New Car - Maserati GranTurismo

Manufacturer Technical Specifications

General
Country Of Origin		Italy
Year Of Introduction		2009
Base Price When New		N.A
Miles Per Gallon		N.A
Body Type		4 Door Sedan
Curb Weight		N.A
Powertrain Layout		Mid Engine / RWD
Transmission		6-Speed
Engine
Configuration		V8
Displacement		4,691 cm3
Power		323 kW (433hp) @ 7,000 rpm
Torque		490 Nm ( 361 lb/ft) @ 4,750 rpm
BHP / Liter		N.A
BHP / Weight		N.A
Redline		N.A
Performance
Top Speed		285 Km/h
0 - 62 mph		5.1 sec
0 - 100 mph		13.4 sec
0 - 250 mile		23.9 sec
Skidpad		N.A
Braking, 62-0 mph		N.A
Slalom Speed		N.A

The New Quattroporte Sport GT S

Introduction

The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S sets another milestone in terms of sportiness in the high performance luxury sedan segment. Conceived and developed as "a real driving machine in the guise of a luxury sedan", the Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati's sportiness in the Quattroporte range.

The uniqueness of the car in its segment is denoted by some important features.

First of all, it truly offers sporty handling thanks to a suspension set-up which further enhances the Quattroporte's already optimal dynamic balance. The new Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S is targeted at those customers who demand the unparalleled handling of a thoroughbred sports car even in a luxury sedan.

Secondly, it features the latest evolution of sporty automatic gear-shifting software, designed to win over committed and demanding drivers, seeking an exciting driving experience.

Last but not least, it is equipped with a sports exhaust which, by means of the "Sport" button, makes it possible to deploy the full power of the engine and produce a deeply enveloping and throaty exhaust note.

Powertrain overview
The technical changes to the new Quattroporte Sport GT S compared with the Quattroporte S concern four areas: the engine mapping, the gearshift management software, the suspension set-up and the exhaust system.

1. V8 4.7 liter engine power is increased to 323kW (433 hp) thanks to the adoption of a sport exhaust system that allows the vehicle's power to be fully exploited;
2. specific gear-shifting software with new features designed to increase driving enjoyment;
3. front and rear suspension featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height
4. sports exhaust controlled by pneumatic valves for a deep, throaty and captivating sound enhanced by large twin-oval tailpipes.

Engine
The Quattroporte Sport GT S's engine has been developed to favor maximum power output.
Emission levels conform to Euro5 regulations.

Main technical data:
• Displacement: V8 4,691 cc
• Power: 323 kW (433hp) @ 7,000 rpm
• Torque: 490 Nm ( 361 lb/ft) @ 4,750 rpm
• Max engine speed: 7,200 rpm

Exhaust system
• "NORMAL" MODE – FLAPS CLOSED
In "Normal" mode, the valves are closed forcing the exhaust gases along a long route so that they lose their energy and are emitted with very little noise, thus facilitating on board acoustic comfort.
• "SPORT" MODE – FLAPS OPENED
When the "Sport" button is pressed, the valves which were initially closed, open up through a pneumatic control and the flow of exhaust gases are channeled down a route that leads directly to the outside, providing enthusiasts with a distinctive sound, giving voice to the deep and throaty V8.

Transmission
The new Quattroporte Sport GT S is equipped with an automatic six-speed transmission developed with sportiness in mind thanks to the employment of a new and specific gear-shifting strategy: the MC-Auto Shift. Introduced for the first time on this model, it represents the ultimate evolution of the automatic transmission software in terms of sportiness and features specific characteristics which further enhance driving pleasure.
• "MC AUTO SHIFT" mode:
Some of the car's features are exclusively dedicated to those people with an adequate driving experience, and recommended only for the use of the car on the race track and in a situation of complete safety.

In Sport Automatic mode the gearshift technology enables sporty driving. Moreover, in order to optimize standing starts, the automatic gearbox offers the MC Start Strategy, which functions with the MSP off. The driver should press and hold the brake pedal, then start pressing the accelerator and releases the brake pedal only when the optimum revs are reached (between 2300-2500 rpm). This fast start strategy, recommended only for use on the race track and in a situation of complete safety, reduces the 0 to 100 Km/h (0-62 mph) time from 5.3 seconds to 5.1 seconds.
• "MANUAL MODE":
In manual mode the gear-shift is directly controlled by the driver, allowing the engine to reach its top speed.
In order to allow the driver to find the optimum gear-shifting point, the car features a digital "rpm indicator" on the dashboard display (same as on GranTurismo S). Moreover, the paddle shifts (Active Shifting), integrated with the steering column, present an ergonomic layout (same as on GranTurismo S) with effective results in on-the-limit driving conditions on winding roads.
• "MANUAL SPORT"/"AUTO SPORT" mode:
When down-shifting, the throttle blip is matched with the SPORT-mode exhaust sound to facilitate maximum driving enjoyment.

Handling

The Quattroporte Sport GT S features a sporty passive damping suspension system designed to further enhance the Quattroporte S's already state-of-the-art dynamic balance.

The new suspension set-up reduces the front and the rear ground clearance. In addition, the spring stiffness has been increased by 30% at the front and 10% at the rear.

These new features facilitate
• Greater agility when cornering and greater steering wheel responsiveness;
• more grip when exiting corners;
• improved cornering stability.

Style

Exterior
At the front, the sportier, more "aggressive" look of the new Quattroporte Sport GT S is expressed by the new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, typical of the sportier versions of Maserati models. It is also further enhanced by the new headlights, in metallic titanium finish.

The Trident logo with red accents also features on the "C" pillar.

The side and the rear of the car feature a new "shadow line", which includes black finishing around the doors, body-colored door handles and black twin oval exhaust pipes.

New 20" Multi Trident Silver wheels are fitted as standard, together with red brake calipers and Dual Cast technology brakes.

The exterior body color range includes all 19 colors available for the Quattroporte and the Quattroporte S.

As an option, dark chrome 20" Multi Trident wheels are available, as well as dark chrome 20" seven-spoke wheels and the "Chrome Line", which includes chrome door line, chrome handles and chrome exhaust.

Interior

The sporty look of the interior features new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara® and leather upholstery.

The standard trim is the new Titantex: designed to further enhance the car's sporty characteristics, this "titanium colored" composite material, provides a light colored trim with a remarkable 3-D effect. The dashboard trim incorporates the "Quattroporte Sport GT S" script.

The steering wheel features the Maserati "Active Shifting" paddles (longer for improved ergonomics).

The new additional digital rpm display on the dashboard indicates when to change gears.

The interior configuration range features 10 leather colors (Avorio, Sabbia, Cuoio, Marrone Corniola, Grigio Ghiaccio, Grigio Medio, Blu Navy, Rosso Corallo, Bordeaux, Nero) which can be combined with 5 Alcantara® shades (Beige, Pearl Beige, Grigio, Blu Trofeo, Nero).

Among the new interior options clients can choose:
• Aluminium sports pedals
• Full leather upholstery, at no extra cost.
• Carbon-fiber interior trim
• Head lining in Alcantara® in a choice of five colors: Beige, Pearl Beige, Grigio, Blu Trofeo, Nero

Technical Specifications*
*US Specifications on separate document

ENGINE Quattroporte Sport GT S
Displacement 4,691 cm3
Bore 94 mm
Stroke 85 mm
Compression Ratio 11 : 1
Maximum Power 323 kW (440 CV)
Engine speed at maximum power output 7,000 rpm
Peak torque 490 Nm
Engine speed at peak torque 4,750 rpm
Max engine speed 7,200 rpm

PERFORMANCE Quattroporte Sport GT S
Max speed 285 Km/h
0-100 Km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration 5.1* s
Stopping distance 100-0 Km/h (62-0 mph) 35 m

FUEL CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS Quattroporte Sport GT S
Urban cycle 23.95 l/100 Km
Extra-urban cycle 10.91 l/100 Km
Combined cycle 15.71 l/100 Km
CO2 emissions – combined cycle 365 g/km

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS Quattroporte Sport GT S
Length 5,097 mm
Width 1,895 mm
Height 1,423 mm
Wheelbase 3,064 mm
Front track 1,582 mm
Rear track 1,595 mm
Front overhang 891 mm
Rear overhang 1,142 mm
Turning circle 12.3 m
Boot capacity 450 L
Fuel tank capacity 90 l
Dry weight 1,880 Kg
Kerb weight 1,990 Kg
Weight distribution 49% front. ; 51 % rear.

Nissan GT-R by Cobra

Cobra Technology is ready for the release of the Nissan GT-R on the European market. Although no cars have hit the street there (officially), it allocation for 2009 is already sold out. So the modified Cobra N+ GT-R may already be on a few European wish lists.

Cobra reprogrammed the ECU, boost pressure is increased by 0.15 bar, and the air intake is modified with sport air filters. It claims this increases the standard 485 hp to 550 hp (but also remember that GT-Rs will usually appear more powerful than they actually are on a dyno.)

Other upgrades to the GT-R include three-piece lightweight 21-inch Cobra N+ light-alloy wheels, eight-piston brake calipers, and adjustable coil-over suspension. There is also a body kit with Cobra N+ front apron with large air dams, rocker panels, and rear apron.

It’s a tough thing to mess with Godzilla. The engineers at Nissan spent about seven years getting everything right, so even a body kit may seriously mess with the aerodynamics from the factory. But if nothing else, Europe will love the black and gold paint scheme that should remind many of the John Player Special F1 racers of the 1970s.

Aston Martin Rapide

The long awaited four-door Aston Martin Rapide has been spotted, completely undisguised, outside the company's headquarters in Gaydon, England. Previous prototypes were last spotted on the frozen lakes of Sweden for winter testing, and since then Aston Martin has released two official images of the car - albeit computer generated renderings of it.

Inside, the Rapide will be almost identical to the DB9 but will differ thanks to more generous rear seats, headrest mounted LCD monitors, and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Under the hood will likely be a 500hp (373kW) V12 engine in a range-topping model and a less powerful V8 unit in a base version. RWD and a six-speed automatic are likely to be the only drivetrain options.

Unfortunately for purists, the Rapide will not be built at Aston's traditional Gaydon plant in England - production of the four-door has been contracted to Magna Steyr who will build the vehicle at its Austrian plant.

Production is expected to start in 2009 for the Rapide, giving it ample time to get into the market against the upcoming Panamera, although rivals like the CLS and Maserati Quattroporte already have a big head start over the new four-door Porsche and Aston Martin.

Gallery: 2010 Aston Martin Rapide spy shots

Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide leaked images

2010 Aston Martin Rapide spied at Nurburgring

BMW unveils 2010 Z4 Roadster ahead of Detroit Auto Show Debut

BMW has released the first details and images for its all-new Z4 Roadster, which is set to make its debut next month at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show before going on sale in the following months. The design of the new Z4 comes out through classic details interpreted in a very modern style, highlighted by an automated folding aluminum roof.

The hardtop brings the Z4 in line with the competition, opening and closing in 20 seconds. The weight penalty is offset by greater security, better visibility and greater comfort. The side windows are 40% larger than the outgoing soft-top model, and the rear window is fully 52% larger. The Z4 also keeps its classic roadster proportions, with a long hood, short overhangs, and strong shoulders. However, the car's styling has been modernized with new integrated LED indicators on its flanks as well as on the head and tail-lamps.

The new car is slightly larger outside than its predecessor, offering significantly more comfort and storage. The new car is 5.8in longer, 0.4in wider, and 0.3in lower than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has also grown 0.1in to measure 98.8in from axle to axle.

Two powertrains will be available at the car’s North America launch: a 300hp (224kW) twin-turbocharged 3.0L six wearing the new sDrive35i badge, and a 255hp (190kW) naturally aspirated version of the same engine in the sDrive30i model.

What’s most impressive is the torque characteristics of the turbocharged mill, which maintains its peak levels of 300lb-ft through a broad rev range from 1,400 to 5,000rpm. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.0 seconds flat and reach an electronically controlled top speed of 150mph when equipped with an optional sport pack. The 0-60mph acceleration time for the sDrive30i, meanwhile, is 5.6 seconds.

While both models are available with a manual six-speed gearbox, the Z4 sDrive35i is available also with a dual-clutch sport automatic transmission featuring seven gears. The six-speed sport automatic is available on the Z4 sDrive30i. Both sport automatic transmissions feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The sport automatic gives the driver the choice of either automatic (Program D) or manual gear selection. If desired, the driver may shift gears manually by means of paddles on the steering wheel. Featuring Dynamic Drive Control as standard, drivers will also be able to choose between three drivetrain and suspension settings at the touch of a button. The Z4 also features an electronic rear brake management system, which is used to simulate a limited slip differential for stronger acceleration in turns.

Opting for the Sport Package with Adaptive M Suspension and Electronic Damping Control allows the driver a number of extra controls. In addition to changing damper forces on the Adaptive M Suspension, DDC also conditions the responses of the gas pedal, the power steering, and the response thresholds of Dynamic Stability Control. This is done by choosing either ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, or ‘Sport+’ modes.

Both models come as standard on 17in light-alloy wheels with runflat tires and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Once again BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies serve to provide a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Some of the highlights include on-demand management and control of the car’s accessory drives, a variable oil pump, intelligent lightweight technology, and optimized aerodynamics.

Inside, the car comes with Kansas leather in a choice of three colors, plus optional Ivory White Nappa leather trim as part of the Exclusive Ivory White Leather Package. The entire range of paintwork colors available on the new Z4 is made up of no less than nine color tones including Orion Silver metallic exclusive to the Roadster.

Also included for the first time in the Roadster is BMW’s latest generation iDrive system, which is now integrated with the navigation system. The system itself is made up of a Controller on the center console and a folding, high-resolution 8.8in display screen on the instrument panel. Pressing the direct selection buttons on the newly configured Controller, the user is able to spontaneously change to the CD, radio, telephone and navigation functions. Navigation data is stored on an 80GB hard drive that has 15GB of storage space available for music.

The new Z4 will be built at BMW’s Regensburg plant in Germany alongside the 3-Series and 1-Series models. This is because the American Spartanburg plant, where the former model was built, is concentrating from now on entirely on the production of BMW’s X models.

BMW Re-launches The Z4 Roadster

Hey, why not do this again … I guess that’s what BMW were thinking, but at any rate, here’s the new-new-new Z4 Roadster.

All things considered, this is a pretty fun ride. The driving dynamics are top notch, the build quality is going to be among the best in the world, it’s got a ton of comfort & convenience features, and to top it all off (so to speak) the Z4 Roadster has a power folding hardtop. Great. Yes, having a folding hardtop does and weight and complexity, but it’s always an idea I’ve liked. You get the best of both worlds: The fun and direct experience of a convertible and you also get the security warmth and sound isolation of a coupe.

We’ll get more into the details, and more beauty shots after the jump.

First, the mechanicals. As you would expect, the engine choices in the new Z4 roadster are top notch.

BMW Z4 sDrive35i:
straight-six petrol engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection)
Capacity: 2,979 cc, max output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm,
max torque: 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,300–5,000 rpm
Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 5.2 sec
(seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch: 5.1 sec)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 9.4 ltr (9.0 ltr)/100 km (30.0/31.4 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 219 g (210 g)/km.

BMW Z4 sDrive30i:
straight-six petrol engine with magnesium/aluminium composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS
Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 190 kW/258 hp at 6,600 rpm,
max torque: 310 Nm/228 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm
Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 5.8 sec (sports automatic: 6.1 sec)
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 8.5 ltr (8.3 ltr)/100 km (33.2/34.0 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 199 g (195 g)/km.

BMW Z4 sDrive23i:
straight-six petrol engine with magnesium/aluminium composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS
Capacity: 2,497 cc, max output: 150 kW/204 hp at 6,200 rpm,
max torque: 250 Nm/184 lb-ft at 2,950 rpm
Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 6.6 sec (sports automatic: 7.3 sec)
Top speed: 242 km/h (239 km/h) (150/148 mph)
Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 8.5 ltr (8.2 ltr)/100 km (33.2/34.4 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 199 g (192 g)/km.

BMW has this to say about the way trick folding hardtop:

Two-piece electrohydraulically retractable hardtop in lightweight aluminium shell construction. The hardtop opens and closes fully automatically in each case within 20 seconds, the roof elements coming to rest in the roof compartment to give the car a low-slung rear-end design reflecting the traditional proportions of a roadster as well as a large luggage compartment ranging in capacity from 180–310 litres (6.3–10.9 cu ft). The high-quality interior lining finished in an extra-light colour as well as large windows including the heated glass window at the rear ensure an exclusive ambience and optimised all-round visibility.

The revamped, yet still feared idrive also turns up in the Z4. They say it’s improved, let’s see if it is:

First use of the BMW iDrive control system in the BMW Roadster. In conjunction with the optional Professional navigation system the new generation of BMW iDrive comprises an ergonomically optimised Controller for the selection and control of functions by turning, pressing and tipping the Controller, function buttons on the Controller for direct menu entry, freely programmable favourite buttons for even easier operation, as well as a folding 8.8-inch display with high-resolution graphic presentation and an optimised menu structure. Enhanced navigation system with an even wider range of functions in entering destinations, planning trips and presenting maps. Optional audio system with hard disc memory. Unrestricted use of the internet in the car as an option in conjunction with the Professional navigation system.

The gear box, which has the great twin clutch as an option will surly be a highlight:

Seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch as an option on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i. Shifting gears without the slightest interruption of -traction, the transmission provides a unique combination of the extra comfort of a BMW automatic transmission with maximum dynamism and performance. Acceleration and fuel economy improved once again over the manual gearbox models. Six-speed sports automatic with optimised gearshift dynamics, direct connection to the engine and minimised converter slip available as an option on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 sDrive23i. All sports automatic transmissions with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

And of course, there’s the overall safety outlook that BMW is renowned for:

Comprehensive safety concept with extremely stiff body structures, defined load paths, specific use of high-strength steel and special deformation elements, head/thorax airbags integrated at the front and at the side in the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seat belts with new belt tightening technology, massively reinforced A-pillars and roll bars behind the headrests, runflat tyres and a Tyre Defect Indicator fitted as standard, dual headlights with bi-xenon light technology likewise featured as standard equipment.

New Car-2010 Mercedes E-Class Official Photos

When it rains it pours. Earlier today we had an almost undisguised image of the 2010 E-Class sedan, now official images were leaked on the web. Now it’s official, the future E-Class sedan will take some cues from its S-Class big brother. This includes a sleeker body than the current model, with harder crease lines and a slightly rising rear-end.

A correction from the earlier post has the E-Class sedan premiering at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the coupe bowing at the Geneva Show in March, and expect the convertible and/or AMG version to make an appearance at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Mercedes to offer a wide variety of V6 and V8 engines, including a 525 hp 6.3-liter V8 for the E63 AMG model.