Other Wallpaper: 2012

Sunday, 25 March 2012

2010 mercedes-benz ml450

2010 mercedes-benz ml450

Mercedes-Benz is ramping up its BlueTEC-laden 'responsibility' platform with its new 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid model that's said to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 60% compared to its own ML550. Key to its efficiency is a two-mode hybrid system powered by a 3.5L Atkinson-type V-6 and a pair of twin electric motors. The motors are charged thanks to a 288 volt high-capacity nickel metal hydride battery system. Depending on driving conditions and speed, the ML450's complex computer control unit utilizes "system matching" to determine which mode to use to best enhance fuel economy. The SUV has the ability to run solely on its electric power, combustion engine, or a combination of both.

Together, the powertrain develops a healthy 335-hp and 381 lb-ft of torque and distributes its power to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive setup via an electric continuously variable transmission. The gearbox comes complete with three planetary gear sets and four clutches and allows for the near seamless transition between hybrid, electric, and gasoline drive modes. Mercedes-Benz officials claim their newest hybrid can get 21 mpg while perusing the city and 24 mpg while cruising on the highway. It can travel up to 520 miles on a single tank of fuel too. For comparison's sake, the new ML's combined 22 mpg fuel economy is 47% lower than the V-8 powered ML550.

In true Mercedes-Benz fashion, the ML450 Hybrid is replete with luxurious accommodations. Identical leather trimmings, COMAND infotainment, and other appointments found in the ML-Class range can be had in the hybrid version. Active and passive safety measures are also standard. As the new powertrain needs no extra room, all cargo and passenger space is maintained. No word on pricing, but don't expect it to come cheaper than the ML320 BlueTEC's current $48,600 price tag.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

For the past couple decades, when Volkswagen releases a new Jetta sedan, it means a performance-themed GLI version won't be too far behind. But with the sixth-generation Jetta getting bigger and softer for the U.S., inquiring minds want to know if the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which is debuting at the 2011 Chicago auto show, will get softer as well.
There's certainly nothing soft about the Jetta GLI's motivation, courtesy of VW's stellar turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that pumps out 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, and can be mated to a six-speed manual or VW's quick-shifting, six-speed DSG that features steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and rev-matched downshifts.
While there are no official EPA ratings yet, Volkswagen expects the GLI's highway mileage to be 31 mpg for the manual and 32 mpg on the automatic. For reference, a 2011 GTI hatch weighs some 29 pounds less than the 2011 Jetta SEL with the 2.5-liter inline-five and is rated at 24/33 mpg city/highway; chances are VW's estimates for the GLI will be spot on.
Separating the GLI from lesser Jettas is not left to the turbocharged engine alone. Carried over from the European-spec Jetta, the GLI receives four-way independent rear suspension instead of the twist beam suspension setup found elsewhere in the Jetta's U.S. lineup. We suspect the Euro-tuned suspension will up the fun-to-drive quotient in VW's more potent compact sedan. VW's XDS cross differential system also makes an appearance on the GLI. The technology helps prevent inside wheel spin during cornering, just as it does on the GTI.
Distinguishing the GLI from the rest of the lineup are 17- or 18-inch wheels, smoked taillight lenses, a revised front bumper with larger air intake, and a honeycomb grille outlined in bright trim. Four-wheel disc brakes with floating red calipers are also part of the package. Inside, the GLI has everything you'd expect from a hotter version of the Jetta: sport bucket seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel, both with red stitching. A 6.5-inch touchscreen display is standard, as is Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, and auto up/down power on all four side windows.
The price tag for the 2012 Jetta GLI starts at $24,265 (including destination) and bumping up to the $26,315 GLI Autobahn nets heated leather seats, 18-inch wheels, and a Fender sound system. Navigation and keyless, push-button start can be added onto the Autobahn package, bringing the MSRP to $27,215.
Of course, we'll have to drive it to see if it's become mushy, but with the 2.0-liter turbo and independent rear suspension, we're confident it will represent the spirit of the GLI name.

hyundai nuvis concept

hyundai nuvis concept

hyundai nuvis concept

hyundai nuvis concept

The Hyundai Nuvis Concept is yet another hybrid-crossover dream machine designed to blend utility with small-car fuel-economy and sci-fi futuristic styling. Powered by a parallel hybrid system backed up by a 270-watt lithium-polymer battery, the Nuvis delivers an estimated 34 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, according to Hyundai.

The Nuvis employs Hyundai's Hybrid Blue Drive system, which operates on a principle similar to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive setup. In this case, Hyundai's 228-hp Theta II 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine is mated to a 30 kW electric motor that can get the vehicle moving from a stop and provide extra power for accelerating and passing.

Its six-speed automatic transmission has seen its fourth, fifth and sixth gears extended for better highway fuel-economy. Hyundai says its lithium-polymer battery pack, which is stored under the rear cargo floor, is more space-efficient and durable than nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion battery packs found in other hybrids.

Blue Drive is a styling influence as well. To drive the point home, the color blue has turned up all over the vehicle. It's in the headlights, it's trimming the brake ducts in the lower front fascia, it's hiding in character lines behind the front wheels and it's lighting up the Hyundai logos at either end of the vehicle. Pull open the massive gullwing doors and you'll find plenty more where that came from. On the floors, you'll find blue accent lighting running from front to rear that looks like a river flowing beneath your feet and pulses to emulate moving water. That is, if you notice the floor. Most people likely won't be able to take their eyes of the alien-space-ship dash and center console.

While Hyundai says that the Nuvis serves as a platform for a new styling direction for the brand, it's likely most of its extreme lines and features won't see showrooms, although we wouldn't be surprised to see a Ford Edge and Toyota Highlander-fighting hybrid CUV from Hyundai employing cues from the Nuvis in the near future.

Friday, 23 March 2012

Porsche wants another sportscar between the 911 GT2 RS and 918 Spyder

Porsche

Cooking is something not in the headquarters of Porsche, and knowing that these guys, this can only mean one thing: a new car.

Gul is going on around Stuttgart is that Porsche is considering the introduction of a new supercar, which will be between 911 and 918 GT2 RS Spyder. The meaning of this idea is that the company wants a car that can bridge the gap between the price of 911 GT2 RS, which sold for $ 338,500, and 918 Spyder, which will be sold for $ 1.1 million.

2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS

2011 Porsche 911 GT2

In an interview with Bloomberg, Porsche sales boss, Bernhard Mayer, said the company is considering the idea of introducing a new Porsche supercar. "We are currently considering what options may be derived from this gap in the range," said Meyer.

"Between the top 911 and 918 Spyder, not a price range that we have not served, but where other vendors are selling a product."

2011 Porsche 911

Porsche 918 Spyder

Similarly, we know that Porsche is a hit, the new 911 GT2 RS is equipped with a 3.6 liter six-cylinder boxer engine, which increased by two turbochargers, produces 620 hp from 0 to 62 miles / h time in just 3.5 seconds, top speed 205 miles / hour, and an impressive range of Nurburgring, seven minutes and 18 seconds. Meanwhile, the 918 Spyder is equipped with engine V8, which produces over 500 horsepower and three electric motors with a total output of 218 horsepower. Rooms translate to 0-60 miles / hour while just 3.2 seconds and top speed of 198 miles / h and the Nurburgring lap under 7:30.