2010 Maybach Zeppelin

The May Bach brand is bringing out the new MayBach Zeppelin to lead its luxury saloon model range. The new model, which is receiving its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, represents the absolute zenith in the high-end luxury saloon segment. This makes it a worthy successor to the legendary May Bach Zeppelin, which was revered worldwide as the ultimate in high-class automotive engineering in the 1930s. The trademark features of the new May Bach flagship’s unique sense of style include a stunning paint finish, featuring a shoulder line in a contrasting color, as well as the exquisite, meticulously crafted materials in the interior, whose long list of optional extras includes a world first – a highly sophisticated perfume atomizer. The new model’s performance even outclasses the rest of the May Bach range, making it the most powerful May Bach ever. In a nutshell: the May Bach Zeppelin epitomizes stylish elegance and the art of vehicle manufacture at its most refined as no car has ever done before. The new May Bach Zeppelin is being built in a limited edition of just 100 worldwide.

Even today, the name “Zeppelin” has a unique ring to it in the realm of high-end luxury cars. As in bygone times, May Bach is once again building the May Bach Zeppelin for drivers who are seeking something extra special, even in this most luxurious of automotive segments. Not only do the May Bach 57 Zeppelin and May Bach 62 Zeppelin stand out for their exquisite elegance, inventive ideas and phenomenal performance, only one hundred of these special model versions of the high-end luxury saloons will be made worldwide.

Even greater power for the May Bach Zeppelin

The May Bach 57 S and the long-wheelbase version, the May Bach 62 S, serve as the technical basis for the new range-topping model. Supreme performance is assured in both cases by the 6.0 liter V12 biturbo power unit under the bonnet, which now delivers 471 kW/640 hp (+ 28 hp) and a peak torque of 1000 Newton meters.

A two-tone exterior identifies the new May Bach flagship

Whatever angle it is viewed from, the new May Bach Zeppelin radiates character and the sort of style which appeals to all the senses. From the outside, the luxury brand’s new top-of-the-range model can be recognized by its two-tone special paint finish. The shoulder line is painted right through to the background of the headlamp assemblies in Rocky Mountains light brown, which forms a stylish and scintillating contrast to the Taiga black finish used for the rest of the vehicle body. Dark red tail light units and a fine vertical partition in the tailpipe add striking visual touches at the rear. Naturally, customers may also specify their May Bach Zeppelin in any other paint finish they wish.

The May Bach Zeppelin’s newly designed 20-inch wheels in a Chrome Shadow finish complete the picture. These were first painted with a black undercoat, before having a silver topcoat applied using an elaborate painting process that causes the tone to gradually increase in darkness from the outside in.

The streamlined exterior mirrors, which produce even less wind noise, are new to May Bach. They have a more angular design and are separated from the door frame by a slender arm, giving them a more expressive look. They also feature an enlarged mirror surface together with integral indicators in the shape of a horizontal “V” for even greater perceptual safety.

The curving “ZEPPELIN” lettering that appears below the distinctive double “M” emblem on the radiator grille and on the boot lid instantly gives away the elite status of the new May Bach Zeppelin.

2010 Skoda Yeti

People have never weary of chatting about that legendary creature that, with his white fur coat and sharp teeth, lives high up in icy mountains. Although they have never met him, people still speak with great conviction of their encounter with that peaceful inhabitant of the dizzying heights, who is said to have shown many a lost soul the route from the regions of eternal ice to the safety of the valley below. At Skoda Auto we are celebrating a new member of our model range, which has been given the name of that helpful snowman: The Skoda Yeti is launched. The choice of name truly has a deeper significance. The Skoda Yeti is strong, geared to move under difficult conditions and help its passengers along where others give up. But it has the edge on the original Yeti: Unlike him, it is also happy in warmer areas, finding its way not just in difficult terrain and off road, but with equal confidence and assurance on the road.

These were precisely the aims its designers had in mind during Skoda Yeti’s development: The fifth model in the Skoda range would combine these virtues, which have so far been realised by cars in completely different segments, but not found together in one vehicle. That is, the handling and driving comfort of conventional mid-range vehicles, combined with brilliant off-road capabilities. That such a vehicle should also provide above-average space, high carrying capacity and a powerful towing capability has raised the stakes considerably.

The result marks a new chapter in the extremely diverse history of Skoda. Although in the past there were a number of off-road vehicles in the long-established Skoda brand, they never even remotely met the high demands of uncompromised suitability for driving on normal, public roads as well as off-road that Skoda Yeti does.

The first notable Skoda off-roader was a prototype of the Skoda Superb 3000 – Kfz 15 (type 956). From 1942 to 1943, it was built as a saloon with a 3.1 litre, in-line, six cylinder engine and four wheel drive. The type 973 off-road vehicle was produced from 1952 to 1956 and left its mark thanks to its off-road suitability, a wading depth of 600 millimetres, a climbing capability of 85 per cent and excellent handling on the road.

Yeti takes Skoda’s experience of more than 100 years of car development, concentrating and honing it in a comfortable and powerful vehicle, setting new standards in the compact SUV segment. Skoda Yeti comes to market with five wide-opening doors, making access to the passenger compartment and luggage storing easy. In addition, permanent, intelligent, power-distributing four-wheel drive and ground clearance of 180 millimetres makes Skoda Yeti suitable for off-roading.

Skoda Yeti’s overall length of 4,223 millimetres allows drivers to fit into even those parking spaces that are far from generous, while its width of 1,793 millimetres guarantees that the doors can be opened wide in tight spots. And if the terrain becomes rough and more challenging, the slim stature of the Skoda Yeti always finds a gap to get through. Dimensions are a height of 1,691 millimetres, unladen weight with driver of 1,520 kilograms (1.8 TSI 4×4) and a load of at least 545 kilograms, with flexible boot volume of 416 litres to 1,760 litres. A maximum trailer weight of 1,800 kilograms makes Skoda Yeti a safe and hardworking towing vehicle.

In the compact SUV segment, the Skoda Yeti encounters seasoned competitors, such as the Kia Sportage, the Hyundai Tucson, the Nissan Qashqai and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Skoda Yeti claims leadership in this very popular, but densely populated, class. Apart from its excellent off-road properties and handling characteristics in town, on country roads and motorways – which in no way lag behind those of the compact sector – the new Skoda possesses the youngest engine range in the segment. This ensures maximum fuel economy and the lowest possible emissions.

Skoda Yeti’s developers believe the SUV class can only achieve lasting success with an environmentally sound and affordable engine strategy. Therefore, Skoda Yeti’s engine range is based on Skoda’s downsizing strategy, reducing capacity while at the same increasing performance, thanks to highly sophisticated forced induction. High torque at low engine speeds results from this innovative power unit development.

At the same time, consumption is lowered, easing the strain on Skoda Yeti drivers’ wallets, and engine emissions drop, making a significant contribution to the reduction of CO2, NOX and HC. Skoda Yeti wants to be at home in nature and, therefore, not endanger it. For motorists who may not want permanent four-wheel drive, Skoda Auto also offers Yeti in front-wheel drive versions. The generous ground clearance of the new compact SUV still ensures better and safer progress on poor, rutted tracks.

2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE

When it first debuted, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of presentation that remains a standard for new sports car development to this day. Now Ferrari is introduce the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its spottiness and handling.

The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magneto rheological shock absorbers when the Manteno is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car’s centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimized tires featuring a compound that offers even better grip.

The car’s electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver instructions. The F1 gearbox’s shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.

The exhaust silencer has also been modified with the result producing an even more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.

From a styling point of view, the package also includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter. The 20″ split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car’s new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a sophisticated mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara and carbon-fiber trim.

The new seats are trimmed in a new two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara inserts, and the seat backs are trimmed entirely in carbon-fiber. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words “Handling GTE”.

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost is the most powerful vehicle that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has ever produced. However, Rolls-Royce power is delivered in a very different manner to other cars. It arrives in an elegant, cosset way that some have described as being designed to lower the pulse, not raise it.

The principle of simplicity extends to the act of driving Rolls-Royce Ghost. The host of multifaceted engineering software and technologies beneath the surface serve to make driving easier and more enjoyable, not to intrude or confuse.

Rolls-Royce Ghost is more driver-focused than any Rolls-Royce car before it. The driver sits in a little elevated position behind the wheel, described as the authority position. This makes the view of the road much clearer. The fascia has been kept deliberately clear; it is spacious in design and has an intuitive layout. The controls are neatly sculpted, with the more important functions emphasized by accents of chrome. The soft light of the instrument panel glows through the familiar black-rimmed steering wheel, which in turn employs a number of violin keys as well as an ergonomic roller-ball control.

The control centre display is concealed behind a veneered panel until its services are called upon. All features such as satellite navigation, telephone, and communication and entertainment functions are displayed here and managed via a central rotary controller, flanked by quick-access buttons on the front centre console.

The optional driver assistance systems and technologies in Rolls-Royce Ghost are notable for their discretion and ease of operation. From the moment the driver approaches the car, optional Comfort Entry allows easy access, unlocking the doors when the key fob is within 1.5 meters and the cool chromed handle is grasped. Once you are in the car, voice control allows you to select from the control systems menus without using the central controller

2010 Fiat Doblo Cargo

The new Fiat Doblo is connected by the new Fiat Doblo Cargo which has been considered to take its place at the top of its category in terms of presentation and practical characteristics. It offers a roomier load section than the previous model: square, regular, fully usable and equipped with sliding side doors and generously-sized rear doors to make light work of loading and unloading operations. Record-breaking statistics (interior length up to 2.2 meters, width between wheel arches of 1.23 meters, volume from 3.4 to 4.2 cubic meters, payload from 750 to 1000 Kg, combined fuel consumption of 4.8 litres/100 km and range of 1250 Km with the 1.3 Multi jet engine) ensure that the new vehicle can offer considerable benefits in terms of optimization and reduction of running costs.

The range finds expression in 7 different body types: short and long wheelbase van, high top van, short and long wheelbase 5-seater kombi; a particularly appealing and brand-new short and long drop-framed version can be easily and cheaply converted for specific trades (refrigeration chambers, fixed and tilting flatbed trucks).

2010 Saleen S281 Model Releases

Introducing the 2010 Saleen S281, a model from Saleen show Vehicles based on the 2010 Ford Mustang.

The S281 comes with the Mustang’s 4.6 liter V8 engine fixed with a VI.5 twin-screw supercharger and a dual-stage intercooler from Saleen. Power output is 485 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm), managed through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The S281 also features a limited-slip differential.

Suspension tuning is also part of the S281 package, with single-rate springs at both the front and rear, nitrogen-pressurized front struts and damping adjustable rear shocks. A performance-grade front sway bar with pivot bushings is fitted too.

The S281 rides on 7-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero Rosso performance tires.On the inside are leather sport seats with ultra-suede inserts and sporty touches added to the dash and gauges as well as the steering wheel and center console. Contrasting Saleen logos are placed on the door panels and door sill plates.

2011 – Buick Regal Model

Armed with turbocharged horsepower the 2011 Buick Regal, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.

“The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you’ve ever experienced from this brand,” said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. “The Buick Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.”

The new Buick Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren’t offered standard on either competitor.

The Buick Regal’s development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Buick Regal will bring all of Insignia’s award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

The Buick Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Interactive Drive Control System

Buick Regal’s Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections.

All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings.

IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences:

* Normal – balanced and optimized for all driving situations

* Tour – optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys

* Sport – optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving

Selecting “Sport” mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The “Tour” mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. “Normal” or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Buick Regal’s performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

Apart from a more rewardinn obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.

Mitsubishi Outlander GT (2010)

The new Mitsubishi Outlander GT with the Lancer Evo X inspired front end is scheduled to be launched for the 2010 model year.

Mitsubishi made it official, the Outlander GT Prototype revealed at the New York Auto Show will go into production with these changes: a higher ride height to match the typical Outlander, more power for the V6, but you’ll lose the vented discs and Brembos.

The polished aluminum roof on this GT is a beautiful addition, but only for the show, and that’s a shame. You will be rewarded with the upgraded interior, which also stays for production. Price for the more powerful V6 model with S-AWC is expected to be about $30,000, nicely equipped. And yes, you can expect the new Lancer nose to make its way throughout the rest of the Outlander line. Check out the press release after the jump and our updated gallery of high-res photos below.

2011-Volvo S60

Here are the first official pictures of the all-new Volvo S60 – sportier and more dynamic than any previous Volvo model.

“The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you. It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

The Volvo S60 can be equipped with Pedestrian Detection – a groundbreaking safety feature that can detect pedestrians in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver does not react in time.

The all-new Volvo S60 is being unveiled to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March next year. Production of the sporty sedan model will start in early summer 2010 at the Volvo Cars plant in Ghent, Belgium.

“Customers in this segment want emotional appeal, sporty design and dynamic driving properties. The Volvo S60 has it all. We are convinced that it will be one of the strongest contenders around,” says Stephen Odell.

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid (2010)

BMW announced the production version of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid makes its world premiere at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) and will reach US BMW Centers in fourth-quarter 2009. ActiveHybrid technology provides a glimpse into the future, achieving outstanding driving dynamics with equally impressive efficiency. It melds both of these qualities to offer a truly unique driving experience. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupe with full hybrid drive capitalizes on the options offered by combining the combustion engine with electric motors to create a powertrain with new levels dynamic performance and efficiency.

BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving dynamics and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by approximately 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone. The result is even greater driving pleasure combined with enhanced fuel economy and CO2 management providing the kind of progress to make the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid a genuine BMW in the hybrid market.

The overall drive system featured in the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid consists of a 400 hp twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp, and peak torque reaches 575 lb-ft.

Precisely controlled interaction of the three power units optimizes the overall efficiency of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid at all speeds, with acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Top speed of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is limited electronically to 130 mph, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle improved by roughly 20%, and a CO2 emission rating of 231 grams per kilometer. EPA ratings will be available closer to the market introduction.

BMW’s first full hybrid model is able to run exclusively on electric power – and that is entirely free of CO2 – up to a speed of 37 mph (60 km/h), with the combustion engine being activated automatically whenever required.

These performance figures are made possible by utilizing a two-mode active transmission. The ideal combination of the two power modes can be controlled for enhanced efficiency and dynamic performance in any driving condition. With the two electric motors, three planetary gearsets and four multi-plate clutches, drive power is transmitted through a 7-speed automatic transmission. As would be expected in a BMW, the driver can operate the transmission manually. BMW’s lauded xDrive all-wheel-drive system distributes the power between the front and rear axles.

The electric motors receive their energy from an NiMH high-performance battery pack positioned beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. This battery pack also feeds electric power to the vehicle’s on-board network. Luggage compartment capacity is therefore the same as on the original BMW X6. On brake application and/or on deceleration, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and is stored in the battery pack. To provide this function either one or both of the electric motors act as a generator, feeding electric power generated back into the high-voltage battery.