2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster unwrapped in Stuttgart

We were in Suttgart, Germany, this past weekend as Mercedes-Benz took the wraps of its all-new 2012 SLKRoadster. While completely redesigned, there’s no mistaking the two-seater for anything but a Mercedes-Benz – and that’s exactly what the designers had in mind, says the automaker. Gone is the SLR McLaren-inspired front hood, replaced with an aluminum unit capped by a more traditional upright radiator grille. Reappearing after an absence are the side grilles on the front quarter panels, reminiscent of those on the Benz roadsters in the 1950s (and SLS AMG, more recently). Slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, it’s an attractive package. Plus, it cheats the wind with a slippery drag coefficient of just 0.30 (the outgoing model had a 0.32 Cd).

The big news on the hard-paneled automatic drop-top (“Vario-roof”) is the innovative and uber-cool “Magic Sky Control” center panel. Unlike opaque solid steel roofs or heavily tinted glass panels (both are offered on the new SLK), the German engineers have come up with a optional trick glass panel utilizing LCD-type technology that goes from mostly clear when voltage is applied, to mostly opaque when it loses its charge. (Getting technical, it drops measured sun “intensity” from about 1050 watts with an open sky to just 200 watts when closed in “clear” mode. Switch it to “opaque” mode, and the intensity drops to about 45 watts.) While it cuts UV, infrared and visible light significantly, the panel never goes completely opaque. The roof transition takes only a few seconds (it is quicker from dark to light), initiated by a quick tap of an overhead switch.

Initially, the sole engine choice for our shores will be a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 (SLK350) rated at 302 horsepower. Later, a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.8-liter four-cylinder will debut (SLK250), making 201 horsepower. We’ll likely have to wait a bit longer for the SLK55 AMG, but it promises to be an enthusiast’s delight. We’ll get a closer look at the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK next month at the Geneva Motor Show.

 

Source:Autoblog

McLaren MP4-12C enters production, Hamilton and Button celebrate

The very first McLaren MP4-12C built for public consumption has begun to make its way through the production process. Chassis 01 isn’t quite finished yet, as you can see by our high-res image gallery below, but it will be soon enough and McLaren plans to build up to 999 more in 2011.

Starting at $229,000, the MP4-12C is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 that produces 600 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Prototype versions have been out running at various locations and events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and a very snowy Top Gear Test Track.

To celebrate Chassis 01 entering production, McLaren has put together a short clip that highlights its past year of testing. Click past the jump to watch Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button put the McLaren MP4-12C through a set of workouts.

 

 Source:Autoblog

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Interior

Interior wrapped with brown color that looks very comfortable and elegant. Passenger capacity of approximately 6 to 7 people. For the control panel there is section on the left.

Dashboard equipped entertainment facilities. There are also facilities monitoring system, machine work and the flow of power on VW Touareg. Transmission panel made with a touch of elegance and captivating.

 

Optimized V6 7.5-liter TDI breaking barriers
Consider the V6 TDI, the most efficient fuel Touareg Engine: In relation to power, the development of advanced Success V6 TDI with 176 kW / 240 hp (European version) and the victim Bluemotion technology to the world of the Touareg, which is 550 Newton-meter strong turbodiesel low consumer innovative 7.4 l/100 km (equivalent to 195 g / km CO2), which is 1.9 liters less than the previous. CO2 emissions reduced by 49 g / km.

Just replace the V8 TDI V10 TDI
Consider the V8 TDI, a new turbodiesel with 250 kW / 340 PS. (!) Given the power and maximum torque of 800 Newton-meters great, the combined consumption of 9.1 l/100 km (equivalent to 239 g / km CO2) is very good – 2.8 liters lower than the V10 TDI, now retired. SUV Car 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Using Hybrid Engine Technology V6 TDI & TSI.

Production Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback coming to Geneva

General Motors has confirmed that it will debut the final production version of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchbackat the Geneva Motor Show next month. The original design was previewed by the five-door Cruze show car we saw in Paris last year, but we expect the completed car to look more like the design renderings that were filed at the European patent office in December, complete with front-end fittings more closely related to what we see on the Cruze sedan.

Oh, and just in case you forgot, the Cruze Hatchback has not been given the green light here in North America. A shame, since Ford’s new five-door Focus is just about to hit dealerships and Hyundai haspromised us a hatchback version of its swoopy new Elantra. What gives, GM?

We’ll have the complete details live from Geneva in just a few weeks. For now, follow the jump for The General’s official press release.

 

Source:Autoblog

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

 

Chevrolet doesn’t need any help selling its Camaro. It handily throttled the Ford Mustang in sales last year despite only being able to offer customers a single coupe bodystyle compared to the Stang’s more expansive coupe, convertible and GT500 range. In fact, General Motors says the Camaro is jumping off of dealer lots with nearly no incentives and 90 percent retail sales. Still, buyers have been clamoring for a droptop version of the mighty Bowtie since the Camaro Convertible concept hit the scene in 2007. This year, The General has finally obliged by taking out the knife.

The history of the Camaro is littered with topless wonders that looked like a stack of cool cash while parked, yet most drove like a wet noodle when you stepped on their skinny pedals. The minds that pull the strings at GM have made it clear that in the coming years, what was once the king of the muscle car heap will turn its attention more toward the sports car crowd, and to that end, they’ve striven to deliver a Camaro Convertible capable of all of the same driving dynamics as the coupe. Have they pulled it off? We took to the streets of San Diego to find out.

 

Source:Autoblog