My thoughts on all things motoring, press releases, reviews & techie stuff, from around the world.
Please note that the pictures of vehicles within this blog are used as examples of the specific press releases, on occasions, due to the lack of available official pictures, examples are re-produced.
ANY AND ALL PROFANITIES WILL BE REMOVED AND THE PERSON/S RESPONSIBLE WILL BE BANNED, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Purpose
I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label weight reduction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight reduction. Show all posts
Weight Reduction of up to 137 lbs through extensive use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel.
Improved Performance and Dynamics with improved steering feel, available Adaptive mode and all-new 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engines, with an output increase of 35 hp on the 6-cylinder.
Standard equipment enhancements include Adaptive LED Headlights, Sport Seats, 18-inch Wheels and an Anthracite headliner.
Latest iDrive 6.0 system and improved Driver Assistance Systems.
BMW announced pricing for the all-new BMW 5 Series, arriving in U.S. showrooms February 11, 2017, shortly after its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The 2017 BMW 530i will be available for $51,200, the 530i xDrive model for $53,500, the BMW 540i will be available for $56,450 and the BMW 540i xDrive model for $58,750, plus $995 Destination and Handling.
Standard equipment now includes Adaptive LED Headlights, Sport Seats, Active Protection, Fatigue and Focus Alert as well as an 18-inch Double-Spoke Wheels and an Anthracite headliner enhancing the sporty character of the latest BMW Sport Sedan.
The all-new BMW 5 Series has been entirely newly developed allowing for a significant weight loss of up to 137 lbs with the use of aluminum, magnesium, and high-strength steel.
Thanks to the available state of the art chassis systems including Dynamic Damper Control with Adaptive Mode and Integral Active Steering, now combinable with xDrive, BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, Driver Assistance Systems and Parking Assistance Systems, the all-new BMW 5 Series once more defines the athletic and executive design of a true sport sedan.
Featuring a new user interface (iDrive 6.0) including an 8.8” Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, available Gesture Control, the latest generation of Head-Up Display, Remote 3D View and an improved Voice Control with natural voice input, the 2017 BMW 5 Series marks a new era of personalized connectivity.
The BMW 5 Series is the most innovative BMW 5 Series to date, with BMW’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems clearing the way towards semi-automated driving.
At launch, the 7th generation BMW 5 Series will be available as a 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive models with the BMW M550i xDrive and BMW 530e and 530e xDrive iPerformance models arriving at dealers in spring.
Lighter, more powerful performance models put pricier competition in the rearview
The 2017 ZL1, the most powerful production Camaro ever, and the track-bred 1LE are designed to deliver exhilarating performance on both the open road and the road course, at prices that leave the competition behind.
When they go on sale later this year, the 2017 Camaro ZL1 will be priced at $62,135 for coupe models and $69,135 for convertibles. Prices include destination charge, but not tax, title and other dealer fees. The 1LE package is a $4,500 MSRP option on Camaro V-6 LT coupe models and $6,500 on the V-8 1SS coupe model.
For LT coupes, the 1LE package features the Camaro SS’s FE3 suspension, while the 1SS benefits from the ZL1’s electronic limited-slip differential and FE4 suspension with Magnetic Ride dampers.
“The Camaro ZL1 offers supercar performance with daily-driver refinement, a combination that stacks up against any other sports coupe – at any price – around the world,” said Steve Majoros, director, Chevrolet marketing.
“Building on Chevrolet’s well-established recipe for track-focused performance, the new 1LE packages expand the performance envelope of the Camaro SS and, for the first time, the Camaro LT,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “You’ll be hard-pressed to find more track-capable cars in their respective classes for the money.”
*ZL1 performance numbers achieved with a coupe equipped with the available 10-speed automatic transmission and using original-equipment tires on a non-prepped surface.
1LE
0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds with Camaro LT 1LE
0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds with Camaro SS 1LE
0.97 g max cornering with Camaro LT 1LE
1.02 g max cornering with Camaro SS 1LE
60-0 mph braking in 112 feet (34 meters) with Camaro LT 1LE
60-0 mph braking in 107 feet (32 meters) with Camaro SS 1LE
230-pound (104 kg) weight reduction (SS 1LE to previous model)
Roomier: All-new Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew adds room for passengers and gear, expanding choice and versatility in the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever
More agile:Enhanced suspension, use of advanced materials, all-new EcoBoost engine technology plus smart engineering saves up to 500 pounds, for improved power-to-weight ratio for even better off-road agility than previous F-150 Raptor
Unmatched performance:All-new high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost, all-new 10-speed transmission and torque-on-demand transfer case make F-150 Raptor even more powerful, efficient and easy to drive off-road
Better traction:Segment-exclusive redesigned beadlock-capable wheels help increase grip in low-traction conditions; unique Avalanche Grey color signifies Raptor’s Ford Performance tie
Eagerly anticipated and still unmatched by any auto manufacturer, Ford – America’s truck leader – introduces the all-new F-150 Raptor SuperCrew, adding agility, versatility and roominess to the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever.
Developed with the DNA of a Baja race truck, F-150 Raptor is unique among off-road and performance vehicles, with a purpose-built engine, chassis and suspension that enables it to travel fast over challenging desert landscapes or crawl over rocky terrain.
F-150 Raptor SuperCrew with four full-size doors provides rear passengers with more legroom and comfort on the trails and more space to stow gear while exploring the American and Canadian wilderness. SuperCrew’s 145-inch wheelbase is 12 inches longer than the standard Raptor SuperCab 133-inch wheelbase.
“F-150 Raptor means superior off-road capability, from rock crawling to sand running,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director. “With the addition of SuperCrew, F-150 Raptor customers can leave the pavement behind – without sacrificing comfort and space.”
Advanced materials – including high-strength steel and high-strength, military grade, aluminum alloy – help save up to 500 pounds versus the prior Raptor for improved off-road prowess. Combined with all-new EcoBoost engine technology, the next-generation F-150 Raptor’s power-to-weight ratio has been improved, making the truck even more agile off-road.
Toughest F-150 Raptor ever
The all-new F-150 Raptor starts with a purpose-built fully boxed frame – the backbone of the truck – that is the strongest in the F-150 lineup, featuring more high-strength steel than the outgoing Raptor.
F-150 Raptor’s chiseled looks are reminiscent of Trophy Trucks – the fastest and most powerful class of off-road pickups. F-150 Raptor is 6 inches wider than standard F-150 for enhanced stability off-road.
The all-new F-150 Raptor also boasts its first-ever dual exhaust and new 17-inch wheels with next-generation BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires designed for off-road performance.
Smartest F-150 Raptor ever
F-150 Raptor is powered by Ford’s new, second-generation high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost®engine that produces more power with greater efficiency than the current 6.2-liter V8, which is rated at 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque.
The high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost is a Raptor-exclusive in the F-150 lineup paired with an all-new 10-speed transmission for improved efficiency.
An all-new four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand transfer case, with advanced, easy-to-use off-road mode driver-assist technology, further improves Raptor’s performance so it is easy to drive off-road across varying terrain.
F-150 Raptor’s new transfer case, which manages power distribution between the front and rear wheels, combines the best attributes of clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel drive with durable, mechanical-locking four-wheel drive to send power to the wheels in slippery conditions.
F-150 Raptor’s pioneering off-road driving mode technology has evolved into an all-new Terrain Management System™ that enables the driver to select modes to optimize driving dynamics to environmental conditions – from snow to mud, sand and more.
Six preset modes help the truck power through different terrain and driving conditions:
Normal mode for everyday driving
Street mode for higher-performance, on-road driving
Weather mode for rain, snow or ice
Mud and sand mode for muddy and sandy trails and terrain
Baja mode for high-speed desert running and
Rock mode for low-speed rock crawling
Most capable F-150 Raptor ever
An available Torsen front differential increases off-road capability further. The system increases grip significantly for the front end of the truck and allows it to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades – even when traction is split between the front tires.
F-150 Raptor comes standard with new FOX Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology that works to damp and stiffen suspension travel over rough terrain, helping prevent the truck from bottoming out.
Front and rear shock canisters have grown from 2.5 inches to 3 inches in diameter for improved performance. They feature more suspension travel than the current Raptor’s 11.2 inches at the front and 12 inches at the rear.
All-new F-150 Raptor will be built at Dearborn Truck Plant and goes on sale in the U.S. and Canada this fall.
F-150 foundation
Ford F-150 – the same hard-working light-duty truck available from XL work truck to Limited, the most luxurious F-150 ever – is the foundation of every F-150 Raptor. F-150 is part of Ford F-Series, America’s favorite truck for 39 straight years and America’s favorite vehicle for 34 straight years.
675PS and 700Nm provide breathtaking performance, while a retractable roof adds further exhilaration
100kg weight saving delivers a dry weight of 1,270kg, delivering a power-to-weight figure of 532PS per tonne
Second model to wear the 675LT badge in direct response to significant customer demand
Exclusive Solis paintwork and 20-spoke Super-Lightweight forged alloy wheels offered for the first time
Priced at £285,450, the most focused, fastest and exhilarating open top McLaren model ever built will be strictly limited to 500 units globally
McLaren Automotive has revealed the latest chapter in the history of the iconic ‘Longtail’ name with confirmation of the 675LT Spider. Strictly limited to only 500 examples worldwide, it is only the second model to wear the LT badge. This latest model comes less than a year since the first model in nearly 20 years resurrected the name, and is in response to significant customer demand.
The 675LT Coupé focused on light weight, enhanced aerodynamics, increased power and track-focused dynamics, and this limited-run model quickly sold out before the first deliveries commenced. Sharing these key characteristics, McLaren Automotive now presents the most focused, fastest and exhilarating open top model to ever wear a McLaren badge.
The 675LT Spider, priced at £285,450, is the fifth new model debuted by McLaren Automotive in 2015 in what has become a defining year for the British brand. This latest model joins the McLaren P1™ GTR, 570S Coupé and 540C Coupé, and the fixed-head 675LT Coupé as new to the line-up, and further strengthens the Super Series range.
Under the skin of the 675LT Spider sits the heavily revised 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 powertrain from the coupé sibling, ensuring performance figures are worthy of the LT – or ‘Longtail’ – badge. The power output and torque figures remain unchanged, with 675PS (666bhp) delivered at 7,100rpm and 700Nm (516lb ft) available between 5,000-6,500rpm.
The changes to the powertrain saw more than 50 percent of the components replaced to ensure optimised levels of power, torque and drivability. These include new, more efficient turbos, detail design changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, new camshaft and lightweight connecting rods, and a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system.
Acceleration from 0-100kmh (0-62mph) takes just 2.9 seconds, and 200kmh (124mph) is achieved in 8.1 seconds – giving away only 0.2 seconds to the more aerodynamically optimised and lighter coupé. Controlled torque delivery in first gear manages torque to 600Nm (443lb ft) to ensure maximum acceleration, and minimising wheel slip. Top speed is 326km/h (203mph).
Despite these blistering performance figures, the 675LT Spider returns 24.2mpg on the EU combined cycle, while CO2 emissions remain at 275g/km – the same as the coupé.
A three-piece retractable folding hardtop can be opened at speeds up to 30km/h (19mph) to allow for a new level of open-air exhilaration.
Staying true to the ‘Longtail’ ethos, established by the McLaren F1 in the late 1990s, the 675LT Spider has been developed with a focus on light weight and optimised aerodynamic performance. The special nature of the model is supported by the extensive use of carbon fibre for the bodywork.
As with the 675LT Coupé, the front bumper with larger splitter and end plates, front under body, side skirts, side intakes, lower side intakes, rear bodyside lower, rear fenders, rear deck, rear bumper, diffuser and ‘Longtail’ Airbrake are all carbon fibre.
Lightweight components are also found throughout the powertrain and chassis, all contributing to a dry weight of just 1,270kg. This weight is a full 100kg lighter than the already lightweight 650S Spider, and gives a power-to-weight figure of 532PS per tonne.
Due to the inherent strength of the carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, no further strengthening – and associated weight increase – has been added through the removal of the roof, and the 675LT Spider is only 40kg heavier than the Coupé, all due to the retractable roof system.
The dramatic styling and purposeful stance of the 675LT is retained with the Spider variant, with the extended front splitter flanked by front wing end plates, each working the airflow harder and increasing downforce. Sculpted carbon fibre door sills run along the lower edge of the bodywork, flowing in to a smaller air intake ahead of the rear wheels.
This sits below the more pronounced side intake, with both feeding clean, cool air into the side radiators which are more prominent to offer increased cooling.
The retractable hard top stows below a colour-coded tonneau cover, and the engine remains visible through a lightweight vented polycarbonate engine cover. At the rear, the lightweight titanium crossover twin exhausts exit below the active ‘Longtail’ Airbrake which is 50 percent larger than other Super Series models.
This is integrated in to the design of the flowing rear wings and despite the larger size, carbon fibre construction ensures weight is actually reduced. Exposed bodywork across the rear deck and below the rear wing aids engine cooling, while louvres in the flared rear bumper optimise pressure levels.
The 675LT Spider shares the suspension set up and geometry of the Coupé, with the front end sitting on new lightweight springs and a wider track – increased by 20mm. Spring rates are the most track-focused of the Super Series models, with stiffness increased 27 percent at the front and 63 percent at the rear, providing a more rearward balance and allowing for a 40 percent increase in downforce over the 650S Spider.
As standard, the 675LT Spider is fitted with 10-spoke Ultra-Lightweight forged alloy wheels – 19-inch at the front, 20-inch at the rear – and P Zero™ Trofeo R tyres, developed for the 675LT models in collaboration with technical partner Pirelli.
These are the lightest wheel and tyre set ever offered by McLaren. Two Super-Lightweight wheel options are optionally available; a new 20-spoke design, offered in liquid metal or diamond cut finishes, and the five-spoke Super-Lightweight design which debuted on the Coupé.
The lightweight theme continues throughout the interior with Alcantara® and bare carbon fibre used extensively. A pair of lightweight carbon fibre-shelled racing seats, modelled on those fitted to the McLaren P1™, save a combined 15kg, and feature ‘675LT’ embossed leather to provide enhanced levels of support and grip.
As seen in the McLaren P1™ and 675LT, heating and ventilation controls are located within the portrait-orientated, centrally-mounted touchscreen, which also operates the four-speaker Meridian audio system, while air conditioning has been removed. The 16kg system can be specified as a no-cost-option.
The ‘By McLaren’ interior themes were first introduced on the 675LT Coupé, and are again available for the Spider model. The range is extended for the 675LT Spider, with the addition of exclusive Xenon Yellow contrast stitch.
Simialrly, the full exterior paint palette offered on the 675LT Coupé is available for the Spider model, which includes the new Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and Chicane Grey paint finishes.
In addition, the newly developed deep golden colour, Solis – which derives its name from the Latin for sun – is a bespoke colour only available on the open-top 675LT Spider.
Further enhancements can be made through the Club Sport Professional Pack, which adds further visual carbon fibre and stealth detailing.
Available in Titanium Silver, Storm Grey, Onyx Black and Chicane Grey, the Ultra-Lightweight wheels are stealth finished, while a satin carbon fibre finish is applied to the front wing end plates, lower side air intake and the centre of the rear bumper, along with the side intakes, wheelarches, wing mirrors and ‘Longtail’ Airbrake.
McLaren Orange detailing is then applied both externally and internally, with brake callipers, embossed leather and stitching all in the heritage colour made famous by the Formula 1™ and Can-Am racers of Bruce McLaren,
While retaining much of the track-focus and capability of the Coupé, the Club Sport Pack – comprising titanium rollhoop, four point harnesses and fire extinguisher – is not available as an option for the 675LT Spider.
Another key characteristic of any Longtail is exclusivity, and the 675LT Spider is no exception. As with the Coupé, production of the 675LT Spider will be strictly limited to only 500 examples, with first deliveries in summer 2016.
THE STORY OF LT
The story of the McLaren F1 is one of the most famous in automotive history, with the all conquering GTR moving the game on further, worthy of a place in the motorsport hall of fame. After a successful season in 1995 and 1996, McLaren set about raising the bar once more in order to stay ahead of the competition.
While the name and basic architecture remained the same, the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ – or LT – was completely re-engineered from the ground up, and was the ultimate version of the iconic McLaren F1.
With enhanced levels of downforce through extended bodywork, and dramatic weight savings, the end result was the most track-focused derivative of all 106 models to wear the McLaren F1 badge.
The McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ raced successfully during the 1997 sports car racing season, including most prominently in the FIA GT championship against specially developed racing ‘prototypes’, and went within a whisker of winning the world title. Notable achievements included victory in the Silverstone 4 hours, the Hockenheim 4 hours, the Spa 4 hours and a 1-2 class finish – 2-3 overall – at the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Despite racing against the much quicker LMP cars, only one lap separated the #41 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ from outright victory. The nearest opposition in the GT1 class finished nearly 30 laps behind.
And so, McLaren has done it again. ‘LT’ is now the ultra high-performance brand, re-establishing the McLaren ‘Longtail’ heritage. With two models now wearing the iconic badge, the 675LT Coupé and 675LT Spider embody the ‘Longtail’ ethos, with a focus on light weight, enhanced aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement.
