Retrobuilt 1969 Mustang Fastback

Vital Stats

Engine:

5.0L V8

Power:

420 HP / 390 LB-FT

Transmission:

6-Speed Auto

0-60 Time:

4.3 Seconds (est.)

Top Speed:

145 MPH (est.)

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight:

3,600 LBS (est.)

Seating:

2+2

MPG:

17 City / 26 HWY

MSRP:

Donor + $30,000 (est.)

Research the Ford Mustang »

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Blink your eyes and take another look. While all visual cues may be telling your brain that you are staring at a near-pristine 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback, it's all a carefully crafted illusion – a very clever façade.

Hidden beneath that glistening Yellow Blaze paint, below the sculpted fiberglass and steel body panels, is a 2013 Ford Mustang GT. The retro-coupe features power-operated sport buckets with lumbar support, ice-cold air conditioning, six airbags and a full factory warranty. Lest anyone forget, it also comes with a modern fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 generating 420 horsepower.

The team at Retrobuilt, out of Lamar, Missouri, is known for recreating Carroll Shelby's iconic cars of yesteryear. Yet instead of restoring worn classics to like-new condition, a process that delivers an immaculate muscle car yet retains all of its undesirable traits, they fabricate classics on current-generation Ford S197-platforms. In their own words, they "allow auto enthusiasts to benefit from the technology and manufacturing of a modern Ford Mustang while combining the classic styling of 1969 muscle cars."

Retrobuilt recently invited us to drive its 1969 Fastback mere days after its debut at the 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association's trade show (SEMA) in Las Vegas. To make things a bit more interesting, and gauge public opinion, we chose to meet them at the entrance to Southern California's famed Mulholland Highway.


It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand why this company is selling cars as quickly as they can make them. Old muscle cars are undoubtedly cool, but they are also temperamental, thirsty and uncomfortable when the weather isn't cooperating. The team at Retrobuilt, passionate about the classics but tired of the inconveniences, decided to marry the best of both worlds – thus its 197-based program was launched in 2009.

Old muscle cars are undoubtedly cool, but they are also temperamental, thirsty and uncomfortable.

Retrobuilt works with Ford's S197 chassis, meaning candidates come from the current fifth-generation Mustang platform (2005-present). While some conversion companies purchase bodies-in-white from automakers, Retrobuilt relies on used cars (including those cosmetically damaged in hailstorms or tornados) or brand-new showroom stock vehicles. This particular build started as a brand-new 2013 Ford Mustang GT with a 5.0-liter V8, but it could have just as easily been a 2005 Mustang Coupe with a 4.0-liter V6, or a 2013 Shelby GT500 boasting a supercharged 5.8-liter V8. It is, ultimately, the customer's choice. (The company prefers to start with a vehicle painted black, as the dark sheetmetal under the hood is color correct for the era.)

Before the rebuild process begins, the steel hood and front quarter panels are removed from the donor. It is much the same story with the front and rear urethane bumpers, door handles, exterior mirrors and wheels, as they are all pulled off and set aside.



The front hood and quarter panels are replaced with fiberglass reproductions, sized to the dimensions of the slightly larger chassis (the '13 Mustang is about 13.5 inches longer and four inches wider than a '69 Mustang). The Ford's original steel door skins, steel roof and steel rear decklid remain in place, but fiberglass skins are placed over them to give the body a proper retro-styled figure.

The reproduction mirrors, chrome door handles and other badging are all painstakingly period-correct.

Basic muscle-car stature in place, the period-look front and rear fascias are added. A new hand-crafted grille, aluminum brightwork and chrome bumpers, all looking as if they are straight out of the '60s (yet each custom-made for Retrobuilt) are bolted in place. The reproduction chromed steel bumpers, like the other parts, are slightly wider to fit the modern vehicle's dimensions. The details are impressive, as the reproduction mirrors, chrome door handles and other badging are all painstakingly period-correct. The hood pins are redundant (the OEM latching is retained), yet they are fully functional after the primary and secondary latches are released.

The stock engine, a naturally aspirated Coyote 5.0-liter V8 rated at 420 horsepower, is retained and customers are offered a choice between a six-speed manual gearbox and a traditional torque-converter six-speed automatic transmission (most choose the manual, but our test car was fitted with the slushbox). The hood scoop is functional, engineered to supplement the factory airbox with a fresh blast of outside air courtesy of a custom "Y-pipe" in the engine bay. An aftermarket exhaust, manufactured by MagnaFlow, is bolted in place after the catalytic converters, thus retaining all emissions equipment.



Springs and sway bars are replaced with an Eibach Pro-Plus suspension kit before one-piece aluminum alloy 18-inch American Racing wheels are bolted to all four corners (machined to look as if they have hub spinners from a distance). The wheels are wrapped in Nitto NT 555 Extreme ZR summer performance tires with a treadwear rating of 300. The brakes, single-piston sliding calipers over ventilated disc rotors, are left stock (our test car had alloy covers over the hardware to make them appear... well, upgraded).

Providing late-model comfort and reliability is the object here, not a 1960s-era interior.

Bodywork and painting is all done at the Retrobuilt facility. After the customer's choice of color is applied, a final clearcoat goes over the graphics. (The trademarked 'Boss 302' graphics on our test car were added by the owners, as the company doesn't want to get itself into hot water with Ford.) Finally, after a six-week wait, the vehicle is delivered to the customer.

Pressing the retro-cool thumb button on the door handle may set up those drooling over the exterior for disappointment, as the interior is left completely bone stock – there isn't even a Retrobuilt badge on the dashboard – exactly as it left Ford's factory. Then again, providing late-model comfort and reliability is the object here, not a 1960s-era interior.



We spent a few hours with the 1969 Fastback just north of Los Angeles in our own backyard. All visual cues aside, the coupe is basically a rebodied 2013 Mustang with an aftermarket suspension and exhaust. We expected it to drive like any lightly modified late-model Pony Car – as we would discover, that was mostly the case.

The MagnaFlow exhaust really opens up the engine's lungs, and the exhaust settles down to a very throaty idle.

Settled into the familiar cabin, we ignited the V8 and it roared to life. The MagnaFlow exhaust really opens up the engine's lungs, and the exhaust settled down to a very throaty idle. Outward visibility is challenged, especially with the aluminum slat louvers on the rear window, but the vehicle retains its parking sensors, so low speed maneuvering isn't too difficult.

Despite its 40-year-old appearance, the Retrobuilt Fastback is every bit as comfortable as its donor was (that shouldn't come as any surprise). Everyone within the cabin will enjoy modern climate systems, satellite-based navigation and iPod-integrated infotainment. The seats are comfortable, the dashboard illumination is bright and crystal clear and there are plenty of cup holders. The stock Mustang is nice, so we had nary a complaint in this area.



Thanks to the burly 5.0-liter, the 3,600-pound two-door has plenty of thrust. While the original 1969 Mach 1 would sprint to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, the Retrobuilt version will break the same benchmark in about 4.3 seconds and handily outrun its spiritual predecessor in a race to any distance. The brakes are every bit as strong as the engine, hauling the proceedings down from speed with confidence repeatedly. The modern technology is damn good - the original classic wouldn't stand a chance against the Retrobuilt in any performance category.

The Retrobuilt version will handily outrun its spiritual predecessor in a race to any distance.

We thoroughly enjoyed piloting the two-door along familiar routes, comfortably tooling through the canyons above the deep blue Pacific Ocean in the metallic yellow Fastback, It was nice to peer over the classic hood, taking in the nostalgic aura free of loose steering, hot cabins and unsupportive seats. However, it was not all bliss as we did discover a few flaws along the way. Unfortunately, both were related to the mechanical tweaks done during the transformation back in Missouri.

Even though the upgraded sway bars eliminated much of the unnecessary body roll, the Eibach spring setup seemed completely wrong (spring rate too low?). Damping was good, but the coils were soft and ineffective. The roads we traveled had some soft dips that caused the Fastback to bottom-out more than once during our spirited drive (upon mentioning this to Retrobuilt, the team said they would look at the spring issue immediately).



Owners with the six-speed manual gearbox may never observe it, but we also noted an odd relationship between the low-resistance MagnaFlow exhaust and Ford's electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission. In an effort to optimize fuel economy, today's slushboxes are programmed to shift up to the tallest gear as soon as possible, While this is great for EPA figures, it meant the V8 was spending nearly all of its time just below 2,000 rpm. At this speed, the exhaust boomed annoyingly through the cabin. We played with the gears in manual mode and found the only way to avoid the concussion was to downshift and keep the engine spinning a bit faster (about 3,000 rpm). We have to imagine that this isn't a problem for those rowing their own gearboxes as they would never lug the engine this way – it just may be a moot point.

Those easily solvable concerns aside, Retrobuilt's 1969 Fastback is one slick, no-compromise muscle car. Its fit and finish appeared top-notch, and everything on the vehicle passed close scrutiny (especially to the countless onlookers in the parking lot who were magnetically drawn to the Fastback when we stopped to chat). In terms of pricing, the full Retrobuilt treatment costs about $30,000 above and beyond the price of the donor vehicle – a figure much easier to swallow if you consider the work involved.

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Nissan outlines Nismo's expansion and credentials

Nissan is reportedly working toward turning its Nismo arm into a legitimate sub-brand. According to TheDetroitBureau.com, the Japanese automaker plans to pattern its performance wing after Mercedes-Benz's AMG, which means that moving forward, every vehicle with a Nismo badge will also pack a sizable jump in performance. Engineers will work to sharpen the suspension and brakes while offering more horsepower and revised aesthetics. In addition, Nissan will seek to burnish Nismo's credibility and visibility by putting forth bigger efforts in various motorsports series.

While speaking in an interview, Nissan global marketing boss Simon Sproule noted that Japanese brands have historically missed out on exploiting their performance history. Much of that struggle has come in the form of a lack of consistency from brands like Lexus and Infiniti with their F-Sport and IPL efforts, respectively.

Sproule says Nissan is now looking at a line of low-volume vehicles, the first of which will be the Juke Nismo set to launch next year. While the executive declined to comment on which products could be next, he stressed each vehicle will have to meet a few criteria before being branded as Nismo models. Those include significant design changes inside and out as well as a 10-percent bump in horsepower and different ride and handling calibrations. Among the possible visual cues for Nismo models? Red mirror caps as well as more aggressive grilles and front fascias. Sounds good by us, but we imagine those tweaks won't come cheap.

Mercedes Ener-G-Force And SLS AMG Black Series, Jaguar XFR-S: This Week's Top Photos

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

This week the automotive world was focused on the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, as automakers revealed new vehicles, and with all those introductions came some pretty awesome photos.
Some of our team is smitten with Jaguar's new kitten known as the 2014 XFR-S, while others are taken by the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series. Mercedes-Benz also had its new Ener-G-Force concept on display for our viewing pleasure, while over at the Mazda stand we saw the new Mazda6 and learned about its upcoming race car. Meanwhile, over at the Essen Motor Show, Lexus finally made the TMG TS-650 official.
So before you decide to leave the computer for the weekend take another look at these photos and let us know which one is your favorite. Of course you can always bookmark our Top Photos of the Week page, where we will be adding to our collection each week.
First up, the car we all knew Lexus was working on, but it took its sweet time confirming it: the TMG TS-650.

TMG TS-650 Lexus LS concept car

Next we have this live photo of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series in a bright banana yellow paint color.

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

Continuing on with Mercedes-Benz we have this beefy Ener-G-Force Concept.

Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force Concept, 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show

Why does this image of the 2013 Mazda Mazda6 SkyActiv-D Grand-Am GX race car make the list? Because race car, obviously.

2013 Mazda Mazda6 SkyActiv-D Grand-Am GX race car

Last but not least, we have the new kitty with claws, the 2014 Jaguar XFR-S.

2014 Jaguar XFR-S

Volkswagen To End Eos Production With Current Version

Drop-top Volkswagen models have always enjoyed something of a cult following, thanks in part to their distinct personalities. Whether you’re talking about a Beetle Convertible or a Golf Cabriolet, there is no shortage of Volkswagen fans waiting to buy one on the new or used market.

That’s not been the case with Volkswagen’s Eos retractable hardtop convertible, which sought to take VW’s open-air motoring in a new and upscale direction. In addition to a solid roof, the Golf-based Eos came with the GTI’s drivetrain, available leather upholstery and a sticker price north of $34,000.

Blame it on price, styling, or a suspension tuned more for comfort than for handling, but Volkswagen’s Eos has never enjoyed the sales success typically seen by VW’s other convertibles. Now comes word from Autocar that Volkswagen will discontinue the Eos in its current form when production of this generation ends.

Of the move, VW’s head of design, Klaus Bischoff, said, “The Eos will not be prolonged when it comes off the market. Retractable hardtops are disappearing from the market now, and to be honest that’s not something I mind.”

In its place, Volkswagen is considering a larger soft top convertible to complement the newly-launched Beetle Cabriolet, but Bischoff admits that’s just one of some 100 design studies currently under consideration.

The big problem may prove to be production. With existing plants running at full capacity, introducing new models would require Volkswagen to build new plants, something that’s not in the automaker’s plans for the immediate future.

Karma Production, 50th Anniversary Mustang, Chevy's SS Stock Car: Car News Headlines

Fisker has temporarily halted production of its extended-range electric sedan, the Karma, as it awaits the outcome of battery supplier A123 Systems’ bankruptcy auction. The automaker is banking on a new owner to resume supply on the lithium-ion cells used in the Karma sedan.

Though a new Mustang is dues for the 2015 model year, word from a Ford representative is that the automaker will debut a special, limited-production 50th anniversary edition in 2014 ½, in honor of the original car’s 1964 ½ introduction.

Chevrolet has previewed the lines of its upcoming SS sedan (and the new Holden Commodore) with the reveal of its 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup car. The new racer, as well as the new production models, will debut during Daytona Speed Week in February of 2013.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series proves that less is more

As we learned some time ago, the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is one bad boy. The car boasts 622 total horsepower, a top speed of 196 miles per hour with 0-60 coming up in 3.5 seconds, and has shed 154 pounds when compared with the "base" SLS AMG.

Seeing the Black Series in the metal for the first time this morning at the LA Auto Show, we were struck by the sheer volume of carbon fiber that has been employed in its manufacture. From the massive front splitter to the towering wing out back, the SLS is festooned with as much visible carbon as we've seen this side of a Koenigsegg.

Check back on our initial report of the SLS AMG Black Series launch to refresh your memory about the supercar, or just dive into our gallery showing the car's debut amongst the media hordes.

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The new 2014MY Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series
Extreme performance for the road

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-AMG presents the most extreme version of the celebrated SLS, the 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series. Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 race car, the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG boasts a fascinating mix of breathtaking design, outstanding driving dynamics and uncompromising lightweight construction in line with the "AMG Lightweight Performance" strategy. With a curb weight of 3,417 pounds, the 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series achieves a power/weight ratio of 5.49 lb/hp. The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generates a power output of 622 hp at 7,400 rpm and accelerates the most dynamic SLS of all time to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The SLS AMG Black Series achieves a whole new level ofperformance with the coil-over AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension, AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brake system and weight-optimized, forged AMG light-alloy wheels with new sport tires. Additional highlights include electronically-controlled AMG rear-axle differential lockand the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission featuring spectacular shift and response times. The available AMG Aerodynamics package delivers a further boost to the vehicle's handling and dynamics. The 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series goes on-sale in the U.S. in summer 2013.

Black Series is a name that resonates with automobile experts and enthusiasts worldwide. Following the SLK55 AMG Black Series from 2006 (European model), the 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series, the 2009 SL65 AMG Black Series and the 2013 C63 AMG Black Series, the fifth in the lineup sees the Black Series enter a whole new dimension with the iconic SLS AMG.

"The new SLS AMG Black Series is a perfect study in the one hundred percent transfer of technology and engineering from motorsport to road. We have drawn inspiration from the worldwide success of the SLS AMG GT3 customer sport racing car on both a conceptual and a technological level. Boasting numerous lightweight components and fascinating dynamics, our fifth Black Series model guarantees pure, unadulterated 'Driving Performance.' The SLS AMG Black Series is the ultimate choice for fast laps and a highly emotional driving experience," says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

"Fans of high-performance super sports cars will be fascinated by its high-tech package. The basis for passionate performance and supreme driving dynamics is provided by numerous new developments in the engine, transmission, suspension and aerodynamics – also giving top priority to our "AMG Lightweight Performance" strategy. Outstanding efforts in the field of lightweight design have resulted in a curb weight of 3,417 pounds," notes Tobias Moers, Head of Total Vehicle Development and Member of the Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.


AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine – synonymous with thrilling driving dynamics

The uprated AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine generating a power output of 622 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque is a synonym for thrilling driving dynamics, making the 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series the most powerful AMG high-performance automobile with a combustion engine. Only the SLS AMG Electric Drive with a maximum output of 740 hp has more power.

The 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and onward to a top speed of 196 mph. The additional 39 hp of power compared to the 583 hp delivered by the

SLS AMG GT is courtesy of the following enhancements:
-Increase in maximum engine speed from 7,200 to 8,000 rpm
-Fully revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, adapted cam geometry and optimized bucket tappets featuring a special coating that is typically used on race vehicles -Modification of the intake air ducting: de-throttling and adaptation tomatch the new maximum engine speed
-Adaptation of the engine mapping and increase in peak pressure

The engineers at Mercedes-AMG have further optimized the crank assembly in the interests of optimum stability under tough race track conditions. The measures include modified oil bores in the crankshaft, new crankshaft bearings, a new oil pump and high-strength screw fasteners for the connecting rods. The entire water and oil cooling system for the engine and transmission has been optimized further. The AMG V8 engine in the SLS AMG Black Series also has an additional specialized mounting system. A gas-filled strut braces the eight-cylinder engine against the body, effectively eliminating undesired load shifts during highly-dynamic race-track driving. The AMG 6.3-liter V8 engine is hand-built in the AMG factory in Affalterbach, in line with the philosophy "one man, one engine." This hand-made quality is confirmed by the black AMG engine badge bearing the signature of the engine builder, which is a hallmark of the Black Series models.


The key data at a glance:
SLS AMG Black Series
-Displacement: 6,208 cc
-Bore x stroke: 4.02 x 3.72 inches
-Compression ratio: 11.3 : 1
-Output: 622 hp at 7,400 rpm
-Max. torque: 468 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm
-Maximum engine speed: 8,000 rpm
-Engine weight (dry): 452 lbs
-Acceleration 0-60 mph: 3.5 s
-Top speed: 196 mph

The eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine installed with a front mid-engine layout behind the front axle, and boasts racing car responses and an exceptional level of high-revving performance. The racetrack credentials of thepowerful AMG V8 engine are also apparent from its sound: the newly designed AMG sport exhaust system, produced for the first time in titanium, features distinctive center and rear mufflers, delivering a more powerful and even more striking engine sound. The switch from steel to titanium has spawned substantial weight savings: at just under 37.5 pounds, the new AMG sports exhaust system is around 28.7 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The new system features performance-enhancing, fan-type exhaust manifolds.


Systematic application of the AMG Lightweight Performance strategy

With a curb weight of 3,417 pounds, the 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series is not only 154 pounds lighter than the SLS AMG, but also attains the best power/weight ratio by far of all AMG Black Series vehicles to date. Even among super sports cars, the figure of 5.49 lb/hp is extremely competitive and made possible by consistent application of the "AMG Lightweight Performance" strategy. Numerous body elements, such as the hood, the rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the diagonal braces on the underbody and the torque tube between engine and transmission are made entirely from CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic). In contrast to its 58.6-pound counterpart with a sand-cast aluminum housing, the carbon-fiber torque tube weighs just 29.3 pounds. As before, a CFRP drive shaft weighing just 10.4 pounds handles power transmission between the engine and dual-clutch transmission (transaxle principle), which is flange-mounted on the rear axle. CFRP components also replace a number of parts of the aluminum spaceframe, while a lithium-ion battery takes on the role of the conventional starter battery, saving a further 17.6 pounds.


Dual-clutch transmission for even smoother performance

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is installed 0.4 inches lower in order to give the vehicle a lower center of gravity and is braced against the body by gas-filled struts to avoid stress cycling. The dual-clutch transmission features four drive modes (C, S, S+ and M). "Sport plus" and "Manual" deliver even more aggressive performance than in the SLS AMG and SLS AMG GT models. In addition to an increase in shift speed, the transmission also has reduced response time to shift commands from the driver.

An even more thrilling feature is the automatic rev-matching function during downshifting: the throttle blips when shifting gears are more pronounced and more striking than ever due to the AMG titanium sports exhaust system. There is also a new temporary M mode. In C, S or S+ mode, this enables the driver to activate manual mode without taking a hand from the steering wheel, bypressing the "up" or "down" shift paddle once. In temporary M mode the driver experiences the dynamism and performance of gear-shifting in manual mode in all of the automatic driving programs, with automatic up and down-shifting as well. This allows the driver to devote his full attention to the vehicle's impressive performance.


New electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock

A new electronically controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock with a shorter rear axle ratio replaces the mechanical variant. Integrated into the compact transmission housing, this system operates with a variable locking effect under acceleration and deceleration. In addition, the electronics are now more responsive, enabling excellent traction for the rear wheels under all roadconditions. The electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock also benefits safety. By reducing the vehicle's yaw around its vertical axis, the system provides a stabilizing effect in slaloms or when changing lane at high speeds. The standard 3-stage ESP®system featuring the functions "ESP ON", "ESP SPORT Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF" is precision-tuned to the electronic AMG rear-axle differential lock. The same applies to the RACE START function, which works with the electronic differential lock to provide perfect traction when accelerating from a standing start.


AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension and sports tires

The chassis and suspension of the 2014 SLS AMG Black Series are also new. The basic layout with aluminum double wishbones at all four corners remains unchanged, but virtually every single component has been refined for significantly enhanced track performance.


The new developments in detail:

-AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension with tauter base setup and electronically controlled two-stage damping (Sport, Sport +) for individual adjustment to suit personal driving style
-Coil-over spring suspension allows for adjusting wheel loads to individual race track setups
-Elastokinematics 50 / 42% more rigid (front/rear axle) for greater stability in turns
-Track width increased by 0.8 / 0.9 inches (front/rear axle) for added grip
-New wheel mounts on front axle and new front stabilizer tuning for addedgrip, reduced body roll in fast cornering
-AMG 10-spoke forged alloy wheels, in very lightweight forged design for optimum strength, painted matte black with high-gloss finish, dimensions: 10x19 front; 12x20 rear. Weight saving: 8.8 pounds
-Newly developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 sports tires. Dimensions 275/35 R 19 front and 325/30 R 20 rear, for added grip and cornering at the limit
-AMG speed-sensitive steering with revised power steering characteristics for optimum steering precision and outstanding control


Standard AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brake system

The brake system on the SLS AMG Black Series boasts excellent deceleration performance and outstanding stability. The standard AMG high-performance ceramic two-piece brake system measures 15.8 x 1.5 inches at the front and 14.2 x 1.3 inches at the rear, and feature increased hardness for enhanced thermal stability, combined with a weight reduction of around 40 percent over their steel/aluminum counterparts. As a result of the reduced unsprung weight, they optimize both comfort and grip, while the reduced rotating masseson the front axle deliver a more direct steering response. The weight savings is approximately 35.3 pounds compared to a conventional steel/aluminum brake system.


Design inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 race car

The design of the SLS AMG Black Series takes its cues from the SLS AMG GT3 race car. The SLS race car developed in accordance with FIA GT3 rules has quickly become established as a serious contender among the super sports car elite.

In the 2012 motorsport season the SLS AMG GT3 is competing in more than 15 series on four continents. The triple victory in the 24-hour Dubai race in January 2012, three driver and team titles in the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT Masters and the FIA GT3 World Championship, along with numerous podium places at various short-distance, 4 and 6-hour races provide impressive documentation of the SLS AMG GT3's sporty performance. To date, the car has notched up 37 victories in the 2012 season (as of October 28, 2012).

Flared fenders with an added width of 0.5 inches (front) and 1.0 inch (rear) on each side create the necessary space for the 10.8-inch and 12.8-inch sports tires. Tinted headlamps and black surrounds for the rear lights give the SLS AMG Black Series a muscular and aggressive look. The vehicle's aerodynamic balance is optimized by front, rear and side skirts and a rear diffuser, all in a signature Black Series design. The package features extensive use of CFRP on the front splitter, side sills and rear skirt. The enlarged air intakes with carbon-fiber flics also ensure optimum airflow into the cooling modules at the front.

As on the SLS AMG GT3, the carbon-fiber hood features a central air outlet. Aside from effectively dissipating engine heat, this outlet also increases downforce at the front axle and improves the cd value. The wing-like cross-fin and the star recessed into the radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black to match the exterior mirrors and the fins on the hood. The carbon-fiber insert on the sides with air outlet and a black fin is also reminiscent of the GT3; this feature helps reduce the temperature in the engine compartment. The result is maximum stability, even in tough race track use.


Matte black AMG forged wheels in signature Black Series design

A striking feature along the sides is the attractive integration of the side skirts, which combine with the character line for a striking look. The carbon elements fitted along the bottom edges carry the line of the carbon-fiber front splitter through to the rear of the vehicle. AMG forged wheels in a signature Black Series 10-spoke design, painted in matte black with a high-gloss finish provideglimpses of the AMG ceramic high-performance two-piece brake system. Also available are AMG forged wheels in matte black with a polished flange.

The muscular look of the SLS AMG Black Series carries through to the rear. The wide fenders and the striking rear diffuser are the dominant features here. The diffuser extends beyond the profile of the rear skirt to produce additional downforce at the rear axle. This results in greater driving stability at high speeds. Visible air openings behind black grilles control the discharge of hot air around the AMG titanium sports exhaust system. The two sets of twin chrome tailpipes with a square cross-section are a visual indication of the super sports car's power – an impression reinforced by the exhaust note. The exclusive AMG logo with contrasting Black Series lettering in black adds a discreet yet striking touch at the top right of the trunk lid.


AMG Aerodynamics package with carbon-fiber components

The SLS AMG Black Series can be upgraded with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package. This package features an adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing in place of the standard wind deflector. The rear wing is braced by aluminum elements on a special insert on the trunk lid that provide even greater downforce on the rear axle – especially with the Gurney flap, named for its inventor Dan Gurney, a former racing driver, designer and team owner. This 0.3-inch spoiler lip fitted to the rear wing at an angle of 90 degrees delivers a further increase in downforce without significantly increasing drag. The rear wing is complemented by additional carbon-fiber flics on the front skirt, which further increase downforce at the front axle, as opposed to the more inward-lying standard carbon-fiber flics, which optimize airflow into the cooling modules.

The eye-catching AMG Solar Beam exterior paint is available exclusively on the SLS AMG Black Series. Six further exterior paint finishes from the SLS AMG range are available, including the matte finish designo magno alanite grey.


Functional, performance interior that exudes quality

The interior of the SLS AMG Black Series features high-quality materials with precision workmanship and exquisitely designed details. There is a choice oftwo color variants: black designo leather with black Alcantara® or black designo leather with black/red Alcantara®. With the two-tone variant, the door cente rpanels and the applications on the center console and above the glove box are finished in red. The AMG Performance steering wheel with flattened rim at the bottom is wrapped entirely in Alcantara® for excellent grip. The top section of the steering wheel features a red 12 o'clock marking. The metal bezel has a high-gloss black paint finish to match the high-gloss black surrounds of the airvents. An exclusive Black Series detail is the "3D seam" that runs horizontally along the dashboard - a fine Alcantara®strip in anthracite running across the entire width of the leather covering. Red contrasting stitching provides a striking finish to the 3D seam, underscoring the hand-crafted character.

The combination of designo leather and Alcantara® features throughout the interior – on the bottom section of the dashboard, on the door center panels and on the AMG sports seats with center sections upholstered in Alcantara®. Embossed AMG logos on the head restraints are further exclusive eye-catchers.

For additional weight savings, the customer may delete the COMAND multimedia system. This reduces the vehicle's weight by an additional 13 pounds and further enhances the uncompromising character of the SLS AMG Black Series. In place of the screen between the air vents, a carbon-fiber trim element enhances the authentic racing atmosphere. Vehicle occupants will alsofind carbon fiber covering the entire center console, which is home to the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Bold highlights come from the red seat belts and red contrasting stitching on the AMG sports bucket seats, the center console, the upper and lower section of the dashboard and the door paneling. The floor mats also feature red piping.


Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system

A highlight among the optional equipment is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system, developed by Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG together with renowned Danish audio specialist Bang & Olufsen. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround soundsystem with Dolby Digital 5.1 delivers an exclusive music experience of the very highest order. This is made possible by a 1000-watt amplifier and 11 speakers in conjunction with precise distribution of the music signals by the sound processor according to the selected seat positions – driver, co-driver or central. The DSP digital sound processor also enables the user to switchbetween high-end studio sound ("Reference") and a surround sound option. Allfunctions are controlled via COMAND in a special Bang & Olufsen menu. The illuminated 50-watt lens tweeters on the dashboard are a particular highlight,while the 250-watt subwoofer is integrated into the rear shelf. High-quality speaker covers sporting the Bang & Olufsen logo indicate the high-end system's exclusive character.


Further stand-alone options are also available:

-AMG carbon fiber exterior mirror
-AMG carbon fiber engine cover
-AMG Interior Carbon Fiber Package

The U.S. market launch of the 2014MY SLS AMG Black Series is scheduled for summer 2013.


Quick Reference:
Performance/Availability:
-On-Sale: Summer 2013
-2014 SLS AMG Black Series: 622hp, 468 lb-ft (SLS AMG GT: 583hp, 479 lb-ft)
-Top Speed: 196 mph
-0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds


New Standard Feature Highlights:
-Modified engine components for more power, increased rev limit of 8,000 rpm
-Track increased 0.8" (front) / 0.9" (rear)
-AMG 10-spoke forged alloy wheels in matte black, 10 x 19 (front)/12 x 20 (rear)
-CFRP hood, torque tube, diagonal underbody braces
-Revised AMG speed-sensitive power steering
-AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension
-AMG high-performance two-piece ceramic brakes
-Matte black forged wheels
-Electronically-controlled AMG rear axle differential lock
-Modified AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission
-New engine brace with gas-filled strut
-Titanium exhaust system


New Optional Equipment Highlights:
-AMG carbon-fiber exterior mirror
-AMG carbon-fiber engine cover
-AMG Interior Carbon Fiber Package
-AMG Aerodynamics Package
-AMG forged matte black wheels with polished rims
-Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system
-COMAND multimedia system delete

BMW i3 Coupe Concept is the newest in LifeDrive "stream flow" design

This is the BMW i3 Coupe Concept, a sharpened take on all of the acronymous innovations wrought by four-door BMW i3 Concept: "stream flow" design wrapping its LifeDrive architecture and Life Module cabin. Presenting an evolved future beyond the already-futuristic four-door i3 Concept, the i3 Coupe Concept is a case of meticulous design and technological detail, hitting notes like anthracite-coloured kenaf fiber for the door support panels, three modes of sustainable driving and more advanced ways to calculate its route and range.

Its range is 100 miles, and for the BMW purists, the i3 Coupe Concept pushes its 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. It awaits your scrutiny in the high-res gallery above.

2014 Porsche Cayman closes the Box(ster)

Anyone who is familiar with automaker's new mid-engine Boxster (it debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show) knows all they need to know about the Cayman. It is, in Porsche's own words, lower and longer, lighter and faster, more efficient and more powerful than ever. The standard Cayman model arrives with a 2.7-liter flat-six Boxer engine rated at 275 horsepower, while the premium Cayman S is fitted with a 3.4-liter six generating 325 horsepower. A six-speed manual is the standard gearbox, while the automakers seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automated gearbox is optional. In performance configuration (PDK with Sport Chrono), the Cayman will run to 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds and the Cayman S will do it in 4.4 seconds.

Acceleration is only part of the story, as the mid-engine coupe is wider and riding on a longer wheelbase than its predecessor – with a low center of gravity and optimal balance, it should take to a slalom like an Olympic skier.

Porsche says the new Cayman will arrive in Spring 2013. Base price of the Cayman is $52,600, with the Cayman S starting at $63,800 (not including a destination charge of $950).

Tesla Model S base price increases $2,500 to $59,900

If you've been saving up pennies to buy a Tesla Model S, you're going to need a bigger piggybank. The California automaker has just announced the price will be going up by $2,500 for US customers ($2,600 in Canada). That comes out to $59,900 for the base version with the 40 kWh battery and $94,400 for the top end Model S Performance with the 85 kWh pack.

Of course, that's before taking the $7,500 federal EV tax credit into account, so in the end those two examples would cost you $52,400 and $86,900, respectively. We had feared the increase might be higher when we first heard it was coming and possibly impact sales, but we don't think the additional dollars will deter many prospective buyers. Especially not since receiving its recent accolades.

Still, if you want to avoid paying the extra amount there's still time to get in on the original deal as the increase only impacts reservations taken after January 1, 2013. Deliveries are said to take place several months after reserving, though with approximately 16,455 already ordered (according to the Tesla-obsessed at Tesla Motors Club) and only about 1,000 of those delivered, it might be August before new customers see this ground-breaking all-electric hatch in their driveway.

Luxury Cars??? www.tamererguven.com

Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid Plug-in Model Coming in 2014

When the Porsche Cayenne gets its mid-cycle refresh in 2014, the German automaker will offer a plug-in hybrid variant to the SUV lineup called e-Hybrid.

Similar in concept to the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, the e-Hybrid will gain a significant upgrade to electrical power and capacity, aiming for more than a 15-mile EV range. Porsche is aiming to have the electric motor produce around 95 to 100 hp, so in combination with the 333-hp supercharged V6 the Cayenne e-Hybrid will have a combined output of around 420 hp.
The German automaker is also planning to add its e-Hybrid system to the Panamera, and its fast charger that’s currently under development for its 918 Spyder could be used on both the Cayenne and Panamera e-Hybrid models.
In addition, Porsche is also considering an expansion of powerplant offerings for the US Cayenne lineup, adding a 4.1-liter V8 twin-turbo diesel with 377 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

2013 Rolls-Royce Ghost One Thousand and One Nights Edition

Rolls Royce has a gift for targeting many market segments–just think back to the Aviation collection, the Art Deco car and the Year of the Dragon Phantom edition (follow links to view details for each). The luxury marquee has nailed it again with the 2013 Rolls Royce Ghost One Thousand and One Nights edition, an exotic spectacle that is certainly generating a stir!

Rolls-Royce Ghost One Thousand and One Nights edition
Inspired by the Arabian literary classic, the One Thousand and One Nights Ghost will only be haunting customers in the Middle East. It boasts a lavish two-tone exterior of decadent brown hues, intended to depict that it is inspired by a rich array of cultures.

Rolls-Royce said in a statement that “the epic tales told by Scheherazade have captivated readers and storytellers for centuries.” Perhaps stories of this exclusive Rolls Royce will accomplish that same feat. The car will be launched in three chapters, with the first unveiling at the 2012 Sharjah International Auto Show. The following two chapters are expected to feature different colors.

The Ghost powertrain appears to be untouched, making it a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 with 563 horses and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Aside from color schemes, the words “One Thousand and One Nights” appear in Arabic just below the C-pillar.

The odds of one of these special edition machines making it to America are slim to none, but with over 44,000 custom paint options offered by the brand, it should not break too many hearts.

The standard 2013 Rolls-Royce Ghost starts at $260,750 in the U.S., including a $2,000 destination charge and a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax. Official pricing for this edition has not been released.

A High-Performance Range Rover Sport R-S Edition?

The wheels are always spinning when it comes to guessing what the luxury carmakers are coming out with next. Every once in a while, a company will help kick start the rumors, like Range Rover! David Waide, Chief of Chassis Systems, recently revealed that Range Rover is ‘looking into’ a high-performance version of the next-gen Sport. This will be a must for our fleet of Land Rover rentals.

Range Rover Sport R-S will likely look much like its siblings, which is not a bad thing. The 2013 Range Rover Sport is pictured above.
The leak spilled during an interview with Car Advice, when Waide commented that the Range Rover Sport is “one of the areas which the business can expand. You’ve seen this with Jaguar and its XKR-S edition. They’ve done very well with the R-S model, so there’s the ability to do those sorts of things with Land Rover product.”
What this means, clearly, is that there may be a more aggressive Range Rover Sport supercharged and it could carry the R-S badge. Let me be the first to say yes, please!

The 2013 Range Rover is decidedly ahead of its time and exquisite. Rent one today!

More to come from Land Rover
The brand is also rolling out more room in the future, with an upcoming seven-seat Range Rover Sport. Currently, the LR4/Discover is the only Land Rover product to offer a seven-seat layout option, so a bigger Sport could certainly open doors for new buyers.
Overall, expect the next fleet of Land Rover products to provide a heavy dose of power and additional room on the road. Have you experienced the brand? Rent a Range Rover today for the full effect!

2nd Generation Bugatti Veyron: More Power and 290+ MPH?

It is hard to believe that the Bugatti Veyron is already seven years old! The brand is preparing to unleash the 2nd generation Bugatti Veyron, and it will pack an insane amount of aggression! If you are a fan of the Super Sport, put on your seat belt and prepare for something unexpected, slightly different and overwhelmingly engulfed in power. Life is good.

The Veyron’s engine is unlike anything else in the world, and it makes achieving record-setting speeds appear effortless.
The good news of an even faster Veyron came directly from Bugatti’s chief engineer, Jens Schulenburg in an interview with Autocar. Schulenburg revealed that the next Veyron would boast 1,600 horses and weigh 250kg less than the current Veryon Super Sport. The 0-60 mark will be an astonishing 1.8 seconds. Rumors are circulating that the car will exceed 300 miles per hour. Yes, that was a 3.

Bugatti intends to unleash what could be the new fastest car in the world at the Frankfurt Motor show in 2013.
The original 2005 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 boasted 4 turbochargers and accelerated faster than any previous production car. It packed 1001 horses with a 0-60 time of 2.46 seconds with a top speed of 253 miles per hour. Then SSC Ultimate Aero completely obliterated the Veyron, prompting production of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. The Super Sport remains the fastest production car, a title that the marquee seems eager to hold onto, as the next Veyron shall be even faster. Stay tuned for the official introduction of the next legendary Veyron beast!

New diesel engine for Porsche Cayenne

The diesel version of Porsche Cayenne is present in the European market since 2009. And by this time Germans make long-awaited decision to send the car and on other markets, in this case – American.
Diesel Cayenne a lineup of 2013 debuts at auto show in New York. The car will be equipped with more economical 3.0 liter the six-cylinder V-engine capacity of 240 H.P. It is capable to be dispersed to “hundred” for 7.2 seconds and to reach the maximum speed in 215 km/h.

At such characteristics fuel economy stands on a mark of 10 km/l at the combined cycle. Pair to this engine eight-step transmission Tiptronic S, however without function makes start/stop that is accessible at other models Cayenne.

Meet BMW’s New Electric Car

Luxury car maker BMW AG unveiled a new electric concept car called the i3 Concept Coupe at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.

The car signals the company plans to eventually expand its coming lineup of i-Series cars, which includes the boxy, electric powered i3 city car and the sleek, high-performance i8 plug-in hybrid.
The coupe is meant to be a stronger reflection than the i3 of the company’s reputation for building fun-to-drive cars. Its expected range of 100 miles is meant to make it useful for longer journeys, not just urban errands.

Mercedes S63 AMG (2013) spy shots of the super-limo

AMG-spec S-classes have always been a curious mix: a Jekyll/Hyde combination of the world's benchmark luxury saloon, and a liberal dollop of hooliganism from the AMG engineers in Affalterbach, Germany.
The next-gen car won't stray far from that recipe, but will make use of more advanced technology and materials when it arrives to fight its plethora of rivals late next year.

What gives this car away as an AMG S-class?

The large-diameter, multi-spoke wheels are a common AMG trait, as are the meaty cross-drilled disc brakes lurking within. Hiding in the rear bumper are two rectangular exhaust outlets, pointing to this car being a V8 '63' variant: the current S63 gets a quad rectangular pipe arrangement. Ultimate S65 V12 S-classes get four oval tailpipes as a subtle differentiator.
Other clues are the camouflage around the front bumper and side skirts, covering a more sculpted bodykit and larger cooling apertures, in line with Merc's corporate AMG look.
Engines will be broadly recognisable from today's all-turbo line-up. The S63 switched from a normally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 to the direct-injected 5.5-litre bi-turbo in 2010, though power in the new car will rise from the current 537bhp total. S65s were twin-turbocharged throughout the outgoing car's life, though CO2 and economy figures were improved at the time of the mid-cycle facelift. Expect further nods to the environmental lobby with the new model.

Are there more radical changes under the skin?

In the skin itself, to be precise. To offset the groaning weight of countless comfort, entertainment and safety gadgets, the next S63 will feature a carbonfibre bonnet and bootlid. The black weave will also be used for the roof panel to bring the centre of gravity down.
One of the highlights on the aforementioned tech front is the introduction of Mercedes' long-touted 'Magic Ride Control'. This system scans the road ahead and adjusts the car's damping and ride characteristics depending on the surface. We expect the AMG S-classes to get separate Sport, Sport Plus and AMG modes, as per the E63, CLS63 and SLS AMG supercar. That should keep the chauffeur amused once his clients have vacated the rear seats...

What are the key rivals for the go-fast S-class?

Thanks to the death of Maybach and the resultant expansion of the S-class family tree, the new AMG cars will have to fight a war on several different fronts. At the lower end of the scale the S63 will take on regular sporty limousines like the Audi S8, BMW 760Li and Jaguar XJ Supersport. But with stretched and even convertible variants in the pipeline, the new AMG will also battle high-end motors like the Bentley Continental GTC, Aston Martin Rapide, and the Ferrari FF. Even the new Range Rover, boasting its improved limo credentials, is a threat to the S-class's dominance of the luxury car sector; to find out how the new Rangie fares against Aston, Ferrari and Bentley opposition

Mercedes Ener-G-Force concept (2012) first pictures

Mercedes' latest concept car is, in its own words, 'pure, rendered science fiction'. This is the new Ener-G-Force, a one-off model depicting a civilian version of a futuristic police car.
It's a product of the 2012 Los Angeles Design Challenge, which briefed manufacturers to dream up their vision for a highway patrol vehicle fit for the year 2025. Suspend your disbelief and read on for more Ener-G-Force details below...

So this is a model of a police-derived civilian car?

Yes, but it's not quite as confusing as that sounds. The original design proposal for the police version inspired Mercedes' American design arm to create a 'road-legal' spec car - the very concept you see in our pictures.
Mercedes claims it takes direct inspiration from the G-class, as seen in the bluff, three-window glasshouse, boxy wheelarches, and wing-top indicator signals. It's more of a Hollywood caricature than a sensible update of the iconic Gelandewagen, though...

Talk me through some of the Ener-G-Force's details

Being a pure design study, the Californian designers have allowed themselves a healthy dollop of poetic licence. Note the G-shaped LED headlight strips, and the 20-inch wheels with huge knobbly rubber. The roof-mounted lights recall now-defunct Hummer, and the G-wagen's rear-mounted spare wheel-carrier has been reimagined as a pull-out toolbox. Is Mercedes that worried about potential reliability?

Speaking of which, what powers the Ener-G-Force?

Nothing  - it's only a model. However, Mercedes touts that a 2025 'production version' would be fuelled by recycled water stored in roof-mounted tanks. By transferring the water into an on-board 'hydro-tech converter' and converting it to hydrogen, the car's fuel-cell would generate electricity and store it in 'easily accessible side skirt units' which change colour through the charging process.
The on-board electric power station would give a hypothetical 800km (497-mile) range via the four wheel hub-mounted motors, and as a hydrogen fuel-cell party piece, emit nothing but water. There is, you see, a modicum of method among the madness.
In a small nod to common sense, the 'Terra-Scan' system, which uses a 360-degree topography scanner to adapt damping rates for surrounding conditions, isn't massively removed from the new automatic Terrain Response system fitted to the new Range Rover. Still, we'd expect future interpretations of the classic G-wagen to be a far more conventional affair than the design-directed Ener-G-Force.

Kia Proceed GT (2013) first sketch of Kia's sporty hatch

Here's Kia's answer to Volkswagen's Golf GTi and Ford's Focus ST - the Proceed GT. It's a hot hatch with a 200bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine, and will cost just over £20,000. Look out for its reveal at the 2013 Geneva motor show, with sales starting in summer 2013.

Tell me about the Kia Proceed GT...

The Proceed GT blends hot supermini power with mid-sized hatch dimensions, and it's cheaper than the familiar hot hatch crew. With prices in the low twenty-somethings, the Proceed GT will undercut the RenaultSport Megane and Astra VXR by several thousand pounds.
Visual clues will be bigger, sport alloy wheels, a red 'GT' badge set into the 'tiger nose' grille, and a full body kit. Prominent in the design sketch are quad LED running lights and red stripe detailing, similar to a Golf GTI. Although only the three-door Proceed is shown in the sketch, a five-door Ceed GT will follow. An estate Ceed GT hasn't yet been given the green light, but is under consideration.
Inside, you'll get sports seats and red stitching, GT badges and a healthy dose of kit. Don't expect a stripped out Cup version a la RenaultSport: the Proceed GT is gunning for the everyday market, not track-day nuts.

Tell me more about the Proceed GT's powertrain

The Proceed GT shares its 1.6-litre turbocharged four pot with the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, which costs from £21,995. However, power is pumped up to 200bhp in the Kia, up 16bhp over the 184bhp Veloster. A six-speed manual gearbox is the only transmission; Kia prefers the old-school approach rather than offering its dual-clutch auto.

Could we see more Kia GTs beyond the Ceed?

If the Proceed GT is a success, then yes. Kia is keen to create an in-house performance arm like Vauxhall's VXR or Ford's ST, meaning a breathed-on Rio supermini would be next in line. Kia has shown a hot concept version of the Soul crossover too, but it sounds like a convertible version has got the nod instead, for the important US market.
As for a punchier 250bhp hot hatch to match the class best, Kia says it will wait to gauge customer demand before signing off a flagship pocket rocket.

Opel takes Adam racing (2012) first official pictures

Vauxhall/Opel has built its new Adam city car around the idea of chic street-cred, but it's now given the Mini Cooper rival a healthy dose of motorsport pedigree as well. An international rally series is being readied for the Adam, where competitors will use a race-prepped version of the city car.

A well-specced Adam...with a difference

The regular Adam is pitched as a blank canvas for buyers to individualise, with 22 different alloy wheel options, 12 dashboard colour choices, and the option of a Rolls-Royce style fairy-lit roof lining. The Adam Cup gets modifications of a different sort: a full roll-cage, stripped interior, lightweight wheels with motorsport-spec rubber, and a tall sequential shifter to punch through the gears on short stages.
Close to full FIA R2 rally car standards, it'll see action in the Opel Rally Cup, as a support event to the Rally Masters Series. To encourage younger drivers into the sport, Opel has set up a junior points system for drivers under 27 years of age. The cream of the youth crop will win special coaching for the 2014 season. Meanwhile, the top senor drivers win cash prizes. The Adam Cup will see rally duty until 2016, when it'll be replaced by a race-prepped version of the next-gen Corsa supermini.

Opel's hottest hatch gets ultimate racer version

Opel isn't just heading back to the rally stage. For the 2013 season, it'll offer a customer racing car for on-track pursuits: the Germany-only Astra OPC Cup. OPC (Opel Performance Centre GmbH) is the equivalent of Vauxhall's VXR line, meaning what you see here is an essentially an endurance racing-prepped version of the new Vauxhall Astra VXR hot hatch.
The widened body points to stretched front and rear tracks, covering lighter wheels and racing tyres. There's also a new front splitter lip and an even more outlandish rear wing, roll-caged cabin, and a racing fuel system for faster pit-stops. The Astra OPC Cup will run in its own one-model racing series, with the Blue Ribband event of the 2013 season set to be a 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring.

Land Rover Defender Harris Tweed (2012) prototype

Here's a curious mix of classic Britishness and modern modifications: a Kahn-tuned Land Rover Defender fitted with a butch bodykit, enormous multispoke wheels and knobbly tyres and - inside -tweed-trimmed bucket seats. It's like a Spitfire wearing a Damien Hurst-penned livery.
This is, to give the car its full title, the Kahn Defender Concept 17 Wide Body - Harris Tweed Prototype. Let's dissect that mouthful of a moniker and see if this is more Chelsea tractor than farmer's friend.

Let's start with the Kahn Concept 17 bit...

Modifying Land Rovers is bread-and-butter fare for Project Kahn, and it's their multispoke 18-inch wheels that adorn this Defender. Mounted on a wider track, they're matched to a wide-body kit with vents integrated into the boxy arches.
Other cosmetic additions include a stainless steel front grille, mesh bonnet and side vents, clear rear light lenses and LED front lights. Add a smattering of obligatory Kahn prototype badges and serve with an interior of leather, piano wood and... tweed?

Aren't leather or Alcantara more plausible upholstery choices?

Kahn boss Afzal Kahn says tweed is a 'noble fabric' and deserves its place on his modified version of one of the British motoring industry's most enduring icons. The hand-woven Harris tweed is applied to the quilted front and rear bucket seats, roof lining and even the sun visors. Elsewhere, the Defender's once brutally utilitarian cabin is swathed in leather Alcantara and red and silver contrast stitching. There's a splash of red for the rev counter, seat belts and clock, and you get machined aluminium pedals.
At least, that's an example spec. Kahn will pander to any customer request, and state they will be happy to 'design for you a vehicle with an interior the same shade as your living room'. And you thought Land Rover's own Defender concepts were controversial...

2013 S-Class Technology

Radar-scanning variable cruise control, double-glazing, laminated glass, cooled seats - most of the toys you get on today's ordinary saloons debuted on the S-Class about ten years ago. A tech briefing of the new stuff that'll appear MB's next flagship, then, serves as an extremely useful glimpse into the future, not just for the new model but for the broader automotive landscape. Which is why TopGear.com tumbled into Germany to get a special debut of the features that'll be fitted to the 2013 car. And Gott im Himmel, they're clever.
Using 26 sensors (seven more than the last model), three-dimensional vision systems, three ECUs and information and technology from industries as varied as the military and health care, it'll read street signs, leave a little box of darkness for the car in front so you can keep your full beams on, provide extra braking when you crash - hell, it'll even drive for you...
Yep, it'll actually drive itself. Well, for up to 15 seconds, but that's still pretty impressive. Like the old Distronic system, you can set the cruise control to a certain speed and, using radar, it'll slow down if the car in front does. Now it's got Steering Assist, which effectively follows the car in front wholesale, using it as a means of orientation even when there aren't any clear lane markings.
Jochen Haab, Mercedes-Benz's Manager of Technical Support, told TopGear.com: "We have all the sensors for autonomous driving already, but we have to allow the driver to drive. This system is only for when you want someone else to take control. The realistic use case has always been highways."
As well as what's ostensibly semi-autonomous driving, there's a new and improved version of Active Lane Keeping Assist that intervenes when you cross a broken line in the road and the neighbouring lane isn't clear. Providing you're going between 37mph and 124mph (they're the current operational parameters) it'll pull you back into the right lane with single-sided braking. Nifty.
Another futureland update is the full-beam system. It's called Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and it lets you keep the high beams on permanently. If the camera-based system registers a vehicle ahead, it adapts the light distribution, leaving a hole of darkness so you don't glare the person in front. If it sees someone driving towards you, or a reflective road sign, it courteously dips the beam. Incidentally, there's not a single light bulb fitted - it's all LED.
On its bottom, the new S-Class has brake lights and indicators that illuminate at varying intensities depending on the amount of cars around and the ambient brightness levels. So, if you're stuck in a traffic jam with the brakes on, the brightness of the lights dims to avoid dazzling anyone behind.
Other safety innovations are pretty dull, but incredibly worthy. Mercedes worked with Tübingen University in Stuttgart - a leading medical institute - to develop the airbag seatbelt, which inflates to three times its size, spreading the load of a crash across the chest more equally. It pre-tenses too, taking out the slop if you bin it.
There's another clever touch with the braking system. After lots of test-drives in the manufacturer's alarmingly large simulator - the most powerful in the industry - MB found that people reacted to emergency situations quickly enough, but didn't apply enough pressure on the pedal. So with the 2013 model, and using the baffling array of sensors, it detects the severity of the braking force required and just... does it all for you. Using the all-new rear radar sensor, it can also firmly apply a stationary vehicle's brakes if you're about to get rear-ended, which prevents secondary accidents.