the course of the day – enough that we were able to get into a groove for the final 16 sorties or so. GT cars of about this size, setup and power tend to take to Laguna Seca like yuppies to mesquite.

And so we cooked all day in a fully accoutered C63 Black Series. The fixins’ on our coupe went well beyond the standard model’s race-car-for-the-road spec: Track Package, Aerodynamics Package, AMG Performance Media suite, Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, 19-inch matte black forged light alloy wheels and a fire extinguisher. We’d have preferred if some of these options actually came as standard equipment, but last we checked, we don’t own and run Daimler. Not yet anyway.

Goosing the well-weighted throttle pedal to the floor at the right moment in second gear out of Laguna Seca’s insidious Turn Eleven left-hander, the C63 Black Series filled all of Monterey County with its divine quad-barrel noise. The sound was almost enough to mBut is this Black Series (or any AMG, or Audi RS, or BMW M, or Cadillac V…) simply a poseurmobile, a trophy wife for well-heeled men gathering dust? Barring the ten hours needed to debate this, just ask: Does the C63 Black Series really nail things dynamically to the point where its red meat attitude scares away the wannabes?

Our heaping dose of the Black – fully optioned, mind you – convinced us that this coupe has been done right. The requisite superficial bonehead percentage of buyers for this type of car should be kept to a minimum. We hope this is borne out, because this is a terrifically balanced car that ticks all the right boxes in the way it handles at the hairy limits on a great track. Like a Mitsubishi Evolution in its class, or a Porsche Cayman R in its habitat, this six-figure Merc deserves thehere are a few marquee straights in the racing world, and Laguna Seca has one of the very best. The C63 Black Series’ 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 is an already legendary mill, and in this guise, it’s damned close to perfection. All along the slight left-bending straight with its blind crest (just prior to dive-bombing into Turn Two on hammered brake discs), this large-of-lung naturally aspirated V8 belted out its soundtrack like opera. Its 510 horsepower peaking at 6,800 rpm and 457 pound-feet of torque maxing out at 5,200 rpm felt uncommonly flexible and at the ready. At a curb weight of 3,770 pounds, The Black Series isn’t a featherweight, but it feels solid and mostly better for
After learning the braking point down into the first left hairpin from 120 miles per hour, then understanding the most effective turn-in point, the C63 Black Series revealed itself through the curves that followed as an honestly race-inspired proposition. Each front 19-inch wheel weighs about 5.5 pounds less than a standard AMG wheel, while each of the rear wheels peels off around 6.5 pounds apiece. The AMG-specific speed sensitive steering ratio of 13.5:1 with a lock-to-lock of 2.2 turns has been made even more direct on the Black through an extra 1.6 inches of front track width, with the rear track swelling by 3.1 inches. Top it all off with the sturdier coil-over adjustable KW damper set that lowers the car around six-tenths of an inch, clamp on 15.4-inch Brembo carbon composite brake discs up front, and it’s plain to see that this AMG was designed to be a crisply responsive piece that belies its size.

Throughout our time on this California playground, steering tracked faithfully to any line we aimed for, throttle response was immediate but not nasty, and we abused the brakes all day without any sign of excessive fade. We kept the rotary dial for the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed gearbox (Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport+, Manual and Race start) in Manual all day, the three-mode ESP in its Sport calibration, and the optional AMG button (for all the interfaces of the Performance Media suite) lit red. Improving our day-long track experience was the available Track Package that endowed our car with Dunlop Sport Maxx Race tires – 255/35 R19 front, 285/30 R19 rear – and a much needed small additional radiator mounted in the diffuser to cool the hard-working rear differential. The latter, in case you were wondering, is a mechanical unit with 60 percent locking action in acceleration and 50 percent during deceleration. Standard tire size, by the by, is 255/35 R19 all around.it. best, most capable owners ake that difficult corner worth tolerating. Thus tricked out, the Black Series comes very close to race spec, the diff’s locking action out back having required some fine tuning of the suspension in order to neutralize occasional understeer. Camber on the front and rear wheels has been increased to help out in the dynamic fight as well. As prepped and set up to our dynamic liking, the C63 Black Series let its tail slip out just right to meet the correct line as we dialed in the power in second or third gear out of each turn.

Only under the hardest of braking did we ever truly notice the car’s weight, the nose lowering just a tick too much. Maybe 250 fewer pounds and a lower setting for the dampers would do the trick. Aside from this, we were really pleased with the speed the Black allowed us to carry throughout this challenging 11-turn circuit. Plummeting through the Corkscrew in particular was more fun than any amusement park ride – there was no uncertainty whatsoever as the amped C63 dropped and sailed through without us needing to consult the brakes.According to officials, there are no other C-Class Black Series models planned, and the coupe will be delivered only between January and May of 2012 with no set total production number announced. Pricing has not been disclosed yet, either, though we’d put the base price at around $125,000 and we don’t expect any C63 AMG Black Series to leave a Benz dealer for less than $135,000. With fewer than 100 examples destined for the U.S., we wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some price gouging, at least initially. Provided Eichler and Company live up to their pledge to whip the transmission’s electronics into shape – and even if buyers have to pay a bit more than sticker – we figure it’ll be worth it for what amounts to a righteous, tire-smoking sendoff to one of the best V8s the world has ever known.

Subaru XV concept is a new four-door and five-seats crossover vehicle model which has been unveiled by Subaru at Shanghai Auto Show this year.

Although Subaru does not mention the power output from the engine, but the company said that this new SUV concept is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder Horizontally-Opposed DOHC engine coupled with a Lineartronic (CVT) transmission.

Subaru XV concept has a 2,635 mm wheelbase while measures 1,800 mm in width, 4,450 mm in length, and 1,620 mm for its height.With the Electro Yellowgreen paint scheme, Subaru XV concept sits on unique 19 inch light alloy wheels while featuring metallic roof rails, panoramic glass roof, and many more.

For the interior, Subaru XV concept comes with touch-panel multifunction display in the center console, special white leather upholstery, and also EyeSight advanced driver support system.

Nissan has premiered the new 2012 Nissan Tiida hatchback version at the Shanghai Auto Show. A ‘PURE DRIVE revolutionary powertrain’ is suitable for what the company has called to the Nissan Tiida 2012 due to its comfort and premium styling which targeting youngster.

A range of new technologies also attached on its HR16DE engine to improve the fuel efficiency of Nissan Tiida 2012 model. Comes with the Xtronic CVT wWhen compared to the current generation model, the 2012 Nissan Tiida offers plenty of extra room as its wheelbase is increased by 100 mm.

Although Nissan did not make announcement for the 2012 Nissan Tiida pricing, but the company have said that the car will be introduced in more than 130 countries by 2014 with some improvements on its outside visibility.ith an auxiliary transmission, 2012 Nissan Tiida also gets reduced CO2 emissions.

should provide all the clues you need. The entry-level crossover features a pair of EcoBoost four-cylinder engines and exactly zero V6 options.

The smallest EcoBoost displaces only 1.6 liters, and promises terrific fuel economy and performance. That engine is the thriftiest engine in the Escape, but what if it were to reside under the hood of something much smaller? That’s where the Fiesta ST Concept comes into play. The performance-oriented Fiesta is on display at the Ford exhibit in LA, and though it’s a showcar for now, this B-segment hatch looks production ready.

Ford claims that in this application, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost delivers 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque – a whopping 60 more ponies than the naturally aspirated 1.6 featured in the garden-variety production Fiesta. Given that the base Fiesta is only 2,600 pounds, we’re guessing 180 horsepower is more than enough punch to turn the Fiesta into one heck of a fun ride.

The Fiesta ST concept certainly looks the part of a high-performance hatch, with a gaping, aggressive black mesh grille, attractive body-colored moldings and chunky five-spoke 17-inch wheels. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release, and feel free to click on the gallery above for our high-resolution photos.

This is a 2012 Scion iQ realise at International Auto Show. A New Dimension of Scion was unveiled these days with two new production vehicles – the all-new 2011 iQ premium micro-subcompact and also the second-generation 2011 tC sports coupe – at the big apple International Auto Show. Thus says everybody from NFL scouts to Dr. Ruth. Scion also subscribes to that adage, but the youth-oriented car company believes that being smaller is the way to go of Scion iQ 2012 three-Very precise steering, including its compactness, build it a breeze to park. It’s well-detailed with a logically-designed interior. That’s right, the diminutive Toyota with the silly name goes to greet us as a youth-branded Scion. In multiple flavors, too.. Initial can come back a five-door hatchback, followed next by a four-door sedan. The latter is nearly a trifle puzzling – who on earth desires a four-door sedan version – however then we have a tendency to recall all the opposite cars PR sorts tell us the yankee market forces into four-door guise and we’re not stunned one bit. The Scion iQ will come back as a three-door hatch. Expect the five-door to point out up initial, towards the top of 2011.doorsWith a 78.7-inch wheelbase and a novel suspension style – consisting of MacPherson struts up front, and a torsion beam rear suspension – the three-door hatchback will deftly maneuver through town traffic. Additionally, its overall length of 120.1-inches, width of 66.1-inches, and short front and rear overhangs produce a assured stance that also permits the Scion iQ to suit into just about any urban parking situation. Engineering innovations like a compact air-conditioning unit, inverted front-mounted differential, and electronic power-steering system with compact steering column, all amount to vital decreases in front-end length. Underneath the iQ’s hood could be a one.3-liter inline-4 that produces 94 bhp at 6000 rpm and eighty nine lb.-ft. of torque at 4400. This powerplant, that options an aluminum block with a twincam head, achieves smart fuel economy figures—estimated thirty six mpg city/37 mpg highway, but doesn’t specifically have the punch to induce you airborne on Lombard Ave. The 2127-lb. Scion iQ can reach sixty mph in eleven.8 seconds, in line with Scion. The automotive can eventually reach one hundred mph, though it’ll take it slow to induce there.The New Dimension 2012 iQ is provided with a one.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces over ninety horsepower and options the most recent twin VVT-i, that permits it to be impressively economical, providing a broader powerband however requiring less fuel and generating fewer emissions. The car’s styling is very Japanese, wanting love it may double as the head of an enormous anime robot. while some may notice the car’s $15,995 (with destination charge) asking price somewhat steep, if you live in a very massive city where the streets are usually congested and car parking zone restricted, having something as small, economical and classy because the iQ may perhaps be priceless. The Scion iQ reaches dealer showrooms beginning on the West Coast in October.

This is a 2011 Nissan Electric Car goes racing. Leaf Presented at the New York Auto Show, Nissan Show Sheet RC NISMO race is an electric automotive concept primarily based loosely on the first mass-produced EV. The electrification of the automotive going to be a protracted method and the development appears fragmented and confusing. Yet with governments keen to support the advancement of zero emissions transport, it’s already a hotly contested battleground of Nissan Leaf RacingSitting a couple of foot lower and therefore the use of a carbon fiber chassis, there would initially seem to be rather more similar between the 2 vehicles – despite the headlights and taillights share a number of an equivalent style cues. Nissan is at the movement’s terribly forefront and already sells a full EV model, the worthy however deeply unsexy Nissan Leaf, that retails at an eye-popping £30,990. It’s a variety of one hundred ten miles, offers tight acceleration and a 90mph high speed. It’s seen some success but those numbers are unlikely to win over the common automobile buyer, who equates electric cars with vary anxiety aSay Mamoru Shinshi, chief engine engineer of 2011 Nissan Leaf Racing, is for certain that this programme will have nice benefits for road-going EVs in the short and medium term. “Conventionally powered cars are being improved incrementally. With EVs we’re still at the stage where we can make big leaps and a race programme will accelerate that trend. In terms of safety, performance and battery longevity, this car will teach us many things.nd tedious recharging.

This is a Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback sporty car. Honda sells additional cars in North America than it will anywhere else. Thus are we left with simply a baby Type-R? Honda gave up on three-door Civics within the U.S once the previous 2002-2005 Si hatchback. That automobile was greeted with minimal sales, however in Europe, the three-door design has grown massively. Cars that actually started the “sporty” revelation for Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback may in all probability link their initiSure there where several alternative quick Hondas before this model, however the ability, excitement and delightful white paint work of the Integra created a cult following that’s still gift these days. Jump swiftly to the first a part of the Noughties and another automotive that sold in its droves was the EP-3, or for its public name the Civic Type-R, this explicit model wasn’t amazingly pretty to appear at, nor was it discreetly styled. Weight is essential with the Type-R. The Japanese hot hatch is fitted with aluminum to chop down the pounds and there’s a giant wing on the rear to stay the automotive planted.al birth back to the InteThe latest Honda Civic Type-R gets a 2.0-liter engine with 222 horsepower and 18-inch wheels. It also looks fantastic. Those triangular exhausts and therefore the outsized Brembo front brakes create the automotive seem like a Jetson-spec spaceship. The handling is sharp and composed, even once you begin to lose grip you’re comparatively safe within the data that the VSA (Traction control) can come back to save lots of yougra.The ride in addition to the beautifully snug suede seats impressed of Honda Civic Type-R. It will undoubtedly appeal to the younger generation but it isn’t as hardcore and as uncomfortable because the Type-R, which in flip allows for the Honda Civic Type-R to be the simplest of both worlds.

Berlin-based designer Sasha Selipanov, AKA “The Angry car Designer”, has conjured up one fantastic design chance for giant Brother’s replacement. The 2010 Ferrari 612 GTO concept may be a pure conceptual study for a top-end Ferrari, presumably a future generation of the 612 Scaglietti. Obtaining a style off the planning stage and into development can be an arduous task within the better of times but, when Ferrari‘s unharness of the 599 GTO, it’s going to be quite your time before we have a tAfter all, there’s more than a slight probability that this style won’t build it past the look room. The Ferrari 612 GTO concept could be a pure conceptual study for a top-end Ferrari, probably a future generation of the 612 Scaglietti, Selipanov design proposal appears to borrow bits and items from bound supercars just like thendency to see this beauty on the roads.

The launching time of BMW 1-Series M Coupe might be the most waited-moment for those BMW enthusiasts, for us too, of course because the new version of 1-series brought lighter and little cheaper but featuring an awesome driving-experience.

And for this year, the Munich automaker has specially turned the M sports coupe into classic red, white and blue ///M livery. Yep, it means that the vehicle will be arrived at this year’s MotoGP as the safety car.

Talk about the modification, this changes aren’t just for the dress of the sports coupe, but it has also a numerous of new goodies include a new carbon fiber as well as polycarbonate body-kit, a titanium exhaust as the sound maker, and an adjustable rear wing to round off the exterior thingy. While on the inside, the MotoGP safety car features a roll cage, a couple of racing buckets and a six-point harness. Be sure to discover the preview of BMW 1-Series M Coupe safety car on the gallery below as well as the BMW‘s press release after the break.Munich. The motorcycle road racing world championship – or MotoGP – ranks among the world’s most popular and spectacular sporting events. The involvement of BMW M GmbH in motorcycle racing’s top-echelon event now enters its 13th year. To ensure the safety of the practice runs and the race itself, BMW M GmbH is providing the official Safety Car along with a raft of other high-performance vehicles for use by the Dorna Sports management team and IRTA officials.

At the curtain raiser on 19th March, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe will for the first time be deployed as the official Safety Car for the MotoGP events – in advance of its market launch late in April. The BMW Safety Car is a one-off built by BMW M GmbH specifically for this race series. Only the 250 kW/340 hp straight-six M TwinPower Turbo engine and the entire drivetrain were taken over unchanged from the production model.

In the interests of weight optimisation, the BMW Safety Car comes with a carbon fibre-reinforced bonnet featuring additional large air vents, as well as polycarbonate side and rear windows. A special lightweight titanium race exhaust system not only saves weight but also delivers a captivating sound for the benefit of the spectators. Complementing the discreet spoiler lip on the boot lid there is now an adjustable rear wing to provide the requisite downforce. On the Safety Car the aerodynamically honed front apron with its precisely defined air ducting, including Air Curtains, features an additional splitter integrated on the underside of the apron.

The interior of the BMW Safety Car is a model of uncompromising purism. A rollover cage bolted behind the B-pillar, the absence of rear seats, two racing bucket seats with 6-point safety belts, an M steering wheel in alcantara and a fire extinguisher are all standard in the Safety Car.

The suspension technology of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe was specially adapted for the Safety Car. Its high-performance suspension system boasts an adjustable race track set-up that includes a sports-tuned chassis in which the dampers are independently adjustable for bump and rebound. The BMW Safety Car runs on 19-inch mixed tyres measuring 255/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear. Vehicle height is variably selectable and the camber of the front and rear axle can be altered to suit the circuit topography. The braking system of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, already designed for extremely high demands, is replaced in the Safety Car with a six-piston fixed-calliper racing brake system.

The deployment of the brand-new BMW 1 Series M Coupe Safety Car marks the continuation of BMW M GmbH’s successful partnership – begun in 1999 – with Dorna Sports, the organisers of the MotoGP World Championship. With a fleet of eight vehicles, BMW is supporting the safe running of the motorcycle world championship in the current race season. As well as the official BMW 1 Series M Coupe Safety Car, this year sees two further reserve Safety Cars from BMW M GmbH present at the track: a BMW X6 M and a BMW M3. In addition, the organising team has been given a BMW X5 M for the Safety Officer and a BMW ActiveHybrid X6 for the stewards. On call this season as a Medical Car is a BMW 535i Touring. There will also be two Safety Bikes contributing to the safe running of race weekends: a BMW S 1000 RR and a BMW HP2 Sport. The ceremonial handover of the vehicles took place at BMW M in Garching-Hochbrück on 28th February 2011. It was on this occasion that Dr Kay Segler, Director of BMW M GmbH, and Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports, made an advance announcement that the successful partnership would be extended until 2016, before sealing the agreement i

2010, the Beijing Auto Show this week in Geely has unveiled a new sports car, this is called a G5 under its Gleagle (Eagle Global) sub-brand sold.

Lucky Star GLeagle G5 follows last year (for the Geely Tiger), which began in 2009 Shanghai Auto Show and will be sold under the Emgrand sub-brand. Both models will be discussed in the latest version of the GLeagel Beijing.The Emgrand slightly reorganized, eliminating double doors design 2009: Beijing E show car is said to have a gasoline engine of 2.4 liter four cylinder and hybrid transmission.World Gleagle Emgrand Eagle is unique shortening in allusion to its international aspirations, while Englon intends to convey a British peerage.

“This structure is on China and whether it is appropriate for other markets is something we have to talk to the distributors,” said Dr. Zhang. “Building a brand takes a lot of marketing efforts and some smaller markets, do not think it prudent to launch three brands at the same time.” Options could be to sell cars Geely badge on your own or by collecting a part of the brand name in Australia.Geely explosion products goes hand in hand with an equally dramatic expansion of sales. You need a sales growth of 325,000 in 2009 to two million in 2015, exports should account for 50 percent of this.And ‘even the most ambitious of Geely is not China’s greatest players. However, there is a significant independent not involved in a joint venture between a foreign manufacturer. Australia sales forecasts have not been finalized, nor the original dealer programming. But Dr. Zhang said that the coverage of major cities on the East Coast start-up will be essential.

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