Mercedes Innovation: The Crumple Zone in 1952

It was an inventor Bela Barenyi who pioneered the idea that passengers were safer in a vehicle that was designed to easily absorb the energy from an impact and keep that energy away from the people inside the cabin.


It may be the Volvo name which is most associated with automotive safety in the consumer's mind, but it was, in fact, Mercedes-Benz which first developed the most basic tenet of passenger car safety - the so-called Crumple Zone.


Barenyi devised a system of placing the car's components in a certain configuration that kept the kinetic energy in the event of a crash away from a bubble protecting the car's occupants. Mercedes obtained a patent from Barenyi's invention way back in 1952 and the technology was first introduced into production cars in 1959 in the Mercedes-Benz 220, 220 S and 220 SE models.


For example, Barenyi arranged the steering column and other heavy components so that they would not form blocks that would heighten the impact on the cabin. The system was designed to have the car's body crumple around the cabin, absorbing the worst of the kinetic shock of impact.


The inventor/engineer Barenyi is credited with about 2,500 patents, more than half as many as the more famous inventor, Thomas Edison.
via:worldcarfans



Press Release

Patent No. DBP 854 157: The "Crumple Zone", Life-Saver of Thousands

* Mercedes-Benz engineering mastermind: Bela Barenyi and the invention of the crumple zone
* Rigid passenger cell, interior designed to reduce injury hazards in an accident: Mercedes-Benz 220, 220 S, 220 SE model year 1959
* "Terracruiser": Bela Barenyi's contribution to the company and other milestones

Stuttgart - Almost 60 years ago Mercedes-Benz presented what would become a common life-saving fixture on cars: the crumple zone.

On 23 January 1951, Daimler-Benz AG applied for patent number DBP 854 157, using the unadorned description of "Motor vehicles especially for the transportation of people". Concealed behind this was the invention of the deformable areas at the front and rear of a car that is still today generally referred to as "the crumple zone".

In the decades that followed, this patent revolutionised the entire automotive industry and became the decisive factor in "passive safety".

In more recent times, it has even been applied in railway locomotive and carriage design.

The ingenious mastermind of the idea was Bela Barenyi for whom the maxim of the time - "a safe car must not yield but be stable" - was completely inappropriate.

He was the first to discover that in a collision, kinetic energy must be absorbed through deformation in order for the occupants to be protected. He logically split the car body into three "boxes": a soft front section, a rigid passenger cell and a soft rear section.

The patent was granted on August 28, 1952.

Rigid passenger cell and interior designed to reduce injury hazards in an accident

On a global scale, Barenyi's safety bodywork made its debut in production cars in the first six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 220, 220 S and 220 SE models of 1959, their most striking feature being distinctive tail fins.

Developments under the engine hood were equally revolutionary: the steering gear moved far to the rear and the auxiliary units were arranged in such a way so as not to form blocks with each other in the event of a collision, but rather to slip past one another, permitting more effective crumpling of the bodywork.

Inside this Mercedes, the most significant improvement was only to be detected after giving it a second look: for the first time ever, the interior was completely redesigned in order to reduce the injury hazard in an accident. Hard or sharp-edged controls were replaced by yielding, rounded or recessed units, combined with recessed door handles, a dashboard which yielded on impact, padded window ledges, window winders, armrests and sun visors and a steering wheel that featured a large padded boss. Under heavy impact, the rear-view mirror was released from its bracket.

In 1961, anchorage points for seat belts were fitted as standard in the "tail fin". Lap belts were available from 1957, and the first diagonal shoulder belts appeared in 1962. Round-shoulder tyres also made their debut on this car.

"Terracruiser": Bela Barenyi's contribution to the company and other milestones

In October 1948, engineer and inventor Bela Barenyi signed his new employment contract with Daimler-Benz AG, where he had worked previously between 1939 and 1946. He contributed his concept for a "car of the future for the two-to-three litre class", the "Terracruiser" as he called it, which had been in development for several years.

Striking at first glance on this design was the car's body, which was split into three sections, giving it a front end, a passenger compartment and a tail. The two outer sections were strictly separated by the passenger cell which itself was flexibly mounted in a "cradle position". This mounting was to absorb vibrations as well as offer protection in the event of a collision.

One other thing: to protect the driver as effectively as possible in a lateral crash, the driver's seat, including all instruments and controls, was arranged centrally in a complex "bridge".

The Terracruiser was designed as a three-box body with outstanding aerodynamic efficiency.

Barenyi developed a huge range of trailblazing safety elements alongside the Terracruiser. These include such essentials as the safety steering column, the steering wheel impact absorber, the "disappearing windscreen wiper" and, highly important for interior safety, the protective side moulding.

His modular design principle, which he developed so early on, has become relevant only recently.

By the end of his professional career, the restless Bela Barenyi was able to call 2,500 patents his own. To grasp the scale of his relentless pioneering work, famous US inventor, Thomas Edison, has just over half as many.

leaked: Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing

Public unveiling in Frankfurt is only two months away. Judging by all of the recent leaks and releases, an official media release could happen very soon.

WCF sources state the images are genuine. Judging from the generic studio background and lack of computer touch-up work, they could be preview images for dealers or existing clientele. Additionally, the type of low resolution picture quality, even visible on the magazine cover version, suggests the source images are from a printed brochure or magazine and then captured using a mobile phone camera.


The leaks are starting to flow. Just within the past week we saw the latest spy photos of an SLS Gullwing in grey, more official "teaser" images were published, and today rumours of an SLS Gullwing electric vehicle is slated for 2015. But the day isn't over yet and another very legitimate looking image revealing the front and rear design details has surfaced.

Here we have two very different versions of the same grainy image. The first of which is clearly a magazine cover from Autobild with a bonus rear shot, and the second version from Autowerald.com in The Netherlands is the source image without the clutter.
via:worldcarfans

Mystery Porsche Cayman shooting brake mule smells like a hoax?

We're not sure what to make of this viral video that popped up on the Top Gear website.? The video appears to portray a shooting brake version of the Porsche Cayman, but we are definitely skeptical.


Top Gear seems to think this car could be either a variant of the next Cayman, a turbo model, or a special edition.? We're not so sure.? Here's why:? If you take a hard look at the rear (around the :10 in the video), you see that the extension appears to have been tacked on at the rear.? Additionally, we would be surprised to see top-quality reflective mirror tinted glass used all the way around a test mule.? Our guess is that this prolongation was either physically built with some kind of cardboard or polystyrene foam and taped into place, or some crafty video editor extraordinaire digitally built the car frame-by-frame in Photoshop.
via:worldcarfans

Gemballa Mirage GT Matt Edition photos Revealed

This is the latest Mirage GT to come out of Porsche tuner, Gemballa’s garage. The Carrera GT may well have ceased production on May 6, 2006 but Gemballa are still finding enough interest in their Mirage kits to create a new one every now and again.


Essentially a Mirage GT Carbon Edition with a different paint job and blue Alcantara interior trimmings, the sinister looking supercar features a massive V10 engine with 670 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque. Performance stats include 0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds, a 0-200 km/h (124 mph) time of 9.7 seconds, and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).


The exterior looks stunning as always with Mirage GT’s. The mix of matte black paintwork and silver accents really make the car stand out. The interior is less of a success though.


Although no official details have been released, expect the Matt Edition to be sold in extremely limited numbers with a price surpassing €300,000 ($419,012 USD).


As with most tuners, Gemballa have added a garish ‘one-off’ theme to the car. A mixture of black material, blue alcantara and a space age-looking silver material give it a strange new look that’s definitely an acquired taste! As you’d also expect, there’s plenty of carbon fibre in this car.


via:gtspirit

Videos:Top Gear slams Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series

On paper the SL Black looks promising, it features a beefy 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine with an impressive 670 hp (493 kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque. During a race with the pricey Mercedes-McLaren SLR, the SL lagged behind as it couldn't keep up in the straights but made up for it in the corners.


After endlessly praising the Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series, you'd expect Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson to be completely enamored with the more powerful SL 65 AMG Black Series. You'd be wrong; in last weekend's episode, he thoroughly slammed it.


Just when you think the S L65 AMG Black Series is sounding pretty good, Clarkson decides to point out a few foibles. Despite being "mind boggling" fast with a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h), Clarkson says the traction control "comes down like an anvil" and the only way you can realistically drive it, is slowly. Even the luxury features fail to improve things as Jezza explains the SL Black is the "most uncomfortable car in all of human history" thanks to one-piece carbon fiber seats from Mercedes' "agony" range.


He finally sums things up by saying the Black represents a decent alternative to the SLR, but it's not worth the price premium over the standard SL.
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Opel preparing Astra sport hatch for 2011

According to a recent report, Opel's upcoming 2011 three-door Astra sport hatch is virtually identical to this official Opel design sketch.

Although details are limited, the sketch suggests the sport hatch will feature aggressive styling with massive air intakes, LED daytime running lights, and racy wheels. The car's designer, Malcolm Ward, says "It (the sport hatch) will be a very dramatic execution and very, very close to the sketch. Think about the current three-door then think about where the new car will go."
Read full story from worldcarfans

Geneva preview: Gumpert Apollo Speed prototype spotted at the 'Ring

German sports car manufacturer Gumpert unveiled a faster version of its Apollo supercar back at March’s Geneva Motor Show named the Apollo Speed. Building on previous versions like the Apollo Sport and Apollo Race, the new Speed had been further engineered to tackle high speed runs.


Gumpert was founded in 2004 by Roland Gumpert, a proponent of street-legal, track-ready cars. After returning to Germany from China, where he had worked as an executive for Volkswagen, he recruited two universities and a small staff to build the first Apollo prototype. Known for their abilitity to quickly develop their vehicles, the Apollo made its race debut at the 2005 Divinol Cup, where it took third. Since, they have released other versions for public sale, including the Gumpert Apollo Race, Gumpert Apollo Speed, and Gumpert Apollo Sport. A hybrid model was also built for the 2008 24 Hours Nurburgring.


Not to be shown up by its brother, the Apollo Speed also crushes the 0-100 km/h time with a 3.0 second time, arriving at 200 km/h in under nine seconds. It was introduced at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show with a more aggressive look, due in part to its shortened height of 1.1 meters. The car has visual modifications, and an underbody built from a composite of carbon and aluminum.


Power comes from an Audi-sourced twin-turbo 4.2L V8 developing up to 800hp (597kW) and 664lb-ft (900Nm) of torque in the range topping model. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a sequential six-speed gearbox, and according to Gumpert the new Speed will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds flat, pass 200km/h in 8.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 360km/h.


We always like to see the Gumpert Apollo setup at the Geneva Motor Show, and we're sure they will bring something interesting in 2010. However, we want to know if they will be bringing a new introduction to Frankfurt in September.
Source:worldcarfans

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Builds One Millionth T5

Volkswagen has just announced that the one millionth VW T5 has rolled off the production line. The commercial vehicles division released the newly-built milestone on June 30th at the company's Hanover, Germany, plant.

The millionth vehicle was a Volkswagen Transporter Van in Tornado Red, with a 1.9-liter TDI engine under the hood. That engine produces 62 kW of power.



Production of the Volkswagen T5 began in March 2003. Since then, the vehicle has won both 2003 Van and Transporter of the Year Awards, 2004 International Van of the Year, and several other accolades.

The company claims that with each configuration and engine taken into consideration, there are over 460 possible T5 models. VW has a ways to go to beat the number of T4 units produced. Over 1.7 million T4s were manufactured during its run.
via:worldcarfans




Press Release

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Builds One Millionth T5

• One million T5s built since the start of production in March 2003
• Brand's bestseller is number one in Europe

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles produced the one millionth vehicle of the T5 series on 30th June at the Hanover plant. The vehicle is a Transporter Van 1.9 l TDI 62 kW in Tornado Red.

"The T5 is and remains the number one in its segment for new registrations in Europe and Germany", emphasised Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles during the celebrations at the Hanover plant. "One million T5s - that means one million customers towards whom we have a particular responsibility. This number is, furthermore, the product of all employees at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: in Production, but also in Development and Procurement, in Quality Assurance, in Sales and everywhere in the brand and in our dealerships", said Schaller.

Heinrich Söfjer, chairman of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles works council, also focused on the particular commitment of the employees: "The colleagues have once again been successful with the T5 in building a vehicle where quality is assured! On the one hand this increases the image of reliability for our T5 with the customers and on the other hand we have been able to further our market leadership both in good times and bad. With this anniversary, the T5 has made its contribution towards making Hanover the location for light goods and leisure vehicles yesterday, today and tomorrow."

Last year alone Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered approximately 178,000 T5s to customers. Alongside Germany, the most important markets in Europe include Great Britain, The Netherlands and Austria.

The success story of the current series began with the start of production on 3rd March 2003. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles builds the T5 in the plants at Hanover and Pozna?. The closed vehicle versions are built in Hanover and the open construction versions, dropside and double cabin, are built in Pozna?. The T5 series is made up of the Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California models. Each individual model is made up of a scope of individual model variants. Numerous awards and first prizes from national and international motoring magazines have demonstrated the popularity of the T5 from the beginning. Every year the T5 collects prizes in its segment: "Van of the Year", "Transporter of the Year"(2003), "International Van of the Year" (2004), "Car of the Year" (auto motor und sport 2004 - 2009), "Four-wheel vehicle of the Year" (Auto Bild Allrad 2005 - 2009), "Touring vehicle of the Year (promobil, 2009) and finally "Classic vehicle of the future" (Motor Klassik, 2007).

The T5 is also the first choice for trade, service providers, workmen, local and regional authorities, ministries and private customers for innumerable transport and mobility requirements. Whether it be a van, dropside, double cab, Kombi or Caravelle, Multivan and California - every customer requirement is fulfilled. The T5 is delivered with a long and short wheelbase and with right or left-hand drive. If one includes all of the individual engines, a total of 460 basic variants of the T5 are produced as standard in Hanover alone. The production line builds a model with a short wheelbase followed by one with a long wheelbase, a van is followed by a Kombi with one or two side windows. "This indicates that we can listen to the requirements of the customer, our motto being: build a vehicle to suit a need", says Schaller.

The T5 is in full swing. One million vehicles produced is the incentive to beat the approximately 1.7 million predecessor model T4s that were built in Hanover.

In order to underline the particular relationship of the production location to the Hanover region, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will, upon the occasion of this production jubilee, donate a T5 Caravelle to a family selected by the "A heart for children" campaign.

Information on Hanover:

The foundation stone for the second Volkswagen plant after Wolfsburg was laid on 8th March 1955 - one year later the first Transporters left the production line in Hannover-Stöcken. With its more than five decades of history, the location has the longest tradition of any Transporter plant in the world. All five generations of the VW bus were prodcued here - a total of more than 7.5 million vehicles. Worldwide more than 10 million Volkswagen vans have been produced since 1950 - in Wolfsburg, Hanover, Pozna?, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa. The home plant of Hanover was completely restructured for the start of production of the T5 on 3rd March 2003. With approximately 12,000 employees, the plant is the largest industrial employer in the Hanover region. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles produces not only the successful brand models here, but also cylinder heads and heat exchangers for the Volkswagen Group and, since March 2009, the finished body of the Porsche Panamera.

JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI

The tuners from JE DESIGN have turned their attention to the diesel Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI and the 2.0 TDI CR. The JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI now outputs 180 hp (133 kW) and 400 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm instead of 140 hp and 320 Nm. With the extra found juice the JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI has a top speed of 213 km/a and a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.4 seconds.


Under the hood, JE Design equips the standard 2.0-liter TDI engine with a revised ECU module which boosts the engine's performance from 140 hp (103 kW) to 180 hp (133 kW) and 400 Nm of torque. Performance stats include a 0-100 km/h time of 8.4 seconds (a reduction of 0.9 seconds) and a top speed of 213 km/h (an improvement of 6 km/h).


The company also offers a performance package for the 2.0-liter TDI CR, it produces 205 hp (171 kW) and 410 Nm of torque (up from 170 hp (125 kW) and 350 Nm of torque). 0-100 km/h takes 7.1 seconds (an improvement of 0.7 seconds) and the top speed is increased to 229 km/h (up from 222 km/h).


The JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI also comes with a new aerodynamics package which includes lambo doors, a new front and rear spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser and a center double exhaust.
via:zercustoms




Press Release

JE DESIGN lashes on the Diesel: Entire sport programme for the VW Scirocco

* Performance of the TDI rises to 205 hp
* Entire body kit and lowering guarantee sport appearance
* Complete wheel set in 19 inches and two finishes

The times of shaky oil burners are over. But the diesel engine still has a rather stale image. Now JE DESIGN is taking on this prejudice.

The refiner located in Leingarten, Germany enhances the performance of the already agile turbo diesel in the VW Scirocco with an additional control unit by more than twenty-five percent from 140 hp (103 kW) to 180 hp (133 kW). Also the maximum torque increases from 320 to 400 Newton metres at 1,750 to 2,500 r.p.m. respectively. The maximum speed thereby rises from 207 km/h to 213 km/h, and the acceleration from zero to hundred is reduced by 0.9 seconds to 8.4 seconds.

Also for the new 2.0 TDI CR, JE DESIGN offers a performance enhancement of 170 hp (125 kW) to 205 hp (171 kW). With that, the Scirocco then renders a top speed of 229 km/h (serial model: 222 km/h) and accelerates from zero to hundred in 7.1 seconds (serial model: 7.8 seconds). The torque rises to 410 Newton metres (serial model: 350 Nm).

JE DESIGN offers the entire performance pack with assembly for 1,249 euros (180 hp) and 1,449 euros (205 hp) including VAT and adds a 12-month warranty.

In order to adjust the appearance to the newly gained power, JE DESIGN has created an entire body kit. The refiner produces these parts in the usual OEM-quality made of high-quality ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The CNC-milled material ensures a low weight, perfect fitting accuracy and at the same time, the highest material stability.

The kit for 919 euros including VAT includes a front spoiler with a centre sword in carbon look which already renders a racy glance when the car is still parked. The side skirts with air inlets and a rear skirt attachment which is perfectly adjusted to the other component parts and which is also available in carbon-look renders a powerful profile. A refining kit for gull-wing doors (1,549 euros) completes the body modification.

The muffler made of stainless steel with two central oval end pipes (899 euros) renders an earthy sound and an impressive appearance. The muffler comes with an EU-operating license. The lowering springs (299 euros) which were especially designed for the VW Scirocco, lower the car by 30 millimetres and are combined with serial shock absorbers. In order to fill the wheelhouses adequately, JE DESIGN offers the elegant wheel design Multispoke as a complete wheel set. The wheels are available in the size 8x19 inches in shadow silver (2,810 euros), or graphite matt / with polished edges (2,930 euros), both with 235/35 R 19 tyres.

The sport programme for the VW Scirocco can be immediately obtained directly from JE DESIGN, from car component dealers or from Volkswagen partners. For more information about the extensive JE DESIGN programme, please do not hesitate to contact +49(0)7131/20384-0 or visit the web site www.je-design.de/en/

Lorinser LV8 with 500hp to enter Tuner Grand Prix

Lorinser is not a tuner that goes out of its way to create cars that scare other motorists off the freeway. Subtle but effective is how they do it over at Lorinser. Occasionally though, they present something like this which is called the Lorinser LV8. It's based on the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG and instead of pushing out 332kW (451hp) it delivers 368kW (500hp). Maximum torque is also increased to 630Nm. Subsequently the 0 - 100km/h dash can be achieved in 4.3 seconds while top speed goes up to 320km/h.


The LV8 comes fitted with 255/35 18 Continental tyres and a special Lorinser exhaust unit. The aerodynamic kit includes spoiler bumpers and side sills. Lorinser General Manager Marcus Lorinser says the car meets all the registration requirements put on road vehicles.

Look out for the LV8 at the Tuner Grand Prix on the Hockenheimring between the 26th and 27th of June.
via:worldcarfans




Press Release

Deep C research

Lorinser is sending the LV8 to the Tuner Grand Prix with 500HP

At the Tuner Grand Prix on the Hockenheimring (26th/27th June) Sportservice Lorinser will be presenting a C-Class from another universe: 500HP (368kW) and 630Nm catapult the black limousine from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.3 seconds and help it reach a top speed of 320. With a delicate touch of the accelerator the Continental tyres, with the ideal dimensions of 255/35-18, start to cling with all vehemence to the tarmac, so that they don't shed an ounce of traction. Here the 6.2 litre V8 makes a shout of joy which is enough to give you goose bumps, and breaks fresh ground with the well tempered Lorinser exhaust unit.

Despite its exciting performance the rapid vehicle, which enters the C3 Class (limousine suction cars), is fully compatible for everyday driving. "It meets all of the registration requirements for road vehicles and that is precisely what makes it so fascinating", explains the General Manager Marcus Lorinser. This is also helped, of course, by its optical appearance, which is characterised by an attractive aerodynamics package with spoiler bumpers and side sills. Viewed in this light it is a "C" with real class.

preview：BMW 7-Series M Sport Official Photos

The M Sport Package will initially be offered only on the UKDM 745d, but will likely transcend to other models as well. Visually, the sportier luxo-cruiser receives a more aggressively designed front fascia and a modestly redesigned rear fascia, both with chrome detailing. A new set of sporty split 5-spoke wheels round out the exterior upgrades.


While the package doesn't include the X6 M's 555 hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, it boasts several unique styling accessories which help to differentiate it from standard models. Key exterior design differences include more aggressive front and rear bumpers, "shadowline" trim around the windows, additional chrome detailing, and a set of M-design wheels.


The interior receives various M parts such as an M steering wheel, M shifter and M footrest.


Look for the M-sport package to be unveiled with the new 306 hp 3.0-liter biturbo diesel 740d, with availability for all 7's shortly thereafter.
via jalopnik

Spy : 2010 Audi A5 Sportback Caught on Southern California Photo Shoot

The Audi A5 Sportback has been out and about it seems. These spy pictures of the four door hatch/ coupe were taken during a campus photo shoot in which the car was starring. Presumably the resulting official pictures will form part of a soon-to-launch marketing campaign, perhaps end up in a leaked brochure? We can only wish.


Engines ensuring the latter are a 2.0TDI making 125kW (170hp) and 350Nm of torque. Following that is the 2.7TDI good for 140 kW (190hp) and 400Nm of torque, and a 3.0TDI worth 500Nm. There are also petrols like the 2.0TFSI with 155kW (211hp) and the 3.2-litre V6.


While the interior isn抰 remarkably new up front, and certainly not a revolution in design as the 5 series GT is to the 5 series, it抯 not meant to be. The A7 will take care of that. For those looking for something even more beautiful than the A4 or even the A5, and with all the versatility of the Q5, the Audi A5 Sportback will most certainly bring your enthusiasm to a boil.


When the A5 Sportback goes on sale thorough Europe this September, it will be available with two gasoline and three diesel engines with prices in Germany set to start from €36,050. For the full Monty on Audi's sport sedan click here to read our detailed report.
Source: fourtitudevia worldcarfans

HS Motorsport - VW Scirocco special edition “Remis”

This year's Wörthersee tour featured plenty of cars as usual. One of the eye-catchers present was the Volkswagen Scirocco coupe. Tuners HS Motorsport decided to take the tour out of its venue and into their workshop by making this car they call Remis. The Munich-based company started by reworking the standard 2.0-litre TSI engine to produce more power.


The body kit is made of a carbon fiber front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper. The car runs on 245/30 ZR20 matt black rims with 9x20 with Vredestein tyres.


Inside HS installed heated Recaro Sportster CS seats with black Remis-special leather upholstery and white Remis embroidery.


Coming from the factory the 2.0-litre registers 200hp (147kW) on the dyno. HS changed the air intake system and the exhaust system. The latter consists of a 70mm flame pipe, a new EU-approved catalytic converter, rear and front mufflers. Together these and one or two other additions now give the engin -e 290hp (213kW). HS doesn't stop there. Promises of a 320hp (235kW) pack have been made for the buyer with more performance requirements. Braking power comes from Brembo via special narrow one-piece discs and callipers.
via:worldcarfans

Spy Photos: Red BMW X1 Prototype Spotted

Our spy photographers have managed to catch BMW's X1 crossover virtually undisguised while undergoing testing on and around the famous Nurburgring.


Despite launching all X1s with xDrive (all-wheel drive), BMW is expected to offer sDrive (rear wheel drive) models shortly after launch.


Although the X1 won't be officially unveiled until the Frankfurt Motor Show, these pictures provide us our best glimpse of the upcoming BMW as only a few pieces of tape hide minor design details such as the character lines and rear tail lights.


At launch, the X1 will be offered with variety of powertrains including three diesels and one petrol engine. Diesel versions include an entry-level xDrive18d, an xDrive20d with 130kW (177hp), and a more powerful xDrive23d packing 150kW (204hp) and 400Nm of torque. So far the only confirmed petrol model is the xDrive18i, but don't be surprised if more versions are announced closer to production.


Look for the new BMW crossover to start arriving in European showrooms later this fall with a base price somewhere in the neighborhood of £20,000.
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