5/31/12
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG Sports Twin-Turbocharged V8 with 550-Ponies
The 2013 GL63 AMG is scheduled to go on sale in mainland Europe this November and in the UK, the U.S. and other markets around the world in the first quarter of 2013, with pricing details for each country to be released closer to the SUV's on-sale date.
The zippy people carrier sports the same 5.5-litre V8 biturbo gasoline engine found in other AMG models such as the ML63 AMG SUV and SL63 AMG roadster. The direct-injection unit is rated at 550hp (557PS) at 5,250-5,750 rpm and 760Nm (560 lb-ft) at 2,000-5,000 rpm.
Power is transferred to all four permanently driven wheels by an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.
The GL63 AMG completes the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155 mph).
The high-performance SUV features a standard eco stop/start function with Mercedes quoting a combined fuel consumption of 12.3lt/km (equal to 19.1mpg US or 22.9mpg UK) on the European driving cycle with CO2 emissions of 288g/km.
Complementing the new powertrain is an improved chassis with a standard AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM roll stabilization, a speed-sensitive sports steering system and a high-performance braking system.
On the outside, the GL63 AMG gets a rather subtle aero package with new front and rear aprons, matt silver chrome trim inserts, standard LED lights and 21 inch alloy wheels.
Interior appointments include a flat bottom sports steering wheel, bespoke leather upholstery with contrast stitching, an AMG instrument cluster, sportier trim and enhanced standard specification.
5/27/12
Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept
The A110-50 seems to be heavily based on Renault's DeZire Concept from the 2010 Paris Auto Show featuring the Alpine brand's traditional blue hue and a redesigned front-end sporting some styling cues from the original A110 of the 1960s such as the circular air-intakes between the new headlamps.
The Alpine model has a racier look thanks to an assortment of aero parts including the front spoiler, protruding side skirts and rear diffuser, and a massive rear wing, while it also rides on new alloy wheels.
The racing theme continues inside with the steering wheel, roll cage and bucket seats.
As for the powertrain setup, whereas the DeZir was fitted with a 147hp (150PS) electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position driving the rear wheels and a 24kWh lithium-ion battery, Renault has revealed that the A110-50 is equipped with a 400-horsepower engine. Some suggest that this is a V6 unit, possibly sourced from its Nissan counterpart, but this has not been confirmed.
BMW Z4 Zagato Coupe
By replacing the soft-top with a retractable hardtop on the second-generation Z4 roadster, many assumed that the move would mean the end of the coupe model.
Among other highlights that stand out are the countless small matt Zagato “z” letters that make up the double kidney grille, an elongated bonnet with air scoops and more muscular rear fenders.
“For me, the BMW Zagato Coupé holds a very special magic. It exudes a certain spontaneity which, when combined with the type of unconventional solutions typical of Zagato, lend the car a very individual elegance,” says Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada.
The interior was more or less left in stock form aside from model-specific trim and colors.
So is the Zagato Coupe a pure concept or does BMW have a production model in mind? Well, hard to say because BMW avoided using either term in its official press statement.
For starters, BMW does not use the word 'concept' simply referring to the car as the Zagato Coupé. Furthermore, BMW and Zagato state that this is not a static study but a fully functional model that is registered for road use and meets all the legal requirements worldwide. The car has even been driven at high speeds during testing on the BMW test track.
"Zagato has always provided its customers with ready-to-drive cars which can be sent into action on the road or race track without further ado – and the BMW Zagato Coupé fits the same template," says Dr Andrea Zagato.
He continues: "It is relatively easy to build a design study which is not intended for use on the road. Not having to meet any stipulations governing crash safety or pedestrian protection opens up a host of new avenues in terms of design. The challenge lies in injecting the emotional appeal of a concept car into a road-legal machine. And we think we have succeeded in doing just that with the BMW Zagato Coupé."
Taking everything in consideration, and until BMW clarifies its intentions, we could say that the Bavarian company could be looking for feedback before it makes any decision on the production of the Zagato Coupe. That said, what do you think: should BMW build the Zagato Coupe? Tell what you think in the comments section below.
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