2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Facelift: Official Image Gallery
The crack in the dam surrounding the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL just got bigger today as a whole set of images were leaked into the internet this morning. Design-wise, the facelifted SL features a completely redesigned front-end with a single-bar grille along with a revised rear-bumper, different side-gills and new alloy wheels. Inside, as with the 2009 CLS, Merc’s Roadster has been equipped with a new three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a new-look instrument cluster with white dials.In terms of mechanical upgrades we’re still in the dark, but we do know for sure that Mercedes will replace the SL 55 AMG with the SL 63 AMG. The latter features a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 525 HP and 630 Nm of torque (SL 55 AMG: 5.5-liter supercharged V8 with 517 HP and 720 Nm of torque). The SL 63 AMG goes from nought to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 sec (SL 55 AMG: 4.5 sec)
The first official pictures of the forthcoming Brabus prepped 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL have been leaked on the internet today. We don’t have any details in our hands yet but apart from the usual mechanical upgrades (engine, suspension and brake system) the German tuner has also readied a pretty aggressive bodykit for the recently facelifted SL roadster. We’ll have all the details as soon as Brabus comes out with an official press release.
Land Rover unveils a vision of its future at the NAIAS (Detroit Show) in January 2008, with the world debut of the LRX concept - a bold evolution of Land Rover design that signals the brand's shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world.
"The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it's a very different Land Rover.
"LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you'd expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class. It is Land Rover's way of affirming the brand's responsible approach to future product development. At this stage, LRX is purely a concept, designed to help us develop our thinking as well as gauge customer reaction - but this feels like a hugely exciting direction to take."
Compact and premium
LRX is described as a cross-coupé and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover represents. Though smaller than the Freelander 2 / LR2, LRX was conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector - those who want many of the benefits of a 4x4 and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.
The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company's design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment. Its many recognisable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid 'wheel-at-each-corner' stance.
"LRX is a design born out of passion for the brand, but it is different, relevant, engaging and exciting - because Land Rover has never built ordinary cars," says Gerry McGovern. "LRX has a highly desirable identity and the design alludes strongly to its capability, while clearly underlining our forward-looking philosophy - it's a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn't flinch at getting its wheels dirty."
Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile 4x4 with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.
The LRX concept also adopts intelligent power management systems and other technologies first shown by Land Rover in the Land_e concept in 2006. Further details of LRX's powertrain and sustainability technologies will be released at the Detroit Show.
Extending 'breadth of capability'
The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class. To help achieve this, it has full-time four-wheel drive and Hill Descent Control, as well as a special version of Land Rover's acclaimed Terrain Response system, to optimise traction on difficult surfaces ranging from icy roads to wet grass, gravel and snow. But to reflect LRX's on-road bias, Terrain Response also gains a new 'Eco' mode for lower emissions during urban driving.
The design of LRX was developed entirely in-house, driven by a passion to create a car that truly represents Land Rover's future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof - echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.
Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognisable statement of Land Rover's identity. There are new interpretations of Land Rover's traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps, jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and subtle side vents. LRX's wheelarches are wide but softly integrated, housing 20-inch alloy wheels.
The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car's visual overhangs front and rear. With its perforated two-bar grille, door releases concealed in the car's shoulders and graphic details 'punched out' of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them, LRX is beautifully proportioned and elegantly simple - but very dramatic and distinctive.
Impeccable, premium interior
The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical, versatile - and sophisticated. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminium details.
The 'fast' sloping architecture of the centre console reflects LRX's sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument cluster. The electronic display uses 'floating' LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalised for different drivers, as well as interacting with LRX's touch-screen display.
The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. Further adding to LRX's involving personality, the different drivetrain modes are matched by changes in the cabin's background lighting colour - green in economy, red in sports and blue in standard mode.
Clever use of space
Although LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximise its practicality. A second touch-screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for LRX's iPhone docking facility. On either side of the horizontally-split, power-operated tailgate, removable and power-adjustable speakers include an iPod docking station. There is also a coolbox, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. This also has integral aluminium cupholders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.
Every interior design detail combines to maximise both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a 'spider' frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.
LRX's distinctive seats 'float' on individual plinths and have open frameworks to reinforce the impression of light, airy interior space - while also creating useful under-seat and under-floor stowage areas. The clever, powered mechanism of the seat backs maximises interior flexibility and helps create a large, flat storage area when needed, complete with multiple tie-down options. The generous load space and through-loading option also help accommodate bikes, skis or surfboards.
"Flexible load-carrying capacity is fundamental to the concept of LRX," says Gerry McGovern. "With this car, we've interpreted the idea of Land Rover 'breadth of capability' to be more about versatility and on-road dynamics than about ultimate off-roading. This meets the needs of the new customers that we believe would be attracted by this type of car; they will not only appreciate LRX's flexibility, but will also recognise that it has been packaged with the highest levels of precision."
Sustainable product design
The structures of the seats and instrument panel are elegant enough to be left exposed - one novel approach that Land Rover's designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for the side windows and roof with polycarbonate, which is around 40% lighter.
Even the choice of premium-quality trim materials reflects Land Rover's deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminium (both lightweight and readily recyclable) and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious, vanilla-coloured 'fine suede' on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles.
"We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfilling people's practical needs," says Phil Popham. "No single technology delivers all the answers to whole-life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the ideas for the future that interest us, integrating them into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover."
Honda Acura - one of its best class Car. Some people call it super car so some call it the luxurious one. available in Middle east, Dubai and Saudi arabia as well.
All-new 2008 Jeep Cherokee Provides High Level of Safety and Security
Details of Specifications and Reviews:
The all-new Jeep Cherokee 2008 offers the latest safety and security features to transport passengers no matter what their destination and whether for business or pleasure. Features like ESP, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and side airbags are just a few of the refinements that make the Cherokee the ideal choice for today’s active families. Read the rest of this entry »
Mercedes Benze powerfully and trustworthily offers 2008 models in Egypt; which started to be delivered to customers specially the S-Class and the E-Class and C-Class, and which were highly admired. Mercedes-Benz range of new models is unique because they are more varied, advanced and luxurious. Read the rest of this entry »
Anyone thinking that Steve Saleen’s departure from the company that bears his name would result in the end of supercars such as the famous S7… would be wrong. That’s because Saleen, now based in Troy, Michigan, as opposed to its former headquarters in Irvine, California, has unveiled an all-new supercar called the S5S Raptor. Read the rest of this entry »
Jeddah: In a ceremony held in Jeddah on February 4 , Haji Hussain Alireza & Co. Ltd. (HHA), exclusive distributor for Mazda in Saudi Arabia, introduced the all-new 2009 Mazda6, joined by Mr. Malcolm Gough, Managing Executive Officer, Mazda Overseas Sales and Customer Service; Sheikh Amin Abul Hassan, Chairman of HHA; Mr. Ali Alireza, Executive General Director for HHA; and press and other media representatives. Developed as an evolution of Mazda’s popular Zoom-Zoom concept, the 2009 Mazda6’s design theme is “Bold & Exquisite”. Its exterior styling expresses a combination of athleticism and delicate grace. Inside, sporty and sophisticated design elements create an environment in which drivers can experience driving pleasure, comfort and a feeling of security.
Through the introduction of this stylish, insightful, and spirited car, which is available in three body styles – sedan, sport hatchback and wagon - Mazda continues to lead the popular CD-class segment. In his speech, Mr. Ali Alireza, Executive General Director of HHA, emphasized that the strategic plans established by Mazda, which were developed in line with the innovative technologies used in the production of the new Mazdas, are the main factors leading to the rapid rise of Mazda car sales in the Saudi market.
He further noted, “The launch of the second generation of Mazda6 in the Saudi market is a continuation of the ‘Zoom-Zoom’ concept, which began with the launch of the first generation of Mazda6 in 2002. Mazda is committed to its promise to present exciting, innovative products that are equipped with highly-advanced technologies that make driving the new Mazda6 and any other Mazda car an unparalleled driving experience.” Meanwhile, Mr. Malcolm Gough stressed the importance of the Saudi market for Mazda, and talked about the long-lasting partnership with HHA, which goes back more than 40 years, and said, “The first generation Mazda6 combined unique and attractive styling with exceptional driving performance. Now, the all-new 2009 Mazda6 takes these characteristics a giant step forward, through substantially enhanced environmental and safety performance. With top of class aerodynamics, this Mazda6 features improved high-speed stability, ride quality and quietness, providing enhanced comfort levels worthy of the ultimate high speed long-distance touring car.”
He ended by saying, “The most striking performance has been the increased sales momentum in the GCC market, particularly here in Saudi Arabia, where sales in 2007 were over 10,400 units. This number was the best in 20 years, and I would like to express my gratitude to HHA for the initiatives they have undertaken to make this a reality. We hope you will take the lead in further boosting volume growth in the GCC region.”
Technical information Design
The design theme for the new Mazda6 is “Bold and Exquisite”. The design itself is an evolved Zoom-Zoom form, which cleverly combines the two seemingly contradictory ideas of strength and delicate grace through an expression of Japanese aesthetics. While inheriting the athletic design that was key to the signature Mazda look of the previous model, the new Mazda6 is an even stronger statement of driving dynamism. The designers also worked on a combination of playfulness and dignity to create a new expression of “cool”, aiming at moving the Mazda6 to the top of its class. “It is vitally important that the new Mazda6 confidently embodies a Japanese design identity,” says Mazda’s Head of Design for the all-new Mazda6. “Rather than being derived from traditional sculpted forms, this car stands apart from its rivals by straightforwardly expressing the Japanese aesthetic sense to embody a new and advanced character. And it must still look fresh in 10 years’ time.”
The all-new Mazda6’s design theme, “Bold and Exquisite”, is also embodied in sporty styling that is sure to turn heads. The exterior has a unique character, expressed by the interplay of discreetly following curves and prominent edges from the front end through the fenders, and through the taut curves that lend richness and strength to the rear view. The door panels placed between the sharp top and bottom character lines convey an expression of beauty from simplicity. Then there’s the exquisiteness of detail evident everywhere in the car’s inbuilt quality. Combined, these elements of beauty create an advanced, emotion-pleasing character that could only be found in a Mazda.
As before, there are three body styles: sport hatchback, sedan and station wagon. The ?ve-door hatchback symbolizes the new Mazda6’s sporty and sophisticated nature with a following, coupé-style silhouette and a six side-window cabin design. The sedan plays down its three-box form with its tautly-arched cabin and short, high tail, giving it a fastback look clearly related to that of the hatchback. The station wagon features three-dimensional curves that give volume and tension to the side and rear view to achieve a level of stylish design rare in a station wagon.
New MZR 2.5-litre petrol power:
The new top of the line MZR 2.5-liter petrol is derived from the former model’s 2.3-litre version. Though it has a larger bore and stroke, it is engineered with a smaller bore pitch and an unchanged block height, which gives it the same compact size and low weight as the 2.3-litre engine. It produces more maximum power of 125 kW/170 PS (+ 4 PS) at 6,000 rpm, and maximum torque of 226 Nm at 4,000 rpm – about 10 percent (+ 19 Nm) more torque at low- to mid-engine speeds than the 2.3-litre. It features lightweight pistons and fully-floating piston pins, which offsets the increased secondary inertial weight created by a larger bore and stroke. It has a high-rigidity block that reduces noise produced by increased combustion load, and minimized crankshaft vibration with the introduction of a dual-mass damper and a flexible flywheel. These factors contribute to smooth, quiet power development and cultivated driving fun.
The new MZR 2.5-liter petrol engine is highly efficient. It uses sequential-valve timing (S-VT) to adjust the timing of valve opening and closing for optimized operation at all engine speeds. High power and torque are realized by improved flow characteristics in the intake ports. This is achieved by making the diameters larger and optimizing the shapes of the intake manifold and head ports, by optimizing the position and shape of the swirl control valve and by introducing a variable intake system (VIS) which maximizes torque at all engine speeds. Exhaust resistance has also been reduced by optimizing exhaust-gas-scavenging efficiency in the exhaust manifold, which optimizes engine output even further.
Also, the second generation of Mazda6 carries over from the previous model engine the MZR 2.0-litre displacement, which is now more fuel-efficient than before. The MZR 2.0-litre petrol aggregate produces 108 kW/147 PS of maximum power at 6,500 rpm, and maximum torque of 184 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It features electronic throttle control for great drivability, VIS (Variable Induction System) that optimizes the charging effect in the intake manifold according to engine speed by varying the length of the intake passages, and S-VT (Sequential Valve Timing) to ensure power throughout the rev range.
Transmissions The new Mazda6 retains the outstanding six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmission from the previous model. Shift effort for manual transmissions has been reduced with Mazda6’s newly-positioned shift lever. By placing the shift lever higher and closer to the driver’s seat area, the ergonomics are optimized. The lever assembly’s base plate is more rigid, and hard stoppers have been introduced. A balance between smoothness and stiffness is realized by tuning the control cable and the stoppers, while a newly-optimized counterweight inertia moment makes operating feel precise and light. Shifting at high speeds is also improved by making the 5th and 6th gear synchronizer larger, resulting in 15% percent less shift effort compared to the outgoing model’s manual transmissions.
Interior Design – enhancing the “exclusive experience” On the inside, designers continued the “bold and exquisite” theme of the exterior. Here the new Mazda6 is sporty and sophisticated, with a completely new look that is carried out with a dramatic improvement in quality, vital to providing an exclusive experience. A sense of sportiness was achieved with an intimate cockpit design that lets the driver experience Mazda6’s enhanced Zoom-Zoom driving fun to the fullest, which contributes to a feeling of being one with the car. In parallel, they created an interior with a wrap-around feel for a feeling of safety and comfort.
The interior ambiance advances from earlier Mazda interiors, with rich curves and light shading that adds an expression of quiet sophistication. The all-new Mazda6 uses a floating-look instrument panel that lends the front of the cabin visual lightness, and contributes to an overall sense of openness and space. The door trim has sharp lines and precisely shaped grooves embedded in curved surfaces for a strong sense of quality.
Sporty look combined with spatial efficiency When it comes to combining a sporty and emotional exterior design with comfort and roominess, packaging engineers were able to deliver more than customers have come to expect of a C/D-class car. They achieved a forward-upward visibility that is one of the segment’s best, despite the car’s sporty roofline, by moving the contours of the headliner rearward. This gives a feeling of openness, and allows the driver to see traffic lights, for example, without leaning forward. Its longer wheelbase (by 50mm) and increased vehicle length (by 65-70mm) translates into 20mm more rear legroom (from 927mm to 947mm). An increase in overall width (by 15mm) means 9mm more shoulder room (from 1,421mm to 1,430mm) and one of the widest tailgate openings in this segment that ensures ease of use and does not compromise the sporty exterior form.
Infiniti, the fastest growing luxury auto brand in the Middle East, continues to set the bar in the luxury segment, with its strong-selling line-up that has grown significantly with the introduction of three new 2008 stars. Infiniti held a media preview of the new models at the Montgomery Golf Club in Dubai on November 12, 2007, followed by a public preview at the 9th Middle East Motor Show the next day. The new Infiniti G37 Coupe sets new standards for style, performance and luxury. This sporty drive will reach regional showrooms in January along with the 2008 Infiniti EX35 (in March), a coupé-inspired SUV design. The new additions will build on the success of Infiniti’s record-breaking sales in the Middle East region. The modified Infiniti luxury range comprises of the new Infiniti EX35, G37 Coupé and M35, which add to the full line-up of the award winning M45, FX, G Sedan, and QX. Highlights of the Infiniti G37 Coupe include seductive styling, and luxury appointments – taking the exhilarating performance, elegance, and sporty interior of the original Infiniti G Coupe to new levels. Among the key enhancements to the second-generation G Coupe is a larger, more powerful 3.7-litre V6 engine, available advanced 4-wheel active steer system, a dramatic new exterior design and a refined interior with intuitive, integrated technology which includes the GCC Navigation system and the rear view cameras. The Infiniti EX35’s sculpted elegance expresses a timeless appeal – sleek lines that portray speed, grace and finesse. Its sporty proportions include a long hood, short front and rear overhangs, rearward cabin and smooth coupe-like roofline arching over the windows to the C-pillars.
The exterior of Infiniti EX35 includes many signature Infiniti touches, including a double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with Xenon head lamps, integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile.
Another newcomer is a welcome addition of the Infiniti M35 to the Infiniti lineup, filling the gap between the G35 sedan and the M45 sedan. Inside, the M35 presents an interior that is pure Infiniti – highly expressive styling that combines a driver-oriented cockpit with inviting design detail. The modern and intuitive interior layout focuses on purposeful simplicity.
The M35 also boasts state of art technology features such as parking sensors, DVD navigation, intelligent key, hands-free Bluetooth phone, rear view camera, push button ignition, and a Bose audio system with MP3. Performance is provided by Nissan’s award-wining 3.5 litre, V6 VQ 35DE engine, with DOHC and titanium valves.
The Hummer H3T is built on the Chevrolet Colorado/H3 architecture. Although based on the SUV, the H3T’s wheelbase is 8,6 cm larger, reaching 3,41 m and allowing the presence of a pretty reasonable separate bed, with 1,5 m. The crew cab ca carry up to five passengers.
Engine options range from a Vortec 3.7L I-5 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing that generates 245 bhp at 5,600 rpm and 328 Nm at 4,600 rpm, mated to a five-speed manual transmition or an optional four-speed automatic gearbox, to the Hummer H3 Alpha’s engine, a 5.3-liter small block V8 that delivers 304 bhp and 433 Nm. For this option, the four-speed automatic transmition is standard, as well as the towing capacity of 2,676 kg. If the H3T owner wants to use it in difficult terrains, the off-road capabilities of the new Hummer pickup truck can be maximized with the Off-Road Adventure suspension package. Besides front and rear locking differentials, unique in the midsize pickup trucks segment, it also offers 33-inch tires, 4.03:1 low-range gearing in the transfer case and crawl ratios of 68.9 with the manual transmission or 56.2 with the automatic. The standard suspension package, the Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering, uses 32-inch tires.
