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Showing posts with label diesel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diesel. Show all posts

Sunday, November 21, 2010

2011 Opel Antara


The new Opel Antara some sports, off-road capability, and looks stylish integrated high functionality and security. With the improvement in style powertrain line-up outside and comfort inside, the Opel Antara now considered a new competitor in the growing SUV segment .

The new Antara also benefits from a new center console with extra storage solutions, new materials and added interior and exterior colors, as well as an optimized instrument graphic and effective interior lighting. In terms of features, the only things worth mentioning are standard electric parking brake and the Hill Assist System.

The engine line-up includes a newly-developed 2.2 CDTI Turbo diesel offered in two versions: 163 HP and 184 HP and a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine with 170 HP. All engines are offered in in front-wheel or all-wheel drive and comes as manual or automatic six-gear transmission. The model also gets re-worked chassis that offer dynamic handling and excellent traveling comfort.


2011 Opel Antara2011 Opel Antara2011 Opel Antara2011 Opel Antara


Press Release

The new Opel Antara pairs sporty, off-road capabilities and urban-chic looks with high functionality and safety. With improvements to its powertrain line-up, exterior styling and interior comfort, the Antara can now be seen as a new competitor in the growing SUV segment.

The most notable changes in the Antara’s mid-cycle enhancements, which will be introduced at the end of this year, are in the powertrain. The fully re-worked engine line-up, all Euro-5 compliant, now offers improved driving performance as well as significantly reduced consumption and emissions. Even the two available transmissions – a six-gear manual and automatic – have undergone completely new developments to improve efficiency and dynamics.

The latest entry to the engine range is a newly-developed 2.2 CDTI Turbo diesel, which comes with two outputs. The 120 kW/163 hp offers 36 hp more than its predecessor model. The 135 kW/184 hp version offers 34 hp more power.

The 163 hp variant is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive as well as with manual or automatic six-gear transmissions. The 184 hp also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

The gasoline line-up, too, offers more power. The 2.4 liter, four-cylinder version now comes with 125 kW/170 hp, or, 30 hp more power. Like the diesel variants, this engine is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive and comes as manual or automatic six-gear transmission.

The engine variants come with variable camshaft phasing for the inlet and exhaust, which optimizes the torque and performance characteristics as well as lowers fuel consumption and emissions. Naturally an active, re-worked chassis fits nicely to the new Antara, offering dynamic handling and excellent traveling comfort.
Strong presence through accentuated front design

On the street, the Antara turns heads with its chic, upscale look. Its new, front grill with bold logo makes it immediately recognizable as a member of the new Opel design family. The fog lights together with chrome bezels and a well-blended pedestrian protection lends the vehicle a harmonious look with a strong presence. Modified rear lights and optional 19-inch light-metal wheels
round out the robust look.

The chic, sporty SUV look comes about from a new center console with extra storage solutions, new materials and added interior and exterior colors. An optimized instrument graphic and effective interior lighting underscore the prestigious ambiance.

Opel has improved safety and comfort features in the Antara as well. This includes a standard electric parking brake and the Hill Assist System. With these changes, the market segment of the compact SUV has a new competitor in the ring.

Monday, October 25, 2010

2011 BMW 5 Series Police


BMW has released new 2011 BMW 5 Police Series. Both of them will equip the UK police forces from 52 stations. The 2011 BMW 5 Series police car force will include the 530d Saloon and Touring. Apart from the 2011 BMW 5 Series police car, BMW will also supply the British forces with the following models: 330d Saloon and Touring, X1, X3 xDrive20d, X5 xDrive30d and xDrive40d.

Aside from the latest 5 Series models, which are an all-new addition to Police fleets, BMW also announced a specially modified 330d Saloon Interceptor as its High Performance Pursuit Vehicle.

BMW is the only supplier of the production of packages installed special equipment for emergency warning equipment that can be important the support of BMW Service Centres in the UK with a three year warranty from BMW. Generally, vehicles are built by manufacturers must be removed for the installation of this equipment back. The answer (reply EMERGENCY SERVICE officially licensed system package) package provides the vehicle with a team of high-level role of emergency service pre-installed that allows for near ” Plug and Play Car “, which greatly reduces the start time and the need for third to start the cut in the vehicle wiring harness.


2011 BMW 5 Series Police2011 BMW 5 Series Police2011 BMW 5 Series Police


Press Release

BMW has been approved as a key supplier for all 52 Police forces around the country by the National Policing Improvement Agency. The announcement means some of BMW’s class-leading products will become standard issue to the UK’s Policemen and women as part of the four-year deal.

BMW 5 Series UK Police Car 2011 - Front Side View 2011 BMW R1200 RT UK Police - Front Angle View

The news will see cars such as the BMW 330d Saloon and Touring, 530d Saloon and Touring, all variants of X1, X3 xDrive20d, X5 xDrive30d and xDrive40d, and the R1200 RF-P Police bike all take a high profile role in the fight against crime. Some of the vehicles will also be unmarked and perform less visible policing roles.

While the latest 5 Series will be an all-new addition to most Police fleets it is the BMW 330d Saloon Interceptor model that is sure to cause the most interest. Billed as a High Performance Pursuit Vehicle, the modified BMW is capable of a rapid response role while also fulfilling the environmental and running cost demands all forces have to think of too. Full technical details of the car can not be specified for security reasons.

Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW UK, said: “This is excellent news for BMW and shows the breadth of appeal of the products we sell. We have a very strong commitment to the ‘Authorities market’ throughout the world and have a very close relationship with the UK’s Police forces. Orders for BMW Police vehicles started as long ago as the mid 1970s in the UK. This latest news reaffirms our commitment to 21st Century policing.”

Of the 52 UK Police forces, virtually all operate BMW Authorities products of one form or another, while two thirds operate high-levels and nearly half of those operate with a near BMW High Performance only fleet. When the above models are added to the rest of the BMW Authorities range of specialist vehicles, such as medical and fire tenders, considerable savings through economies of scale can be made in training, tooling and parts.

BMW is unique in offering production line installed special equipment packages for Emergency Warning equipment which importantly can
be supported by BMW Service Centres throughout the UK with a three-year BMW warranty. Ordinarily vehicles are built by manufacturers only to be disassembled for the retrospective installation of such equipment. The RESPoNSe (Responder EMERGENCY SERVICE Package official eNabled Systeme) package provides vehicles with a high-level of emergency service role-equipment pre installed allowing for a near ‘Plug & Play’ car, thus significantly reducing the time into service and the need for third-parties to start cutting into the vehicle’s wiring harness.

BMW operates a dedicated department with a team of specialists based at the BMW Group International – Special Sales Competence Centre. This specialist department is responsible for all BMW Authorities specification vehicles sold and operating as Emergency Service vehicles including cars, motorcycles, MINI and ballistically protected BMW Security and High Security cars.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

2011 Cool Volkswagen Jetta TDI Diesel – First Drive Review

 Cool Volkswagen Jetta TDI DieselBigger, but not as Engaging As The previous Jetta.

American dilemma here for Volkswagen: The fans love the way cars are more expensive brand engineering Their traditional rivals, But It Is Difficult to pass in the Same Quantities Jetta Civic and Corolla cars have cost more expensive for Both When VW & the customer. Because The corporate bosses in Wolfsburg, Germany, want the North American arm to sell Many More cars, faster, Stated With The objective of sales to triple by 2018-they've gone ahead With a new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and The adapté new Jetta in the U.S. market.

2011 Cool Volkswagen Jetta TDI Diesel – First Drive Review

 Cool Volkswagen Jetta TDI DieselBigger, but not as Engaging As The previous Jetta.

American dilemma here for Volkswagen: The fans love the way cars are more expensive brand engineering Their traditional rivals, But It Is Difficult to pass in the Same Quantities Jetta Civic and Corolla cars have cost more expensive for Both When VW & the customer. Because The corporate bosses in Wolfsburg, Germany, want the North American arm to sell Many More cars, faster, Stated With The objective of sales to triple by 2018-they've gone ahead With a new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and The adapté new Jetta in the U.S. market.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Gets Two New Power Units for Paris


Alfa Romeo has announced that it will head to the Paris Motor Show with new engine options for the Giulietta. The engines are made up by a 2.0 liter JTDM powerplant that makes 140hp while the other engine is the 170hp 1.4 liter MultiAir turbocharged petrol unit.

While the styling remains unchanged, the biggest addition is a twin-clutch transmission. Dubbed TCT, the gearbox "guarantees driving comfort and a sporty feeling well above those offered by conventional automatic transmissions, but also improved efficiency and lower consumption levels." It will be available on the 1.4-liter MultiAir and the new 2.0-liter JTDM.

When equipped with the new 140-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel, the Giulietta hatchback returns an average fuel consumption of just 4.5lt/10km (equal to 52.3mpg US) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

Other Alfa show exhibits include the revised 159 saloon and estate, equipped with a newly Euro 5-compliant 134bhp JDTm-2 diesel engine.

Source: Alfa Romeo


Alfa Romeo Double Clutch TransmissionAlfa Romeo Double Clutch TransmissionAlfa Romeo Double Clutch TransmissionAlfa Romeo Double Clutch TransmissionAlfa Romeo Double Clutch TransmissionAlfa Romeo Double Clutch TransmissionAlfa Romeo Double Clutch TransmissionAlfa Romeo Double Clutch TransmissionAlfa Romeo Double Clutch Transmission


Press Release

Alfa Romeo at the 2010 Paris International Motor Show


Giulietta, the safest compact car in the world according to Euro NCAP, is being launched with a new 140 HP Diesel 2.0JTDM-2 and the Alfa TCT twin clutch automatic transmission

The Giulietta, the safest compact car in the world according to Euro NCAP, is the star of the Alfa Romeo stand with two world debuts: the brand-new 140 HP 2.0 JTDM and the 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir turbo petrol with "Alfa TCT" automatic transmission.
The already extensive range of engines available for the Giulietta is complemented by the launch of a new 140 HP turbodiesel that records low emissions (only 119 g/km), low fuel consumption (4.5 litres/100 km over a combined cycle) and an outstanding torque delivery (in Dynamic 350 Nm at just 1750 rpm). A versatile engine well-suited to the needs of fleets and private users.
The second new product is a dry twin clutch automatic transmission which guarantees driving comfort and a sporty feeling well above those offered by conventional automatic transmissions, but also improved efficiency and lower consumption levels. The Alfa TCT will be combined with a petrol version (170 HP 1.4 MultiAir present on the stand) and later also with a diesel version (170 HP 2.0 JTDM). In addition the brand-new Alfa TCT, first applied to the Alfa Mito, is combined with the Start&Stop system in order to minimise consumption levels and CO2 emissions (121 g/km for the 170 HP 1.4 MultiAir).
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta was designed with two ‘souls', one more sporty and capable of expressing great agility over the most demanding routes, and one more functional, with qualities of roominess and comfort on everyday roads. These performances are achieved by the new Compact architecture which, thanks to the sophisticated technical solutions employed for the suspension, the dual pinion active steering, the sturdy and light materials used and the manufacturing technologies implemented, allows the Giulietta to achieve excellent levels both in terms of on-board comfort and dynamics and safety features (active and passive). It is no coincidence that the car has achieved the prestigious 5 Euro NCAP stars and an overall score of 87/100 with the new 2010 rating: an extraordinary result that makes it the safest compact ever.
Two other versions of the Giulietta will be lined up on the stand at the Paris Show: a 105 HP Distinctive 1.6 JTDM and a Quadrifoglio Verde with a 235 HP 1750 TBi engine. The first engine is dedicated to all those in search of a car with character and a distinctive style, affording the typical agility and handling of an Alfa Romeo yet able to combine these qualities with limited running costs. The 105 HP 1.6 JTDM is a flexible and eco-friendly diesel engine that will surprise customers due to its prompt response (in Dynamic mode, the max. torque is a generous 320 Nm at just 1750 rpm) combined with extremely low fuel consumption (in the extra-urban cycle, it is just 3.7 l/100 km). This is possible thanks to the combination of MultiJet 2 technology and the Start&Stop system.
Separate mention must be made of the high performance 235 HP 1750 TBi combined with the exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde trim level, a legendary symbol which has competed on tracks all over the world. Only available on this engine type, this special version is distinguished by its sporty lowered ride height (15 mm lower at the front and 10 mm at the rear), 17" wheels (18"as an option), an enhanced braking system with calipers painted Alfa red, as well as unique interiors which include sporty leather and microfibre upholstery. All designed to guarantee the best in driving pleasure and segment-leading active and passive safety. Fuel consumption is also low considering the power level of this engine. The Quadrifoglio Verde is thus reinterpreted with a modern touch, combining the utmost driving pleasure with greater environmental awareness for an eco-conscious and environmentally-friendly sportiness.
In detail, the 1750 turbo petrol engine boasts advanced technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag. The resulting performance is comparable to - or better than - that of many 3 litre engines while still delivering fuel consumption typical of a compact four cylinder unit. It is worth noting that the specific power of 134 HP/litre represents the highest ever achieved by an Alfa Romeo production engine. The specific torque, amounting to 195 Nm/litre, is also the highest of all petrol engines in this category, while the maximum torque of 340 Nm, reached at just 1900 rpm, is excellent by any standards.
Visitors to the stand can also admire a Giulietta equipped with Blue&Me-TomTom, the only fully integrated portable info-entertainment system that, in addition to map navigation, can be used by means of an up-to-date colour touch screen plus steering wheel and voice commands to manage the telephone, navigation and all information needed while driving, enhancing and exploiting Blue&Me features and ensuring maximum driving safety.


MiTo sportiness becomes even more eco-friendly

The spotlights will also be focused on the Alfa Romeo MiTo, which will be represented at the Paris Show by two cars with a Distinctive trim level. The first vehicle is equipped with a 135 HP 1.4 MultiAir turbo petrol combined with an Alfa TCT automatic transmission with dry twin clutch and the Start&Stop system that temporarily turns off the engine during stops. This Alfa Romeo MiTo offers outstanding performance (7.1 l/100 km over an urban cycle, 126 g/km of CO2 and 8.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h), a result that is even better than the same engine with a manual gearbox (the values are 7.4 l/100 km, 129 g/km and 8.4 seconds). It should be emphasised that the MiTo was the first car to offer the revolutionary MultiAir engine and also to combine the 135 HP 1.4 MultiAir turbo petrol with the Alfa TCT transmission and Start&Stop system.
The second Alfa Romeo MiTo on the stand is equipped with a 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet engine in the ECO version. This may be distinguished from the same engine in the range by its optimised fuel consumption, achieved by special engine tuning and gear ratios. This gives rise to a reduction in fuel consumption (from 4.3 to 4.0 l/100 km over a combined cycle) and CO2 emissions (from 112 to 104 g/km). The performance levels are unchanged and remain among the best in the category: 180 km/h top speed and 11.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.
Both cars on show offer sophisticated leather upholstery, the Premium Pack (steering wheel controls, front armrest with compartment, dual zone automatic climate control, parking sensors and Cruise Control) and the Sport Pack (spoiler, sport rear bumper, fog lights, sports instrument panel and 18" wheels for the 135 HP 1.4 MultiAir and 17" wheels for the 95 HP 1.3 MultiJet ECO). The info-telematic equipment on board the two MiTo cars is different: the 1.4 MultiAir version is equipped with the Blue&Me system and RadioNav satellite navigation system that constitutes the new generation of entertainment and satellite navigation developed by Magneti Marelli for Alfa Romeo. The system incorporates a satellite navigation system, radio with dual tuner, one dedicated to traffic information reception (TMC), the CD MP3 player and European maps loaded onto a SD card that speeds up data access and route calculation times. To guarantee the greater sharpness and definition of images, it is equipped with a high-definition 6.5 inch colour display. Visitors to the motor show can admire on the second MiTo on show the Blue&Me-TomTom, the latest development of the Blue&Me system. This is a fully integrated system that allows you to manage telephone, navigation and all necessary driving information functions on a practical colour touch-screen. The device is the result of a partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom, the European leader in portable navigation systems, and integrates with the car's other systems by means of the Blue&Me system.


Alfa Romeo 159 introduces the MY 2011 and the new 136 HP Diesel 2.0 JTDM-2 engine

The stand also features an Alfa Romeo 159 Model Year 2011. The model (saloon and Sportwagon) has recently undergone a facelift in its interior styling and has been enhanced by option packages that ensure customers a wide range of personalisation alternatives and a wealth of content. Visitors can admire a Sportwagon in the exclusive "Rosso Competizione" livery and equipped with the new 136 HP 2.0 JTDM engine (Euro 5). This new engine complements the Euro 5 diesel range for the 159 and will be positioned in the most important diesel power band within segment D in Europe. This power unit is in fact able to achieve a compromise between the needs of private customers who seek a lively yet frugal car and those of fleet customers who are concerned with running costs but do not wish to neglect comfort and driving flexibility over long distances.
The car on show is equipped with a TI Pack that adds a sporty flavour with its long list of features. In detail, the TI Pack customises the Alfa Romeo 159 exteriors with 18" "turbine" design alloy wheels (a 19" spoked design is available as an option, as on the car exhibited), low sports ride, side skirts and oversized red brake calipers. A very lively car, therefore, with exceptional roadholding. Inside, the TI environment is recognisable from the wraparound seats trimmed in black leather and Alcantara with red profiles (as an option, the sports seats may be fully trimmed in black or natural leather), sports pedal unit in aluminium and a kick plate with the TI logo, sports steering wheel in leather with radio controls, gear lever knob and handbrake lever trimmed in leather with red stitching, Blue&Me system and sports instruments. For an innovative, hi-tech look, the car on show also features new carbon fibre inserts (an option) on the central console and steering wheel.
Last but not least, brochures and customised totems at the stand will introduce visitors to the products of FGA Capital, a joint venture set up between Fiat Group Automobiles and Crédit Agricole that specialises in the automotive sector. The finance company operates within Italy and across Europe with a single mission: supporting the sales of all Fiat Group Automobiles and Chrysler brand vehicles by offering innovative financial products with high added value services dedicated to the dealership network, private customers and companies.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC price


Mercedes has announced the S 350 BlueTEC is now available, in Germany, for €76,279.

Powered by a V6 diesel engine that generates 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque, the car is enabled to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Because of the AdBlue emission control, the new model produces a combined fuel consumption of only 6.8 l/100km (177 g/km of CO2). It is already in compliance with the emission standards planned for 2014 with the introduction of the EU 6 standard.

Along with the good performance, the S350 BluTEC also has astonishing fuel economy, as it uses just 6.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. And it’s one of the cleanest diesel engines on the market because it has AdBlue emission control system.

The S350 BlueTEC should equal or outdo the S400 Hybrid on fuel efficiency, but we'll wait for the EPA to render its decision. The hybrid S-Class is rated for 2010 at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway.

Interior highlights include the contrasting stitching on the PASSION leather package and the Exclusive PASSION leather package. Alcantara is used for the roof liner and to cover the A-, B- and C-pillars. There is also a new Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system that comes with a combination of 15 loudspeakers and two amplifiers with a total output of 1200W.

Source: Mercedes-Benz


2010 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC


Press Release

New BlueTEC model and active assistance systems for the S-Class: Enhanced efficiency, safety and luxury

The new S 350 BlueTEC which is now available from Mercedes-Benz is the most efficient and safest S-Class ever. And thanks to AdBlue® emission control it also offers one of the cleanest diesel models in the world. With combined fuel consumption of just 6.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC) - corresponding to CO2 emissions of 177 grammes per kilometre - the new diesel model is eleven percent more economical than its predecessor. At the same time, the power output is up ten percent at 190 kW (258 hp) and torque is 15 percent higher at 620 Newton metres. In addition, the S 350 BlueTEC already complies with the emission levels which are planned for 2014 with the introduction of the EU 6 standard. Other new features for the S-Class of model year 2010 include Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.

The new S 350 BlueTEC combines outstanding safety and comfort plus performance on a par with an eight-cylinder vehicle with the excellent fuel consumption and emission values of a mid-size model. At 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, the S 350 BlueTEC undercuts its predecessor model by 0.8 litres. CO2 emissions have similarly dropped by eleven percent, from 199 to 177 grammes per kilometre. At the same time output characteristics have improved, maximum power output rising from 173 kW (235 hp) to 190 kW (258 hp) with the current V6 engine and torque hitting a massive 620 Newton metres. The highly efficient and clean V6 diesel engine assures the luxury saloon of impressive performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

BlueTEC is a technology developed by Mercedes-Benz to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles, in particular nitrogen oxides. To this end AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution, is injected into the exhaust flow. This releases ammonia, which converts up to 80 percent of nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converter. As a result, the S 350 BlueTEC already complies with the emission levels which are planned for 2014 with the introduction of the EU 6 standard. The AdBlue® tank is installed under the luggage compartment floor and has a capacity of 25.7 litres. The tank is replenished at the regular maintenance intervals every 25,000 kilometres. The price for the new S 350 BlueTEC stands at € 76,279.00.

Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist

In parallel with the CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also introducing two new safety systems for the S-Class which can help to avoid dangerous situations and accidents. When the wheels pass over a broken lane marking, the system activates an electric motor in the steering wheel which triggers brief vibrations - a subtle but effective warning signal. Active Lane Keeping Assist takes effect when the vehicle unintentionally passes over a continuous line to the right or left of the lane. In this case it gently brakes the rear wheel on the opposite side of the vehicle to counteract the drift away from the lane. Active Lane Keeping Assist employs the ESP® electronic stability programme for this purpose.

Active Blind Spot Assist is now available as a further new feature for the S-Class. This system warns the driver by means of a red signal in the glass of the exterior mirror when it detects that changing the lane may lead to an accident. Close-range radar sensors scan the area directly alongside and behind the car for this purpose. If the driver ignores the warnings and a vehicle in the neighbouring lane comes dangerously near - when cutting in after overtaking, for example - gentle corrective braking intervention will take place via ESP® on the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle. This results in slight yawing of the saloon around its vertical axis as a result of the varying brake force distribution.

Where an accident is nevertheless unavoidable, braking intervention by Active Blind Spot Assist helps to reduce the severity of impact. Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist are available for the S-Class now as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS.

New leather appointments with stitching

To personalise the interior of the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is also offering new, high-quality leather appointments which underscore the luxury saloon's exclusive character. A defining feature is the contrasting stitching on the PASSION leather package and the Exclusive PASSION leather package (standard for S 600). Colours and scope of appointments vary according to upholstery and package contents.

The PASSION leather package features the stitching on the fine leather of the seats and armrests as well as on the top and bottom of the instrument panel support and the door panelling, all of which are finished in ARTICO, a man-made leather which is pleasant to the touch. The Exclusive PASSION leather package features seats, armrests, instrument panel support, door linings, ruffled pockets and a rear shelf in fine leather with contrasting stitching. Alcantara is used for the roof liner and to cover the A-, B- and C-pillars.

Tailor-made high-end sound system

The new Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG sound system tailored to the luxury saloon's interior is available as a further new feature for the S-Class (standard for S 65 AMG). A combination of 15 loudspeakers and two amplifiers with a total output of 1200 W ensure a thrilling quality of sound from this high-end system. The algorithm of the digital sound processor allows a choice between high-end studio sound and surround sound, and the audio output can be focused exactly on the seat positions of the driver, front-passenger, rear seats or the centre of the interior.

Music can be enjoyed on long trips without tiring the listeners, thanks in particular to the dynamic compensation of driving noise: a microphone integrated in the roof lining between the gullwing doors provides a continuous supply of data on the current interior noise level. The digital sound processor analyses all the frequency bands and increases the volume according to the vehicle's speed - via individual adjustment of each loudspeaker and the different frequency ranges.


Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Goodyear Duraplus can be used to 100,000km



The new Goodyear DuraPlus was launched recently in Malaysia and the company claims it is able to achieve mileage as much as 100,000km. That sounds like really good news for the budget-conscious consumer who just want to buy something, fit it on and forget about it for the next few years.
The 100,000km figure was obtained during Goodyear’s tests on company tracks in France and Luxembourg, as well as open roads in Thailand. According to Goodyear, 100,000km is a good estimate and the tyres actually lasted even longer during the tests. The tests were conducted using 185/65R14 tyres.
The key behind the durability of the DuraPlus is what they call TredLife Technology, which actually consists of a few key design features that enables the tyre to last longer. A wide face cavity leads to increased footprint and more wearable rubber in contact with the road. A higher land to sea ratio tread depth allows for more wearable rubber.


The tyre also uses a carbon-based tread compound so the tire has a higher resistance to frictional wear, contributing to the tire’s long tread life and also increased mileage due to the lower rolling resistance. A new carcass design incorporating a stronger fabric that provides less resistance to tire rotation, leading to improved fuel efficiency. The tread pattern is asymmetric, placing more rubber on the outside shoulder of the tire, resulting in increased grip during cornering.

11 sizes are available in Malaysia, for 13 inch to 15 inch wheels. The Duraplus replaces the Goodyear GT3 in the Malaysian line-up.