Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Cosworth announces Impreza STI CS400


Subaru has announced the result of its automotive collaboration with Cosworth to bring you the new Subaru Cosworth Impreza STI CS400.

The Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400 develops 400PS (395bhp) at 5,750rpm. However, the torque figure has not yet been announced. The company says the Cosworth Subaru Impreza STI CS400 is able to rocket from 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds which brings it extremely close to the supercar realm. The standard car needs 5.2 seconds to reach the same speed.

Engine-mods aside, Subaru reported that the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will feature a bespoke brake package with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front developed in partnership with AP Racing, an upgraded suspension and a new sport exhaust system.


Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 Cosworth Impreza STI CS400



Press Release

COSWORTH IMPREZA WILL HAVE SUPERCAR-HUMBLING PACE


The result of one of the most eagerly anticipated automotive collaborations in recent times is heading fast towards Subaru dealerships. The Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 officially goes on sale in June, and is set to offer performance-car fans the thrill of a lifetime.

Subaru has confirmed the car will boast an impressive 400PS (395bhp) at 5,750rpm, sufficient to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds (compared to 300PS / 296bhp at 6,000rpm,and 5.2 seconds for the standard Impreza WRX STI). This ensures the Cosworth-tuned car will be one of the most accelerative all-wheel-drive hatchbacks ever.

Subaru also reports that the Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 will feature a bespoke brake package - with six-pot callipers and 355mm discs at the front - developed in partnership with AP Racing, giving the car prodigious stopping power. Coventry-based AP Racing is a leading supplier of brake and clutch components to teams in the Formula One Championship and the World Rally Championship, as well as to leading supercar brands including Bugatti.

A wide range of further upgrades have been made to the suspension, exhaust and to the donor Impreza's exterior and interior styling. An exclusive, limited edition run of 75 Cosworth Impreza STI CS400s will be produced, and full details of pricing and technical specification will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Leaked: 2011 Infiniti QX56 Debut at New York


All-New 2011 Infiniti QX56 debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show later this week.

The new QX56 pulls styling cues from Infiniti’s G and M series cars, including its revised horizontally ribbed grille, rounded front fenders, free-form headlamps. Engine vents add character to the front flanks while the rear profile is rounded off much like Lexus’ LX 570, its main rival. A kink in the rear quarter window is unique to the QX, however, as are the shapely taillight clusters, rear glass and chrome appliqué, while the Infiniti is notably larger than the top-tier Lexus SUV.

Most likely packing Nissan's 400-horsepower 5.6 liter V8 (rated at 405 lb-ft of torque), this looks like it may legitimately be able to go up against Lexus and its Land Cruiser.

Nissan announced in September that it will export U.S. made 5.6L V8 engines and engine parts to Japan to install in the 2011 Infiniti QX and will ship the finished product back to U.S. dealerships. Apparently, the round-trip is more cost-efficient than building an engine plant in Japan.


2011 Infiniti QX56 2011 Infiniti QX56 2011 Infiniti QX56

Official: Nürburgring package for the Lexus LFA


Lexus has announced a Nürburgring package for its LFA supercar.

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation marks the participation of its LFA supercar in the challenge of the Nurburgring 24 Hours race with mega exclusive, new high-performance package engineered to appeal to customers seeking top-end track ride.

The new Nürburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising the speed and acceleration .
Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained through revisions and additions to several of the LFA’s CFRP components, including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed rear wing.

The Lexus LFA Nurburgring is powered by the standard 4.8-litre V10 engine that has received 10 extra bhp and now outputs 562 bhp. the gearbox of the Lexus LFA Nurburgring has also been improved over the standard car and now offers shift times of just 0.15 seconds. This means the Lexus LFA Nurburgring can get from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 202 mph.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tires.

Outside, the vehicle differs from its sleek series brother with larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and new fixed rear wing. Its mid-front-placed 4.8-litre V10 powerplant now boasts 10bhp more and the gear shifts in the six-speed sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. The handling properties are strengthened by sports tuning of the suspension unit and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

The company plans on handing out just 50 examples within the standard LFA production run of 500 units.


Lexus LFA Nurburgring Lexus LFA Nurburgring Lexus LFA Nurburgring Lexus LFA Nurburgring Lexus LFA Nurburgring



Press Release

LEXUS UNLEASHES THE ULTIMATE LFA

Now available with
new track-focused Nürburgring package

KEY POINTS

  • Lexus introduces Nürburgring package for the LFA supercar, aimed at
    hardcore track driving enthusiasts
  • New aerodynamic elements for greater downforce, including fixed rear
    wing
  • Power increased to more than 562bhp, gearshift times cut to just
    0.15 seconds
  • Nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and top speed of 202mph
    maintained in spite of higher downforce
  • Performance package launched in celebration of LFA's entry in the
    Nürburgring 24 Hours race
  • Just 50 examples to be built, within the total LFA production limit
    of 500 cars

In celebration of its LFA supercar taking on the challenge of the
Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May, Lexus has launched a new performance
package designed to appeal to customers seeking full-blooded track
performance.

The new Nürburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and
technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising
the exceptional speed and acceleration that are central to the LFA's driving
character.

Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained
through revisions and additions to several of the LFA's CFRP components,
including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed
rear wing.

Maximum power from the mid-front-mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine has been
increased by 10bhp to more than 562bhp and gear shifts in the six-speed
sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. Thanks to these
changes, nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of
202mph are maintained, in spite of the extra drag created by the new
aerodynamic elements.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and
mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

Just 50 LFA will be available with the Nürburgring package, within the
car's strictly limited global production run of 500 examples. If they wish,
customers will be able to take advantage of individual driving instruction
on the legendary Nordschleife circuit from the Nürburgring's chief
instructors. They will also receive a one-year driving pass to the track.


New York Auto Show: Ford Focus RS500


Ford has just released the first images and details of the Ford Focus RS500 before the new version's unveiled at the New York Auto Show.

The Ford Focus RS500 is powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine that produces 350 PS and 460 Nm of torque, which means 15 percent additional power when compared to the standard Focus RS.
According to Auto Express, the engine will be tuned by Mountune, and will be in matte black with black 19 inch alloy wheels.

"The company has announced that it will build only 500 units of the Ford Focus RS500 which will be sold in 20 European markets. This means that unfortunately, the U.S. will not get the Ford Focus RS500.

Each car will be fitted with a metal plaque on the dashboard which will be hand-engraved with its unique identification number."

via:zercustoms


Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500 Ford Focus RS500



Press Release

A new and powerful limited edition Focus RS model, called the RS500, is being launched as the ultimate performance Ford and will provide the definitive driving experience for serious performance car enthusiasts.

Making its global debut at the 2010 Leipzig Motor Show in Germany on April 9, the new model has been given the Ford Focus RS500 designation to highlight its strictly-limited production run of 500 individually-numbered vehicles, all of which will be offered for customers to purchase.

The new Focus RS500 features a muscular 350 PS 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine, which generates 15 per cent more power than the standard Focus RS and delivers truly exhilarating performance.

The Ford Focus RS500’s breathtaking power is matched by an equally dramatic appearance. The limited edition model sports a unique matt black 'foil' paint finish with matching alloy wheels to deliver a powerful visual impact which is unlike any other production Ford.

“We were determined to mark the end of production for the current and acclaimed Focus RS with something even more special,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe's vice president for Product Development. “From its stunning looks to its intoxicating performance, we have no doubt that the Ford Focus RS500 will be appreciated and quickly snapped up by performance car enthusiasts.

“This vehicle joins a long line of iconic RS Fords and is a worthy recipient of the Ford Focus RS500 name, which became synonymous with success on the road and track with the legendary Sierra RS500 Cosworth that dominated saloon car racing during the late 1980s,” Bakaj added.

Strictly Limited Production Run of 500 Individually Numbered Vehicles The Ford Focus RS500 marks the end of production for the current generation Focus RS, with the last vehicles scheduled to leave Ford’s Saarlouis Assembly Plant in Germany during September 2010.

While overwhelming customer demand has ensured that total Focus RS output is expected to exceed 11,000 units (significantly more than the 7,000 to 8,000 originally forecast), production of the Ford Focus RS500 will start at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany during May and will be strictly limited to 500 customer vehicles for twenty European markets.

Each Ford Focus RS500 will carry a metal plaque on the centre console, hand-engraved with a unique identification number from 001 to 500.

A small number of pre-production vehicles produced for internal Ford use – such as product development or press demonstrators – will have their own unique numbering scheme, to ensure the exclusivity of the 500 customer cars.

Demand for the Ford Focus RS500 is expected to exceed supply by a considerable margin, and the full production run of just 500 vehicles is being allocated across 20 European markets in line with the anticipated level of interest. For some countries, the very small number of vehicles allocated means the Ford Focus RS500 will, indeed, be a very exclusive purchase for its customers.

A dedicated website – will allow customers and enthusiasts to gain further information, including projected quantities of available vehicles by market, plus access to download photography and video clips. The site will also provide links to national Ford websites so customers can identify dealers and prices.

Focus RS also has its own Facebook page – www.facebook.com/fordfocusrs – with more than 13,500 fans from across the world, and Ford Focus RS500 launch activities will be shared on this site.

Upgraded 350 PS Powertrain

“The more urgent engine sound and sheer thrust of the mid-range performance tell the driver immediately that this is not a standard Focus RS,” said Gunnar Herrmann, Ford’s Global C-Car Vehicle Line Director. “With 15 per cent more power and the same gutsy, sporting character, our new powertrain gives the Ford Focus RS500 the special engine it deserves.”

To provide the Ford Focus RS500 with a fitting power unit, the 305 PS turbocharged Duratec RS 2.5-litre engine from the standard Focus RS has been upgraded to deliver significantly more top-end and mid-range power, but without compromising the base engine’s strength and responsiveness at lower revs.

Peak power is increased by 45PS to 350PS at 6,000rpm, while torque has been increased from 440 to 460Nm, delivered across a broad speed range from 2,500 to 4,500rpm. To achieve the required balance of muscular mid-range and top-end performance, the engine has benefitted from a comprehensive package of enhancements aimed at improving the engine’s breathing and combustion.

The changes include a significantly larger air-to-air intercooler to deliver a cooler, denser charge; a larger air filter box for increased airflow; larger diameter exhaust downpipe; and an uprated fuel pump, along with an updated software calibration to optimise the performance of the revised engine.

“The engine’s improved breathing has allowed us to increase power without having to raise turbo boost pressure significantly,” explained Herrmann. “This has made it possible to enhance peak performance while maintaining the excellent driveability, fuel consumption and emissions of the standard Focus RS.”

Preliminary performance figures for the Focus RS500 indicate that it achieves 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed similar to the 263 km/h in the standard RS.

Engineered by Performance Car Enthusiasts

The Focus RS500 engine has been modified by a team enthusiast engineers from Ford TeamRS in partnership with Revolve Technologies, the automotive engineering firm which develops Ford approved performance upgrades through its Mountune brand.

The shared development and testing programme ensured that the 350 PS Duratec RS engine achieved the specified performance targets while also delivering the standards of durability and serviceability expected by Ford RS customers.

The comprehensive engineering details already developed for the 305 PS Focus RS engine – including a revised cylinder head gasket, ultra-durable metal sprayed cylinder bores, revised pistons and new connecting rods – have ensured that no further mechanical changes were required to cope with the increased performance of the 350 PS Ford Focus RS500 unit. Advanced Front Wheel Drive Chassis

A key factor in the success of the latest generation Focus RS has been its advanced front wheel drive chassis, which combines a wider track, the unique ‘RevoKnuckle’ front suspension design and a Quaife helical limited slip differential to deliver responsive steering, outstanding traction and a minimum of unwanted torque steer.

The same chassis design has proved equally effective in handling the increased torque levels of the Ford Focus RS500, and the specification is unchanged for this application, helping to retain the same sporting and responsive dynamic character which is central to the appeal of the acclaimed standard Focus RS.

The high-performance braking system, and the 19-inch wheels and 235/35/R19 tyres, are also carried over unchanged from the standard vehicle, although red brake calipers and a dramatic black finish for the alloy wheels are unique to the RS500.

Performance Tested to the Limit

In recognition of the extreme performance potential of the Ford Focus RS500, the limited edition model has been subjected to a series of concentrated durability tests which have focused on the car’s track capabilities.

The development programme included a dedicated endurance test at the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, where Ford TeamRS engineers were joined by three Ford-employed racing drivers working in shifts to complete 10,000km of non-stop driving, equivalent to competing in ten consecutive Nürburgring 24-hour races without a break.

“We wanted to be sure that serious enthusiasts could drive the Ford Focus RS500 to the limit on track, without any concerns about the car’s stamina,” said Matthias Tonn, Ford Focus RS500 Chief Programme Engineer. “This meant going beyond our standard test routines, and pushing the car to the edge of its performance envelope. After 500 non-stop laps of the Nürburgring, we are very confident of its durability and delighted at the way it performed, with an 8-minute lap time within reach”.

Unique Matt Black 'Foil' Paint Finish for Maximum Visual Impact

The standard Focus RS already creates a lasting impression with its functional yet striking design, but the unique matt black 'foil' paint finish of the Ford Focus RS500 makes this limited edition car even more special.

Stunning matt black bodywork is combined with matching metallic black alloy wheels, and the gloss black finish of the trapezoidal lower front grille and splitter, twin-blade rear spoiler and the rear venturi, which manages airflow beneath the rear of the car.

Small flashes of colour around the vehicle – including the red brake calipers, blue RS badges, and the special blue and red RS500 badge on the tailgate – only serve to emphasise the car’s unique appearance.

“We deliberately set out to ensure that the Ford Focus RS500 looks like no other production vehicle,” added Tonn. “With its dramatic black finish and imposing stance, this car really is mean, moody and magnificent!”

The matt black foil finish for the RS500 was developed in partnership with the technology company 3M, which specialises in advanced film products for the automotive industry.

All Ford Focus RS500 vehicles will be painted in a standard Panther Black metallic colour, before being shipped to a dedicated 3M facility near Frankfurt, Germany, where a special foil film will be applied to the bodywork to create the matt black effect.

The film is extremely durable, and is specifically designed to resist superficial marks and scratches in automotive applications. In the event of damage to the bodywork, Ford dealers will be fully supported by a Europe-wide network of 3M agents who can replace the film on the affected panels.

Special Ford Focus RS500 Interior Detailing

Attention to detail on the RS500 exterior is also reflected inside the car, with a series of special features which are unique to this limited edition model.

The centre console is distinguished by the car's individually-numbered metal plaque, and by a unique carbon-effect finish to the bezel which carries a distinctive RS pattern.

In contrast to the blue detailing on the standard Focus RS, the RS500 features a special red colour scheme, notably on the stitching of the leather trim on the steering wheel, door trim and gear lever gaiter, and on the floor mats.

Customers also have the option of specifying the bespoke Recaro front sports seats in full red leather, to further enhance the visual impact.

Premium Specification for All Vehicles

All Ford Focus RS500 vehicles will be equipped to a very high specification as standard, with only two features available as optional items. In addition to the comprehensive equipment levels on the standard Focus RS, the RS500 includes the following features as standard:

? Dual-zone automatic climate control
? Heated windscreen
? Rear parking distance sensors
? Tyre deflation detection system
? Automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers
? Auto dimming rear-view mirror
? Ford key-free start
? Enhanced connectivity with Bluetooth®, voice control and USB port
? Sony 6-CD audio system
? Recaro sports front seats with partial leather trim

The two optional features are touchscreen DVD navigation and audio system, and the full leather Recaro front seats in red.

“We believe that customers lucky enough to secure one of the limited edition Ford Focus RS500 models will be getting a real collectors item,” said Joe Bakaj. “From its stunning looks, to its immense driver appeal and its complete specification, the Ford Focus RS500 provides enthusiasts with the ultimate performance Ford for the road.”

Sunday, March 28, 2010

New Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Premieres


A successful weekend for Porsche at the start of the VLN Langstreckenmeisterschaft Nürburgring season: At its racing premiere, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R scored an overall victory, the innovative 911 GT3 R Hybrid finished sixth at its debut and Walter Röhrl celebrated a successful racing comeback after 17 years.

The 911 uses an electro-mechanical flywheel energy storage system to drive a pair of electric motors attached to the front wheels. When braking, those motors generate electricity that spins up an integrated flywheel-motor-generator. Spinning at 40,000 rpm, the flywheel can release the electrical energy back to front motors on demand. The system was developed by the Williams Formula One team and licensed to Porsche.

A promising debut had also the new Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid: Porsche works drivers Jörg Bergmeister , Richard Lietz and former Porsche junior Martin Ragginger brought the white orange race car, the combustion engine of which is completed by two electric motors with 60 kilowatt each at the front axle, on sixth place after a perfect race.


Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid



Press Release

Three successful Porsche premieres


Stuttgart. A successful weekend for Porsche at the season-opener of the Nürburgring Long Distance Championship: At its race premiere, the new Porsche 911 GT3 R claimed victory, the innovative 911 GT3 R Hybrid debuted with sixth place and Walter Röhrl made his much celebrated comeback after 17 years.

Timo Bernhard (Germany), Marc Lieb (Germany) and Marcel Tiemann (Monaco) are the winners of the first race of the season on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. With the new, 480 hp Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by the Manthey Racing team, the trio drove a trouble-free race. "It is extraordinary to climb to the top of the podium at the first race ever of a new race car," said a pleased Bernhard. His works driver teammate Lieb added: "It seems the new 911 GT3 R has inherited the reliability of all racing 911." With 14.5 and 3.6 seconds respectively, the three Porsche pilots relegated the best Audi RS and the BMW M3 to finish second and third.

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid also gave a promising debut: Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Richard Lietz and the former Porsche Junior Martin Ragginger (both Austria) brought home the white/orange racer with its combustion engine supplemented by two electric motors delivering 60 kW each to the front axle in sixth place after a trouble-free race. "I'm positively surprised how well this car performed already at its first race," said Bergmeister. "We tried many things out during the race and will be busy further developing the hybrid drive for the 24 hour race in May. Our aim is to use less fuel than our competitors without compromising performance," explains Lietz.

Double world rally champion Walter Röhrl (Germany) made his much applauded racing comeback after 17 years. Sharing driving duties with Horst von Saurma-Jeltsch (Germany) and Chris Harris (Great Britain) he put the standard 450 hp Porsche 911 GT3 R through a test under race conditions. "The car exceeded my highest expectations and I had a great time at the wheel," enthused Röhrl. "We were able to match the pace of thoroughbred race cars. The 911 GT3 RS was particularly sensational in fast corners and under braking. And the best thing is, if it wasn't so far tonight I could just put our number plate on the car and drive back to Bavaria without a problem."

Round two of the Nürburgring Long Distance Championship takes off on 10 April at midday with a duration of four hours.

New York Auto Show: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon unleashed


Here in America, drivers who prefer station wagons to crossovers and SUVs are in a distinctly fringe minority. In spite of that, Cadillac has heard the cries from the wilderness and delivered the car we've been clamoring for. The CTS-V Sport Wagon is now finally official and production starts later this year.

Ever since AMG built a handful of Hammer station wagons back in the late 1980s, the idea of a family hauler with ludicrous power and torque has held a strange and twisted appeal for us. The V-wagon takes all the traits we love about the 556-horsepower sedan and adds the expanded cargo body style.

Aside from the tailgate, everything else is carried over, including the magnetic ride damping system, Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s, and the asymmetrical half-shaft rear end to avoid axle tramp. Add in 25.4 cubic feet behind the back seats and 58 cubic feet with them folded and we may well have the perfect performance car. Did we mention the 551 pound-feet of torque?
via:autoblog


2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon



Press Release

CADILLAC CTS-V SPORT WAGON SHOW CAR DEBUTS AT THE NEW YORK AUTO SHOW 
  • V-Series performance combined with dramatic CTS Sport Wagon
    design

  • 556-hp (415-kW) supercharged 6.2L V-8

  • Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with steering wheel
    shift controls

  • Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot
    Sport PS2 tires

  • Limited availability beginning in late 2010
NEW YORK – Cadillac today unveiled the CTS-V Sport Wagon show car,
foreshadowing the next addition to its V-Series performance line. It
combines the performance and luxury of the landmark CTS-V Sport Sedan
with the dramatic design of the CTS Sport Wagon.

"The CTS-V Sport Wagon is a natural extension of both the V-Series and
the CTS lineup, offering an uncompromising performance car to
enthusiasts who want the extra room of a wagon," said Don Butler, vice
president for Cadillac marketing. "The V-Series Sport Wagon is another
hallmark of the dramatic presence and power of Cadillac vehicles."

The exterior is finished in Midnight Silver, first seen on the Cadillac
Sixteen Concept, and accented by lustrous Liquid Silver-finished wheels
and a black chrome finish on the grille's mesh insert. The rear fascia,
upper spoiler and center high-mounted stop lamp are also unique to the
show car.

Inside, the CTS-V Sport Wagon show car is trimmed in exclusive black
leather with Alcantara accents. The upper section of the instrument
panel and upper door panels are covered in the same premium leather,
accented with midnight Sapele wood, while the microfiber material and
stitching is applied to the lower door panels, pillars, console lid,
headliner and steering wheel center. The show car features fine-grain
black leather- trimmed Recaro seats with Alcantara seat inserts. The
seat inserts are divided in the center and accented with dark gray
stitching, while the V-series logo is laser etched into the seatbacks.
Obsidian Black accents grace the center stack, console, steering wheel
and door panels.

The show car's bespoke color and trim elements hint at the potential
direction of color and trim in future Cadillac models. These elements
are not yet intended for production, but represent Cadillac's desire to
gauge customer reaction to new color and trim options.

Production CTS-V Sport Wagon The CTS-V Sport Wagon will go into
production in late 2010, with initial sales in North America, followed
by export markets including Europe and the Middle East. The new model
rounds out the V-Series offerings, which include all variants of the CTS
family's sedan, coupe and sport wagon body styles.

Like its sedan and coupe stable mates, the CTS-V Sport Wagon is powered
by a supercharged 6.2L V-8, which delivers 556 horsepower (415 kW) and
is backed by either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed
automatic. A suite of technical and performance elements complement the
powertrain, including Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes and Michelin
Pilot Sport PS2 performance tires mounted on 19-inch forged aluminum
wheels.

Like the other CTS V-Series models, the Sport Wagon incorporates a
unique grille that doubles front-end airflow to help enable its
high-performance capabilities. It is also visually identified by an
aggressive front fascia and raised center section of the aluminum hood
that provides clearance for the supercharger. It rides on 19-inch forged
aluminum wheels available in painted or polished finishes.

The rest of the exterior carries the dramatic design of the new CTS
Sport Wagon; the details of which include:
  • Signature V-shaped deck and tailgate motif

  • Large, vertical taillamps with light-pipe technology

  • Power-opening liftgate (via key fob or in-vehicle button)

  • CHMSL-integrated roof spoiler

  • Integrated roof load management system with available cross bars for
    a seamless appearance

  • Cargo management system with adjustable in-floor containment

  • Available panoramic UltraView sunroof.
At the rear is a pair of 3-inch (76 mm) chrome exhaust outlets, which
caps a performance dual-exhaust system made of high-grade stainless
steel that will maintain a lustrous appearance longer than ordinary
stainless.

Of course, cargo capability is a hallmark of wagons and the V-Series
Sport Wagon delivers with 25.4 cubic feet (720 liters) of space behind
the rear seats and 58 cubic feet (1,644 liters) with the seats folded –
virtually doubling the available space of the sedan.

Supercharged performance

The 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine powers the CTS-V Sport Wagon – the same
acclaimed engine found in the V-Series Sedan and Coupe models. Rated at
556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), it is the
most powerful engine offered in Cadillac's history.

The engine features an intercooled Eaton Twin Vortices SeriesTM (TVSTM)
supercharger. This unique supercharger design employs twin four-lobe
rotors, twisted 160 degrees. Typical superchargers feature three lobes
twisted 60 degrees. The fourth lobe and added twist, when combined with
unique air inlet and outlet ports, create smoother, more efficient
airflow into the engine. In addition to improved overall efficiency,
this supercharger has superior noise and vibration characteristics
compared to more ordinary designs.

A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered in the CTS-V Sport Wagon –
a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic
6L90 six-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift controls. The
steering wheel-mounted controls require no shift lever movement and
allow immediate tap up/tap down gear selection. Performance Algorithm
Shifting provides the automotive transmission with a
performance-oriented shift pattern during sustained high-performance
driving. As with many Cadillac models, the driver needs only to slide
the shifter into the manual "gate" to put the transmission into a
performance mode.

Torque is channeled through the six-speed transmissions to a
high-performance rear axle that features a limited-slip rear
differential within a cast iron housing for greater thermal management
and asymmetrical half-shafts to smoothly manage the supercharged
engine's incredible torque. The unique design includes alternately sized
half-shafts that also help dynamically balance the oscillation of torque
from side to side, effectively eliminating "power hop."

Magnetic Ride Control

The V-Series achieves exceptional levels of road-holding performance,
but also maintains the poise of a luxury car in "regular" driving
conditions. The technical enabler of this dual-mode driving character is
Cadillac's landmark Magnetic Ride Control. It is standard on the CTS-V
Sport Wagon and is the world's fastest-reacting suspension technology.
It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology,
rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and
precision.



Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally "read the road" every
millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually
instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of
particular benefit for a high-performance car because it helps keep the
car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other
dynamic maneuvers.

The Magnetic Ride shocks also enable a broader range of damping control
to optimize the ride and handling for all driving conditions. In the
CTS-V Sport Wagon, an extra measure of control is offered, with two
selectable modes (Tour and Sport), enabling the driver to tailor the
suspension for grand touring or more spirited performance driving.

Cadillac pioneered Magnetic Ride Control, bringing it to production
first in 2002, following decades of research on magneto-rheological
science. Today, the technology appears only on a short roster of the
world's most elite vehicles, including Cadillac V- Series models, the
Escalade luxury SUV and the STS and DTS luxury sedans.

Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires

The CTS-V Sport Wagon incorporates sophisticated braking and tire
systems, in partnership with two companies renowned for high-performance
technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners
and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston
calipers in the rear.

Large vented rotors enable strong initial braking force while optimizing
heat resistance and eliminating fade. The brake rotors from Brembo are
manufactured with "dual-cast" technology that combines cast iron and
aluminum, resulting in superior performance and weight reduction.

The CTS-V Sport Wagon also includes an electric parking brake, which
allows for optimal dead pedal placement, which is important for
high-performance driving.

Michelin partnered with Cadillac engineers to develop an exclusive Pilot
Sport PS2 tire specifically engineered for the CTS-V. The tires support
high levels of grip in track conditions, while also affording excellent
performance on the road.

Comfort, style and technology

The interior of the CTS-V Sport Wagon is shared with the sedan,
including streamlined instrumentation, LED lighting and
hand-cut-and-sewn accents.

The CTS-V Sport Wagon production model will come standard with
performance seats featuring perforated sueded microfiber inserts
designed to hold the driver and front passenger in place during
cornering. Recaro performance driving seats are optional and provide
excellent support for spirited driving. These 14-way adjustable
performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat
cushions and backrests.

Complementing the performance seating are a thick steering wheel and a
gauge package designed for easy, at-a-glance reference during
performance driving. Large instruments have bold readouts, including an
LED-lit "tracer" function in the tachometer that flashes as the engine
nears the red line. The gauge layout includes a boost gauge and a
lateral acceleration display.

Obsidian Black accents grace the center stack, console, steering wheel
and door panels. The production steering wheel and shifter are available
in Alcantara, providing the luxurious character of suede. These accents
are elegant to the touch and aid the driver during support
high-performance driving. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a
hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console.

Leading-edge infotainment features extend to the V-Series. Standard
features include an advanced navigation system with a deployable screen,
Bose 5.1 digital surround audio, factory-installed Bluetooth phone
integration and a 40-gigabyte hard drive that allows the customer to
store a large library of music files. The system uploads files via a USB
port or the in-dash DVD/CD drive and allows stored tracks to be searched
and selected through the radio controls.

About Cadillac

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent
years, Cadillac has engineered an historic renaissance led by artful
engineering and global expansion. More information on Cadillac can be
found at media.cadillac.com.

2011 Ford Mustang V6 rewrites the rental car rulebook


To many, the terms "Mustang" and "high technology" are as mutually exclusive as "China" and "transparent, open society." After all, the first Mustang rolled off the assembly line before the Vietnam War got under way, and in the minds of most people it hasn't changed all that much in the 4.5 decades since. Sure, every once in a while Ford will bolt a fairly high-tech motor into a special edition 'Stang (SVT, Cobra, GT500), but for the most part the original pony car represents exactly that: the origin of the species. Especially when it comes to the base model, the until now lowly – some might say primitive – V6 iteration.

Read full story from autoblog