Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

The new model is a world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, the result of close co-operation between Volvo and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.
The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain consists of a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbo diesel with 215 hp and maximum torque of 440 Nm that drives the front wheels, and a 70HP-strong electric motor that receives its juice from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and motivates the rear wheels. The car also features a six-speed automatic transmission.

The car’s battery package can be recharged via a regular power socket (230V/6A, 10A or 16A). A full 10A charge takes 4.5 hours. The time is shortened to 3 hours with 16A, while a charge in a 6A socket takes 7.5 hours.
The driver can choose from three different modes via a set of push buttons on the center console: Pure, Hybrid and Power.
In Pure mode, the car runs only on its electric motor, with the maximum driving range being up to 32 miles or 51 kilometers with zero emissions of carbon dioxide.
The Hybrid mode, which is the default setting whenever the car is started, makes use of both the diesel engine and electric motor. In this mode, V60 Plug-in Hybrid returns a fuel economy of up to 125 mpg US with CO2 emissions of just 49 g/km, and a total driving range of up to 746 miles or 1,200 kilometers.
In Power mode, the system is optimized to give the car the best possible performance, with the diesel engine and electric motor producing a combined power output of 215 + 70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm. The station wagon completes the 0 to 62 mph sprint in just 6.9 seconds.
“The second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a superbly carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure. To get drivers to think green, we have offered both, in one traditional genuine sports wagon” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.
Volvo said that the added cost of the battery pack and the electric motor system means the plug-in hybrid will be more expensive to buy than a regular V60, but added that fuel costs are expected to be one-third of a conventional combustion engined V60. Pricing and market availability will be announced nearer the 2012 launch date.

Today´s Favorite

Authenticity Either Is Or Isn't.

Authenticity either is or isn't.

When a brand pretends to be something it is not, the result generally backfires. Like this beautiful Chrysler “Style” commercial that demonstrates that yes, Chrysler was synonymous with American style. The key word being WAS. Lesson: Even great advertising does not make uncool, cool.

Which leads us to think of bygone eras and authentic brands that are no more. Such as Benrus watches. Somehow the move to digital watches and colourful plastic timepieces took the seriousness out of watches. Is this good or bad? You decide for yourself but we are currently enamored with the 1940 Benrus Sky Chief. Real numbers, real hands, serious black or silver face, a real crown to wind it. Benrus Watch co. was founded in New York City in the 1920s by Benjamin Lazarus. Benrus was the official watch of the U.S. mail-carrying pilots of several cargo airlines. Known at its peak as the “Official Watch of Famous Airlines,” it was the official time piece of pilots at Delta, KLM, NWA and TWA. You can still find some of the authentic Sky Chiefs, and by forking out $2,400 or so, you may even be able to own one.

Today´s Favorite

2012 Chevrolet Impala

General Motors has unveiled its updated full size sedan with some cosmetic changes and a new standard engine for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The most interesting change is the adoption of GM’s latest 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct-injection technology and E85 Flex-fuel capability, linked to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The preliminary spec-sheet does not refer to performance numbers, but it has been reported that the V6 should be good for around 302-horsepower.

The mechanical updates are complemented by some minor styling changes up front, namely the new mesh grille and fog light surrounds, and at the rear, along with a new set of 16-inch alloy wheels and changes to the available equipment packages.
With the 2012 model year update, General Motors hopes to keep interest up on the Impala as a brand new replacement isn’t due for another two to three years.

Today´s Favorite

Mini Inflatables - Going Topless This Summer

What do you get when you combine the ultimate summer playground with a fun, cool brand that is willing to play with you? You get life-size Mini convertibles, inflatable beach toys that are as much fun for adults as they are for kids.
Most likely kids will have no chance at all to play with these toys as the Mini inflatable screams grown-up fun in an irresistible way. This is the ultimate beach accessory; too big for the ordinary pool but perfect for the warm waters and sandy beaches where the in crowds gather to see and to be seen.
Beach-goers can just grab one and play in the sand or on the water. They will be able to enjoy the sun, catch the waves, look cool, pose for some pics. These are pictures they will want to broadcast and post online because the beach Minis will not appear on every beach. People will want their friends to know where they are so that they can join the fun.

Mini Inflatables were created by Access Agency after the success unveiling of the Mini Indoor Drive-in cinema for the new Countryman in Italy.

Access’s cool car experiences for Mini include the recently launched Sephora's new Same Day delivery service using the Mini Clubman.
The Mini Inflatables are incredibly flexible as promotional and entertainment tools. They can be used not only at the beach over summer but in many other environments as well.

Additional uses for the beach include fun Mini rides in Mini Inflatables pulled by speedboats or jet skis.

Mini Inflatables are effective as massive “balloons” on top of actual Minis in showrooms, outdoor picnic promotions, parks, special events such as Art Basel and other large-scale festivals.
Mini Inflatables are also perfect for point-of-sale displays, as showroom props and as décor.

Today´s Favorite

2012 BMW 1-Series Hatchback

Here are the first official photos of the new BMW 1-Series hatchback. The 2012 BMW 1-Series hatch evolves the current model’s styling with sharper and more prominent creases all around along with a much more pronounced front end that sports unusually large headlamps pushed to the far corners of the bumper literally hugging the wheel arches.
The new 1-Series rides on a 85mm (3.3-in.) longer platform that brings the total length of the car to 4,320mm (170-in.). The cargo area has increased by 30 liters, from 330 to 360 liters.

The 2012 BMW 1-Series gets a brand new 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. The new powerplant will be available on the 116i with an output of 136-horses and on the 118i with the same displacement but with 170-horses. Diesel options are said to include a 2.0-liter turbo diesel with 116HP, 143HP and 184HP.
The 1-Series is scheduled to make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Today´s Favorite

Today´s Favorite

Breguet Marine Tourbillon Ref. 5839 High Jewellery Chronograph Watch

In the watch world diamonds seem to make just about everything better. This Ref. 5839 Marine Troubillon High Jewellery watch is a diamond encrusted version of the Ref. 5937 from a few years ago. Breguet outfitted the watch case and dial with an impressive amount of diamonds, but still was able to retain that signature Breguet Marine watch look.

The 43mm wide 18k white gold case as about 11.77 carats of stones on it. One of the neatest parts is how Breguet was able to maintain the coined edge of the case using specially cut diamonds. Also not the unique pattern the diamonds create for the bezel. On the dial smaller diamonds are set in the middle of the dial and don't overshadow the hands. The dial itself is silvered 18k gold. Overall Breguet did a great job giving a men's jewelry watch a functional face.

Inside the watch is a Breguet caliber 554.4 manually wound tourbillon movement with the time and a chronograph complication. The watch has 50 hours of power reserve with special features that include a silicium balance spring and escapement wheel.

Ford Fiesta Sport Special Edition

Ford has unveiled a new Fiesta Sport Special Edition, developed on the base of the European market Fiesta Sport + (called the 1600S in the UK and Sport S in Germany). The new Fiesta Special Edition is available with two engine options, the 1.6-liter Duratec Ti-VCT petrol unit delivering 134-horses and 160Nm torque at 4,250rpm.
Combined with a close-ratio gearing and a redeveloped exhaust system, the Fiesta Sport Special Edition with the petrol engine completes the 0-100km/h acceleration in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 195km/h.

The other option is a less powerful but more frugal 1.6-liter turbo diesel producing 95-horses that returns 107g of CO2 and a combined fuel economy of 4.1lt/100km.
The Ford Fiesta Sport Special edition is available as a three door model with buyers having a choice of seven exterior colors including a flat black finish. A styling kit complete with lowered side skirts and spoilers for the front bumper and rear hatch as well as silver-colored front grille surround, aerofoil, fog lamp bezels and polished twin exhausts come as standard. The new exterior also include Panther Black 17-inch alloy wheels on the petrol model and 16-inch on the diesel, while silver alloy wheels are also available as an option.
Inside, the Sport Special Edition features Ebony Black heated leather sports seats with silver stitching and an identically upholstered steering wheel with gloss black spokes. Features include air conditioning with automatic temperature control, alloy metal pedals, gloss black instrument bezels, bespoke floor mats and silver scuff plates.
The Ford Fiesta Sport Special Edition is available in Europe, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.

Today´s Favorite

Today´s Favorite

The quest for eights in a Nissan GT-R

Eight seconds can seem either like an instant or an eternity.
For SP Engineering, however, eight seconds is the threshold it aims to cross in its highly modified Nissan GT-R shop car for the standing quarter-mile.
“This car will run eights,” said Will Wong, wholesale manager at SP Engineering. “The problem is traction, getting the power to the ground.” But SP continues to try a variety of suspension settings and tires in an effort to reach its goal.
Even with a full interior and ice-cold air conditioning, the street-legal GT-R pumps out more than 1,150 all-wheel horsepower through the Mickey Thompson drag-radial tires.
Having broken the previously long-held dyno horsepower records, SP went on to hold the world record for GT-R quarter-mile time with the SPE900 GT-R in April 2010--9.62 seconds at 149.8 mph. A stock 2012 Nissan GT-R will run the quarter-mile time in the low-11-second range.
Rival tuner shop AMS Performance of Chicago in May 2011 took the current record with a 9.1-second run at 163 mph with its flagship Alpha 10 GT-R.
Since then, SP has consistently been hitting the 9.2-second mark with its SPE1000 setup, inching closer to the ever-elusive eight-second barrier.
“With the right [elevation] and a good 60-foot launch, the SPE1000 can do very high eights, we believe,” Wong said.
SP plans to debut its top-of-the-line Godzilla package on track in the next month in another attempt to break the eight-second barrier. Piloting the SP Godzilla GT-R will be longtime customer and hot shoe Hing Yim.
If you have deep enough pockets and a strong stomach, you can have your own Godzilla GT-R for just less than $100,000. More than 20 kits have been ordered.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110720/CARNEWS/110729990#ixzz1Sh57R4WS

Today´s Favorite

Ferrari World Design Contest

 Awhile ago, Ferrari hosted a competition which they dubbed the World Design Contest, a year-long project to single out seven finalists from a myriad of participants, all of whom designed unique, futuristic concept cars for the famous Italian supercar brand. Now, courtesy of Cool Hunting, we have some images straight from the Ferrari HQ in Maranello of the final seven designs. The brief from the stallion-emblazoned label was to reduce fuel consumption as well as the car’s overall weight in order to increase driving pleasure. Each team displayed three different designs, some of which we have images of here. Look into the future, and enjoy!

2012 Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet has unveiled its special Camaro for celebrating the iconic car’s 45th anniversary. The 3.6-liter V6 engine has been upgraded to 323 hp, an increase of 11 horsepower over the 2011 engine. The new engine is 20.5 pounds (9.3 kg) lighter and benefits from a thorough rework, including new cylinder head design, new fuel pump and optimized-flow fuel injectors, among other changes.

2012 Camaro SS coupes will be available with a new FE4 sport suspension, which improves handling.
The new suspension package includes retuned front and rear dampers, new solid front and rear stabilizer bars and 20-inch aluminum wheels.
The interior concern the revamped instrument panel with different graphics and trim, a new steering wheel design and a power lift feature for the passenger seat.
A new added feature is the Rear Vision Package, which consists of a rearview camera system. On the outside, the new Camaro gets a new rear spoiler and the RS appearance taillamps as standard.
Chevrolet will also launch a 45th Anniversary Special Edition Camaro. This package will be offered on the top two trim levels (2LT and 2SS). Special edition Camaros carry over all the 2012 upgrades and feature a unique rally stripe in red and silver painted over the Carbon Flash Metallic paint.
The exterior details include 45th Anniversary badges on the front fenders, new 20-inch dark silver wheels, RS-style taillamp lenses, fog lamp and taillamp bezels finished in dark silver, standard rear spoiler and HID headlamps and body-color roof molding.
Inside, the 45th anniversary Chevrolet Camaro features a Jet Black interior with leather upholstery, a white instrument panel and door trim inserts, red, white and blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel, shift knob, door armrests and console lid.

Today´s Favorite

BMW Special Edition M3 Coupe for China

BMW launched a special “M3 Tiger Edition” for Chinese market. It appears that limited production coupe model was well received in China so BMW decided to create yet another special M3, this time called the Matte Edition.
The new M3 special is all about colors with buyers having a choice of two unique exterior finishes, gunmetal grey or black. In both cases the bespoke color is created by combining a metallic finish with a silky matte clear coat. Other tweaks include the black chrome side air intakes and exhaust tail pipes, the red brake calipers and the lightweight 19-inch high-gloss alloy wheels.

In interior, BMW’s designers opted for carbon fiber decorative trim and matching special black carbon fiber leather for the seats along with contrasting red seams for the seat edges and door armrests.
The new BMW M3 Matted Edition is powered by the standard naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 engine that churns out 420 horsepower and 400Nm of peak torque.

Today´s Favorite

2012 Hyundai Sonata Facelift

Hyundai unveiled its facelift for South Korean market version of its Sonata sedan. The light cosmetic facelift on the outside brings a revamped front grille with a little bit less chrome on top and around the sides, plus new LED taillights at the back, reshaped mirror casings and a fresh choice of alloy wheel designs including a set of 18-inch multispoke rims.

Inside, facelifted Sonata gets new trim options, higher quality materials, the addition of LED spot lights and improved standard equipment throughout the range.
In South Korea, while the Hyundai Sonata continues with the 165-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, matched to a manual gearbox or an automatic transmission, for the 2012MY, Hyundai replaced the 2.4-liter gasoline engine with the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot rated at 271-horses.

Today´s Favorite

Today´s favorite

VW: 'More masculine' Beetle will appeal to guys

Volkswagen expects many more men will buy the 2012 Beetle when U.S. sales of the redesigned version begin in September. And it wants younger customers, too.

Rainer Michel, Volkswagen of America's vice president of product marketing and strategy, says a "more masculine" appearance, including a higher beltline, and 20 more horsepower for the Beetle's base model should do the trick.

For the outgoing New Beetle, more than 65 percent of U.S. buyers were women. But for the new version, that percentage will be closer to 50, Michel says. He predicts that the average age of Beetle buyers will fall from 58 to 36.

Michel also expects the styling to give the Beetle more appeal outside the United States. The previous generation, introduced in 1998, relied on the United States for 72 percent of sales. That should drop to 50 percent for the new version, he says.

"The new style tested well in North America as well as in Europe, and China is a growing market," Michel says.

VW executives would not disclose sales targets but said the Beetle won't reach its 1999 peak of 83,434 cars in the United States.

"There are now many more competitors in the market, but we'll sell many more than in the last few years," said Andres Valbuena, VWoA's manager of Beetle product marketing and strategy.

He cited the Mini, Scion tC, Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro as competitors.

Sales of the outgoing New Beetle fell to 16,537 cars last year.

Michel said VW hopes to drive showroom traffic with the new version. "It is an icon, and we brought it back to the iconic style."

VW builds the Beetle in Puebla, Mexico. The engines, platform and underpinnings are taken from the Jetta sedan, which is made in Puebla. The outgoing New Beetle is based on the Golf hatchback that went out of production in 2005.

Initially, the Beetle will be available in the United States with a 170-hp, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine, and a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Pricing starts at $19,765 for the base model and $24,165 for the turbo. The prices include shipping.

A turbodiesel version goes on sale next spring, and a convertible in early summer. Prices for those versions haven't been released.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110718/CARNEWS/110719899#ixzz1SVvTDAWA

Today´s favorite

2012 Audi A5 Facelift

Audi unveiled the facelifted versions of its A5 Coupe, the Sportback and Cabriolet. The 2012 Audi A5 range is available with direct injection engines featuring forced induction and stop-start and energy regeneration system as standard.
The base engine for all models is the updated 4-cylinder 1.8-liter TFSI petrol, which produces 170HP and 320 Nm of torque. The revised four-pot is more frugal with the Coupe returning 5.7 liters/100 km on the combined cycle.

The 2.0 TFSI with 211HP remains unchanged, while a new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 with 272HP has been added to the A5’s line-up.
The diesel range comprises of four engines, one four cylinder and three V6s. The base 2.0 TDI has an output of 177HP and, in the Coupe, consumes 4.7 liters/100 km.
Exterior changes are restrained with the new “wave” LED headlamps. Other revisions include the modified front grille, the redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes, a new rear bumper and tweaked rear lights with optional continuous LED light strips.
Inside, the most significant upgrade is the introduction of an available three rear-seat configuration for the A5 Sportback. The new steering wheel and auto gearbox lever designs, the different finishes on the instrument panel and console, the new trim options and an available MMI system with 3D imaging, Google Earth navigation and a WLAN hotspot, complete the changes for the 2012MY.
Audi says the new A5 is only marginally more expensive than its predecessor is. For example, in Germany the price increase for the A5 Coupe 2.0 TFSI is just €200, while the base A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI starts from €33,350.

Today´s favorite

GM takes issue with VW chairman Winterkorn's statements about Opel

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has apparently ruffled some feathers at General Motors. The American automaker took the time to release a scornful statement about the VW executive's comments toward the beleaguered Eureopean brand, Opel. Apparently, Winterkorn took the time to comment on what he believes the brand faces in the near future while speaking with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, fuelling speculation that Opel is in dire straits and that a sale may be on the horizon. GM shot back by saying that VW is simply nervous about the launch of the Ampera in Europe, and that the automaker is simply trying to sabotage the Opel recovery.

Them's fightin' words.

GM says that due to the strong positive response that the Ampera has garnered so far, the company is now planning to crank out an additional Ampera models to satiate demand. Additionally, the statement makes it clear that Opel is an important part of the GM flock and that the brand isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Hit the jump to check out the official statement for yourself.

Today´s favorite

Levi’s Makes Jeans for Bicyclists

Every biker has experienced one unavoidable woe: the inevitable disintegration of your go-to biking pants. Crotches tear. Fabric becomes thin. Your friends don’t want to hang out because they think you smell bad. Levi’s aims to counteract all of that with their new Commuter brand, which incorporates a whopping amount of ultracool technology to ensure that your favorite gear doesn’t end up in the trashcan. With a reinforced crotch that prevents tearage, Nanosphere technology that makes them water and dirt resistant and a sanitized hygiene function that keeps them fresh, these are the real deal. They’ve got a whole slew of other surprises, too, like a loop that holds your U-lock. They’ll be available in select Levi’s stores this week, which means that in a matter of hours you’ll be be able to grab a pair and bike cleanly off into the sunset.

Read more: http://www.thefader.com/2011/07/13/levis-makes-jeans-for-bicyclists/#ixzz1S97onsnq

Our work

See more on http://www.facebook.com/Redperformance1

Lumma Design 2011 BMW X6

The 2011 BMW X6 doesn’t exactly need any help in the ridiculous department. From its questionable purpose and usefulness to its enormous, bulbous proportions and Herculean power figures, this thing has elective purchase written all over it.
@funkmasterflex

Now, though, thanks to Germany’s Lumma Design, it is – you guessed it – more ridiculous. To start with, the company bolted on huge 22-inch wheels to complement a complete body kit. Inside, there’s a custom dash, steering wheel and sport seats, all in two-tone leather.
Under the hood, Lumma has cranked the X6′s diesel up to 340 horses, which should give your two feet plenty to think about when you’re in stunna mode.

Today´s favorite