All new 2013 Ford Mustang

Proper Priorities: Recaros and Track Apps, but No MyFord Touch

Inside, the Recaro front seats currently found inside the GT500 and the Boss 302 are available on the rest of the lineup, too, with either cloth or leather upholstery. Thankfully-and unlike most recently refreshed Ford products-the Mustang does not adopt Ford's maligned MyFord Touch controls. Its infotainment system does incorporate a version of Ford's Sync system, however, which is operated via steering-wheel controls and spoken commands. Two new sound-system upgrades also are available for 2013.

Even bigger news is the addition of a new Track Apps option for versions of the V-6, GT, and Boss 302 that are equipped with the Premium package. Like the Performance pages offered on Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep SRT8s but with richer presentation, Track Apps shows various performance data on a digital display tucked in the IP. Specific screens present acceleration times, lateral-acceleration information, and braking performance.

And of Course, More Power

Ford claims that lessons learned during the development of the Boss 302 allowed engineers to squeeze a few more ponies out of the GT's 5.0-liter V-8. The new total: 420, up from 412. Buyers who option their Mustangs with automatic transmissions can now shift gears manually, but we don't know why they would. Shifts are actuated with a button on the shifter, rather than by slapping the shifter around or pulling on paddles behind the steering wheel. In manual mode, the automatic won't upshift at redline, but we hardly care, given that the manumatic function as a whole seems utterly unsatisfying.

 Mustang GT customers have the option of a new Track package. Available on manual GTs with the 3.73:1 rear axle, it includes an oil cooler, the upgraded radiator from the Boss 302, high-performance brake pads, and the same Torsen rear differential as is available on the Boss. It also includes the contents of the current model's Brembo Brake package that brings 14-inch front rotors, 19-inch wheels, and summer tires. (The Brembo package is available as a standalone option on 2013 GTs as well.)

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2011 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 for sale

The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 is based on the new MP4-12C high-performance sports car and a team of engineers, designers and test drivers with vast experience in Formula 1 and GT racing has been assembled to undertake the process of adapting the carbon chassis-based 12C to racing specification.

McLaren GT plans to debut the new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 at this season’s Blancpain Endurance Series race at Spain’s Circuito de Navarra, followed by Magny-Cours in France and Silverstone in England. As part of the development programme for the 12C GT3, McLaren GT also expects to enter the Total 24 Hours of Spa endurance race.

Under the McLaren Orange skin, the 12C GT3 shares the same 75kg carbon ‘MonoCell’ chassis as the 12C road car. Since the modern McLaren was formed in 1981, the company has used only carbon fibre for the chassis construction of all its road and race cars: it was a natural choice for the heart of the MP4-12C. Lightweight construction and manufacturing innovation through Resin Transfer Moulding was a priority for the engineers and designers responsible for the 12C’s chassis. The result is a road car that, at 1301kg, is the lightest in the ‘core’ sector of the high-performance sports car market.

Just as with the 12C road car, McLaren is working closely with specialist suppliers to deliver an innovative and lightweight car. The 3.8-litre McLaren V8 twin turbo ‘M838T’ engine supplied in the road car also features in the 12C GT3, but de-tuned to 500 PS (from 600 PS) in order to provide optimum power for this performance-balanced race car.

The new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 will feature a unique engine calibration, bespoke racing transmission developed in partnership with Ricardo (who also developed the engine with McLaren) and a suspension arrangement tuned specifically for racing.

McLaren GT has selected the TAG-400 Engine Control Unit for the new 12C GT3. The TAG-400 is a compact, self-contained engine management system and data logger for race engines designed and built by McLaren Electronic Systems. The procurement of components from suppliers used to working with partners in Formula 1 is another example of McLaren GT delivering on its objective to build a GT3 car of unrivalled quality and reliability.

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2011 Hennessey HPE600 Supercharged Camaro Convertible

Hennessey Performance (HPE) introduces the company’s first 2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible. Pounding the pavement with a 602 bhp supercharged V8, the HPE600 is also the first 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible to hit the streets with a full treatment of aftermarket performance upgrades.

 

Hennessey began offering its power-addicting upgrades to the latest Chevy Camaro when the car was introduced in April of 2009. Since that time, HPE has built hundreds of Camaros with over 550 horsepower for owners across the globe.

The 2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible puts its additional power to the ground with the help of a lowered (1 inch) KW adjustable coilover suspension system. Combined with wider 20 inch wheels (9.5 x 20 inch fronts, 10.5 inch rears) riding on Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (275/30-20 fronts, 305/30-20 rears), the HPE600 Camaro convertible is capable of going from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds while running through the quarter mile in 12.0 seconds @ 118 mph.

The base cost for the HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible is $56,495 (base Camaro SS convertible MSRP of $40,500 plus $15,995 for the HPE600 Supercharged upgrade). All HPE600’s come with a 3-year / 36,000 mile powertrain warranty from Hennessey. All-in, the HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible with upgraded wheels, tires, suspension and CarbonAeroTM carbon fiber front splitter and side sills costs $74,950 plus tax, title and license.

 

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2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano Avantgarde Edition 125

The look of the Viano Avantgarde’s Edition 125 is certainly nothing for wallflowers; it symbolises the avant-garde in its class. It is shod in exquisite 16-spoke high-sheen 8J x 19 light-alloy wheels, whilst the high-gloss chromed exterior mirror housings plus side skirts and chrome trim on the front bumper and chromed rear trim on the tailgate highlight the special styling. The model is available in the metallic paintwork variants obsidian black or brilliant silver.

 

The stylish look continues in the interior: the driver and front passenger will feel at home on seats that are as comfortable as they are sporty, featuring the finest leather cover with a piping design, plus increased lateral support. Customers can choose from “Lugano” leather or the new exclusive “Twin DINAMICA” microfibre surface. The cockpit is equally impressive, with its white scale illumination for the instruments, and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs. The decorative strips have a black or brown burr-walnut look.

The dynamic drive system featuring V6 engines from Mercedes-Benz is the perfect match for the Viano Avantgarde Edition 125’s sporty appearance. The units are unique in this vehicle class: the V6 CDI 3.0 with an output of 165 kW (224 hp) and its extraordinary traction of 440 Nm combines power with consideration for the environment. BlueEFFICIENCY technology reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to a surprisingly low level, with fuel consumption in accordance with the NEDC amounting to a mere 8.5-8.6 l/100 km or 224-226 CO2 (g/km) – a very respectable figure in view of the vehicle size and performance. The V6 petrol engine which is available as an alternative has a displacement of 3.5 l and achieves 190 kW (258 hp), blending its torquey temperament with extremely smooth running characteristics.

Performance reaches a unique level in both variants. The V6 CDI 3.0 accelerates to 100 km/h in only 9.1 s and achieves a top speed of 201 km/h. For the V6 3.5 the figures are 10.4 s and 217 km/h.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupé delivers a maximum output of 336 kW (457 hp) and peak torque of 600 Newton metres for outstanding performance: the coupé is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

 

The new C63 AMG Coupe variant benefits from all the technology updates that have been adopted on the C63 AMG saloon and estate models. Deploying the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with “Controlled Efficiency” mode as standard and a new power steering pump reduces fuel consumption: the combined NEDC figure for the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG coupé is 12.0 l/100 km.

As is typical for AMG, the car has a striking, arrow-shaped front section with the new AMG front apron including a lower cross strut painted in high-gloss black, AMG-specific LED daytime running lights and side air outlets. The large Mercedes star sits on a wing-shaped transverse louvre in the new radiator grille and, in conjunction with the modified aluminium bonnet with its powerdomes, underlines the impression of masculinity that the car exudes. Another eye-catching feature is the new clear-lens headlamps, especially when the optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) is also specified.

The wide front wing bearing the “6.3 AMG” legend, AMG side sill panels and the new 5-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-gloss finish dominate the side view. Good contact with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tyres.

At the rear, the unique AMG rear apron has a distinctive, black diffuser insert and three pronounced diffuser fins. The two chromed twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system also attract attention.

Available as an option, designo leather appointments give the interior a particularly exclusive character: four single colours and three two-tone combinations are available. These can also be complemented with “extended black designo leather appointments” for the top section of the dashboard.

As for the CLS63 AMG, an “Edition 1″ of the new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe is also available. The Edition 1 features exciting, premium quality interior details that have been specially designed: the AMG sports seats, door centre panels and armrests come in black designo leather with contrasting porcelain seams on the sports seats. To match this, the trim parts have a porcelain piano-lacquer look and the two-tone AMG performance steering wheel sets black nappa leather off with a lower section in porcelain designo leather. An “Edition 1″ badge on the trim indicates this version’s singularity. AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in matt black make the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé Edition 1 look equally special on the outside. As an option, the standard metallic paintwork can be swapped for a matt finish in designo magno night black or diamond white metallic BRIGHT.

The market launch of the new C 63 AMG coupé starts in July 2011. All prices at a glance (incl. 19% VAT):

• C 63 AMG Coupé: €72,590
• C 63 AMG Coupé “Edition 1″: €77,231
• C 63 AMG Saloon: €71,340.50
• C 63 AMG Estate: €73,899
• AMG Performance package: €7116.20 (saloon / coupé) €6461.70 (estate)

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2011 MINI Clubman Hampton

An exclusive variant of the MINI Clubman takes centre stage for the premiere of MINI Yours. The MINI Clubman Hampton is painted in the Reef Blue metallic shade developed specially for this model. The roof and surrounds for the special edition’s rear doors are silver, as are the wheels and Colour Line. The exterior colours Pepper White, Midnight Black and Eclipse Grey can be specified as an option, while Black and Reef Blue are available as contrast colours for the roof and C-pillars. The light-alloy wheels in Twin Blade Spoke design can be ordered in silver or black with a dark red trim ring. The headlights come with black reflectors if the optional xenon units are specified. A logo on the B-pillar and “Hampton” lettering on the side indicator surrounds and radiator grille provide subtle references to the car’s exclusive status. The “MINI 50 Hampton” lettering on the door entry strips recalls the introduction five decades ago of an additional bodywork version of the classic MINI, which today ranks as the historic predecessor of the MINI Clubman.

 

 

 

The interior of the MINI Clubman Hampton also boasts a very distinctive style. An “H” on the seat tags, red edging and orange contrast stitching are the identifying features of the black Lounge Leather seats. The anthracite-coloured roof liner, the likewise anthracite dials of the rev counter and the speedometer on the Centre Speedo also contribute to the model’s special ambience. The Centre Speedo is bordered by a trim ring in matt dark red, like that on the wheels. The Chilli Pack is also included in the MINI Clubman Hampton, adding items such as a sports leather steering wheel, foglamps, automatic climate control, an on-board computer, a light package, a storage package and special velour floor mats in the style of the special-edition model.

This exclusive special edition will be available for the MINI Cooper Clubman, MINI Cooper S Clubman, MINI Cooper D Clubman and MINI Cooper SD Clubman. Production of the MINI Clubman Hampton will be limited to one year.

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2011 BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Touring

The BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo Touring comes with all-aluminium V8 powerplant produces 507 horsepower (373 kW) at a moderate 5,500rpm, with maximum torque of 700Nm from 3,000 to 4,750rpm. “Bi-Turbo” refers to two turbo-chargers configured in parallel, each feeding one of the two cylinder banks. Specially developed large diameter exhaust-turbines allow this engine configuration to provide both exceptional power output and an abundance of torque over an especially broad rpm range while maintaining excellent throttle response at low rpm.

The intelligent coupling of state-of-the-art engine and transmission technologies give the BMW ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo stunning performance figures: just 4.7 (Touring: 4.8) seconds from 0-100km/h / 0-62mph are needed, on the way up to a top speed of 307km/h / 191mph (Touring: 303km/h / 188mph). Massive braking capability in the form of ventilated high-performance brakes (front: 374mm/14.7in, rear 345mm/14.6in) ensures braking on par with pure-bred sports cars.

Together with 20″ wheels and tyres this yields a very balanced and direct chassis set-up, discarding a pure sport-orientated approach for an agile suspension with precise turn-in. Mounted on the light-weight 20″ ALPINA CLASSIC wheels are non-run-flat MICHLIN PILOT SUPER SPORT tyres measuring 255/35 ZR20 front and 285/30 ZR20 rear. Representing the latest in ultra-high performance tyre technology available today, they feature a running surface is made up of 2/3rds soft compound (centre) and 1/3rd hard compound (outside and flanks). This mixture makes for excellent durability despite typical hard use in high-performance vehicles yet provides very good grip in the wet. Enhanced tread stability and a new flank reinforcement technology ensures the tyre is less likely to suffer from spikes in temperature with a resulting loss of grip in the dry.

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