Lotus APX 2006

Auto Car | Lotus APX 2006 | APX by Lotus Engineering (APX stands for 'Aluminium Performance Crossover') is the first example of a complete vehicle built on the innovative Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA). APX is a demonstration of Lotus Engineering's ability to create innovative and exciting, high performance products through its world class capability in Vehicle Design, Performance Powertrain Engineering and niche vehicle development, the first production car from this technology will be the new Lotus mid-engine super sportscar.



It is a 7-seater (in reality a 5 + 2 with the two rear seats being occasional) four-wheel drive 'Crossover' vehicle with a front mounted 300 hp supercharged V6 petrol engine. Weighing in at just 1570 kg and with a power to weight ratio of 191 hp per tonne, the APX has sportscar like performance of 5.4 seconds to 100 km/h (5.0 seconds to 60 mph) before reaching a top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph). These performance figures are as good as the highest performing 4x4 'Crossover' vehicles from other brands with up to 195 hp per tonne. Crucially though, whereas those vehicles need higher output engines to compensate for heavy weight, APX does not. Combined fuel consumption for APX is estimated to be 8.7 litres / 100 km (or 32 mpg) – impressive on its own and more so when compared to its production rivals which often consume more than 13 litres per 100 km (22 mpg).



APX is manufactured predominantly from aluminium in the form of high-pressure die-cast corner nodes, stampings and extrusions. It uses advanced assembly techniques, including adhesive bonding, self-piercing rivets and flow-drill screws for construction – joining techniques that Lotus calls Riv-Bonding. Lotus has optimised the use of these technologies thus significantly reducing the number of mechanical fixings within the monocoque structure. This has reduced the level of investment required in manufacturing equipment.



APX is not just a Lotus Engineering concept, but a feasible prototype close to production; it is not a concept indicating a strategic direction of Lotus Cars; it is, however, a brilliant demonstration of VVA and the skills of the team from Lotus Engineering into what is regarded as the future of niche vehicle manufacture. APX is production feasible as
all the components can be made cost effectively and in high niche volume

Source : www.conceptcarz.com

Lotus Elise S 2006

Auto Car | Lotus Elise S 2006 | Lotus is back with an entry level Elise that is set to propel the Hethel based sports car manufacturer further up the sales charts. The loss of the K series engine had temporarily created a hole in Lotus’ portfolio and its disappearance from the range was not good news for pure sportscar lovers right across the globe.The challenge of ‘plugging the gap’ has now been spectacularly addressed with the launch of the new Lotus Elise S – a sub 6 second 0 - 60mph sportscar, available at a stunning sub £24K ‘on the road’ price.



Lotus has shoehorned in a high technology 1.8-litre 134 hp Variable Valve Timing Toyota engine, which perfectly complements the phenomenal handling characteristics of the Lotus Elise. This delivers a cracking new entry-level car, capable of taking you from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.8 grin-inducing seconds (0 - 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds) and onto a top speed of 128 mph (205 km/h), law permitting! As the new entry-level car, the Elise S may not be the fastest or quickest Elise in the range, but the acceleration, performance and handling is class leading in its price bracket and belies the cost and real substance engineered into the new vehicle - what other sub-£24,000 roadster can reach 60 mph in less than 6.0 seconds? For the sake of comparison, a 2.0-litre MX-5 reaches the same speed in 7.9 seconds



Add this to one of the lowest depreciation rates of any car in the market and the purchase of the new Elise S becomes one of the soundest retail propositions to be found. The Lotus Elise S is built around the revolutionary and award winning extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, with a lightweight steel rear subframe. The chassis itself weighs just 68 kg (150 lbs) and has a stiffness of 9,500 Nm per degree. The body design remains unchanged from the classic 190 hp Lotus Elise R – why change the
award-winning aerodynamic package and an elegant Lotus design just for the sake of it?



The car’s standard specification will also delight, as nothing has been removed from the car to
undermine the real value for money proposition afforded by Lotus’ new ‘firecracker’.The full Lotus Elise option menu is also available on Elise S, with the exception of a limited slip
differential, ensuring the new car is easy to personalize to a customer’s individual requirements and preferences.



The driving experience
How does just 134 hp (100 kW, 136 PS) deliver such phenomenal performance? First of all, the maximum power output is achieved at near maximum revs (engine speed) of 6,200 rpm and maximum torque (a respectable 172 Nm, 127 lb.ft) is reached at 4,200 rpm. This gives a good combination of mid range pull but also encourages the driver to rev the engine to the maximum permitted engine speed of 6,800 rpm. A bright red LED “change-up light” tells the driver when to change gear, the point of illumination from the “red-line” variable and dependent on the gear selected.



Driving any Elise is an experience like no other – and the Elise S is no different. Few cars can match the delicacy and accuracy of the steering, throttle and brakes. Only a Lotus has the relatively soft springs and firm damping to give superb body control and a truly exhilarating ride. And only a Lotus can turn in such performance with such minimal environmental impact in terms of emissions and fuel consumption.

Source : www.gulfgt.com

Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe Concept 2005

Auto Car | Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe Concept 2005 | Design Director Ian Callum's vision for the next generation of Jaguars is clearly expressed in the Advanced Lightweight Coupe show car. Its exterior lines are beautiful yet powerful - a confident blend of curves highlighted by muscular detail, resulting in a car that could only be a Jaguar."I firmly believe that Jaguars should appear powerful as well as elegant," Callum says. "Look back at the great cars from our past and you will see that they were as muscular and taut as they were subtle and curvaceous. That's what confident Jaguar design is all about."



This belief stems from Callum's first sighting of the original Jaguar XJ6 saloon in the 1960s; an event that he describes as "the moment the penny dropped" when it came to his understanding of car design."As soon as I saw the XJ6 I realised what creating a beautiful car was all about," he says. "It was a perfect example of what designers call proportion and stance, which simply means how a car sits on the road. The XJ6 was so structured and confident it was like nothing else - its wheels appeared huge, almost out of proportion to its body, and they were visually right at each corner of the car. It really looked as if it was hunkered down on the road."



Those principles have remained with Callum ever since and played a pivotal role in the design of his previous Jaguar show cars, the R-Coupe and R-D6. Now the Advanced Lightweight Coupe continues that theme, but in an exhilarating sports car that has the visual agility to match its performance potential.Echoing the lessons learnt from the XJ6, the show car's distinctive stance and bold profile give it genuine visual dynamism - an effect that Callum describes as the car appearing to change shape in front of you.



The Advanced Lightweight Coupe's distinctive tapering shape at both the front and rear means there appears to be no overhang beyond the wheels, giving the car a very exciting presence and a real sense of power and potency. When that is combined with beautiful surfaces that run across the entire bodywork you have the key ingredients for a sports car that gives a concise and clear statement about the look of future Jaguar models.As Jaguar Cars Managing Director Bibiana Boerio explains:
"This car takes our coupe design onto another level. It is muscular without being over the top - a naturally honed athlete. Just like its predecessors, we believe the next generation of Jaguars should be different from anything else in the marketplace. We are not trying to copy our rivals because we have our own path to take. We know what that path is and we are showing the way."



EXTERIOR DESIGN
Creating a sports show car that conveys the remarkable heritage of Jaguar with integrity while projecting the marque forward into the future was not a simple challenge. Ian Callum and his design team passionately debated how the Advanced Lightweight Coupe would strike that balance before settling on this stunning design.
Every curve of the bodywork and rise and fall of each surface is deliberate, concise and calculated. There is no design for design's sake on the car, no extraneous sculpture or unnecessary surfacing; a point that Callum believes will separate future Jaguars from other cars.

Source : www.netcarshow.com

Jaguar bonspeed X-Type 2005

Auto Car | Jaguar bonspeed X-Type 2005 | The exterior of the bonspeed® X-TYPE is 'red hot' thanks to a special ‘Match Head Red’ paint developed for the car by DuPont and applied by L&G Enterprises in San Dimas, Calif.
The dramatic, DTM touring car-inspired body package was designed at bonspeed’s Anaheim studios and features new front and rear fascias, extended side rockers and an integrated trunk spoiler. The body package gives the car a low, aggressive stance and enhances the car's already- striking lines.



The concept’s new interior is as radical as its exterior. New Recaro F1 race-style bucket seats were added to the front, while the complete cabin was re-trimmed in super-soft crimson leather supplied by luxury leather goods maker, Mulholland Brothers, in San Francisco. And, carbon fiber accents on the dash and gear surround are shared with the 2005 Jaguar X-TYPE 3.0 Sport.
For the car’s 1200-watt in-car entertainment system, bonspeed® fitted twin Sony liquid crystal TVs for front and rear passengers, along with a Sony head unit and DVD player. Sound is pumped out through Diamond Audio speakers and amplifiers, all linked together with Metra Electronics cabling.



"Our plan is to eventually offer all the features seen in the bonspeed® X-TYPE to X-TYPE owners. The Jaguar makes a perfect platform for a highly-expressive tuner vehicle for the enthusiast market," explains Fanshaw.The bonspeed X-TYPE will be on display at the 2004 trade-only Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association show (SEMA) at the Las Vegas Convention Center Nov 2-5.

From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world’s premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized commercial brands. The company's vision is simple: To produce beautiful fast cars that are desired the world over. The company is fully engaged in environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such as motor sport.



Jaguar offers a four-model range of luxury sedans and sports cars packed with fully competitive technology and safety systems wrapped up in stylish bodies. The X-TYPE premium compact sedan is the company’s first all-wheel drive model combining unmistakable Jaguar looks in an affordable, sporting package. Entry to the Jaguar range via the X-TYPE costs around $30,000.

Source : www.seriouswheels.com

Jaguar S-Type 2005

Auto Car | Jaguar S-Type 2005 | Put those claws away, Tiger – the redesigned 2003 Jaguar S-Type addresses many of the concerns and problems of previous models, and may now be one of the finest mid-range luxury vehicles in the jungle. Don’t let the buck-toothed grille fool you – this cat is ready to roll, and it purrs like none other.The Jaguar S-Type may not have the distinguished pedigree of the XJ or XK, but ever since its debut in 1999 as a 2000 model, the S-Type has made subtle improvements and refinements and is now poised near the top of its perch.



For 2003, Jaguar continues to improve the S-Type, most noticeably in the performance, safety and ergonomic departments. Jaguar (wisely) chose not to focus on any styling changes, so upon first glance the S-Type may seem relatively unchanged. We like the current body style – we think it lends to a sleek, sexy and crouched appearance that definitely stands out in the ever growing crowd of “me too” look-a-likes.We took delivery of a 2003 Jaguar S-Type 3.0L that was outfitted with Jaguar’s new 6-speed automatic transmission.



A 5-speed manual is available in the base package. Other engine choices include a 4.2L V8 and the recently announced 4.2L R-model, complete with a supercharger that helps produce 400 horsepower. For those with insecurity issues, the 4.2L may seem like the only logical choice, but in reality, the 3.0L V6 is more than adequate for daily driving duties.
The S-Type 3.0L derives its power from a 24-valve, DOHC, 3.0L Ford-built V6 that produces 235 horsepower and 216 lb-ft of torque.



Despite the rather low torque figure, the engine feels powerful and linear, thanks in part to the six-speed automatic and a relatively flat torque curve. Despite some very spirited driving, we averaged nearly 21 miles per gallon – we’d expect around 16 mpg with the V8 powered S-Type. With its zesty 3.0L, the S-Type was able to propel itself from 0 to 60 in 7.7 seconds, and the 1/4 mile came in 16.1 seconds with speeds in the high 80′s. Top speed is limited to 127 mph.



Throttle response is spot on, thanks to variable valve timing and a multi-staged intake manifold. While the torque was linear, horsepower definitely came on strong above 4,000 rpm, and the raspy growl that accompanied it made spirited driving fun.

Source : www.roadfly.com

Jaguar X-Type Sport 2005

 

Auto Car | Jaguar X-Type Sport 2005 | most of the world--or at least those members of its population who are interested in cars--knows that the new Jaguar X-type sedan shares much with the humble European Ford Mondeo, just as the Audi A4 has a lot in common with the lesser Volkswagen Passat. Because of this commonality, Jaguar personnel have stressed the X-type's "Jaguarness" and generally downplayed what is now called "components sharing."



Yet plenty of Jaguars in the past shared components, beginning with cars such as the SS1 and the SS100, which owed as much to the Standard Motor Company as to the Swallow Sidecar organization, as Jaguar was called early on in its life. Raiding someone else's parts bin is nothing new and didn't stop old Jaguars from looking and feeling different--particularly the latter. As for "Jaguar-ness," I'm not sure what that is, despite spending time with an awful lot of Jaguars all the way from the SS100 and the C-type up to the current offerings. (Don't ask me to define "Britishness," either--it can't be defined; it just is.)



What I can tell you, however, is that the new X-type is a really good car. It's also distinctly different from the Acura TL, the Audi A4, the BMW 3-series, the Lexus IS300, and the Mercedes-Benz C-class--its main competition in the near-luxury sport sedan segment.
There are four X-type models: the 2.5, the 2.5 Sport, the 3.0, and the 3.0 Sport. The transversely mounted 2.5- and 3.0-liter V-6 engines are derived from the Ford Duratec DOHC 24-valve unit and come with standard five-speed manual and automatic transmissions, respectively. (The automatic is a $1275 option on the 2.5, and the manual is a no-cost option on the 3.0.) The 3.0-liter engine makes 231 horsepower and 209 pound-feet of torque, and the smaller engine produces 194 horsepower and 180 pound-feet.



Jaguar opted for all-wheel drive rather than the Mondeo's front-wheel-drive layout, which most critics (if not buyers) would have regarded as heresy. The all-wheel-drive arrangement is pretty simple: A planetary center differential sends 40 percent of the torque to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear via bevel gears. A viscous limited-slip coupling automatically adjusts the torque split in slippery conditions. The compact aluminum housing for these components bolts directly to the X-type's transaxle. In this class, only the Jaguar has standard all-wheel drive, although similar systems are optional on both the BMW and the Audi.



The front suspension uses lower control arms, an anti-roll bar, and MacPherson struts that incorporate Bilstein twin-tube dampers. A double bearing at the top of the strut helps reduce friction and torque tug on the steering. The multi-link rear suspension has Bilstein monotube dampers, short coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. A stability control system is available as part of a $1200 Weather package on the 2.5 and 3.0 models and is standard with the Sport package. Regular X-types are fitted with sixteen-inch wheels and 205/55 Continental tires, and the Sports--which also feature firmer dampers and springs, a lower ride height, and revised steering software--have seventeen-inch rims with 225/45 Z-rated Continental ContiSport Contact tires.

Inside, Sport models get more heavily bolstered seats, a sport steering wheel, and smoke-gray wood in place of the natural--that is, brown--variety. Among our party of journalists, the older, more conservative types preferred the natural wood, whereas the hip younger crowd went for the Sport finish. All X-types are fitted with a power driver's seat, leather, and a four-speaker Alpine stereo. (A ten-speaker premium system is optional.) A power passenger's seat is part of the $2500 Premium package, which has to be ordered if you want the $2000 Sport package.



All X-type cabins are warm and inviting, although the finish of the buttons and surfaces still isn't up to the levels of Audi or BMW. There is some nice detailing, however, such as chrome-rimmed gauges, bright-metal buttons for the center stowage area, and a chrome reverse detente on the manual gearshift lever, which also has a stylish leather-trimmed ball top. Although there isn't an enormous amount of rear-seat leg and head room, it definitely betters that of the 3-series and the IS300, and front-seat accommodations are pretty generous for this class. The trunk is also the largest of any Jaguar, at a voluminous 16.0 cubic feet. Front and side air bags and front and rear side curtain air bags are standard on all models. The optional DVD-based navigation system has a big, seven-inch screen that also takes care of the audio system, HVAC controls, and telephone. Hard buttons, touch-screen controls, or Jaguar's optional voice activation can be used for all of these functions. The launch of the X-type coincides with the introduction of JaguarNet, the company's rival to GM's OnStar system.

Source : www.automobilemag.com

Lotus Exige S 2006

Auto Car | Lotus Exige S 2006 | The Lotus Exige S is the latest addition to the Exige range and is a real sportscar that redefines the term “Extreme Performance”. With 90.5 kW / litre (121.4 hp / litre, 123 PS / litre), it is one of most powerful production cars in the world for its engine size but most importantly it has full type approval for all the markets in which it will be sold. The Lotus Exige S is not a limited edition, nor is it an aftermarket special – it is manufactured from start to finish in the world leading and award winning Lotus Manufacturing facility at Hethel, Norfolk.



Because the basic car is so immensely strong but lightweight (935 kg, 2057 lbs), giving a power to weight ratio of 173.8 kW/tonne (233.2 hp/tonne, 236.4 PS/tonne), performance is phenomenal, with 100 km/h being reached from a standing start in 4.3 seconds (0 – 60 mph in 4.1 seconds) and 160 km/h (100 mph) being reached in 9.98 seconds (estimate) before topping out at 238 km/h (148 mph). In spite of this phenomenal performance the fuel economy is impressive with an official combined figure of 9.1 litres / 100 km (31.0 mpg) - extra urban is an impressive 7.2 litres / 100 km (39.2 mpg). Lotus believes that there is no car on sale anywhere in the world that has such good performance combined with such good fuel economy! Not that many customers will be buying this car principally for its fuel economy!!



Being a Lotus, straight-line performance is not the most important factor, but every day driving on normal roads, or around a circuit is. There are very few cars on sale today that can match the speed, agility and safety of the Exige S in both day to day and track or circuit driving. However the Exige S is not just a track day warrior. It is a sportscar that would be at home on the back roads, freeways and autobahns, as well as on city streets. With an extremely "torquey" engine and the classic Lotus suspension set-up of soft compliant springs and firm controllable dampers, the driving experience is an uncanny combination of telepathic-like handling with a taught and comfortable ride. There is really no car that handles quite like a Lotus.



Clive Dopson, Managing Director of Lotus Cars says, “The Exige S represents the ultimate “extreme” production Lotus, with performance that trumps other supercars costing twice or even three times as much. That it does so with the fuel economy of a family hatchback, stands as a testament to the Lotus concept of performance through light weight. Its an unbeatable package and an unbeatable drive.

Source : www.bmwclub.ru

Lotus Exige 265E 2006

Auto Car | Lotus Exige 265E 2006 | The Lotus Exige S is already one of the quickest cars on the road and one of the fastest road cars on the track, but add the optional GT Pack (a UK post-registration conversion) and the Lotus Exige S British GT Special Edition becomes one of the quickest cars at any price, anywhere in the world. The GT Pack has been designed specifically to enhance the car’s performance for those drivers with even more extreme track day aspirations.



It adds another 25 hp (from 218 hp to 243 hp) and 15.4 ft.lbs of torque (from 158.6 ft.lbs to 174 ft.lbs) which, as a Lotus is always very light - in this case just 930 kg – drops the 0 to 60 mph sprint to less than 4 seconds and increases the top speed to 155 mph. Of course, this higher performance has led to a requirement for uprated brakes (with 308 mm diameter 2-piece front discs with four piston calipers, uprated brake pads and silicone brake fluid), 2-way adjustible Öhlins dampers with uprated springs and an Accusump™ oil control system



Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus said: “We believe that the Lotus Exige S British GT Special Edition will provide a unique customer proposition, both emphasising the racing heritage of the Lotus Exige and enabling customers to get closer to the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 racecar than ever before. Article posted on Babez.de! With fantastic value for money standard and optional equipment, exceptional performance and legendary Lotus handling, the Lotus Exige S British GT Special Edition becomes one of the greatest performance choices of the year!'

 

This year in partnership with the Cadena racing team, Lotus entered eighteen rounds of the British GT3 Championship with the stunning new Lotus Sport Exige GT3 racecar. The season finished with the Lotus Sport Cadena Race Team being crowned British GT3 Team Champions, with one race still remaining from their inaugural season of competition.



To celebrate this outstanding success, Lotus has launched the Lotus Exige S British GT Special Edition. Based on the phenomenally quick standard-production Lotus Exige S, the Lotus Exige S British GT Special Edition pays homage to the success of the Lotus Sport Exige GT3 racecar. Each vehicle features a quad-stripe paint scheme and is individually identifiable by uniquely numbered ‘British GT’ badges, Lotus Sport Cadena supplier decals and silver 7 twin-spoke forged alloy wheels, along with unique sports seats, door trims and Lotus Sport floor carpets. The Lotus Exige S British GT Special Edition is powered by a six-speed supercharged 1796 cc engine using advanced VVTL-i technology, enabling the car to sprint to 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 148 mph.

 

Source : www.babez.de

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2007

Auto Car | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2007 | We started the day on the trail, specifically the Rubicon Trail. It's a legendary off-road route near Lake Tahoe, California, used by Jeep in the development of nearly all of its vehicles. It's not so much a trail as it is a series of loosely grouped boulders, ravines and ledges which leave just enough room to squeeze a well-driven four-wheel drive through, or in our case, a four-door Wrangler Unlimited.



That's right, a four-door Wrangler. It's the first one ever and unlike the previous Wrangler Unlimited, which was the stretched version of the standard two-door, the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited uses a 20.6-inch-longer wheelbase to make room for full-size rear doors. It's 5.5 inches wider than previous Wranglers, too, a trait it shares with the standard two-door model.



Actually, other than its longer wheelbase, extra doors and optional two-wheel drive, the Unlimited shares almost everything with the standard Wrangler. It comes in three trim levels — X, Sahara and Rubicon — and is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with 202 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Its standard transmission is a six-speed manual; a four-speed automatic is optional.



All Wranglers also get a five-link straight axle suspension front and rear, revised shocks and springs, a recirculating ball steering system and a fully boxed frame that Jeep says is twice as stiff as the previous version.

Source : www.insideline.com

Startech Jeep Compass 2007

Auto Car | Startech Jeep Compass 2007 | The STARTECH SD3 performance kit for the diesel model consists of an auxiliary module that
modifies the engine electronics. With it maximum power output of grows from stock 140 hp / 103
kW to 180 hp / 132 kW. At the same time peak torque increases to 360 Nm between 1,750 and
2.500 rpm.



As an optimal complement to the STARTECH SD3 power kit there is the STARTECH sport
exhausts system with a large oval chrome tailpipe on either side. The fully stainless-steel precise-
fit exhaust is available for all engine variants of the Compass, and lends the Jeep a more thrilling
exhaust note.



For customizing the exterior STARTECH offers a custom-tailored designer suit. In the front the
Compass gets a new face with the STARTECH front fascia. Retaining the original mounting points
means easy installation and optimal precise fit.
The sides of the five-door are refined by elegant STARTECH rocker panels that serve as running
boards. The rear of the Jeep is modified with an element that attaches to the rear bumper. It
features integrated cutouts for the STARTECH sport exhaust.



'20-inch diameter instead of the 18-inch stock wheels' is the motto of the exclusive STARTECH
tire/wheel combination for the Compass. The Monostar IV five-spoke wheels are silver polished
and in size 9Jx20 with size 245/35 R 20 tires they fill out the wheel houses nicely.  
STARTECH also offers progressive-rate springs that lower the ride height of the American SUV by
some 30 millimeters. The lowered center of gravity gives the Jeep sportier and even safer handling
characteristics.
STARTECH also adds exclusive and individual interior highlights. These include stainless-steel
door sills with illuminated STARTECH logo, high-quality velour floor mats and the STARTECH
Lifestyle interior upgrade package that gives the entire Compass cockpit a more elegant
appearance.

Source : www.seriouswheels.com