most of which lean heavily on computer assistance. The use of fashionable but often inefficient gear paddle shift, over assisted brakes and inopportune traction control have all become standard features of the modern day supercar.

We at Noble Automotive thought it time to break the mould, feeling that this now ubiquitous "digital" driver assistance disengages and negates the driver experience and reward. We have experienced, when turning off these devices, that computer generated support can often cosmetically mask and flatter inferior chassis and handling characteristics. We decided that with the introduction the M600 it was time to "get back to basics," to concentrate on the more "analogue" qualities of design by utilizing a principle of pure engineering integrity from the chassis up, putting the driver back in control.

The philosophy behind this radical and refreshing premise is best summed by Peter Dyson, owner of Noble Automotive Limited:

"Noble is a labour of love, of no compromises and of challenges fought. The car speaks for itself, and absolutely reflects what the Team and I envision a true driver's car should be. It is no question uniquely "out of sync" in today's world, one overrun with cars that cannot make up their minds as to whether they want to be a car that rewards or a car that gives hollow praise by electronically "covering" the errors.

Designed and engineered with a purity that rewards driver skill, the M600 is neither dictated to nor hindered by unnecessary computer assistance. It puts you back in the driving seat.

Put simply the Noble M600 is for those of us who love to drive....

Development

We have heard that there is some stiff competition out there, and although Noble Automotive is a low volume motor manufacturer, we do pride ourselves on our individuality, attention to detail and engineering excellence.

The development of the M600 has been an incredibly intense and rewarding journey, a journey in its literal sense, we shipped the development prototype to the USA.

Crossing the continent from East to West we experienced the most dramatic and demanding of climates and terrains in order to prove and test the efficacy and engineering of the M600. In company, for comparative purposes, with a Porsche Carrera GT and, for some of the journey, a Ferrari Enzo. We drove from Chicago westwards; the journey included every type of environment, from the incredibly hot Death Valley in California to the mountains and snow of Utah, from the infamous Pikes Peak to the Bonneville Salt Flats, and finally, to a hot and dusty race track in Phoenix Arizona where the M600 was tested and evaluated against some of the fastest and most respected supercars in the world.

Nearer to home, in the UK we completed a full wind tunnel aero program. Climactic wind tunnel testing and durability program. Acoustic noise, vibration and harshness testing. Four post rig for damper and suspension tuning and thousands of miles of both road and track testing.

Design

Design is of course subjective, beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder. However there are certain design absolutes, particularly when creating a supercar featuring such massive power and performance, which dictate, in order to have full aerodynamic and cooling efficiency certain design criteria must be met.

It is our belief that form should always follow function, there is much in the philosophy "if it looks right it probably is right."

Utilizing extensive wind tunnel testing we have strived to maintain the form to be as minimalist as possible whilst providing the ultimate aerodynamic and cooling efficiency. Nothing is cosmetic: every element of the shape and design is intrinsic to the effectiveness of the performance.

We feel that the "purity" of design gives the M600 an understated purposeful gravitas that stands out in the crowd.

What lies beneath...

Noble Automotive take great pride in our reputation for the excellent ride and handling of our performance cars. We firmly believe that the chassis is the fundamental foundation of any performance car. This is particularly the case with cars which do not feature a great deal of computer technology. Computer assistance can often mask deficits in the chassis design and it is not until these electronic driver aids are turned off that the flaws are revealed.

There is no engineering logic which dictates that precise and effective handling should be to the detriment of comfort and ride quality. We believe that an effectively designed and engineered chassis should be able to combine both high speed availability and driver comfort. Our engineering, based on a "back to basics" ethos, devotes a huge amount of time and resources in ensuring that the chassis is as efficient and effective as possible. This is ably demonstrated by the M600, the high speed handling is superb and the ride is both comfortable and smooth.

The chassis built by hand for both safety and efficiency features:

• Stainless steel and aluminum tub construction with an integral safety cell
• High "H" point sill sections for side impact protection
• Rear crash structure
• Front boot carbon composite

Safety

The M600 has a massive 650 hp available, this amount of power, or indeed the power delivery, is not always either appropriate or required, however with the Adaptable Performance Control function you can select the power output to reflect both the location and suitable driving conditions.

The M600 features three APC settings, the chosen setting is displayed on both the APC dial and the dashboard display. The APC adjusts not the just the power output but also tailors the boost curve, traction and throttle response relative to the selected mode.

Source: Noble Press Release.