Selasa, 21 Desember 2010

McLaren M6GT (1969)

McLaren M6GT (1969)

McLaren M6GT

The McLaren M6A was a racing car developed by driver Bruce McLaren and his Bruce McLaren Motor Racing team for their entry in 1967 Can-Am season. As a replacement for the team's M1Bs from 1966, the Chevrolet-powered McLaren M6A's improved design earned Bruce McLaren and his team their first of multiple Can-Am championships. After the McLaren M6A were replaced by the M8A in preparation for 1968, McLaren and technical partner Trojan developed the M6B which was sold to customers for use in Can-Am as well as other racing series.

The M6 name was later used in the development of a closed-cockpit sports car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and known as the M6GT. The company's plan to homologate it for the FIA's Group 4 regulations was however never completed, and only a few M6GT prototypes were finished by McLaren and Trojan. Two M6GTs were later converted to road cars, one of which became Bruce McLaren's personal transport.

McLaren F1 (1993)

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 is a sports car designed and manufactured by Gordon Murray and McLaren Automotive. On March 31, 1998, it set the record for the fastest production car in the world, 240 mph (391 km/h). As of April 2009, the McLaren F1 is succeeded by three faster cars in sheer top speed, but is still the fastest naturally aspirated production car.

The car features numerous proprietary designs and technologies. It is lighter and has a more streamlined structure than even most of its modern rivals and competitors despite having one seat more than most similar sports cars, with the driver's seat located in the middle. It features a powerful engine and is somewhat track oriented, but not to the degree that it compromises everyday usability and comfort. It was conceived as an exercise in creating what its designers hoped would be considered the ultimate road car. Despite not having been designed as a track machine, a modified race car edition of the vehicle won several races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995, where it faced purpose-built prototype race cars. Production began in 1992 and ended in 1998. In all, 106 cars were manufactured, with some variations in the design.

McLaren F1 GTR (1995)

McLaren F1 GTR

Built at the request of race teams, such as those owned by Ray Bellm and Thomas Bscher, in order to compete in the BPR Global GT Series, the McLaren F1 GTR was a custom built race car which introduced a modified engine management system that increased power output — however, air-restrictors mandated by racing regulations reduced the power back to 600 hp (447 kW) at 7500 RPM. The cars extensive modifications included changes to body panels, suspension, aerodynamics and the interior. The McLaren F1 GTR would go on to take its greatest achievement with 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 13th places in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, beating out custom built prototype sports cars.

McLaren F1 GTR '96

To follow up on the success of the McLaren F1 GTR into 1996, McLaren further developed the '95 model, leading to a size increase but weight decrease. Nine more F1 GTRs were built to 1996 spec, while some 1995 cars were still campaigned by privateers. McLaren F1 GTR '96 chassis #14R is notable as being the first non-Japanese car to win a race in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC). The car was driven by David Brabham and John Nielsen. The weight was reduced with around 100 kg from the 1995 GTR edition and the engine was kept detuned at 600 HP to comply with racing regulations.

McLaren MP4-12C (2011)

McLaren MP4-12C

The McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive, the independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. The 12C, and future models within the range, will challenge the world's best sports cars, benefiting from the expertise and virtuosity of the McLaren Group.

Twenty years of sports car design, engineering and production combined with inspirational success in Formula 1 have driven Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Chairman, to announce his plans for the ultimate line-up of technology-led and customer-focused performance cars for the 21st century. The rules in the sports car world are about to be re-written.

Through a rich modern history, McLaren's automotive division has already built the world's most critically acclaimed supercar, the McLaren F1 (1993-1998) and the world's best-selling luxury supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2009). McLaren Automotive now looks to the future with a new range of revolutionary sports cars.

Senin, 20 Desember 2010

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics (2010)

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics

Teaming up with the BMW 320d, the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition is being presented for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. This unique saloon combines fuel consumption of just 4.1 litres diesel/100 kilometres (equal to 68.9 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 109 grams per kilometre in the EU test cycle with engine output of 120 kW/163 hp.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of this high-tech model boasts an all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharging with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection complete with piezo-injectors. With the engine and the entire car modified once again for an even higher standard of efficiency, this unique saloon targeted above all at the German, Italian, French and Spanish markets comes with optimised aerodynamics, an extra-long final drive ratio, and an innovative two-mass flywheel incorporating a centrifugal-force pendulum.

All this makes the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission car in BMW's current model range. In the fiercely contested midrange segment it is an unparalleled, highly attractive premium offer for the truly demanding and progressive customer focusing primarily on superior economy and the environment, without wishing to forego the sporting driving characteristics so typical of a genuine BMW.

BMW 1-Series Convertible (2012)

BMW 1-Series Convertible

BMW announced several modifications to the 2012 BMW 1-Series Convertible that accentuate efficiency and premium quality. The unmistakable profile of the BMW 1-Series Convertible, which represents the purest expression of BMW DNA is now sharper than ever. The new design of the front fascia includes BMW's innovative Air Curtain that counters turbulence near the wheel arches and so reduces the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle. New exterior design accents have been incorporated into the headlight and tail light clusters. In the interior, new switches and controls have a more refined look and feel. The updated BMW 1-Series Convertible will go on sale in the Spring of 2011.

For drivers whose definition of Joy includes wind in the face and sunshine above, the BMW 1-Series Convertible continues the tradition established by the iconic BMW 2002 sport sedan. The essence of such driving purity - a responsive inline-6 engine perfectly positioned within a rear-drive chassis to provide balanced, sporty dynamics - is at the heart of this compact four-seat convertible. For the 2012 model year, two versions are available with inline-6 power: the 128i and the 135i.

BMW 1-Series Coupe (2012)

BMW 1-Series Coupe

BMW announced several modifications to the 2012 BMW 1-Series Coupe that accentuate efficiency and premium quality. The unmistakable profile of the BMW 1-Series Coupe, which represents the purest expression of BMW DNA is now sharper than ever. The new design of the front fascia on the 128i includes BMW's innovative Air Curtain that counters turbulence near the wheel arches and so reduces the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle. New exterior design accents have been incorporated into the headlight and tail light clusters. In the interior, new switches and controls have a more refined look and feel. The updated BMW 1-Series Coupe will go on sale in the Spring of 2011.

In 2008 BMW introduced the 1-Series to the US, an authentic performance coupe that drew inspiration from the iconic BMW 2002 model of some 40 years ago. As perhaps the next BMW legend, the BMW 1-Series Coupe represents the core BMW philosophy of pure performance, compact dimensions, and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 2012 1-Series Coupe continues to reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created.

Powerful engines, the rear-wheel drive typical of the brand and inspirational agility make the BMW 1-Series Coupe stand out from the crowd. It possesses characteristics unique in the compact premium vehicle segment.

BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept (2010)

BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept

The BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept offers a particularly good rendition of the new BMW 5-Series Sedan in all its dynamic, efficient and innovative qualities, at the same time representing the ongoing development of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid and the BMW 7 ActiveHybrid with their drivetrain technology already in production.

The drive system featured in the BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept consists of a straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive. Integration of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a sedan already extremely efficient with its "conventional" combustion engine reduces both fuel consumption and emissions once again by more than 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor offers a boost function, supporting the gasoline engine in generating particularly dynamic drive power for an even more sporting driving experience in the car.

Intelligent energy management likewise serves to enhance the efficiency of the overall system, its unique functions ensuring appropriate control and management of all energy paths within the car and appropriate interaction of the drivetrain components precisely adjusted to driving conditions.

BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo (2010)

BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo

BMW is once again defining a brand-new segment in the automobile market. The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo combines elegance, space, comfort and variability in truly unique style. As an attractive, future-oriented extension of the BMW 5-Series, the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo is quite unparalleled worldwide in the upper middle segment, combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.

Through its body design, the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology. Boasting clear-cut horizontal lines, the rear end comes with that characteristic look of width, power and muscle further enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology.

BMW 6-Series Coupe Concept (2010)

BMW 6-Series Coupe Concept

The BMW 6-Series Coupé Concept is a fascinating vision that blends traditional values with innovative design language. This concept model, unveiled for the first time at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, showcases the experience the brand has acquired in more than 70 years of building sporty and elegant coupés. It also paves the way for a new, aesthetically powerful and dynamic interpretation of this breed of vehicle. With the BMW 6-Series Coupé Concept, the German premium carmaker is presenting a new definition of luxury-class 2+2-seater driving enjoyment and exclusiveness.

The powerful proportions and sporty yet elegant lines of the BMW 6-Series Coupé Concept provide the perfect packaging for its dynamic performance and personality. All the classic hallmarks of a BMW coupé are present, including the stretched bonnet, the short front overhang, a passenger compartment set well to the rear, and a low silhouette incorporating a dynamically flowing roofline. The principal bodywork lines run the full length of the concept model, and there is a strong sense of stylistic unity between all the different parts of the vehicle. The lines and surfaces seem to ripple out in a dynamic, pulsating wave.

BMW 7-Series High Security (2010)

BMW 7-Series High Security

With the launch of a new generation of BMW 7-Series High Security sedans based on the BMW 7-Series, the leading supplier of premium vehicles meets the most stringent safety requirements for persons at risk while travelling in their vehicles. Both, the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security are the first models in the world to be certified to BRV 2009 and both vehicles meet the requirements of the new ballistic protection level VR7. Due to their highly effective protective armour, the non-transparent body areas of the BMW 7-Series High Security meet the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR9. Hence, both the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security provide optimum safety in the individual mobility segment in combination with unparalleled comfort of travel, superior drive technology and an abundance of innovative equipment features to guarantee confident motoring at all times.