The Ferrari FF is a whole new interpretation of the sporty Grand Tourer concept. It is not only the very first four-wheel drive Ferrari but, more significantly, hails a major break with the past by reconciling extreme performance with the usability and versatility of an authentic GT and a highly innovative design.
The Ferrari FF features innovations throughout, starting with the fact that it is fitted with Ferrari's first direct injection V12 which and is the first V12 coupled with the seven-speed Dual Clutch gearbox. The new engine punches out 660 hp at 8,000 rpm and delivers maximum torque of 683 Nm at 6,000 rpm, 500 Nm of which are available at 1,000 rpm. The Ferrari FF boasts the blistering performance of an extreme sports car too: 0-100 kmh acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 kmh. It also delivers excellent results in terms of efficiency with fuel consumption cut to just 15.4 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions to 360 g/km, a 25% reduction on the previous V12s. These achievements come in part thanks to the HELE (High Emotions-Low Emissions) system which also incorporates Stop&Start technology.
The Ferrari FF also guarantees this exceptional performance on terrain with very low grip coefficients, thanks to Ferrari's own patented 4RM four-wheel drive system. Torque is still delivered by the rear wheels, but the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) ensures that as much as is required is also transferred to the front wheels when necessary on low grip surfaces. The Ferrari FF intelligently distributes torque to each of the four wheels individually, thanks to the fact that all of the dynamic vehicle controls (E-Diff, F1-Trac and PTU) have been integrated into a single CPU.
FERRARI FF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Type: 65° V12
Total displacement: 6262 cc
Bore/stroke: 94 mm x 75,2 mm
Maximum power: 660 CV @ 8000 rpm
Maximum torque: 683 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Specific power: 77 kW/litre - 105 CV/litre
Maximum revs: 8000 rpm
Compression ratio: 12,3:1
Dimensions and weight
Length: 4907 mm
Width: 1953 mm
Height: 1379 mm
Wheelbase: 2990 mm
Front track: 1676 mm
Rear track: 1660 mm
Dry weight: 1790 kg
Kerb weight: 1880 kg
Weight distribution: 47% front, 53% rear
Boot volume: 450 litres
Fuel tank capacity: 91 litres
Wheels and tyres
Front: 245/35 ZR 20 8,5 J x 20"
Rear: 295/35 ZR 20 10,5 J x 20"
Rear (winter tyres): 285/35 ZR20 10,5 J x 20"
Brakes
Front: 398 mm x 38 mm
Wheel: 360 mm x 32 mm
Transmission and gearbox
4RM (four-wheel drive) and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Electronic controls
4RM control (full integration of all controls: F1-Trac, E-Diff and PTU); ABS/EBD; ESC
Suspension
SCM3
Performance
Top speed: 335 km/h
0-100 km/h: 3,7 sec
0-200 km/h: 11 sec
100-0 km/h: 35 m
Weight/power ratio: 2,7 kg/CV
Consumption and emissions (ECE + EUDC combined cycle)
Suzuki Motor Corporation is exhibiting a new concept car named the Suzuki Swift S Concept at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show.
The car is being positioned as a sporty and aggressive coming-of-age model from the Japanese automaker’s Swift model. Judging from the teaser photos Suzuki released, the S-Concept does have some aesthetic attitude to it, especially with the feline-looking front fascia and the presence of what appears to be a rear roof spoiler
Exterior and Interior
The Swift S-Concept has dimensions of 3.89 meters long, 1.755 meters wide, 1.475 meters high, with a wheelbase of 2.43 meters and a special ’Lightning Pearl Yellow’ paint finish that was specifically used for the Geneva Motor Show. Unlike the standard Swift, the S-Concept rides lower and is 60 mm wider than the base model. To make it look sporty and aggressive, Swift gave the S-Concept some aerodynamic upgrades, including new front and rear bumpers, remodeled headlights and rear lights with high-tech accents, a huge rear spoiler at the rear, and a set of 18" wheels to complete the exterior set-up. Over at the interior, the modifications continue with a set of two-tone bucket seats, redesigned meter clusters, a sporty steering wheel, and carbon fiber trims on the car’s center console, giving the Swift S-Concept a touch of luxury to go with the sporty package.
Performance
The Swift S-Concept is powered by Suzuki’s very own 1.6-liter M16A engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Oddly enough, the Japanese automaker didn’t release the official power output of the engine, opting only to give people like us the opportunity to speculate on it. So as far as our educated guesses are concerned, we think that the S-Concept’s engine output would be similar, or at least somewhere close to what the Swift R-Concept produces, which is somewhere around 155 horsepower.
The Ferrari P4 / 5 Competition which is owned by collector James Glickenhaus was exhibited at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The car is inspired by the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and was created to bring a prototype Ferrari racing in this case in the German VLN category. The car, like the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato compete together in the park of Villa d’Este, in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in June with the crew Fabrizio Giovanardi, Luca Cappellari, Nicola Larini and Mika Salo.
The exterior of the car is painted in totally black combined with black glass element. This Ferrari race car is powered by a 4 liter engine V8Ferrari, a same engine which is implemented on the F430 Scuderia version. This engine produces 500 horses (it’s not found on Pininfarina variant that is powered by the 6-liter V12 and 660 horses). For more detail, take a look at the images below.
The Lexus LF-Gh Concept makes its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. "For this concept, Lexus designers studied characteristics that are often considered contradictory and difficult to execute together," said Kengo Matsumoto, general manager, Lexus Design Division, Toyota Motor Corporation. "The captivating design of the Lexus LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality."
Working with a clean sheet of paper, Lexus Design Division designers aimed to perfectly blend style, performance, efficiency, and environmental compatibility in a premium, grand touring sedan while trying to leverage advanced, new technologies.
The team explored how a future grand touring sedan would look standing still and on the road, and what design approaches might work to convey an extraordinary combination of attributes. They came up with a design that unites hard and soft; and energetic and soothing elements.
Through this exercise, the definition of L-Finesse, the marque's design philosophy since 2001, has been refined and evolved to include a bolder, more distinct projection of what a premium car could become in a modern world. The result is the Lexus LF-Gh concept, which conveys original thoughts and ideas that will migrate to future Lexus vehicles on a global scale.
"Customers have been waiting for a bold concept like this from Lexus," said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "We look forward to their feedback and integrating some of these exciting design features into future Lexus vehicles."
In The Grand Touring Tradition
With the LF-Gh, Lexus takes the idea of the grand touring sedan one step further. The LF-Gh was designed to be a high-performance concept capable of providing a moving driving experience, and comfortably transporting multiple occupants at higher speeds on long-distance drives. It combines a strong sense of presence and emotional appeal with functional attributes, supplying enhanced creature comforts plus the practical ability to transport personal supplies and luggage necessary for extended travel. Even while maintaining serene passenger comfort, it is a car designed to inspire and captivate the driver as hours behind the wheel accumulate.
The bold, wide stance is consistent with the goal of inspiring dynamic excellence on the road. Fundamentally, these are the proportions of an agile, responsive sedan built on an advanced rear-wheel-drive platform. The distinctive long greenhouse design provides the potential for functional passenger benefits, such as generous interior room for all four passengers, ample cargo area, and excellent forward visibility.
LED lighting hints at the range and scope of new materials, electronics and dynamic systems that endow this concept vehicle with state-of-the-art performance, driving control, and safety features. Overall, the Lexus LF-Gh's styling embodies the definition of what an authentic grand touring sedan from Lexus could be.
Dramatic and Bold, Yet Light and Agile
This newest Lexus concept brings together unique, dynamic proportions that lend to its advanced and aggressive stance. The Lexus LF-Gh Concept is based on an architecture that enables a spirited, energetic and elegant car with an uncommonly assertive presence.
Viewed from the front, design elements contributing to the assertive effect include a boldly designed spindle-shaped grille that expresses the resolute face of Lexus, contributes to radiator and brake duct function, and is an essential element in achieving excellent aerodynamic performance. Every line in the Lexus LF-Gh combines form and function.
As an example, air flows in through front inlets adjacent to the unique vertical LED fog lamps, and exits through similar slim rear outlets that follow the curve of the tail lamps from the rear quarter panel. The concept also explores the minimization of traditional features such as side mirrors and door handles to enhance the sleekness and improve aerodynamics.
The spindle-shaped grille, a powerful design element that contributes to the commanding presence of the Lexus LF-Gh Concept, also plays a role in airflow control and enhancing stability. It's a key feature that integrates distinctive style with engineering functionality without sacrifice in either discipline, and will be inherited by future Lexus models.
An athletic and strong stance is achieved through the contrast of the tapered torso and long cabin, with width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches. The form of the lower body begins from the short front overhang, and is cross cut in the middle of the rocker panel leaving the rear overhang looking light and agile.
Dynamic front fenders work to create a sense of movement, pushing down toward the ground to convey a low, crouching center of gravity. The raised hood implies ready and powerful performance potential. The rear deck has a robust, raised center deck lid that lets the air smoothly glide backward to flow gracefully into the rear fenders. Deeply sculptured dynamic twin spokes stemming from the center of the 20-inch wheels enhance an instinctive sense of driving appeal.
Lexus designers took advantage of increased width that provides an expansive canvas for distinct, wrap-around LED tail lamps. The use of distinctive tail lamps and intricately designed reflectors behind all-red lenses contribute to a strong visual presence. Judicious use of slim chrome trim elements in the bumper exhaust and integrated diffuser adds a subtle premium touch.
Unique LED headlamps and independent L-shaped LED daytime running lights assure that the Lexus face will be like no other car on the road.
A Gracious Interior
Behind dark tinted glass, hints of an all-new, future Lexus interior can be perceived. The cabin of the Lexus LF-Gh Concept is the product of a meticulous re-examination of every detail, with the aim of making an interior that is driver-oriented.
The driver's zone includes a meter panel with excellent visibility and a console with intuitive operability. An all-new analog clock with a three-dimensional face, a contemporary and exclusive timepiece suitable to a premium luxury brand, is a focal point of the interior and represents a shift in Lexus' design philosophy.
Use of genuine, high-quality materials and rich, finely honed details help create a driver and passenger space consistent with the idea of a full-fledged grand touring sedan. It is an interior designed to respond to the needs of customers who know true quality, and are particular about details.
Hybrid Propulsion
Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges located on the front grille and rear trunk lid signal an intention to provide equal measures of fuel efficiency and performance on demand. The rear valance blends sculpted exhaust tips for a very clean, finished look, minimizing the presence of the exhaust system to suggest that the flow of exhaust gas will be substantially reduced. Taken as a whole, the treatment emphasizes that this hybrid concept is designed to comply with the exceptionally low emissions requirements of the future.
The Lexus LF-Gh design supports engineering that changes current notions of power, efficiency, safety, and environmental consideration in a premium luxury car.
"Although only a concept, we hope the LF-Gh will resonate with our customers worldwide, and communicate our intention to once again advance ideas about the face of Lexus luxury in the years to come," said Matsumoto.
It gives the impression of having just emerged from the shop, freshly painted, on its way to the first rollout on the race track. The Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a one-off vehicle built to the limits of technology for breathtaking dynamics. Audi is presenting the showcar in Reifnitz, in the Austrian state of Kärnten, at the Wörtherseetour 2011. The 30th edition of this major meeting for Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW fans takes place from June 1 - 4, 2011.
The heart of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro is a classic Audi gasoline engine - a five-cylinder unit displacing 2.5 liters with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Compared with the version used in the Audi TT RS and RS3 Sportback on which it is based, the output of the TFSI has been increased dramatically to 370 kW (503 hp) and 660 Nm (486.79 lb-ft) of torque. Maximum power is available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm.
The turbocharger, intercooler, admission tract and the exhaust line have been systematically tuned for high performance. As on the Audi A4DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel.
Another area where the Audi A1 clubsport quattro shines is its overall weight of just 1,390 kilograms (3,064 lb). The powerful engine catapults the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds. From 0 to 200 km/h (124.27 mph) takes just 10.9 seconds, while the car goes from 80 to 120 km/h (49.71 to 74.56 mph) in fourth gear in just 2.4 seconds.
A six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS and enhanced, deliver the power to all four wheels. Top speed is governed at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).
The Audi showcar rolls on 255/30 low-profile tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design. Sitting behind the wheels are large, internally ventilated disc brakes. Up front, six-piston calipers grab perforated carbon fiber-ceramic discs. Large steel discs are mounted on the rear axle. The coilover suspension of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro features adjustable compression and rebound damping.
Dynamic and brawny: the exterior
Sporting a very dynamic appearance and an exquisite finish, the showcar makes no secret of its potential. The body has a Glacier White matt paint finish, with accents provided by many add-on parts. The roof arch in high-gloss black supports a roof made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the four rings at the front of the car are solid aluminum.
Large, split air intakes with carbon struts are integrated into the distinctively modified front skirt. The single-frame radiator grille sports a black honeycomb design, and the headlights feature matted clasps with a red "wing." Heat from the engine compartment is dissipated via two large air outlets in the hood.
The front fenders, the doors and the rear side panels of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro have been widened by a total of 60 millimeters (2.36 in). They form horizontal "blister" edges, like those found on the Audi Ur-quattro. Air outlets are integrated into the rear ends of the fenders, and the newly designed trim strips on the sills are made of exposed CFRP. Sleek side mirrors are reminiscent of the Audi R8 high-performance sports car.
The rear of the showcar is dominated by the roof spoiler, which features a double wing to provide for sufficient downforce. Darkly toned rear lights and a large, closed diffuser hone the rear view of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro.
Designed as a road vehicle for the race track, the showcar has no rear seat. In its place are a large crossbar to further stiffen the body and storage for racing helmets. A weight-optimized starter battery used in racing is mounted in the rear below the two storage compartments. The strict high-performance concept left no room for an infotainment system, an MMI monitor or even a loudspeaker. The lightweight bucket seats are taken from the Audi R8 GT and feature a chassis made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. Red four-point belts secure the driver and passenger.
The interior of the showcar is a study in dark gray. Large areas are covered with exposed, matt-finished CFRP, including the walls in the rear section of the car, the tubes of the air vents and the "stern of the yacht" in the lower section of the center console. The CFRP material used on the open-spoked sport steering wheel is covered with leather. Rocker switches on the center console replace switches on the control stalk and in the door panels. Three additional instruments indicate the oil pressure, boost pressure and electrical system voltage.
The center console and the seats are covered in fine leather upholstery with tone-on-tone stitching. The selector lever is made of aluminum; the caps of the pedals and the surface of the footrest are made of stainless steel. Red loops replace the handles on the doors, the glove box and the covers of the storage compartments.
The Audi stand at Wörthersee
Joining the A1 clubsport quattro on the Audi stand at the GTI meet are 17 production vehicles from the current Audi model lineup. Among the vehicles that the brand is presenting to its fans at the Wörthersee is the new Audi Q3. The public can also take a close look at the Audi TT RS in Ibis White and an RS3 Sportback in Misano Red. Another model is the new Audi A6, which is on display next to an A7 Sportback in Misano Red.
Fans and guests making the trip to the Wörthersee from June 1-4, 2011 have the opportunity to present their tuned Audi in a worthy manner by driving it past the Audi stage at the company's Wörthersee stand.
New accessories for production models
Many of the features of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro will soon show up in the accessories program for the A1 family, which Audi is steadily expanding. Adhesive film decals in the contrasting colors Amalfi White, Ice Silver, metallic and Daytona Gray, pearl effect for the vehicles' shoulders are available immediately.
Another option is the union square lifestyle kit. It comprises exterior decals and design elements for the interior, both with a diamond pattern. Audi is presenting both this and the A1 aerodynamics competition kit at the Wörtherseetour. The customer can order this add-on kit painted either in the body color or in a contrasting color. The same applies to the Audi A1 roof spoiler competition kit.
The third generation Toyota Yaris will be launched in the UK in summer 2011.
Developed from an original concept of "compact outside, spacious inside," new Yaris shows Toyota further improving the clever packaging that was a hallmark of its predecessors.
Moreover, it will mark a breakthrough in its segment for affordable multimedia connectivity with the introduction of Toyota Touch & Go. Due to be standard equipment on 95 per cent of sales. It features a 6.1-inch display with touch screen technology for ease of use and functionality.
Manufactured at Toyota's Valenciennes factory in France, new Yaris has been designed and engineered to deliver the highest possible build quality. Inside, high quality materials and surface finishes have been used, and there is a more driver-focused cockpit.
Three different low emissions, fuel-efficient Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains will be available: 1.0-litre VVT-i and 1.33-litre dual VVT-i petrol units and a 1.4-litre D-4D diesel.
Didier Leroy, President and CEO Toyota Motor Europe, said: "New Yaris represents Toyota's strongest offer yet in the important supermini segment. With its new levels of ingenuity, efficiency and quality, we are confident it can build upon Yaris's previous success and help Toyota rejuvenate its presence in Europe and move towards one million annual sales in the region in the medium term."(http://www.netcarshow.com/)
