Bow to the Superb McLaren SLR Stirling Moss

January is just a few weeks away, which also means that the anticipation for the much-awaited Detroit Auto Show is coming to its height! Though the economy is in a slump right now, things seem to look a bit brighter for Mercedes-Benz. In fact the company will officially unveil another of its greatest creations, the 2009 McLaren SLR Stirling Moss. One look at the Stirling Moss and you’ll know its going be a hit with auto lovers! And to make them crave for this car, only 75 units will be available for sale. Whoever those 75 people are, I only have one thing to say – You sure are Lucky!

Here’s the press release to give you a full account of what this vehicle holds.

PRESS RELEASE:
Stuttgart– Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.

The new SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h – no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

The exclusive SLR Stirling Moss rounds off the current SLR family and is limited to 75 units. It is priced at 750,000 euros. The SLR Roadster will cease to be manufactured at the end of May 2009 as planned, and production of the SLR Stirling Moss will commence in June 2009.

Three letters are all it takes to make car fans’ hearts beat faster: SLR. In the 1950s the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 celebrated victory after victory. It won the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio as well as the Tourist Trophy. It was driven by the stars of the time: Juan Manual Fangio and Karl Kling – and, first and foremost, by the British racing driver Stirling Moss. At ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds he still holds the Mille Miglia record.

This is why the modern-day version of the legendary SLR carries the additional words “Stirling Moss” in its name. As the new SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Whilst the 300 SLR earned its spurs on racing circuits the world over, the new member of the SLR family is not designed for the racetrack. Although it sets new standards in terms of technology, performance and excitement – just like its forebears – it is aimed at individuals who have exquisite requirements and nurture very special dreams.

Highly puristic concept without a roof or a windscreen

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Exciting design reminiscent of the SLR racing cars

The SLR Stirling Moss, its entire bodywork made of fine lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz designers were working on the body of the new SLR Stirling Moss, they were fully aware every single moment that they were creating a vehicle with a top speed of 350 km/h. At the same time this supreme athlete is highly reminiscent of the SLR racing cars from the 1950s, whose design idiom still never fails to impress to this day.

The SLR Stirling Moss sports an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterised by an elongated bonnet and a compact, muscular rear. As there is no windscreen, the exterior and interior flow smoothly into one. The bonnet also stretches from its striking tip right down into the interior, giving the vehicle body a distinctly sleek air. Even when standing still, the sports car radiates such dynamism that the observer immediately falls under its spell.

Further eye-catching features include two air scoops behind the driver and passenger. They carry additional roll-over bars, also uniting the traditional and the modern. The wings are powerfully contoured. Black-painted ventilation “gills” sitting facet-like on the sides and on the bonnet also cite the legend. A thrilling interplay of light and shadow ensues through the expressive lines, underlining the dynamic overall impression. Exactly as they were on the shining historical example, the side skirts on the new SLR Stirling Moss are also very high. This prompted the designers’ decision in favour of folding swing-wing doors which open forwards.

The vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot. When both tonneau covers and the doors are closed the SLR Stirling Moss resembles a sculpture.

In keeping with the puristic exterior of the vehicle, the interior is also reduced to the bare essentials. Surfaces penetrating each other in the instrument panel and doors make for an exciting atmosphere and resonate perfectionism. A mixture of high-class authentic materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and fine-quality leather sets the style here. An aluminium plate carries the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.

Innovative technology and polished aerodynamic concept

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

Thanks to the high-precision work carried out in the wind tunnel, the SLR Stirling Moss always generates sufficient downforce for extremely safe handling. But the driver can also manually operate the AIRBRAKE in order to increase the contact pressure further, during particularly sporty driving, for example. The AIRBRAKE is also raised during powerful braking at speeds above 120 km/h, so as to stabilise the vehicle even more in such situations, thus facilitating maximum possible deceleration.

Limited to 75 units – the SLR models’ crowning glory

The new SLR Stirling Moss is the kind of high-calibre speedster coveted by the sporting gentry and enthusiasts alike. At the same time it is a collector’s item which marks the pinnacle of an era and, for the foreseeable future, at least, the final curtain for the SLR. In May 2009 production of the SLR models will cease; only a total of 75 units of the Stirling Moss will be manufactured between June and December 2009, bearing chassis numbers from 1 to 75. Not only does this exclusive vehicle represent the conclusion of the current SLR family; it also serves as a very special thank you to the most loyal of SLR customers, for they are the only ones able to acquire a Stirling Moss.

Chrysler to Cease Operation for One Month

Economic recession is hitting and it’s hitting really hard. We all feel it now, right? We are all burdened by this sad turn of events in our economy; even more so all businesses and establishments. These companies that employ hundreds and thousands of people are feeling it. Much as they don’t want to layoff people, the economic recession just make it so hard for them to retain them all. The auto industry for one is suffering a great slump in sales that some are already quitting and some struggle to keep their heads above water. Others are exploring other measures to ensure their company doesn’t shut completely. Chrysler LLC is one of the auto makers that are exploring other options. This company announced that it will shut down all production in North America for at least one month starting December 19.

It’s going to be a sad Christmas for a total of 46,000 employees affected. Though they will be paid for the whole month by means of state unemployment benefits, employees will not receive their full salaries.

This measure is being to avoid further losses as the company waits for a decision about the government loan package from the White House. Because of this, the completion of the Chevy Volt will be delayed as well. GM and Chevy hoped to have the Chevy Volt in the showrooms by 2010 but, due to this it’s not likely to make it.

To avoid bankruptcy, GM is hopeful for a $4 billion infusion from the U.S. Treasury, and a total of $8 billion to $9 billion. Chrysler is also hoping for $6 billion to $7 billion. This capital infusion is very important for Chrysler because by the year end it would reach critically low-cash reserve level of $2 billion to $2.5 billion. Though Chrysler is expected to get loans from the government, the most likely thing to happen after this is the company’s consolidation with GM.

New BMW Z4 to be Unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show

BMW has a new surprise brewing for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in January. The latest BMW Z4 roadster will make its debut then. You might ask what hypes up this BMW Z4. Well, this new Z4 is the first to feature a retractable hardtop. Its hardtop is made up of two-piece roof manufactured from lightweight aluminum panels that opens and closes in just 20 seconds with just a simple touch of a button. Though it is a hardtop, space is not compromised. There is still ample room for loads by means of the through-loading system. Aside from the noticeable hardtop, its exterior look has also altered some. It is now equipped with swept-back headlamps, front air dams, and hood creases that make it look even more aggressive and aerodynamic.

Two Z4 models will debut in January, the Z4 sDrive30i and the Z4 sDrive35i. The former is equipped with 30-liter, inline-six engine that generates 255 HP. Its engine is matched with a six-speed manual transmission. The sDrive35i on the other hand has twin turochargers and direct injection that produces 300 HP. This is teamed up with an optional seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT). With this transmission, the Z4 sDrive35i can go from zero to 60 in just 5 seconds.

Aside from excellent engine, the BMW Z4 comes with advanced interior features. It can be equipped with 80GB hard drive-based navigation system featuring the new generation of iDrive. The new iDrive controller is found at the center console and a big 8.8-inch widescreen monitor situated under the motorized door on the dash. 15GB of the 80GB hard drive can be used for storing digitally ripped off music.

Aside from these, some optional add-ons can be installed in the BMW Z4 – 14 speakers plus two subwoofers, hi-fi system that outputs 650 watts, aux-in jack, MP3-compatible CD-player that comes with standard digital audio options are just some of the add-ons that can be installed.

The 2009 Detroit Auto Show is definitely a car show to look forward to. The upcoming BMW Z4 models will definitely make the auto show become more interesting.

Ford Mustang Named Favorite Affordable Convertible

World-famous Ford Mustang receives a new accolade. This vehicle model wins “Favorite Affordable Convertible” award. This title was given by the members of the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). Why was this model chosen for the award? Well, it’s because the jury found the Mustang to have a combination of fun, affordability, style and economy.

“I would like to thank the New England Motor Press for the Mustang award,” said John Felice, general marketing manager, Ford Lincoln Mercury. “This award is proof that Ford is providing products that people truly want and value. And those products will keep coming year after year.”

The said award was publicized at the 52nd Annual New England Auto Show in Boston that was held in the first week of December.

Maybe this award will boost the Ford Mustang’s reputation, consequently its sales. November was the worst sales months ever for this auto maker so, it is hoped that with this award, the Ford Mustang’s sales will go up.

As you know, the Ford Mustang is one of the most preferred vehicles by Americans because of its sport appearance – big grille, round headlights, side sculpting, and tri-bar taillights. The 2008 Ford Mustang is available not only as a convertible but also as a coupe. There are four trims available – V6 Deluxe, V6 Premium, GT Deluxe, and the GT Premium.

Kudos to Ford Mustang!

GM Says Volt Has Cost $750M to Develop

GM spent $750M for the development of its newest hybrid car, the Chevy Volt. Most of the money was spent on battery research which aims to regain the reputation of GM as a technology leader in the industry. But it will only be in 2016 that the Volt can generate a return on investment.

Fuel efficiency and hybrid vehicles are the main arguments made by GM in their bid to win a loan from the U.S. government recently. They have undertaken massive steps in the hopes of regaining its reputation as a technology leader which in turn will ensure their success.

There are also other benefits that may be derived from the Volt’s development. Advanced work on aerodynamics can be applied to other car models, the batteries and hybrid technology could be used in any number of platforms and the fuel-saving measures for the Volt’s combustion engine could be applied to existing cars of today. The company may also regain the public’s confidence since it suffered major setbacks on its reputation when they refused to innovate and discover and apply new technologies on their products.

The company is positive that return on this investment is foreseeable even though it will not be in the first production. More of the dividends will come from the considerable investment in the new battery and hybrid technology. In their presentation to the Congress, GM plans to invest $2 billion on hybrid and extensive series of vehicles from 2009 to 2012, of which $750M has been spent on the Volt project alone.

It will not be until 2011 that the Volt will be pushed for production but GM is pushing for the loan to be granted by the government so that it will be set in motion.

GM is resigned to the fact that a decade may pass before return on investment on this type of car can be felt but it is more important to maintain and keep afloat their business until the time comes when alternative fuel vehicles become widely known and patronized by the consumers.

It will not be until 2011 that the Volt will be pushed for production but GM is pushing for the loan to be granted by the government so that it will be set in motion.

Nissan to recall 435,000 Vehicles Worldwide

It is not a phenomenon in the auto industry but Nissan Motor Company is due to recall nearly 430, 000 vehicles worldwide. These cars are the Serena wagons manufactures in the period April 2005- April 2008, mostly being sold in Japan, Hongkong, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Reason for recall can range from faulty braking lamps to others will ill-connected cables that can stop engines and result to inability to restart. The Suzuki Landy Minivans are also affected because Nissan supplies original equipment for it under a manufacturing deal.

 

Although there have been some reported incidents related to the defects encountered with the Serena and Tiida models none of them involved  injuries. It is a positive upshot for Nissan that they were able to resolve the problem prior to the occurrence of more serious incidents, which can lead to a negative feedback for the company.

 

It is a good thing Nissan was able to monitor this problem and that it is voluntarily recalling said faulty vehicles. This way, people’s lives will not be put at stake. Electronic wires and brake lamps are very important parts of any vehicle that must be in good condition at all times to achieve road safety anytime, anywhere.

2009 Hyundai Tucson Review

Hyundai recently came out with the new 2009 Hyundai Tucson, its 25^th Anniversary Edition car.  If you’re looking for a good car deal, this might just be the thing for you. With it’s more or less $25,000 MSRP, it is money well spent.

 

This anniversary edition from Hyundai comes with the standard 2.0 litre, 16 valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine that is responsible for the 140HP and 136 lb-ft of torque. Although it only has the standard 4-speed automatic transmission, it can still provide a very smooth transmission of gears especially during city-driving. When it comes to fuel expense, this little baby can give you a 10.2L/100km in the city and an 8.0L/100km in the highways. No need to think twice since oil prices now are going down, one might even use this car for long drives without thinking about the expense.

 

Let’s look inside this car. Upon purchase, you get a $2,500 worth of added options for only $1,000. The car is equipped with a first-class Kenwood stereo system to entertain you while on the road, Garmin in-dash GPS system, as well as a 2-way power sunroof. There are also the heated seats, air conditioning, key-less remote entry, 4-wheel disc brakes and the ABS with EBD features to make the ride more comfortable and enjoyable. To add to that it has body color door handles and mirrors. Its cloth-upholstered seats can comfortably accommodate five people and have enough leg-room even for the not so averagely built person. The almost 11.5 cubic feet trunk can store luggage and other paraphernalia that you bring on those long trips in summer. Needless to say, the interior is made with quality and comfort in mind.

 

For its safety features, it has dual front air bags and electronic stability control (ESC) with Traction Control System.

 

The 2009 Tucson is a combination of an SUV’s rugged style and a sedan’s sporty performance and fuel-efficiency. All things considered, this new Tucson is a must – have for those who want to have the best of both worlds.

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350: Elegance and Style

When you are looking for class and elegance in a ride, there’s no need to look much further that the good old reliable Mercedes. Although it may be classical, new editions can give the competition a good run for their money.

 

Now that SUVs are all the rage, Mercedes Benz will parade its new 2010 MB GLK 350 with a base price in the vicinity of $35,000 in January. Add all the options available and its just might jump to the $40,000 price range. On the other hand, cost is the lesser consideration when the car can deliver what it promises, luxury and performance all in the same package.

 

The GLK350 is narrower, shorter and lower than the ML-series Mercedes. It has 19-inch wheels powered by a refined seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes doesn’t offer manual transmission but he seven-speed is standard. Other features are the COMMAND with navigation, adaptive headlights, rear-view camera and rear seat DVD systems with two screens.

 

This five-passenger seat car also provides 23.3 cu.ft. of load space which can be extended to 54.7 cu ft. when you fold down the rear seats and an almost flat load surface measuring 65.9 inches long. It is accessorized with a load-securing rings to fasten down luggage, bag hooks, coat hooks in the tail gate trim, a 12 volt power outlet and lamp.

 

Known for being synonymous with luxury, Mercedes doesn’t disappoint. Eight way power front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, huge sunroof, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and an 8-speaker sound system adorn the interior of the GLK. 

 

American buyers are in for a small disappointment, though. Those whose preference are the muddy, snowy and sandy terrain, they should be aware that the optional off-road package, which includes descent control, full underbelly protection and the so-called G button are not available or will not be offered in the United States.

 

When it comes to safety, the GLK has only the most advanced features. Features include six airbags, active head restraints, and seatbelt tensioners and belt-force limiters at all seating positions. After an accident, the central command unit responds to isolate certain portions of the vehicle’s electrical system, shut off the engine, turn on the hazard warning lights, unlock the doors and lower the windows two inches.

 

Mercedes certainly is one of the best there is. The whole package certainly aims to please even the most discerning eye.

2009 Dodge Journey for an Enjoyable Road Trip

 

Chrysler, formerly owned by Daimler, has come a long way since it was left to fend for itself in the very competitive auto industry a few years ago. Prior to it being sold it produced well-styled and cool cars and the best-looking full-sized pick-up trucks. But now it seems to have lost its focus and drive.

 

The new 2009 Dodge Journey fro Chrysler is set to resurrect its reputation from the ashes, but can it live up to expectations? There have been some improvements but most of the features of the Dodge are not that interesting. It provides a good ride but he engine seems to have a problem since there are times that it produces an unsettling clunk while decelerating.

 

Its interior is a plus point. Comfortable and roomy, there are also some ingenious new storage features. Just flip forward the hidden storage compartment under the cushion of the front seat and you can hide documents and small bags. There is also the removable inserts under the floor in front of the second-row seats so that you can wash any dirt or drain water if you use them as coolers. Aside from the usual glove compartment, there’s also a Chill Zone where you can put several cans or bottles of liquid and keep them cool through the air-conditioning system.

 

A little problem may be encountered with the center stack that Dodge needs to rectify. The audio controls and display is located all the way down the bottom. If you want to look at the time, you have to look all the way down because that’s were it is located. It can be a bit tiresome. Maybe Dodge can just switch positions of the climate and audio controls in order to solve this minute problem.

 

The journey has a pair of engine/transmission choice. You can select the entry level SE. with starting price of $21,300 and the car comes with a 2.4 liter four cylinder and a four-speed automatic transmission. Or you can have SXT or R/T and you get 3.5-liter V-6 with a six-speed automatic. The V-6 has been used by Chrysler for many years but it has become outdated by the emergence of newer features like the variable valve timing. Fuel efficiency is a downside because it just comes at 16 mpg city driving and 23 in the highways.

 

For those buyers who need the space that the Journey provides but are unwilling to pay the higher prices of the competition, this car might just be the one for you.

VW Golf Plus Unveiled In Bologna, Italy

The Volkswagen is one of the most popular vehicles today. From the time of its conception until now it has never failed in bringing quality vehicles to the market. The company recently unveiled the second-generation Volkswagen Golf Plus at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. The architecture of this model is based on the MK V Golf. The difference in the new Plus is that it is a raised-roof MPV version of the new sixth generation Golf. The new Golf Plus is very stylish with its sort-of mini minivan style.

 

The new VW Golf Plus is now made with dynamic and distinctive appearance. The front is made with horizontally aligned band of the radiator grille that’s integrated with two high-gloss lack cross-bars and an integrated roundel, between modified headlights. Further on the exterior is the lower profile with newly–designed integrated roof rails. A fully color-coded redesigned bumper and revised “cherry red” rear lights incorporating LED technology can be found at the rear. Some more of the modifications done is a range of new wheel and tire options just like the Bilbao alloy wheels from Volkswagen Individual.

 

The cabin also offers convenience and luxury. The enhancements made to it bring the new Golf Plus to another level. It’s another level of quality for the Golf Plus all the while still being the practical and most versatile vehicles in its class. Brand new upholstery materials and details are carried over from the new Golf. Aside from this the VW Golf Plus also carries white backlit instruments, with brushed chrome surrounds, steering wheel options and air conditioning systems comparable to those in the new Golf and Passat CC.

 

The planned engine for this new model is a 1.4-liter 122 PS TSI engine that is said to provide 44.8 mpg with carbon emission of 146 g/km and a maximum speed of 124 mph. Rail TDI engines will be fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The 2.0-liter TDI produces max speed of 127 mph and emits just 135 g/km while returning 55.4 mpg.

 

A big highlight in the Golf Plus is the ParkAssist. This feature is very convenient because it can operate the steering wheel automatically when doing reverse parallel parking maneuvers.

 

Prices have yet to be announced for this Volkswagen Golf Plus.