Ferrari Logo

Ferrari S.p.A. is a multinational Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles as Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has had great success. Ferrari road cars are generally seen as a symbol of luxury and wealth.

 

Ferrari Logo

 

Ferrari Logo

 

Ferrari Logo

 

Ferrari Logo

 

Ferrari Logo

 

Ferrari Logo

Articles Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari

New Viper Loses to Corvette ZR1 in MT Test, SRT Boss Tweets His Frustration

The current, sixth-generation Corvette is about to be replaced as its all-new successor is just around the corner, being already teased by GM itself and due to break cover at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show next month. It’s about time, too, as the C6 has been around since 2005.

Corvette ZR1

As it’s getting ready to exit the stage, though, another player comes charging in. In fact, it’s the only other car from Detroit that can lay claim to be an American supercar: the all-new SRT Viper.

Corvette ZR1

It would be unfair to the ‘Vette to even think about pitting them against each other, wouldn’t you agree?

Motor Trend apparently doesn’t. It has put the Viper GTS against the Corvette ZR1, its reasoning being that the two cars are very evenly matched, at least on paper.

Let’s see: they both have big-capacity engines with 2 valves per cylinder and a single overhead cam per cylinder bank up front powering the rear wheels via six-speed manual transmissions. The ZR1 is two cylinders short of the Viper’s 10, but it makes up for it thanks to an Eaton supercharger with Behr intercoolers.

The two are separated by just 2HP and 4 lb-ft of torque: the ZR1 makes 638HP and 604 lb-ft and the Viper 640HP and 600 lb-ft. They have an identical weight-to-power ratio of 5.2 pounds per HP and, according to MT’s test data, even post identical 0-60 and 0-100 mph (0-96 and 0-160 km/h) times of 3.4 and 7.3 seconds respectively.

Jonny Lieberman, along with the rest of the MT crew, found out that the Corvette ZR1 trumped the all-new Viper in every respect, including the interior! Despite all the fuss about the Viper being reborn as a much tamer animal, it’s still an animal even with the added traction and stability control, according to the magazine.

Professional race driver and two-time Daytona 24 winner Randy Pobst took the two cars to post some quick lap times around the Laguna Seca circuit.

One way to look at the Viper’s 1:35.77 lap time is that it’s faster than some serious competition like the Ferrari 458 Italia, the Lexus LFA, the Audi R8 GT, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the Nissan GT-R.

In the context of the comparison test, though, it’s 2.1 seconds per lap slower...than the outgoing Corvette ZR1. Game, set and match to the Corvette, then.

The story, however, doesn’t end here. SRT boss Ralph Gilles took issue with Motor Trend’s results and vented out his frustration to the social media.

“We’ve tested both cars at several tracks and never seen a gap like that”, he tweeted, adding that “many drivers needlessly fear the Viper”, “there’s a lot more left in the car, Randy has always struggled with the Viper” and “raise your game and you’ll find the last 10 percent”.

In other words, he disputed the lap time and, practically, stopped one tweet short of calling Pobst, Lieberman and the rest not brave enough to drive the Viper as it is meant to be driven.

Something tells us this is far from over... 

Articles Source : CarScoop

First Drive in NZ: All-New Subaru Forester High On Refinement, Space

Just been driving the new Forester XT turbo in New Zealand, and it's the first Subaru Turbo I've driven with a CVT.

Subaru Forester

I had mixed feelings about how that transmission would work with the turbo, but I guess that the fact that Subaru's new third generation Lineartronic is going to be used with its new range of European market turbodiesels in both the Outback and Forester later in the year means that it will take the torque.

Subaru Forester

I noticed no disconcerting flare - often a bugbear with CVTs and more powerful engines - and loved the way the car stepped smoothly off the line, settling into low-revving cruise mode for town and around work, and open-road driving very decorously.

Subaru Forester

Well-chosen gearing allows the Forester to surf along on its low to mid-revolution biased torque curve, which will allow pretty useful economy in normal running, while the surge of energy on tap when you mash the throttle is very pleasing. With a rise in engine pitch, the Forester XT quickly catches up with itself in that distinctive CVT way, and dispatched overtaking maneuvers with great aplomb.

Ride quality appears improved, with attention obviously focused on impact damping, so any bash and crash over potholes is well insulated from the cabin.

The car feels as roomy inside as a generation old Legacy/Outback, with particularly useful rear legroom.

This shows that the Forester is placed to slot in neatly ahead of the XV, though with the extra space, Subaru may see the car cannibalising Legacy/Outback sales.

The car's dash treatment is an improvement, with better choices of texture and a simpler layout than the old car's. Particularly useful are the dashboard mounted readouts. My preview car had Eyesight as standard, and though it's a nice accessory, it does get confused with paint spills!

Most disappointing is the car's styling. It doesn't look too bad in darker tones, but the off-white car seems too busy in the gum-shield like front bumper area. From rear and side-on, you can tell it's a Forester and that's no bad thing, though I'll make mine charcoal or even darker, thanks.

The new Forester arrives in New Zealand showrooms in February 2013 in direct-injected atmospheric 2.5L and turbo 2.0L forms. The 2.0 Turbodiesel version gets here later in the year.

Articles Source : CarScoop

2014 BMW Z4 Roadster

BMW has announced details of the new 2014 BMW Z4. This Z4 will be showcased at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2013 and will begin production in March. Many Z4 enthusiasts were expecting this version to be based on the Zagato roadster concept from last year, but BMW have disappointed so far with no influence at all of the aggressive concept and have just subtly facelifted the Z4. BMW will get the updated Z4 to India within the next 18 months.

2014 BMW Z4 Roadster

The engine options remain the same on the 2014 BMW Z4. The sDrive28i is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 240 HP of power. Two versions of the 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder engines are on offer, the sDrive35i with 300 HP and the sDrive35is with 335 HP. BMW has introduced a new engine variant in most markets except USA called the sDrive18i which uses a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing a meager 154 HP of power and 240 Nm of torque. This engine gets the same 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic gearbox.

2014 BMW Z4 Roadster

The performance is limited with the manual managing 0 to 100 km/hr in 7.9 seconds and the auto sprinting to the ton in 8.1 seconds. The top speed is 221 km/hr. However this version is pretty fuel efficient and delivers and overall mileage of 14.5 km/l.

2014 BMW Z4 Roadster

2014 BMW Z4 Roadster

Coming to the exterior, only minor chances are seen. The headlamps get a new 3-dimensional design of the LED rings and BMW lettering on the LED accent lights on the top. The side indicators get a new tapered surround. New alloys are on offer with an option of 17 and 18-inch size with a new design. For the interiors, BMW has introduced a new styling package called the Hyper Orange package. It is available with three colors – Mineral Grey metallic, Glacier Silver metallic and Valencia Orange metallic.

2014 BMW Z4 Roadster

2014 BMW Z4 Roadster

What this pack includes is the whole interior is covered with black leather and Alcantara with orange stripes on the dashboard, special orange stitching and orange door panels. Also this package has a metal weave trim for the dash and high gloss black for other trim pieces like the door openers and gear lever. Most other things are the same with the standard iDrive system that folds into the dash as well as many new trims as well as upholstery options. A new navigation system using the same folding screen of the iDrive is available as an option.

Articles Source : beforeitsnews

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

A third body variant of the BMW M6 high-performance sports car is set to be presented for the first time as the BMW M6 Gran Coupe joins the existing Coupe and Convertible models in the line-up. The new member of the M6 family brings together customary M performance characteristics with extra helpings of luxury and aesthetic appeal. The high-revving V8 enginewith M TwinPower Turbo technology and 412 kW/560 hp propels the BMW M6 Gran Coupe from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds. And the elegantly sporty lines of the four-door Coupe are complemented by bespoke features, such as the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. The greater interior space of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe allows two rear passengers to enjoy generous levels of on-board comfort, and there is also a third rear seat for use on shorter journeys.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

Design: the beauty of majestic power delivery.

Hallmark M design features influenced directly by technical considerations - such as cooling air requirements, chassis geometry, weight balance and aerodynamics - open a clear window into the performance capability of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. The front of the car is dominated by its large air intakes, standard Adaptive LED Headlights and an M kidney grille designed especially for this model. From the side, the first four-door Coupe in the BMW M GmbH ranks is clearly distinguishable from the BMW M6 Coupe thanks to its rear doors and 113-millimetre longer wheelbase. The low roofline flowing smoothly into the rear, the swage line - which takes in the door openers - and side windows extending well into the C-pillars accentuate the dynamically stretched silhouette.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

Prominently flared wheel arches draw the eye to a track width specific to the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. The characteristic M gills, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, standard BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line package and exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design underline the car's distinctive appearance, as does another M signature - twin exhaust tailpipes positioned on the outer edges of the rear apron. Also integrated into the rear apron, and charged with the task of optimising airflow along the car's underbody, is a diffuser made from CFRP.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

This extremely lightweight, impressively strong high-tech material is used in the construction of the roof as well. Here, the visible carbon structure provides an eye-catching feature, as does a dynamic recess in the centre of the roof. This recess is referenced stylistically inside the car, the anthracite-coloured Alcantara roof liner gaining a central section in leather.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

Emulating the harmonious blend of athletic prowess and elegance embodied by the exterior design, the distinctively M cockpit fuses sports car style with generous levels of space and a luxurious ambience. The driver and front passenger can look forward to M sports seats with integral belt guides. And the BMW M6 Gran Coupe's standard specification also includes Merino leather upholstery with extended features. The rear compartment offers two or three seats, the backrests of which can split and fold down in a ratio of 40 : 60 to increase boot capacity from 460 to as much as 1,265 litres.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, Active M Differential.

The powertrain technology under the skin of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe guarantees the performance characteristics for which M Automobiles are renowned. The V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology produces 412 kW/560 hp. Its technical wizardry includes a pair of twin-scroll turbochargers, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos continuously variable camshaft control. The 4,395 cc unit keeps peak torque of 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm, while maximum output is developed between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm. The engine revs to a maximum of 7,200 rpm. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h/155 mph (305 km/h/189 mph if the optional M Driver's Package is specified). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions are 232 grams per kilometre.

Taking care of power transfer is a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. The transmission's electronic management system ensures the right gear is selected for optimum traction. It also offers the driver a Launch Control function for maximum acceleration, Low Speed Assistance for extra comfort and the Auto Start-Stop function to enhance efficiency.

Under particularly dynamic acceleration out of corners, as well as in tricky road and weather conditions, the Active M Differential at the rear axle distributes the engine's power between the individual wheels to maximum traction-enhancing effect. Its electronically controlled multi-disc limited-slip differential works hand-in-hand with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system and splits drive between the right and left rear wheels quickly and precisely according to the situation at hand.

Chassis technology developed to M specification.

The chassis technology of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe is also geared to harnessing the car's sporting potential in the cause of supreme performance. Like the integral rear axle, the double-wishbone front axle has specific kinematics and components made from forged aluminium. Chassis mountings using large panels ensure dynamic forces are passed evenly through to the body. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe comes as standard with an M-specific version of the Dynamic Damper Control system and hydraulic variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with the M Servotronic function.

As an alternative to the standard high-performance compound braking system, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe can also be ordered with M carbon-ceramic brakes. Made from a new type of carbon-fibre compound ceramic, the discs boast even greater resistance to heat, lower weight and exceptional resistance to wear.

Arranged around the gearshift lever on the centre console of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe are the buttons used to configure all the adjustable powertrain and chassis functions to personal tastes. The DSC mode,engine performance characteristics, Dynamic Damper Control mapping,M Servotronic responses and M DCT Drivelogic shift program can be selected independently of each other. All of which means the driver can put together a detailed set-up and store those settings on one of the two M Drive buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

Exclusive and individual: high-quality range of equipment.

The standard equipment fitted on the BMW M6 Gran Coupe includes 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, leather trim, heated driver and front passenger seats, automatically dimming rear-view and exterior mirrors, an alarm system and the BMW Professional radio with hi-fi loudspeakers. Available as an alternative to the standard 2-zone automatic climate control is a 4-zone system with a control panel in the rear compartment. Among the other highlights of the options list are M multifunction seats, heated rear seats, Comfort Access, a heated steering wheel, the Soft Close Automatic function for the doors, electrically operated sun blinds, the new generation of the Professional navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System.

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe also comes with a variety of BMW ConnectedDrive features, such as an M-specific BMW Head-Up Display, Park Distance Control, a rear-view camera, High Beam Assistant, Speed Limit Info, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition. Customers can also integrate their Apple iPhone or other smartphones into the car and make use of internet-based services while on board.

The recommended retail price of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe in Germany will be 128.800 €, including 19% VAT. Market launch is scheduled for May 2013 in Germany and early Summer 2013 in the US.

Articles Source : NetCarShow

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

Dynamic performance where the sky's the limit - the new Audi RS5 Cabriolet entices with a scintillating combination of power and elegance. The four-seat convertible, which is built in Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH, combines its distinctly sporty character with the exhilaration of open-top driving.

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

The high-revving V8 FSI develops 331 kW (450 hp) from its 4.2 liters of displacement, accelerating the Audi RS5 Cabriolet from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds. The seven-speed S tronic and the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system reliably transmit power to the road. The chassis also boasts a wide array of high-tech solutions, ranging from carbon fiber brake discs to the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). Sophisticated assistance and infotainment systems round out the offering.

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

The 4.2-liter FSI delivers 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. It produces 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm. The long-stroke naturally aspirated engine develops 79.5 kW (108.1 hp) per liter displacement and special flaps in the exhaust tailpipe vary the sound. The convertible accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.9 seconds - the best in its class. As an option, Audi can increase the top speed from 250 (155.34 mph) to 280 km/h (173.98 mph). The combined fuel consumption of the powerful V8 is 10.7 liters per 100 km (21.98 US mpg).

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

Thanks to the long ratio of its highest gear, the seven-speed S tronic makes a substantial contribution to efficiency. Drivers can employ the automatic dual-clutch transmission for instantaneous and smooth shifts in the D and S programs, or they can shift manually using the paddles on the steering wheel.

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

In its latest evolutionary stage, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system features the self-locking crown-gear center differential and torque vectoring. Audi also offers the optional sport differential for the rear axle, which actively distributes power between the wheels.

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

Aluminum is used for much of the five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension on the Audi RS5 Cabriolet. The speed-dependent power steering system is highly efficient with its electromechanical drive unit. The body is built 20 mm (0.79 in) lower to the groundthan on the Audi A5 Cabriolet, the axle mounts are stiffer, the anti-roll bars are larger and stronger. Aluminum forged wheels, size 9 J x 19 with 265/35 tires, come as standard, and Audi offers optional 20-inch wheels as well.

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet

Internally ventilated, perforated discs in a weight-saving wave design (3 kg) (6.61 lb) lower in weight) bring the car to a stop; pins are used to join the discs to the aluminum brake pots - a concept adopted from motorsport. The front brake callipers operate with eight pistons each; Audi can deliver the car with fiber-reinforced ceramic discs as an option. The ESC stabilization system with Sport mode can be fully deactivated, if the driver prefers.

Audi drive select is a standard feature in the RS5 Cabriolet. The driver can use this function to vary the characteristics of main technology components. These include the throttle valves, the seven-speed S tronic, the steering and the exhaust system sound flaps as well as the optional components: sport differential, dynamic steering, adaptive cruise control and the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The latter entails a hydromechanical system that operates without any delays; the shock absorber characteristic can be adjusted over three different maps.

Exterior styling

The Audi RS5 Cabriolet provides an accomplished combination of Audi's design idiom and the fascination of a four-seat convertible. The high-performance convertible is 4,649 mm (183.03 in) long and 1,860 mm (73.23 in) wide, but just 1,380 mm (54.33 in) in height. The long hood, a wheelbase of 2,751 mm (108.31 in) and clean lines create a flowing silhouette with finely balanced proportions and striking details.

The tapered Singleframe grille dominates the front end, its side edges extending beyond the hood. A frame in a matt aluminum look encloses the grille, the honeycomb grille insert that sports an RS5 logo shines in anthracite. The wedge-shaped headlights with wave-like lower edges draw the eye to the vehicle's exterior, creating the visual sensation of more width. The xenon plus lamps inside the headlights surround the LED strips that form the daytime running lights.

The large side air intakes combine with the flat central intake under the grille to accentuate the width of the front end. The two exterior intakes sport honeycomb grilles and are divided up by vertical and horizontal struts into six segments in each direction. They are integrated into a boldly contoured bumper that tapers into a powerful aluminum-look splitter edge.

An anodized aluminum strip on the windshield frame, a classic feature of all Audi convertibles, lends the vehicle a stylish touch. The decorative trim strips on the window channels and the soft top box cover are made of the same material, and the door mirror housings are finished in a matt aluminum look. Crisp, taut surfaces and sharp contour edges characterize the side lines - the dynamic line runs over the side sills, the sweeping tornado line below the windows. The wide shoulders, the powerfully flared wheel arches, the large wheels and the angular sill trims are testimony to the raw power of the Audi RS5 Cabriolet.

The lines also emphasize the impression of sporty width at the rear. The luggage compartment cover sports an RS5 logo and a subtle spoiler lip made out of matt carbon; the lip can also be painted in the body color as an option. The two large, elliptical tailpipe tips of the dual exhaust system enclose the diffuser, which extends far upward.

A contour painted in the body color (available optionally in aluminum look) splits the diffusor into two sections, with the upper section featuring a honeycomb insert.

The Audi RS5 Cabriolet is available in eight exterior paint finishes - the Ibis White non-metallic finish, the metallic Suzuka Grey, the pearl effect variants Daytona Grey, Misano Red and Phantom Black along with the specially pigmented crystal effect finishes Panther Black, Estoril Blue and Prism Silver. In addition, a virtually unlimited range of customized paint finishes is available exclusively from Audi. The soft top is available in black, gray, red or brown. As options, Audi can install a styling package in matt aluminum as well as an engine compartment design package with carbon trim.

Interior

The interior entices with its high-quality workmanship. User controls are intuitively simple - one of Audi's classic strengths. All the buttons, switches, and levers are exactly where the driver expects them to be.

Trimmed in perforated leather, the multifunction sports steering wheel comes with a strong, flat-bottomed rim. The shift paddles come with an aluminum-look finish. The driver information system displays on request a RS-specific menu including lap timer and an oil temperature gauge. Just like the MMI monitor, the system displays an RS welcome page as the vehicle is started. The speedometer and rev counter have black scales, white dials and red needles.

The standard S front sports seats come with high bolsters, a removable seat cushion, four-way lumbar support, integrated head restraints, heating, and power adjustment. RS5 logos are embossed in the backrests. Seat covers come in a combination of black leather and Alcantara, black or moon silver fine Nappa leather with piped seams in rock grey are available as an option. All grades of leather are pigmented to inhibit heating by sunlight. As an alternative to sports seats, Audi can also fit bucket seats for luxurious climate-controlled comfort seats with ventilation function. The Audi exclusive range includes exquisite leather packages, including bucket seats covered in diamond-quilted fine Nappa leather.

The interior of the Audi RS5 Cabriolet is finished in black; as an option Audi can also supply the soft top headlining in star silver. Carbon inlays are standard in the interior, but alternative inlays are also available optionally at no extra charge in matt brushed aluminum or Aluminum Race with its three-dimensional effect, black piano finish or light stainless steel mesh. The Audi exclusive range includes a selection of wood veneers as well as many other individualization options.

The surrounds on the instrument cluster and the centre console dazzle with their piano finish look; the selector lever knob on the seven-speed S tronic features RS-specific styling. The door openers taper to double, narrow bars - another hallmark RS detail. The pedals, the footrest, the air vent frames, the MMI buttons and many other controls shine with their aluminum-look finish, aluminum inserts adorn the door sill trims. RS5 logos add striking touches in the interior.

The backrests of the two-seater rear seat bench have sporty contours and are symmetrically split. They can be unlocked by actuating levers in the trunk and drop automatically onto the seat cushions thanks to pre-tensioned springs. The large standard pass-through provides a total loading length of 1.76 meters (5.77 ft) and 750 liters (26.49 cubic ft) of stowage space. Audi offers a ski/snowboard bag as an option.

Equipment and trim

The Audi RS5 Cabriolet will go on sale to customers in Germany in early 2013, with a base price of 88,500 euros. The standard equipment is wide-ranging - apart from the features already mentioned, the lineup includes parking system plus, automatic belt feeders, an electromechanical parking brake, automatic climate control, wind deflector, concert radio with CD player and eight loudspeakers, a lighting package, and a restraint system package that includes six airbags, integral Audi head restraint system, and ISOFIX anchor points for child safety seats in the rear.

Customers looking for even more comfort will find what they are looking for in the Options items. The range includes the convenience key, the high-beam assist, adaptive light, head-level heating, rear seat heating, memory function for the driver's seat and deluxe automatic air conditioning with three-zone control.

All of the assistance systems from the A5 series are available in the new Audi RS5 Cabriolet. The driver information system with rest recommendation function is standard; it detects when the driver is getting tired.

Adaptive cruise control maintains the four-seat convertible at the required speed and at a constant distance to the vehicle ahead; at speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph) it can trigger emergency braking should the need arise. Audi side assist makes changing lanes safer, Audi active lane assist uses slight steering interventions in the electromechanical power steering to help the driver to stay in the driving lane, and the parking system plus with reversing camera facilitates maneuvering.

The system lineup is just as extensive when it comes to infotainment. The top-of-the-line version is the MMI navigation plus - a high-end media control center with large hard drive, DVD player and seven-inch color monitor with 3-D graphics.

The Bang & Olufsen Sound System controls 12 loudspeakers with an output of 505 watts.

The Bluetooth car phone online provides the perfect complement to MMI navigation plus - it connects the Audi RS5 Cabriolet to the Internet via a UMTS module. Passengers can use their mobile devices to seamlessly access the web via the integrated WLAN hotspot. For the driver, the system delivers customized online services from Audi connect to the car - they range from Audi online traffic information to navigation with images from Google Earth and Google Maps Street View and Audi music stream web radio.

Articles Source : NetCarShow

2013 Lincoln MKZ

Nearly identical to the Lincoln MKZ Concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012, the production 2013 Lincoln MKZ embodies a design language that is subtly distinctive.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

"We call it elegant simplicity," said Max Wolff, Lincoln Design director. "We wanted the new MKZ to be inviting and approachable. We moved away from traditional luxury cues and complex designs. We came up with something warm that is rich, yet still intentionally restrained."

Lincoln MKZ Exterior

A sweeping roofline defines the new luxury sedan's profile. The steeply raked windshield and lengthened backlight make for a sleeker and more flowing appearance that is 10 percent more aerodynamic than the model it replaces. "The MKZ shape is a vision completed with just a few strokes," said Wolff.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

Although strikingly modern, the design retains classic Lincoln design elements including a more refined interpretation of the split-wing grille, first seen on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

Rearview mirrors stand on door-mounted, sculpted pedestals. This fitment enables the front door glass to extend farther forward to improve visibility and to allow even more light into the interior.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

The crafted headlamp assemblies include bright, energy-efficient LED lighting. The front headlights turn in sync with the steering wheel, providing enhanced visibility. At the rear, LED technology enabled a thin, distinctive full-width taillamp graphic.

2013 Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln MKZ Interior

Design teams created an inviting interior featuring bold architectural elements, rich natural materials and fine details.

"The exterior's front graphic is repeated in the dramatic sweep of the new instrument panel, helping tie the interior to the exterior in a harmonious manner. These flowing forms - along with the open center console - create a comfortable and functional interior that particularly appeals to younger, more diverse drivers we believe will now consider Lincoln," said Wolff.

Innovation and technology abound inside the new MKZ. Replacing the traditional mechanical transmission shift lever is a contemporary five-button interface. The individual buttons of Push Button Shift engage Park, Neutral, Reverse, and forward gears in two modes, Drive and Sport.

Push Button Shift gave designers freedom to create a sculptural multi-level center console with more functional storage areas.

Positioned ahead of the driver, the full-color 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster operates with the latest version of SYNC with MyLincoln Touch. The all-new design combines dimensional indicator rings framing a brilliant and reconfigurable Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD. An equally critical component of MyLincoln Touch is the nearly flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touch screen that displays information clearly in easy-to-reference color-keyed quadrants.

Premium-grade, supple leather covers all seating surfaces. Responsibly harvested wood and metal-toned surfaces create a luxurious and comfortable interior space.

Standard luxury amenities include an 11-speaker audiophile entertainment system and cabin air filtration, plus heated front seats (with the driver's featuring 10-way power controls), remote start capabilities and Active Noise Control.

To make the Lincoln MKZ exceptionally quiet, ANC electronically targets frequencies and reduces their intensity. To improve the refinement of the driving experience, other frequencies are subtly enhanced.

The available THX® II Certified Car Audio System is a Lincoln-exclusive that features 700 watts, 14 channels and 14 speakers. THX audio engineers spent more than 200 hours custom tuning the THX-certified equipment to the new MKZ's interior. The result delivers home-theater surround sound to the road.

The new Lincoln MKZ is the only sedan in its class to offer inflatable second-row outboard seat belts. Rear-seat passengers - often children or mature passengers - can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. The available inflatable second-row, outboard seat belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area of conventional belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion and helping reduce the risk of injuries.

Camera- and Radar-Based Driving Aids

The new Lincoln MKZ offers the Lane Keeping System, a suite of advanced driving aids that helps drivers avoid drifting from their lane due to distraction or fatigue. Consisting of Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Assist, the Lane Keeping System utilizes a mono-vision camera integrated into the rearview mirror to read the lane markers ahead.

Available radar-based (ultrasonic) driving aids further enhance the driving experience. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support each use a long-range radar system that scans in front of the vehicle, automatically adjusting to traffic speed and providing a visual and audible alert when a potential front-end collision is detected.

Active park assist and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert use multiple short-range wide-angle radar sensors. Each function provides a distinct benefit, ranging from making parallel parking easier to warning of oncoming vehicles while backing out of a parking space.

SYNC with MyLincoln Touch

SYNC with MyLincoln Touch is standard in the new MKZ. The combined system makes it easier to use the entertainment, climate and available navigation features as well as devices brought into the car (e.g., phones, PDA, MP3 players). Twin five-way controls on the steering wheel manage essential systems, and many functions can be voice-activated via SYNC.

Standard SYNC Services make turn-by-turn directions available via one button push and simple voice commands. Continually improving voice recognition software learns user voices, improving the efficiency of voice commands.

Lincoln MKZ Dynamic Driving Technologies

The new MKZ offers Lincoln Drive Control as standard. Lincoln Drive Control is an automatic system that delivers an ideal balance of a smooth ride with confident handling as it intuitively responds to driver commands and the road, making the 2013 model the most refined and engaging MKZ ever.

Always on, Lincoln Drive Control orchestrates the performance of the Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), engine, transmission, Active Noise Control (ANC), traction control and stability control systems.

The result is an unsurpassed combination of refined ride and engaging driving dynamics. CCD offers three modes (Sport/Normal/Comfort) that are accessible using MyLincoln Touch. Selecting "Sport" on the Push Button Shift gear selector enables a decidedly more sporty driving experience.

CCD contributes to Lincoln Drive Control's transparent action by monitoring the car's suspension settings up to 500 times per second. The real-time system adjusts the suspension up to 50 times per second to deliver more controlled handling with a smoother ride. CCD augments a highly developed chassis that includes a refined strut front suspension and an all new integral link rear suspension.

The new Lincoln MKZ is the only sedan in its class to include Continuously Controlled Damping and Active Noise Control as standard equipment.

MKZ Engines, Transmissions and Drive Systems

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ offers three distinct powertrains. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost® delivers the performance of a traditional V6 along with expected segment-leading fuel economy that is at least 3 mpg better than the closest competitor. This engine delivers a projected 20-percent increase in highway fuel economy versus the 2012 MKZ.

Emphasizing performance and efficiency, the optional 3.7-liter V6 produces significantly more power (37 horsepower and 28 lb.-ft. of torque) than the previous Lincoln MKZ V6 while improving fuel economy approximately 5 percent.

Maximizing fuel efficiency, the optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain is expected to enable the 2013 MKZ Hybrid to remain North America's most fuel-efficient premium sedan. The 2012 MKZ Hybrid is rated at 41 city mpg, 36 highway mpg.

Non-hybrid models utilize a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel add to the performance driving experience of the Lincoln MKZ.

Improving grip on slippery roads, the available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system anticipates and adjusts the power delivery to the front and rear axles in as little as 16 milliseconds, faster than the blink of an eye.

Retractable Panoramic Roof

The Retractable Panoramic Roof is a new signature feature for Lincoln. The 15.2-square-foot glass panel offers one of the largest openings available on any current sedan. The design maintains the structural strength of a steel-roof vehicle.

Articles Source : Netcarshow