Land Rover to Debut New 9-Speed ZF Automatic Transmission in Geneva

Land Rover will be displaying a new 9-speed automatic transmission for use on its passenger cars and SUVs at next week's Geneva International Auto Show. The new ZF 9HP gearbox was developed by transmission specialist ZF with Land Rover being a lead partner in the project – or so the British company says.

Specifically designed for transverse applications, the ZF unit is rather compact in dimensions, as despite sporting three more gears, it is only 6mm (0.23 inches) longer and actually weighs 7.5kg (16.5 pounds) less than the outgoing six-speed transmission it will replace.

According to the British carmaker, increasing the number of gear ratios from six to nine provides significant improvement in fuel consumption and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions, while the smaller ratio steps help improve response during acceleration, shift quality, drive and refinement.

Furthermore, the lowest ratio in the new 9HP is far lower than the existing 6sp transmission, with the company stating that it is specifically designed for "off-road use, towing and more extreme on-road conditions like gradients and altitude, giving the driver a heightened sense of control".

Another special feature of the ZF 9HP is the adaptive shifting system that allows the software to learn from the driver's techniques "within seconds, sharpening up during brisk driving then slipping seamlessly into a more economical regime just as quickly when taking a more relaxed approach," according to Land Rover.

“We are extremely excited about the 9HP which has been tailored exactly to dovetail with the unique attributes of our vehicles,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director. “It will add another layer of performance, refinement and efficiency, further enhancing Land Rover’s world class abilities.”

Further details about the ZF 9HP's availability will be announced during Land Rover's Geneva Motor Show presentation.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Lancia Delta Also Gets New "S by MOMODESIGN" Edition

Five years after the latest iteration of the Lancia Delta broke cover at the Geneva International Auto Salon, the Italian hatchback is returning to the Swiss show with a new special edition model named "S by MOMODESIGN".

Just like the Ypsilon S by MOMODESIGN that will also premiere in Geneva, the Delta has been lightly customized by Italian designer, manufacturer, and retailer of motorcycle clothing and accessories, MOMODESIGN.

On this model, the side skirts and bumpers are finished in the same shade as the body, while you will also find Ecochrome finishes, smoked headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tail pipes (or so Lancia claims because we can't see them in the pictures…) and a gloss black tailgate.

Color options include two brand new finishes named metallic Anthracite Grey and the two-tone Anthracite Grey and Eclipse Black, along with three more choices, Zenith White, Magma Black and the Zenith White/Eclipse Black two-tone.

Lancia tells us that the interior of the car is enhanced with a gloss black center console, Ecochrome inserts, yellow tachometer and specific seats in leather and ballistic fabric.

For the special edition Delta's motivation, buyers can choose from the following powerplants: 120PS 1.6-liter MultiJet diesel, 120PS 1.4-liter TurboJet LPG/Gasoline, 190PS 1.9-liter Twinturbo MultiJet diesel and 120PS 1.4-liter TurboJet petrol unit.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Audi builds 5-millionth vehicle with Quattro

Quattro, the trademark name Audi has put on its all-wheel-drive system engineered for passenger vehicles, recently celebrated its five-millionth installation. The driveline has been offered in more than 140 different vehicles since its introduction more than three decades ago.

The all-wheel-drive technology made its world debut at the 1980 International Geneva Motor Show, beneath the floorpan of the Quattro Coupé, a low-volume two-door. It didn't take consumers long to embrace Audi's innovative approach. While most four-wheel-drive systems at that time utilized heavy transfer cases or second cardan shafts, Quattro was virtually tension-free, light, compact and efficient. Most importantly, enthusiasts found it was especially suitable for sports cars.

Today, the automaker offers Quattro on its full line of passenger vehicles and it is unquestionably successful (the technology enjoyed a 43 percent take rate in 2012). On models with transverse-mounted engines (A3 and TT), Audi uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuator. Under normal conditions, the clutch sends power almost exclusively to the front wheels (if wheel slippage occurs, up to 100 percent of the torque may be sent to the rear). Vehicles with engines mounted longitudinally (A4, A5, Q5, etc...) use a self-locking center differential sending 40 percent of the engine torque to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear under normal conditions (it is able to send the majority of the power to the axle with better traction when needed). The highest-performing Quattro systems use torque vectoring to further improve cornering grip and speeds.

Articles Source : Autoblog

Abarth To Show Four New "Fuori Serie" Creations In Geneva

Fiat, like MINI, knows that that buyers of its 500 Abarth models want to personalize their rides. Unlike MINI, which specializes in primarily cosmetic changes, Abarth has launched a program that gives customers an even broader-scope upgrade and customization path.

Introduced at last September’s Paris Auto Show, Fiat’s “Fuori Serie” customization service for 500 Abarth models allows customers to consult with Abarth’s designers and engineers to create one-of-a-kind hot hatch. From unique trim through custom graphics and interior upgrades, Fuori Serie changes are limited primarily by the shopper’s budget.

To demonstrate the intent behind the program, Fiat showed a Fuori Serie Abarth 500 in Paris that was influenced by the Fiat Abarth 131 Mirafiori ‘Olio Fiat’ rally car from the 1970s. In addition to its blue-with-yellow graphics, the car received a custom suspension, Brembo brakes and engine upgrades to boost output to 180-horsepower.

At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Abarth will again show off its Fuori Serie program with offerings in both the “New Heritage” collection, which pays tribute to the history of Abarth racing, and the “New Wave” collection, with a nod towards the latest design trends

Representing the New Heritage collection will be the Abarth 695 “Record,” based on the Abarth 750 Record Bertone, and the Abarth 695 “Scorpione,” based on the A112 and 124 Abarth.

The Fuori Serie New Wave models will be depicted by the Abarth 695 “Hype,” aimed at younger buyers who favor cutting-edge trends, while the Abarth 695 “Black Diamond” is targeted to buyers seeking a bit more refinement and style.

All Fuori Serie cars, however, begin with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine tuned to produce 180 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and bolted to a paddle-shifted automated manual transmission.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut design, while the rear is a torsion beam setup with unique calibration and an anti-roll bar. Dampers are adjustable units from Koni, and front brakes are from Brembo.

There’s still no word on whether or not the Fuori Serie service will be offered in the United States, but our instincts say it isn’t likely. The 500 Abarth is selling well enough on its own, and we imagine the Fuori Serie customization would price the Abarth beyond a point American buyers are comfortable with. 

Articles Source : Motorauthority

2014 McLaren P1

McLaren Automotive has released the final numbers, images and information relating to its phenomenal McLaren P1™ ahead of a global reveal at the 83rd International Geneva Motor Show.

2014 McLaren P1

2014 McLaren P1

2014 McLaren P1

2014 McLaren P1

2014 McLaren P1

The race-inspired Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) gives the McLaren P1™ astonishing performance. Zero to 100km/h will take less than 3 seconds, zero to 200 km/h under 7 seconds, and zero to 300 km/h will be achieved in no more than 17 seconds. Putting that into perspective, that's 5 seconds faster than the legendary McLaren F1 road car. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h.

McLaren has been engaging with potential customers actively in the last few months to get their views on the McLaren P1™, about the car's styling. Their unanimous verdict on the styling was not to change the car presented last September in Paris. So unusually, the McLaren P1™ has translated to production form with very little change. In fact just one, the addition of LTR ducts ahead of each of the front wheels to further aid cooling and optimise downforce.

McLaren has closely monitored demand so as to maintain exclusivity, and announced a production number of just 375 units - a figure that will ensure the McLaren P1™ will remain a rarity and, if spotted on the road, an unforgettable sight.

McLaren has also announced that the car will cost from £866,000 on the road with a specification that fully equips the car for both road and track use. The company prides itself on designing performance cars that their owners can use regularly so the McLaren P1™ comes comprehensively equipped as standard with an array of colour and trim alternatives from which the customer will be able to choose as well as visible carbon fibre in the cabin. The options list is limited to only bespoke content that a customer might wish to add through McLaren Special Operations, and fitted luggage.

As already announced, the McLaren P1™ will have the combined force of two highly-efficient powerplants, offering the optimum mix of superb throttle response, day-to-day drivability and top speed. A mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine is substantially enhanced featuring, for example, larger turbochargers and a highly effective electric motor, to give a combined output of 916PS (903 bhp) and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm. This ensures instantaneous throttle response through the rev range, more akin to a naturally aspirated engine. Emissions of less than 200g/km on the combined cycle are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode, while the Formula 1-derived DRS and IPAS technologies offer an increase in straight-line speed and an instant boost of power.

The tyres fitted to the McLaren P1™ are specially developed P Zero Corsas, which have been developed with McLaren's technology partner, Pirelli. The team at Pirelli has been involved throughout the entire development programme, and this has seen the tyre testing phase integrated into the schedule, as a key performance component. The final compound and construction has been developed and optimised during testing, and the end result is a tyre that is finely tuned specifically to the performance and handling characteristics.

To rein in the power produced by the twin powerplants, the McLaren P1™ is designed to offer braking performance more associated with a GT3 or sports racing car. Developed by McLaren's Formula 1 partner Akebono, the system features a new type of carbon ceramic disc, which has previously seen service in space, but never before used on a road car. Stronger than conventional carbon ceramic, the material dissipates heat more effectively, giving the highly efficient braking system exceptional stopping and cooling capability. The system also boasts significantly reduced weight, and a bespoke ceramic layer coats both friction surfaces to give an attractive mirrored finish.

One surprising feature is that the car can also be driven solely in electric mode. In city driving, with an average speed of 30 mph, this could mean up to a 20km range. More than enough for an owner to enter, for example, a city centre Zero Emissions Zone, have dinner and return home.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

Nismo Announcement, 50 Years Of Porsche 911, Mercedes CLA45 AMG: Today's Car News

There's a whole lot of excitement brewing over the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but that's not all that's happening in the luxury and performance car universe.

Nissan's high-performance Nismo brand is planning a big announcement soon, but what, exactly, it will entail is still unknown--though it's possible Nismo may become its own performance brand like Mercedes' AMG or BMW's M Division.

Porsche will continue its celebration of the half-century mark for its iconic 911 sports car at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, with everything from classic Porsche race and road cars to the festival's annual featured sculpture.

We also got our first (semi-) official look at the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG. With its dashing looks, all-wheel drive, and a monstrous turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the CLA45 AMG is on our must-drive list this year.

You'll find all of this and more in today's car news headlines from around the High Gear Media network right here at Motor Authority.

Articles Source : motorauthority

Lightly Restyled 2013 Citroen C3 Hatch Heads to Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva motor show will mark the world debut of the restyled C3, if you believe Citroën, or European debut if you take into consideration the updated C3 presented in Brazil last summer.

On the outside, the European C3 gains the same suit of cosmetic upgrades as the Brazilian model including a new fascia with a double chevron grille and bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights, plus new tail light clusters combined with new reflectors set underneath the rear bumper. An available new Ink blue body paint completes the exterior revisions.

Stepping into the interior, there are new dashboard strips in matt black, brown or Moondust grey, which match the updated upholstery.

Citroën is also enhancing the C3's range with a new pair of PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engines with a 1.0 or 1.2-liter displacement and outputs of 67hp (68PS) and 81hp (82PS) respectively, borrowed from the new Peugeot 208.

The VTi 68 and VTi 82 PureTech engines return a fuel economy between 62.8 and 65.7mpg UK (4.5lt – 4.3lt/100km), and CO2 emissions between 99 and 104g/km.

A VTi 120 (118hp) petrol engine is also available with a manual or automatic gearbox, as are four diesel units, the HDi 70, e-HDi 70, HDi 90 and e-HDi 115.

European sales will begin after the Geneva Auto Salon, with the C3 facelift to arrive in the UK this summer.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Volkswagen Unveils Production 0.9lt/100km or 261MPG XL1 Plug-in Hybrid

As promised, Volkswagen has taken the super-frugal XL1 from concept car to production model, with its world premiere to take place at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The radical two-seater model is dubbed the most fuel-efficient production car in the world returning an amazingly low fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km, which is the equivalent of 261 mpg US and 313mpg UK, with CO2 emission of just 21g/km. As with other European plug-in hybrid models, these value includes the constant use of the electric motor.

So, how does the XL1 achieve such an impressive fuel economy? For starters, there's the plug-in hybrid powertrain that comprises a 0.8-liter two-cylinder TDI diesel engine rated at 47hp (48PS), an electric motor delivering 20kW (27HP or 27PS), a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission and a lithium-ion battery.

Then we have its compact dimensions at 3,888 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and just 1,153 mm tall, its super slippery body made in part from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) with a Cd rating of just 0.189 (the latest Prius has a Cd of 0.25), and its lightweight construction with a kerb weight of only 795 kg or 1,753 pounds.

VW claims the XL1 can hit a restricted top speed of 160 km/h (100mph) and accelerate to 100 km/h (62mph) in a respectful 12,7 seconds.

Unlike the tandem seating position of VW's first 1-litre concept cars presented in 2002 and in 2009, in the XL1, two occupants sit slightly offset, side by side, almost like as in a conventional vehicle.

Among other notable highlights are the XL1's gullwing-style doors, the use of cameras instead of exterior and interior mirrors projecting surroundings in LCD screens, and the ability to travel around 30 miles on a single battery charge.

Volkswagen hasn't announced pricing and availability details yet, but it is widely believed that the Germans will offer the XL1 as a lease car in limited numbers.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

Audi is working intently to electrify the drivetrain using plug-in hybrid technology. The brand with the four rings is showing the Audi A3 e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. With 150 kW (204 hp) of system power and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of system torque, sporty performance is guaranteed.

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

2013 Audi A3 e-tron Concept

The Audi A3 e-tron is a true Audi. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). According to the ECE standard for plug-in hybrid automobiles, the five-door model consumes on average just 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (156.81 US mpg), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 35 grams per km (56.33 g/mile). In electric mode, the Audi A3 e-tron reaches a top speed of 130 km/h (80.78 mph) and has a maximum range of 50 km (31.07 miles).

The combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI producing 110 kW (150 hp). A clutch links the TFSI to an electric motor with an output of 75 kW. The disc-shaped electric motor is integrated into a newly designed six-speed e-S tronic, which transfers the power to the front wheels. The two powerplants complement one another. The electric motor delivers its peak torque from start to around 2000 rpm, and the TFSI's maximum pulling power is available in a range from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.

The Audi A3 e-tron can be driven with just the combustion engine, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. Even in electric mode it offers powerful acceleration without the need to engage the TFSI. The driver can choose to have both powerplants active at the same time ("boosting"). When the driver lets up on the accelerator, they both deactivate temporarily ("gliding"). In this way motor braking torque is eliminated and efficiency increases.

At the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi A3 e-tron will provide a realistic glimpse into the future of mobility as Audi is planning it. The electrification of the drivetrain, above all using plug-in technology, plays a deciding role in the strategy of the brand.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley establishes a new luxury performance sedan benchmark with the launch of the new Flying Spur. With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Bentley Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further. Bentley's most powerful four-door model ever makes its global debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley's styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provides high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley's renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, comments: "Bentley's new Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury performance sedan. Our engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Flying Spur is the perfect combination of power, comfort, refinement and hand-crafted quality. Fitted with the very latest technology, the new Flying Spur is equipped both for business and relaxation whilst remaining a car to enjoy from behind the wheel."

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Engine: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
• Max Power: 616 bhp / 460 kW / 625 PS @6000 rev/min
• Max Torque: 800 Nm / 590 lb.ft @ 2000 rev/min
• Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift
• Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
• Ratios: 1st : 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.1; 4th: 1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.839; 8th: 0.667
• Final Drive: 2.85
• Brakes

                *Front: 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

                *Rear: 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

• Wheels: New 19" (2 finishes), opt 9.5J x 20", opt 9.5J x 21" (3 designs)
• Tyres: 275/45 ZR19, 275/40 ZR20, 275/35 ZR21
• Steering: Rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
• Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
• Turning circle: 11.7 m / 38.4 feet
• Suspension

         *Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar

          *Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll bar

• Damping: Continuous Damping Control
• Dimensions

            *Wheelbase: 3065 mm / 120.7 in

            *Overall length: 5295 mm / 208.5 in

            *Width (across body): 1976 mm / 77.8 in

            *Width (inc. mirrors): 2208 mm / 86.9 in

            *Overall height: 1488 mm / 58.6 in

            *Fuel tank: 90 litres / 20 UK gallons / 24 US gallons

            *Boot volume: 475 litres / 16.8 cu ft

            *Kerb weight (EU): 2475 kg / 5451 lb

            *Gross vehicle weight: 2972 kg / 6546 lb

• Performance

            *Top speed: 200 mph / 322 km/h

            *0-60 mph: 4.3 secs

            *0-100 mph: 9.5 secs

            *0-100 km/h: 4.6 secs

            *0-160 km/h: 9.5 secs

• Fuel Consumption (EU cycle)

            *Urban: 12.6 mpg (22.4 litres/100 km)

            *Extra Urban: 27.8 mpg (10.2 litres/100 km)

            *Combined: 19.2 mpg (14.7 litres/100 km)

            *CO2 emissions: 343 g/km

• Fuel Consumption (EPA cycle)

            *City: 12 US mpg

            *Highway: 20 US mpg

            *Combined: 15 US mpg

            *Emissions Controls: EU 5 and US LEV II

Articles Source : Netcarshow

New Bentley Flying Spur Bows Ahead of the Geneva Motor Show

The 2014 Bentley Flying Spur. was one of two new cars we had the opportunity to show you earlier today before their official unveiling, the other one being the Audi RS Q3.

You probably noticed that we have not used the Continental moniker. That's because Bentley doesn't either, even though the car is essentially a redesign of the outgoing Continental Flying Spur and continues to be a sibling of the Continental GT coupe and Continental GTC convertible models, which have already been updated.

While it continues to use the underpinnings of the Continental Flying Spur, the new model has received a complete exterior makeover, with the only part of the car that reminds you of its roots, being the front end with the quad headlamps and cross-hair chrome grille. Then again, even the headlights have a new shape and now feature jewel-like LEDs.

The lowered roofline, the sharper and more sculpted lines on the profile and the squatted rear end with rectangular tail light clusters, give the Flying Spur an edgier and more dynamic look than the rounder Continental sedan.

It's not only about the styling, though, as changes made to the body structure with the use of lighter materials and additional weight savings throughout the car, make the Flying Spur 50 kg (110 pounds) lighter than the first generation car, despite offering "additional refinement measures, enhanced technology specification and stronger structure", as stated by Bentley.

More changes can be found in the chassis with the new Flying Spur gaining a revised suspension with softer spring rates (by 10 percent up front and 13 percent at the rear axle), anti-roll bars (13 percent at the front, 15 percent at the rear), and lever bushes all-round (softened by 25 percent on all four corners).

Working with the new springs, is a revised damper electronic control (CDC), while Bentley also developed a new power steering system, and recalibrated the multiple-mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

Moving into the cabin, Bentley states that the Flying Spur has 600 new parts, with only the sun visors, grab handles, armrests and some of the front console and controls carried over from the previous generation model. That said, the design is new, but at the same time, doesn’t stray away from what current Continental owners are used to seeing in their cars.

Bentley offers the Flying Spur in both four- and five-seat configurations, as well as with an optional Multi-Media Specification package that allows portable devices, laptops and tablet computers to connect to the internet through the car’s own Wi-Fi hotspot with an active SIM, and also includes 64 GB of internal storage capacity and two 10-inch LCD screens mounted on the seat backs.

Powering the new Flying Spur is an improved version of Bentley’s 6.0-liter, twin turbo W12 engine, developing 616hp (625PS) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft), up from 552hp (560PS) and 650Nm (479lb ft) respectively. The W12 is linked to a new 8-speed automatic transmission delivering power to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split.

According to the British luxury marque, the new Flying Spur offers a 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model, and can complete the 0-60 mph (96km/h) sprint in of 4.3 seconds and reach a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h).

A base model fitted with the VW Group's new 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 generating 500hp (507PS) and 660Nm (487 lb-ft), as well as a flagship Speed model with an uprated W12, are likely to join the lineup next year.

Articles Source : Carscoop