November 26, 2011

TC-Concepts Audi R8 TOXIQUE

Without a doubt, the impressive Audi R8 with its 4.2 litre V8 has big potential for becoming the new tuner favourite over the next few years. The reasons for this are several. First of all the high-end refiners at TC-Concepts in Berlin captured the trend of the times. They have presented an R8 version that can hardly be surpassed in exclusiveness after months of development or improvement work. The main reason for this is the in-house car body kit is very appealing and harmonious. For a characteristically fierce look the R8 front is equipped with an entirely new bumper with huge ventilation openings. Furthermore the “Toxique” is much wider than the serial model, because of a set of side sills and new side parts, which includes air guides and wheel running widening (they ensure an extremely wide base). In addition the TC-Concepts technicians copied the original tank lid and put it on the left vehicle flank as well for a harmonious overall image. What is more is that the tail area with its new bumper with diffusor and fixed full-carbon tail wing is reminiscent of a GT racing car. Absolutely adorable! The R8 is equipped with stainless steel exhaust system end pipe with a diameter of 165 mm. Moreover a flap control is cleanly integrated in the diffusor on the right and left. And you’ll love this: it does not produce the regular V8 sound, but true “Earthquake” thunder! The car’s tail has black-grey R8 GT backlights with adjusted LED control, as well as pretty outer mirrors with exposed carbon cover.
TC Concepts Audi R8 TOXIQUE

TC Concepts Audi R8 TOXIQUE

Further optimizations are made with the serial power which was increased from 420 to approx. 440. A sports air filter kit by the BMC specialists ensures better V8 motor ventilation. If you wonder about the rims, well the answer is 8.5J x 20 inch with 235/30 ZR20 in front and 10.5J x 21 inch with 295/25 ZR21 in the rear. And for the wheels to end perfectly aligned with the mudguard edges, the front axle received 30 mm and the rear axle 70 mm H&R spacer discs. The lowering is performed by a racing-sports-tested H&R threaded chassis. The wonder here is that it can be adjusted in its hardness even when installed. Optimisations have been made on the original brake system as well, although very slightly reworked. Not to forget that the brake callipers were powder-coated in racing yellow.
The interior is in highly sophisticated style: here grand changes have been made. What is to be highlighted is that the TC-Concepts designers completely converted the R8 cockpit. Of course, the popular carbon fibre material is not only very light-weight but also looks adorable. Hence, all strips, the dashboard, centre console, seat consoles, transmission tunnel, door handles and speedometer visor are coated entirely in true carbon-fibre tissue. Although these changes alone would have been enough, the Berlin company went even further: the canopy and A- & B-columns were equipped with soft Alcantara covers; the seat unit received an entirely new leather coating in fine Bentley Beluga-Nero leather combined with special seams reminiscent of a Versace suit. And at last, the fine velour carpets with their TC-Concepts-Logo and silver-grey stitching perfectly complete the remake.
TC-Concepts Audi R8 TOXIQUE Interior

TC-Concepts Audi R8 TOXIQUE Interior

[Source: TC-Concepts]
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Celebrities and Mercedes-Benz

If you have always wondered about the celebrities who drive your favorite vehicle, here you can have a glance at four of the well known super-stars. Not surprisingly they have chosen Mercedes-Benz as their transportation method, but this choice may speak about their personalities as well. Let’s have a sneak peak:
Pharrel Williams and Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
This beautiful car costs Pharrel Williams the amount of $455,000. What’s so special about the vehicle is that it has the impressive supercharged 5.5L V8 engine. The top speed of the car goes to 207 km/h and without a doubt we can affirm that the front man of N.E.R.D loves to drive it around Virginia Beach. This special car definitely expresses the unique style of the co-creator of the fashion lines Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. Unquestioningly this unique combination of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren can impress everyone with unique pioneering developments, very high performance and also with big levels of safety and practicality. For sure the celebrity counts on good style and security!
Pharell and his Mercedes SLR

Pharell - Mercedes SLR


Megan Fox and Mercedes-Benz G550

The Super star Megan Fox was very recently spotted with her Mercedes-Benz G550. You probably have ever believed that this square and edgy design of the Mercedes G-Wagon will be more appealing for the gentleman. Well, Megan Fox proves it wrong! Not only is she one of the sexiest women in the world, but as seen – she is a tough lady who likes “tough” cars! Mercedes-Benz G550 is very special 4×4 vehicle and it costs approximately $110 000. The 2010 G-Class line includes the V8-powered G550 and the high-performance G55 AMG. They will ensure that Miss Fox won’t be late for any movie shot! The beautiful celebrity not only has a good taste for a balanced off-road car, but also her choice speaks for a search of sumptuous on-road comfort. Well done Megan!
Megan Fox Mercedes GL 320

Megan Fox Mercedes G550

Eddie Murphy and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Fantastic car! And it cost Mr. Murphy only the amount of $190 000. This luxury grand tourer automobile is the first Mercedes automobile designed in-house by AMG. And obviously Eddy Murphy is up to date with the innovations unlike Pharrel Williams. If you wonder why, it is confirmed that this is model to replace Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Don’t envy Pharel! This sport automobile is extremely exciting. Not only it has unique design – see the Gullwing doors, but also it is equipped with 6.2 V8-powered AMG (420 kW/571 hp )!
Eddie Murphy Mercedes SLS AMG

Eddie Murphy Mercedes SLS AMG

Christina Applegate and Mercedes-Benz GL 320
Why not going to yoga with your new Mercedes-Benz GL? Well, this is what Christina Applegate does, and she does it very well! Driving this full-size crossover SUV costs the celebrity the sum of $ 80 000. Obviously she can afford a personal trainer, but the pleasure of driving a GL-Class is irreplaceable. GL-class offers a high-quality interior, but the eco-friendly superstar probably had chosen it because of the fuel-efficient diesel engine. Moreover, the driving of the vehicle feels more like a car than a truck-based SUV. And most importantly don’t forget that this spectacular automobile is a worthy heir of the G-Class … only the cabin is a bit refined.
Christina Applegate GL 320 BlueTech

Christina Applegate GL 320 BlueTech

[ Via: Automobilesreview]
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November 20, 2011

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder combines the convertible body style with rear-wheel-drive for ultimate fun.
“With the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, we are expanding the Lamborghini lineup with a purist model that adds yet another dimension of driving fun. This will appeal in particular to a very special group of customers that enjoy a spirited driving style and also like to experience the sheer pleasure of open-air driving,” commented Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
“This special model with rear-wheel drive is a logical expansion of our lineup of spyder models with all-wheel drive.”, he added.
The 2012 Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 with 550PS (405 kW) and 540Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque, which means 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 319 km/h (198 mph). The soft-top of the Gallardo Spyder is designed for unlimited top-speed enjoyment both open and closed.
Thanks to systematic Lamborghini lightweight design and an extremely low dry weight of just 1 520 kg, phenomenal performance is guaranteed.

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

 [Source: Lamborghini ]
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November 17, 2011

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS Price – £90 409

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS comes with a lot of improvements: better efficiency, more power, nice sound and lowered air suspension as standard.
The new Panamera GTS is powered by a 4.8 liter naturally-aspirated V8 with 430PS (316 kW) at 6700RPM and 520Nm (385 lb-ft) at 3500RPM. This is an improvement of 30PS and 20Nm over the previous version. The power is put on the road by 7-speed Porsche PDK gearbox through AWD system. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 288 km/h (179 mph). Furthermore, the engine returns 25.9 mpg with CO2 emissions of 256 g/km. Really amazing figures for such heavy car – 1920kg – kerbweight.
An interesting feature is the Sound Symposer, which can be activated or deactivated by means of the Sport button. It directs intake noise into the interior by an acoustic channel picking up the intake vibrations between the throttle valve and air filter.
2012 Porsche Panamera GTS

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS

The Panamera GTS comes with a tuned chassis boasting performance-oriented options fitted as standard. For example, adaptive air suspension combined with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) increases both comfort and driving dynamics by adjusting the spring rate and electrically adjusting the damping system, combined with a self-levelling height adjustment function.
With the air suspension at its normal level the Panamera GTS sits 10 mm lower than the other models in the Panamera range and its damping is designed to be tauter, reinforcing the sporting personality. Dynamic performance is further enhanced by the combination of 19” diameter Panamera Turbo wheels, 5 mm rear wheel spacers and larger brake discs from the Turbo – recognisable by their red brake callipers.
2012 Porsche Panamera GTS

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS

The four-door coupe also comes with the Sport Chrono package as standard, which includes Sport Plus programme. In the ultimate Sport Plus mode, the adaptive air suspension lowers the vehicle to the low setting and switches to a harder spring rate. The rear spoiler angle of attack also changes to the performance-oriented setting.
The exterior is inspired by Panamera Turbo. It boasts black exterior package including dark side window trim, decorative trim on the rear lid, the headlight washer unit cover, the rear diffuser and the side air outlet panels. In combination with the black side skirts, the tail end and the matt black tailpipes of the sports exhaust system the result is clear-cut and striking.
There are also Bi-Xenon headlights with black inner bezels. The optional body colour of Carmine Red, available exclusively for the Panamera GTS, emphasises the overall sportiness of the model and provides an ideal contrast with the black exterior accessories.
The interior of the new Panamera GTS can be styled according to customer’s taste. There are leather and Alcantara – with a choice of five interior colours. The centre panels of the adaptive 18-way adjustable sports seats, the upper sections of the door armrests and front centre console armrest and roof lining are in Alcantara.
2012 Porsche Panamera GTS Interior

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS Interior

The display on the right hand side of the instrument cluster – and on the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system – relays information  regarding the instantaneous acceleration, thereby reflecting the potential of the driving performance of the Panamera GTS.
The standard equipment includes front and rear ParkAssist, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, cruise control and a 3-year warranty.
2012 Porsche Panamera GTS will be on sale in the UK from February 2012. The price tag is £90 409.
[Source: Porsche]
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