Exotic Cars

The Fiat Punto Evo, the evolution of the Grande Punto, will make its debut at the next Frankfurt Motor Show. It is destined to repeat the success of its predecessor and become the new pacesetter for innovation, safety and style, thanks to its many innovative features.

The epithet “Evo” identifies a level of car design that is capable of satisfying even the most demanding customers in terms of technology, driving pleasure and respect for the environment.

The Punto Evo expresses its technical excellence first and foremost through a wide choice of Euro 5 engines, including a 1.3 second generation Multijet diesel and a 1.4 petrol engine with the revolutionary MultiAir technology developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and eventually to be incorporated in all Fiat Group engines. Fiat’s innovative and conventional powerplants are also joined by dual-fuel methane and petrol units to create the most complete and ecological range of engines in the segment. With reduced consumption and emissions in mind, the new Punto Evo also offers Start&Stop, the system that switches off and restarts the engine in stop-and-go traffic. Start&Stop is being introduced as standard on all Euro5 petrol and diesel engines. Another system making its first appearance on the Punto Evo is “Blue&Me-TomTom”, the new portable satellite navigation unit that lets you manage telephone, navigation and information functions on a practical colour touch-screen.

In the area of safety, the Punto Evo sets new standards thanks to 7 airbags, including a driver knee airbag. The Punto Evo is one of very few cars in its segment with a driver knee airbag fitted as standard on all versions. Other innovative safety systems are also available, including Hill-Holder to help with hill starts, adaptive ‘cornering’ front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights according to the angle of steering, and Fiat’s tried and tested ABS, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) systems.

Finally, the new Punto Evo is even more attractive thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. The interiors (fascia, seats and instrumentation) have been completely renewed to become even more prestigious and elegant, and the outside has been given a thoroughly restyled look too.

The Fiat Punto Evo goes on sale in the second half of October with the precise objective of consolidating its role as one of Europe’s market leaders in the highly important compact segment.

Technical innovation
The Punto Evo expresses its technical excellence first and foremost through a wide choice of engines Euro 5, including petrol units equipped with the revolutionary MultiAir system and second generation Multijet diesels.

Developed and patented by FPT – Fiat Powertrain Technologies – MultiAir technology will gradually be adopted by all engines fitted to Fiat Group cars. The heart of MultiAir is a new electrohydraulic valve management system that reduces fuel consumption by controlling air directly via the inlet valves (without using the throttle). MultiAir reduces emissions (thanks to improved combustion control) and also improves performance by boosting both power and torque.

Similar results have been achieved in diesel versions thanks to the adoption of second generation Multijet units across the range. These engines incorporate new common rail injectors that, thanks to a balanced hydraulic servo-valve, control the quantity of fuel injected into the combustion chamber with improved precision, and in a faster and more flexible sequence than in the past.

The choice of engines available for the Punto Evo is the most complete and ecological in this market segment, and even includes two alternative fuel engines, a methane and an LPG unit.

The new Punto Evo is even equipped with the latest version of the Blue&Me system. “Blue&Me-TomTom” is a fully integrated infotainment system that lets you manage telephone, navigation and information functions on a practical colour touch-screen. The system is the result of a partnership between Fiat Group Automobiles and TomTom, European leader in portable navigation systems, and integrates with the car’s other systems thanks to the Blue&Me system developed in conjunction with Magneti Marelli. The new system also incorporates “eco:Drive Info” for real time information on your driving style and useful suggestions for reducing environmental impact and optimising consumption by changing gear and using the accelerator to suit the nature of the route.

Respect for the environment
At Fiat, innovation means greater respect for the environment too. In fact, the environment is one of the main issues driving product development, and ensures that the Fiat range is the greenest in Europe. The Punto Evo is no exception to this rule.

The new MultiAir engines prove the point. Compared to a conventional petrol engine of the same size, a MultiAir engine develops more power (up to 10%) and torque (up to 15%), while consuming significantly less (up to 10%) and emitting less CO2 (up to 10%), less particulates (up to 40%) and less NOx (up to 60%).

In the same way the second generation of Multijet diesel engines also offers more accurate combustion, with benefits for consumption, emissions, NVH and drivability. This has been achieved through a new common rail injector that modulates fuel injection into the combustion chamber and gives, for the Euro 5 engines, an improvement of around 2% in consumption and CO2 emissions on the homologation cycle, and a reduction in NOx emissions of up to 30%.

Still with reduced consumption and emissions in mind, the new Punto Evo will also offer Start&Stop, the system that switches off the engine when you stop and restarts it for you to move off again (at traffic lights for example). Start&Stop will be standard on all Euro5 petrol and diesel engines.

The methane-fuelled engine is not only the most ecological dual fuel engine in segment B, producing only 115 g/km of CO2, but is also the most economical thanks to record running costs of under 4 Euros per 100 km. Among other advantages, methane-fuelled engines benefit from the highest government incentives in Italy: 5,000 Euros if combined with a contribution for scrapping your old car.

Then there is the LPG-fuelled version, developed using Fiat’s longstanding experience in alternative fuels to respond to the extraordinary growth seen in this market. The Punto Evo GPL boasts record autonomy of 1,500 km in the extra-urban cycle, and running costs up to 50% lower than a petrol equivalent.

Safety
The Punto Evo is designed and built to achieve the highest levels of safety. The model boasts a large number of safety systems (standard or optional depending on market and version) starting from those dedicated to passive safety: 2 front airbags, 2 front side airbags, 2 window bags and a driver knee airbag (the Punto Evo is one of the few cars in this segment on which this device is standard on all versions).

The Punto Evo is also one of the few cars in its class equipped with adaptive ‘cornering’ front fog lights that switch on automatically with dipped headlights according to the angle of steering. And don’t forget that the new Punto Evo also guarantees constant and reliable road holding thanks to electronic dynamic control systems for braking and steering. The ABS system that is available across the complete engine range incorporates EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill-holder to help with hill-starts.

Style and comfort
The Punto Evo is more stunning than ever thanks to the work of Fiat’s Centro Stile. In particular, the interiors of the new model have been completely redesigned to represent the most evolved expression of Italian style, with top quality materials and superb attention to detail. The result is a bright and elegant cabin with completely renewed fascia, seats, storage compartments and instrumentation.

On the outside, both the front and the rear have been thoroughly restyled, as shown by the attractive lines of the new bumpers and the incorporation of innovative and original headlights and taillights. The latest design has also “stretched” the car to a total length of 406 centimetres, so that its winning characteristics of driver and passenger comfort remain unchanged. The other external dimensions remain the same, with a width of 169 cm, a height of 149 cm and a wheelbase of 251 cm.

With the introduction of the MINI Convertible the range is now complete, and for AC Schnitzer the logical consequence was to offer for all MINI models – either Convertible or hard top – a special accessories range which leaves nothing to be desired.

The standard engine of the MINI Cooper S which thanks to compressor technology already delivers a considerable 125 kW / 170 HP, has been given a substantial boost by the AC Schnitzer engineers who have optimized the compressor ratios and at the same time adapted the Control Unit Program. After the AC Schnitzer treatment, the 1.6 l power plant delivers a stately 142 kW / 193 HP at 7000 rpm. In this guise, the MINI Cooper S by AC Schnitzer covers the 0 – 100 km/h sprint in just 7.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 235 km/h.

To improve response, the performance upgrade is offered in conjunction with the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer made completely of stainless steel with chromed racing tailpipe trim and the corresponding engine highlights in stainless steel.

For the MINI One D too, we have developed a diesel performance upgrade which delivers 66 kW / 90 HP and takes the maximum torque to 220 Nm at 2000 rpm.

Naturally conversion to the AC Schnitzer rear silencer is recommended even without the engine upgrades. But the customer faces a difficult choice. For both the MINI One and the MINI Cooper there are two variants available: a twin exhaust system with two oval tailpipes in right/left combination or the single oval tailpipe design.

The third variant is reserved for the MINI Cooper S: a sports tailpipe in centre positioning, in the design of the AC Schnitzer Racing tailpipe trim.

Whatever variant he chooses, the customer is guaranteed to enjoy the throaty sound and attractive integration of the exhaust into the rear of the MINI.

Last but not least, for aesthetic enhancement of all MINI models (except the Cooper S) the chromed tailpipe trim with oval end is available.

The AC Schnitzer rear skirt not only integrates the silencer but at the same time gives the MINIs (except the MINI One D) a far more powerful look.

Also available for the front is a complete skirt, which thanks to the generously dimensioned front grille with chrome frame gives the MINIs a bright new facial expression. But the aerodynamic conversion is not just an aesthetic improvement. Made from high quality PU-Rim, it gives improved downforce and is easy for paint and fit.

The exterior program is completed by the designer stripes and the AC Schnitzer logo “Technology & Design”, available in white or black or, for the Cooper S, with a red “S”.

An absolute eyecatcher – for both the exterior and the interior observer – is the AC Schnitzer fold and slide roof, which offers a genuine alternative to the Convertible. With an opening of 710 x 810 mm, it provides a true fresh air experience despite the “hard top” design.

The driving dynamics of all MINI models are further improved by suspension components which lower the vehicle by around 30 mm in conjunction with the AC Schnitzer Type I alloy wheels in 7.5J x 17″ with tyres 215/40 R 17.

For all MINI models, a height-adjustable racing suspension is available together with suspension spring kits for pure lowering. The suspension concept is completed for the Cooper S variants by the AC Schnitzer aluminium strut brace for the front which further stabilizes the front end on tight corners or sudden swerve manoeuvres.

So it’s no surprise that the subjective driving impressions are reminiscent of a Go-Kart, especially on twisty roads or at high speeds. For tyres, we recommend high performance tyres by Continental and Michelin.

The famous dot on the “i” comes from the interior components such as e.g. the aluminium pedal sets with matching foot rest cover, the aluminium gear knob and the aluminium handbrake handle. Last but not least, special floor mats are available with a 2-colour embroidered AC Schnitzer “Technology & Design” logo.

Finally, AC Schnitzer offers tailor-made solutions in the fields of traffic telematics and Car Infotainment which can be integrated optimally.

The Mercedes-Benz GL (Type X 164) is the model with the most opulent dimensions within the entire Mercedes motorcar product line. With the new RS-Kit, the automobile manufacturer Carlsson now gives the GL a sporty look and at the same time, a powerful appearance.

The newly designed front marks the most significant change. The front spoiler lip lowers the GL visually closer to the road. Therefore, the RS-Kit provides the large Benz with a dynamic character. While the large radiator grill and the two bonnet attachments emphasise the dominant look of the GL. At the same time, the grill inserts made of electro-polished stainless steel radiate elegance. Carlsson adds these inserts to the front skirt, the front spoiler lip, the side skirts, the bonnet and the radiator grill.

Carlsson, the Mercedes refiner from Merzig/Germany also modifies the lights of the car. The headlight inserts and the additional headlights significantly contribute to the new facial expression of the GL. The LED daytime running lights in the front spoiler lip complete the new light unit. At night time, they can also be used as position lamps.

The new side ledges give the powerful car sides a considerably more sporty touch; this impression is additionally accentuated with the grill inserts made of electro-polished stainless steel.

The rear is dominated by a new rear skirt attachment which holds the two oval stainless steel pipes of the sport sub-muffler.

Carlsson offers the entire GL aerodynamics kit for 8.499 EUR excl. VAT.

Powerful look – more performance

In order to ensure that the engine performance matches the new design of the Mercedes-Benz GL, the Carlsson engineers developed performance enhancements for the various engine types. The performance kit CK50 has been especially developed for the top model GL 500. The interaction between the optimised engine electronics and the sport air filter increases the performance from 388 hp (285 kW) to 435 hp (320 kW) at 6,000 revolutions per minute. Thereby, the maximum torque rises from 530 to 600 Newton metres. The performance kit can be obtained in connection with the RS-Design Kit for 3,192 EUR excl. VAT.

Carlsson also increases the performance of the diesel models. After Carlsson modifies the GL 420 CDI, it thrusts out 354 hp (260 kW) instead of the former 306 hp (225 kW). The modification is available for 1,299 EUR excl. VAT. For the entry model GL 320 CDI, Carlsson offers the additional control unit C-Tronic CD32 REVO with the adequate adapter and wire harness which increases the performance from the serial 224 hp (165 kW) to 269 hp (198 kW). Thereby, the maximum torque rises from 510 to 612 Newton metres. For 1,499 EUR excl. VAT, the Mercedes GL driver can obtain this Plug-and-Play-System which can be attached within a few minutes.

Intelligent lowering

In order to transfer the generated power ideally onto the road, Carlsson developed the intelligent lowering module C-Tronic® SUSPENSION. This system does not only lower the car by up to 30 millimetres, the control unit also recognises the road characteristics and continually adjusts the remaining spring travel. Therefore, the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION perfectly connects sporty driving with comfortable travelling. It’s available for cars with AIRMATIC-suspension for 1,099 EUR excl. VAT.

Another refining highlight for the Mercedes-Benz GL is the 22-inch wheel-set in the design 1/11 Evo Brilliant Edition. The one-part light alloy wheel has been especially developed for weight-intensive models such as the GL. Design, load capacity and low weight were the equally important factors for the development of the wheel. It increases the agility with a minimum of unsprung masses and at the same time provides highest stability and radiates elegance with its eleven spokes. Available as a wheel-set with Dunlop high performance tyres measuring 295/35 R 22, the 1/11 Evo Brilliant Edition can be obtained for 4,189 EUR excl. VAT.

Aston Martin One-77 technical showcase made its debut the Geneva Auto Salon on 3 March 2009. Chassis no.1 was on display as an exposé throughout the show detailing the quintessence of Aston Martin engineering and design expertise.

The One-77 is Aston Martin’s definitive sports car, one that epitomises everything Aston Martin from technology, the hand-craftsmanship of the hand rolled aluminium panels to the attention to detail. A culmination of all the marque’s know-how, the Aston Martin One-77 delivers effortless beauty guaranteed to stir the senses with performance potential eclipsing any previous Aston Martin.

With the performance and durability phase of the Aston Martin One-77’s intensive development programme soon to commence, the 79th Geneva Auto Salon provides the perfect stage on which to reveal the remarkable engineering, advanced technology and exotic materials that lie beneath the Aston Martin One-77’s extraordinary exterior.

For Aston Martin’s Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, revealing the Aston Martin One-77’s secrets is a proud moment: “Right from the very beginning of the project the vision for Aston Martin One-77 was very simple: It had to combine high-technology with hand-built craftsmanship, and demonstrate the unique capabilities and passion of our designers, engineers and technical partners.

“Quite simply it had to be the ultimate expression of Aston Martin. As you can now see, we have achieved that goal in magnificent style.”

Chris Porritt, Aston Martin One-77 Programme Manager continued: “We wanted to create something that wows you as much when you see what’s under the skin as the exterior styling itself. We started by identifying the most technologically exciting front-engined, rear-wheel drive cars in the world: those from the DTM race series. We then applied the principles and technology that feature heavily in their design and translated it to a road car application.”

Consequently the Aston Martin One-77’s structural core is a lightweight and immensely rigid carbon fibre monocoque. Conceived and designed at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, the monocoque, or ‘tub’, has been built in partnership with Multimatic (MTC). As world leaders in carbon composite technology, advanced vehicle analysis and dynamic simulation, MTC brings unrivalled specialist capabilities to the exacting challenge of the Aston Martin One-77 programme.

Employing the classic formula of double wishbones at each corner, the Aston Martin One-77 features inboard suspension front and rear, with pushrods employed to transfer vertical suspension movements to the horizontally mounted spring/damper units. A practice taken directly from racing car design, the main advantages of inboard suspension are a reduction in unsprung weight and the ability to package the suspension components more effectively.

The dampers are fully adjustable and feature advanced Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) technology; a world-first for a road car application. These special valves are state-of-the-art even at the highest levels of motorsport, and use high-precision machined components to enable the shock-absorbing characteristics of the damper to be changed without having to remove them from the car, as is the norm.

Underlining the truly bespoke nature of the Aston Martin One-77, once delivered to its owner, the car’s suspension characteristics will be precisely set-up by Aston Martin engineers to suit their exact requirements, from settings suitable for the ultimate long-distance GT, to a machine capable of conquering the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

While functionality and efficiency are paramount in the design and construction of the Aston Martin One-77, so too is aesthetic beauty. To this end every single component has been crafted from the finest materials with absolute attention to detail. From the mesmerising weave of the glossy carbon fibre tub and the abstract, sculptural beauty of the dry sump’s oil reservoir, to the unerring precision of the billet machined aluminium suspension mounts, the Aston Martin One-77’s rolling chassis is an automotive masterpiece.

Of course the irony is that the vast majority of these exquisite components will be hidden from view in the finished car, yet each and every piece is a work of art in its own right. It’s this extraordinary workmanship and money-no-object commitment to quality that makes the Aston Martin One-77 unique.

Naturally, such a spectacular chassis demands – and gets – an equally exceptional drivetrain. It comes in the form of an immensely potent 7.3-litre, naturally aspirated V12 engine. Thanks to the adoption of a dry-sump oil system the engine is mounted 100mm lower than in any previous V12-engined Aston Martin road car, which helps keep the Aston Martin One-77’s centre-of-gravity as low as possible. To further aid agility and endow the Aston Martin One-77 with progressive handling and stable, predictable on-limit behaviour, the engine is also mounted 257mm aft relative to the front wheel centreline. In so doing the front-mid-engined layout shared by all of Aston Martin’s current road car range has been taken to a new level.

The Aston Martin One-77’s magnificent power unit is an extreme evolution of the 6.0-litre V12 engines fitted to the Aston Martin DBS, DB9 and new V12 Vantage models. Like the collaboration with MTC for the build of the chassis, Aston Martin has chosen a world-leading partner with which to develop the motor: legendary engine builders, Cosworth. It has proved to be the perfect collaboration, as Chris Porritt explains.

“Our brief to the engine team was for them to take the 6.0-litre V12 as far as it could go, both in terms of output and weight reduction. The targets were a power output of no less than 700bhp with a 10 per cent reduction in engine mass. Incredibly, the Aston Martin and Cosworth engineers achieved a mass reduction of some 25 per cent, and although we’ve yet to complete the final engine calibration work, I’m confident we’ll see in excess of 700bhp. It’s an awesome accomplishment, but one that’s typical of the One-77 project, for it has consistently brought out the very best in everyone involved.”

Wearing Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres (255/35 ZR20 front, 335/30 ZR20 rear) developed specifically for the Aston Martin One-77, all 700+bhp is transmitted to the road through the rear wheels via a new six-speed gearbox. Controlled via column-mounted paddles behind the steering wheel, this robotised sequential manual is a new generation of Aston Martin’s familiar transmission. Though it is made specifically for the Aston Martin One-77 and features specially strengthened internals to cope with the tremendous power and torque, the lessons learned in its development will ultimately find their way into the company’s series production models.

It’s a mark of the inherent capabilities of Aston Martin’s acclaimed lightweight Carbon Ceramic Matrix brake technology that it has been used as the basis for the Aston Martin One-77’s braking system. The internals of the callipers have been re-engineered to transmit less heat from the brake pads into the brake fluid, while the discs themselves have been developed to ensure the maximum possible contact area between the face of the disc and the brake pads for improved stopping power. Due to the Aston Martin One-77’s increased performance, special attention has also been paid to brake cooling, as the brakes have less time to cool between bursts of acceleration.

With a projected weight of 1,500kg the Aston Martin One-77 will occupy the very highest echelons of road car performance. Top speed is confidently predicted to be in excess of 200mph, with a 0-60mph time in approximately 3.5sec. Perhaps more importantly, thanks to the purity of a front-engined, rear-drive layout, the responsiveness and immense tractability of a naturally aspirated V12 and the low mass, high-rigidity properties of a carbon fibre chassis, the Aston Martin One-77 promises a driving experience of unrivalled intensity and excitement while representing the world’s most desirable automotive art form.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe just went on sale and Brabus already presents an extensive tuning program for the new two-door. The pinnacle of the available performance tuning is the Brabus 6.1 displacement engine. It has a rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and propels the E 500 (US: E550) to an impressive top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph). Also on offer is an aerodynamic-enhancement program that was developed in the wind tunnel. Further highlights are custom-tailored wheels up to 20 inches in diameter, sporty yet comfortable suspension solutions and exclusive interior options.

A rated power output of 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW and a peak torque of 615 Nm (453 lb-ft) at just 3,100 rpm are the result of the displacement increase of the four-valve V8 engine from 5.5 to 6.1 liters. 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (196 mph): The Brabus 6.1 displacement engine turns the E 500 Coupe into a true high-performance automobile.

The displacement increase of the eight-cylinder engine sells for 29,000 Euros. It is facilitated by the installation of a billet crankshaft with longer stroke and larger pistons. Furthermore the four-valve cylinder heads are precision-machined and fitted with custom camshafts. The Brabus sport exhaust system with high-performance metal catalysts also contributes to the impressive power output as do specially programmed engine electronics.

More driving fun with the turbodiesel models is available with the Brabus ECO PowerXtra kits. For the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Brabus offers its D4 tuning kit. For just 1,390 Euros power output of the common-rail four-cylinder engine jumps from standard 204 hp (201 bhp) / 150 kW to 235 hp (232 bhp) / 173 kW. Peak torque grows to 560 Nm (413 lb-ft).

The V6 turbodiesel engine of the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY equipped with Brabus ECO PowerXtra D6 (III) module produces 272 hp (268 bhp) / 200 kW and a peak torque of 590 Nm (435 lb-ft).

All engines are lubricated with ARAL high-performance motor oil and like all Brabus components they are backed by the one-of-a-kind Brabus Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers or 62,000 miles (see Brabus warranty conditions as of November 2006).

Stainless-steel Brabus quad sport exhaust systems are available for all new Mercedes-Benz E-Class models.

The Brabus designers have also developed a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement package for the two-door E-Class. It is manufactured from Pur-R-Rim in OEM quality. The Brabus front spoiler with integrated LED daytime running lights gives the coupe an even more striking face and reduces aerodynamic lift on the front axle at high speeds.

Brabus adds sporty highlights to the sides with new aluminum front sport quarter panels with integrated clear-coated carbon-fiber inserts. New rocker panels visually give the coupe a lower and sleeker stance. They feature LED entrance lights integrated into their undersides. Customers can also choose a version with integrated illuminated Brabus logo.

The Brabus rear apron features a centrally mounted reflector and custom-tailored cutouts on either side for the four tailpipes of the Brabus sport exhaust system.

The exclusive Brabus appearance is rounded out by one-piece or multi-piece Brabus Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters of 17, 18, 19 and 20 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination features Brabus Monoblock VI, E, Q or S wheels in size 9Jx20 on the front axle and in size 9.5Jx20 in back. High-performance tires from Brabus technology partners Pirelli and YOKOHAMA are mounted in size 235/30 ZR 20 in front and in size 265/25 ZR 20 on the rear axle.

The available Brabus suspension solutions offer sporty handling combined with excellent ride comfort. They were custom-developed for the various engines available in the new E-Class. The list of options starts with lowering springs and culminates in a complete height-adjustable coil-over sport suspension.

Brabus also offers a high-performance brake system for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. It features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 360-mm (14.2 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs on the front axle. The rear axle stops with four-piston aluminum fixed calipers.

Brabus will customize the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe to customers’ specifications. The list of interior options includes stainless-steel scuff plated with illuminated Brabus logo, an ergonomically shaped Brabus sport steering wheel and an entirely new interior crafted from especially soft yet durable Brabus Mastik leather and Alcantara.