24hcar

AMG's New 5.5 Liter Biturbo V8 Engine in Depth

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

It's time for Mercedes-Benz's naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 that powered an array of AMG models over the years including the S63 AMG to give its place to a newly developed AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine that's more powerful yet significantly more fuel efficient.

Showcased here on a cosmetically upgraded and sported-up S63 AMG sedan that pays tribute to the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the new 5.5-liter V8 features direct injection with spray-guided combustion and twin turbocharging.

In standard form, the V8 biturbo engine develops a peak output of 544HP and maximum torque of 800Nm or 590 lb-ft. In conjunction with the AMG Performance package these figures are increased to 571HP and 900Nm or 663.8 lb-ft.

In comparison, AMG's outgoing naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 churns out 525HP and 630Nm or 465 lb/ft of torque.

To the surprise of no one, the new turbocharged V8 is not only more powerful but also cleaner and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

Helped by a seven-speed automatic transmission and Merc's Start-Stop tech, the new 5.5 V8 bit-turbo will allow the upcoming 2011 S63 AMG to return a combined fuel consumption of 10.5lt/100km or 22.4 mpg US which represents a saving of more than 25 percent compared to the current S63 AMG (14.4 lt/100km).

Likewise, CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced at 246 grams per kilometre, or 28.5 percent lower than for the previous model.

At the same time the S 63 AMG with the new bi-turbocharged V8 propels the high-performance saloon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph. The 100 km/h mark is reached in just 4.4 seconds with the AMG Performance package, with the top speed increased to an electronically limited 300 km/h or 186mph.

The current S63 AMG reaches 100 km/h (62mph) from standstill in 4.6 seconds and while the S65 AMG with a 6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine producing 612HP and 1000Nm or 737 lb/ft, accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.4 sec.

The new 5.5 V8 bi-turbo engine will have its debut on the 2011MY S63 AMG sedan later this year and will show up on more AMG models shortly after.

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Lamborghini Gallardo by BF-performance

[WCF]

Swiss tuners BF Performance have completed work on a new tuning kit for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Called the GT600, their package can be used on either the coupe or the Spyder.

The company says their inspiration was driven by their perception that "the Gallardo is too innocent and neither dynamic nor individual enough." To that end, they designed a set of aerodynamics that gives the car an even more aggressive look, while cutting down on weight.

New body parts are made entirely of carbon fiber, and include new side skirts, rear diffuser, and a rear wing. A set of wing doors is also a part of the package.

BF Performance claims that they have tuned the engine of the Gallardo, though they provide no specifications. They do say that, between the mods and the 43 kg reduced weight, their GT600 has better acceleration than the LP640-4 SV. Carbon-ceramic brakes were used to better control speed.

Inside, the company installed five-point belts and sport seats. Carbon was used on the handles, vents, switch casings, and steering wheel to further reduce weight. A rollover cage was also fitted to better protect passengers.

The BF Performance GT600 is now available for order. The company says they can reconfigure the car from a four-wheel drive to a rear-wheel drive, if desired.

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GM Wants to Lure More Non-Old, Non-Americans with New Corvette C7

[Autoweek]

GM is about to try something new: making Chevrolet's Corvette appeal to international markets. The General is soliciting designs from all ten of its styling studios, meaning that more than just American-market brains are weighing in.

The goal is to bring in younger buyers from the States, while also help gain sales in the all-important European market, among others.

"We have challenges in the States with the Corvette," Welburn told journalists in an interview at the Geneva Salon. "The average age of the customer is really rising." According to J.D. Power and Associates, the current average age of a Corvette buyer is 54.

"It is a key time in the development of the Corvette," Welburn said. "There is a lot of debate and a lot of study on the bandwidth of Corvette."

However, Welburn added that the sports car "can't mutate into something that gets so far away from Corvette that it is no longer a Corvette."

One major problem, according to GM, is the Corvette's styling, which makes the car appear larger than it really is.

When the redesign hits the market within the next two to three years, GM hopes to have "trimmer, meaner [design] to go along with the incredible performance that the car has."

All together now: Stingray (although that split rear window would kind of block the rear view).

As for getting younger people looking at the Vette, apparently GM wants stereotypes to walk in off the street and make purchases. The fact that GM still thinks "young U.S. buyers...favor imports" is proof positive that the old white men running GM have yet to wrap their minds around who their customers are.

Case in point: Buick, a brand that turned itself around in a hurry and is getting more and more attractive.

Young consumers don't all want "Fast&Furious" Hondas and Guido'd-out Bimmers. It doesn't have to do with "imports", it has to do with good design and quality.

Lastly, the detail that everyone seems to agree on is the Corvette's interior: sub-par for the price bracket. GM Vice President of global design says, "The execution, materials selection--it's got to be a much better interior. Our customers desire that." Doesn't everyone?

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VIDEO:Bentley Details Mulsanne Painting Process Insight

[Bentley]

Bentley has released a new video featuring the production process of the Bentley Mulsanne. The 3m 20s video focuses on transitioning the car's body-in-white to a fully painted vehicle.

New customers will be able to choose from at least 115 different colors for their luxury car, though more are possible with the company's "unlimited palette." 28 of these were created exclusively for the Mulsanne. The car gets six different layers of paint, including three for the top coat, and two coats of lacquer. Satin finishes, and two-tone versions will be possible.

While the footage is not the most exciting video ever produced, it will be enjoyed by fans of the brand, and those wanting a more inside look into auto production.

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Fisker Latigo CS Prototype Number 000 For Sale

[fiskerbuzz]

A Fisker Latigo CS is up for sale in San Diego, California. With the special number 000 designation, this is the actual prototype model that was displayed at motor shows back in the day.

Based on a 2005 BMW 645i coupe, the Latigo features a unique body, special head- and taillights, and 20-inch wheels outfitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Inside, the car has a unique center console, an SMG transmission, and special "000 of 150" scuff plates.

In terms of performance, the prototype features an adjustable coil-over suspension, a Brembo braking system, and several DINAN accessories (exhaust, chip, cold-air intake, and strut tower braces).

With 8,197 miles (13,191 km) on the odometer, the prototype is priced at $99,888 USD (€73,477).

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Back in October of 2009, Acura told us about its plans to expand its TSX lineup with a more practical station wagon variant in the fall of 2010. Today, the Japanese automaker announced that we'll get our first look at what is essentially the North American market version of the European Honda Accord Tourer (pictured here) at the New York International Auto Show on March 31.

"The TSX Sport Wagon will offer a new solution to modern utility needs with its balanced and efficient performance coupled with bold styling and versatile cargo capabilities," said Acura in brief press release without revealing any other details on the car.

However, we believe it's safe to assume that the TSX Sport Wagon will be offered with the same 201HP 2.4-liter four cylinder and 280HP 3.5-liter V6 powertrains already available on the sedan version here in the States.

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CFC Proves There's No Limit to Bad Taste with Chromed-Out Hummer H2

[Scoop]

Leave it to a German tuner to take something already gaudy by nature and make it even more garish and ugly. "Take your Hammer and drive it sexy", says CFC in the press release on the pimped-out Hummer H2 (with a "u" and not an "a"). Too bad it doesn't say 'where', but let's not make this post more inappropriate than it already is.

After a lengthy visit at their warehouse, CFC's tuning team went ahead and stuffed the Hummer H2 like a Thanksgiving turkey. Starting from the outside, the 'chrome' vinyl wrap is complemented by tinted windows, a carbon wrap for the bonnet and a set of uber-discreet 'CFC' stickers.

The H2 rides on massive 28-inch TunerShop light-alloy rims shod in jumbo-sized 325/35 R28 pneumatic tires by Kumho. Other exterior 'upgrades' include the four tail pipes, additional lights, chromed side guards and let's not forget, the Lambo-Style-Doors.

CFC's decorators really outdid themselves with the H2's interior. Applying lessons learned from the cheesiest of limo-makers, the SUV's cabin has been fitted with no more than... 17 LCD screens plus an HD TV, (on the ceiling, sunscreen, central console between the front seats, trunk and doors), a DVD-player, a 1.360-Watt RMS music system, a mini bar and probably some other thing we forgot to mention.

Style-wise, the seats have been upholstered in black leather with yellow stitches while there's also a new rear sofa and yellow decorative trim on the dash.

Finally, CFC also tampered around with the Hummer H2's engine which now puts out a total of 480HP.

For better or for worse, the German tuner did not release details on pricing.