The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, the latest jewel in the Maserati range, makes its official debut at the prestigious Geneva Auto Show.

Six years after its birth, the car that created the luxury sport sedan segment continues to receive accolades from the general public, automobile enthusiasts and the press. Maserati has decided to celebrate its success with a superlative version, blending the elegance and sporty stylishness of the brand’s flagship, thanks to the combination of highly refined details, handcrafted finishes and features with a decidedly sporty flair.

During its six years of life, the Maserati Quattroporte has received no less than fifty six awards from the most prestigious automotive and lifestyle publications in fourteen countries over in four continents: a global approval for a car that has known how to recreate itself over the years, never failing to maintain the appeal of the lines and purity of the forms created by the hand of Pininfarina, which defined it an instant classic.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, aims to combine in one car all the features that have made the Trident flagship a benchmark for its segment:

· The unique and elegant styling, mixed with a hint of sporting flair due to the eye-catching features adopted on both the exterior and interior fittings

· Driving enjoyment, because the “Awards Edition” is based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, which boasts dynamic and top-class performance

· The craftsmanship of the hand-finished details which make each car a unique product.

The new Quarzo fuso finishing – a pearlescent metallic grey with golden nuanced colour -  exclusive to this model, makes the exterior immediately recognizable, and highlights the body’s elegant lines. The burnished treatment used on the exterior chrome parts, as well as on the side air vents and radiator surround, also blends with the 20’’ Multi Trident dark grey rims with satin finish.

The brake system, which replicates the system fitted to the Quattroporte Sport GT S and uses dual-cast technology, is further enhanced by the hand-polished calipers both at the front and rear. With the Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, Maserati and Brembo are introducing on the market for the first time polished calipers, treated with precision mechanical processes and featuring a hand finish which gives them their special mirror-like appearance and enhances their sporty credentials at the same time.

The interior also bears witness to the combination of sporting flair and craftsmanship that has always characterized the Maserati flagship sedan. The Poltrona Frau leather of the seats is combined with perforated Alcantara with a new undulated pattern, and the headlining still in Alcantara. Completing the interior space are the special brushed aluminum door sills and Piano Black satin-finish wood moldings.

The boot with a full black trim has been embellished further with chrome details and a leather side pocket. The attention to details has even been extended to the mats, which are made of even richer and softer material.

A special exterior “Awards Edition” series plate completes the car’s look and makes an already unique car even more unmistakable.

Source : http://www.eurocarnews.com/ - By: Maserati

Follow This Great Article About Auto Repair To Help You

A car is quite an important possession. Because your car is so important to you, you need to learn as much about it as you can. Go over this article for some useful auto repair tips.

Check your tire pressure every time you fill up your gas tank. Check for foreign debris that may be embedded in your tires too. If you notice problems, resolve them immediately. You don't want to drive around with damaged tires.

Before you drop off your car at a repair shop, take pictures of what the car looks like beforehand. Most shops are reputable but there are always a few bad apples out there. You should document what the vehicle looks like in case you experience this terrible thing.

You need to learn more about different car parts before taking your vehicle to a repair shop. Parts can be classified as salvaged, rebuilt, reconditioned, and re-manufactured, and new. New parts are the ones that you want to have installed on your vehicles. Rebuilt and reconditioned and re-manufacturered parts have been restored to working condition. Salvage parts just means used parts without any type of alterations.

Even if your car only seems to have a small issue going on, you should definitely have it looked at. Ignoring small issues can sometimes cause them to grow larger.

When auto repair issues are complicated, don't diagnose them yourself. Keep in mind that you are not a professional. A minor issue can spiral into a huge dilemma. To be sure that the job is done right, have an auto repair shop diagnose the issue. Give them all the details on what occurred and what you heard, but leave the final diagnosis to them.

A warranty is one of the most important things you'll need for car repairs. Ask the mechanic beforehand what the warranty will be for any part, but especially the expensive ones. Ask about the lentgh of time of the warranty and for a contract in writing to review it.

Make sure that your technician has the proper certification. In particular, you should look to see that the National Institute for Automotive Excellence has given him or her their seal of approval. This also will help you feel confident that the quality of your repair will be up to par.

Some untrustworthy shops will give you old tires in the place of your original tires. Some shops will try to squeeze every dollar out of you. Take a piece of chalk and mark the tires prior to dropping off your vehicle. Look for the chalk when you pick up your car.

If you need to have your car fixed, but you don't have a lot of cash on hand, think about asking a local vocational school if they have an auto repair class. You will get an excellent rate and your car will be fixed by an instructor and students in training.

As stated earlier, it is important for you to take care of your vehicle. Learning about the simplest of repairs can help you save money. Remember these tips when you feel like something's wrong with your car.

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Lotus Engineering adds lightness to a Crossover Utility Vehicle

• Results show a total vehicle mass reduction of 31% (528.3 kg or 1,162 lbs.) and a $239 (£150 / €188) saving in overall vehicle cost.
• Body structure utilizes advanced materials including high-strength steels, aluminum, magnesium and composites along with high tech joining and bonding techniques.

Following on from Lotus’ successful “Phase One” study, published in 2010, which looked at the empirical and theoretical weight saving for a standard CUV, Lotus Engineering conducted further research to confirm if a lightweight and commercially feasible body structure has the potential to meet or exceed the requirements for size, luggage volume, comfort, crashworthiness and structural integrity.

Lotus Engineering’s “Phase Two” body structure design was based on the dimensions of a 2009 Toyota Venza CUV and utilized advanced materials such as high-strength steels, aluminum, magnesium and composites along with advanced joining and bonding techniques to achieve a substantial body and overall vehicle mass reduction without degrading size, practicality or performance.  The body mass was reduced by 37% (311 lbs. or 141.6 kg), which contributed to a total vehicle mass reduction of 31% (1,162 lbs. or 528.3 kg) including the mass savings of other vehicle systems (interior, suspension, chassis, closures, etc.) that had previously been identified in “Phase One”.

The detailed Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis undertaken indicated that a 31% mass-reduced vehicle with a 37% lighter Body-in-White (BIW) structure has the potential to meet U.S. Federal impact requirements. This includes side impact and door beam intrusion, seatbelt loading, child seat tether loadings, front and rear chassis frame load buckling stability, full frontal crash stiffness and body compatibility and frame performance under low-speed bumper impact loads as defined by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The result is a BIW design with a 20% increase in torsional stiffness over the class leading CUV.

Although the significant mass savings in the BIW design results in an increased BIW cost of $723 (£456 / €568), the overall vehicle cost is reduced through savings of $239 (£150 / €188) identified across the whole vehicle and when manufacturing and assembly costs are included in the analysis. A significant reduction in the parts count from 269 to 169, achieved by an increased level of component integration, also helped offset the increased BIW piece cost.

The background to the study

In April 2010, Lotus Engineering concluded the first phase of a study which substantiated that a reduction in vehicle mass could be achieved for medium production volume vehicles (approximately 50,000 units per year) with a 23% reduction in fuel consumption. In September 2010 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) commissioned Lotus Engineering to initiate Phase Two of the study and take a deeper look into the future of lighter, more efficient vehicles manufactured using lighter yet stronger materials.

Lotus has always been about Lightweight

When Lotus founder Colin Chapman coined the phrase “performance through light weight” he was referring to much more than mere accelerative performance.  In the broader sense he meant that a lighter vehicle does everything better, including being more fuel efficient.  Over the past 60-plus years, Lotus road and racing vehicles have consistently benefited from this core philosophy and Lotus has developed a strong reputation as a leader in lightweight vehicle technologies.

After decades of most manufacturers building increasingly heavy, feature-laden cars, now the very aggressive corporate average fuel economy (CAFÉ) standards increasing from a target of 35.5 mpg in 2016 to 54.5 in 2025 have all manufacturers reevaluating the virtues of mass reduction and prioritizing the materials, technologies and production methods that will enable lighter, stronger and more efficient vehicles.

Source : http://www.eurocarnews.com/ - By : Lotus Cars Limited

BMW 1M GTS-V by Vorsteiner

Back in 2012, California-based tuner Vorsteiner revealed their own program for the popular BMW 1M.

The Alpine White “baby-M” received a new aero kit and a small power upgrade. The aero components are built from Autoclave Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber add style and functionality from the Vorsteiner’s development of the GTS-V collection.

To further enhance the performance of the vehicle Vorsteiner have developed a sport exhaust system. A full 100% bolt on fit, the exhaust produces a class leading 15 horsepower gain with 5 lb/ft of torque. It is available in a stainless steel model or a weight saving titanium.



To help with minimizing unsprung weight for improved vehicle handling and performance Vorsteiner also offers the new VS-400. The 3-Piece step-lip design wheel uses the latest in techniques and technology to create a wheel that gives the 1M the ability achieve the best performance possible.

The 1M tuning program consists of the follow components:

• GTS-V Front Add-On Spoiler with Integrated Brake Duct
• GTS-V Rear Add-On Diffuser with Signature Splitter and Extended Aero Fins
• GTS-V Boot Lid with an integrated wing element weighing only 11.5 lbs.
• A Cat-Back Sport Exhaust System in Stainless Steel or Titanium
• 20 or 21 inch Special Edition Forged Aluminum Multi Spoke Wheel

Source : http://www.bmwblog.com/ - By : Horatiu Boeriu.

Land Rover Demonstrates World's First 9-Speed Automatic

• Land Rover announces the latest in 65 years of technical world firsts with the new ZF 9HP transmission
• The world's first 9-speed automatic transmission results in significant improvements in real world fuel economy
• Lower ratios further enhance Land Rover's renowned all-terrain and all-weather capability
• Innovative adaptive shift system matches and remembers customer driving style for a tailored driving experience
• Land Rover is lead partner on this project with ZF, world leader in transmission technology

Land Rover will demonstrate the latest in a long line of technical firsts at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with the announcement of the world's first 9-speed automatic transmission for a passenger car.  The ZF 9HP transmission is specifically designed for transverse applications, and is one of the most efficient and technically advanced transmissions ever used in a production vehicle.

Land Rover is the lead partner on the project, working together with ZF who are widely recognized as the world leader in transmission technology.

Increasing the number of gear ratios from six to nine gives significant improvement in fuel economy and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. Smaller ratio steps give improved response during acceleration, improved shift quality, drive and refinement.  The higher top gear not only reduces fuel consumption but the lower engine revs improve comfort and reduce noise when cruising at high speed.

The 9HP is extremely robust and perfectly complements Land Rover's rugged all-terrain ability whilst delivering exceptionally high levels of refinement and efficiency.  The lowest ratio in the 9HP is far lower than the existing six-speed transmission and is specifically designed for off-road use, towing and more extreme on-road conditions like gradients and altitude, giving the driver a heightened sense of control.

With extremely fast gear changes described by ZF as being: 'below the threshold of perception', the 9HP is not only highly responsive but versatile too.  Whereas the existing six-speed transmission makes shifts sequentially, the 9HP has a skip-shift function for much swifter downshifting under rapid deceleration or from greater driver input demands.  The torque converter incorporates a multi-stage damper system for smoother pulling away and improved refinement.

"We are extremely excited about the 9HP which has been tailored exactly to dovetail with the unique attributes of our vehicles. It will add another layer of performance, refinement and efficiency, further enhancing Land Rover's world class abilities,"said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

The innovative adaptive shifting system matches the driver's mood within seconds, sharpening up during brisk driving then slipping seamlessly into a more economical regime just as quickly when taking a more relaxed approach.  Curve Mode, longitudinal acceleration and pedal position all control upshift prevention.

Fast-Off mode measures the rate of throttle release, anticipates further requests by the driver for high power, then holds the gear if necessary.  If the driver requests a downshift when the vehicle is travelling too fast, the transmission will remember the request and make the shift when the speed drops to an appropriate level.

The 9HP is a masterpiece of packaging and despite the extra three gear ratios is only 6mm longer and weighs 7.5kg less than the outgoing six-speed transmission.  The small package space is achieved by a number of innovative design features including a new hydraulic vane-type pump which also contributes to improved efficiency, two, patented, dog clutches replacing bulkier conventional clutch packs, and an Intelligently Nested gear set.

Land Rover was chosen by ZF, one of the world's most technically advanced transmission manufacturers, to be the lead partner on the 9HP and Land Rover engineers have worked in partnership with ZF engineers to jointly develop the transmission to suit the brand.  The Land Rover transmission engineering team is already extremely experienced in engineering ZF products to suit Land Rover vehicles having integrated the 8HP with the Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery 4 and Range Rover Sport.  The 9HP is produced at ZF's Gray Court facility in South Carolina.

The Lamborghini Miura P 400 SV

Steady demand for the Miura S prompted Lamborghini to introduce a more advanced version called the SV (Super Veloce). This occurred during development of the subsequent, revolutionary model called the Countach LP 500, which made its worldwide debut in the spring of 1971. The Miura P 400 SV was equipped with a 4 liter, 385 HP V12 engine and attained a maximum speed of over 290 kmh.

Lamborghini Miura P 400 SV stood out for its new rear suspension, wider track and more powerful engine

Although it lacked the signature “eyebrows” over the headlamps, the SV stood out for its new rear suspension, wider track and more powerful engine. And unlike previous models, it was equipped with separate lubrication. The last Miura produced in January 1973 was purchased by a famous Italian industrialist. 150 of these remarkable cars were built from 1971 to 1972.

Original Lamborghini Replacement Parts

Preserving the models produced over the fifty-year history of Automobili Lamborghini is in the interests not only of Lamborghini itself, but also of the world’s countless keen collectors of the marquee. Authorized Lamborghini Workshops specialize in servicing classic Lamborghinis. A web portal that can be entered from any point in the world provides access to catalogues of every Lamborghini model and enables the desired spare part to be conveniently ordered. If a special component is not available, it can be produced right away from the original blueprints. An expert in the sector of replacement parts will be at the Lamborghini stand at Techno Classica to answer questions about obtaining original parts for classic Lamborghinis.

Lamborghini’s 50th Anniversary

In 2013, Automobili Lamborghini is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding with a series of international events involving customers, dealers and fans of the marquee. The festivities will hit their high point with the “Lamborghini 50th Anniversary Grande Giro".

On May 7-11, 2013, more than 300 Lamborghinis from every period in the company's history will travel 1200 kilometers along the Italian peninsula. On the first leg, Lamborghini owners from 29 countries will journey from Milan to Forte dei Marmi. Next, they will continue on to Rome, and finally return to Bologna on May 10. On May 11, a Concours d’Elegance will be held in Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, and all participants will then parade to Sant’Agata Bolognese, where Lamborghini 50th celebrations will culminate in a festive gala dinner.

Educate Yourself On Auto Repair With These Tips

Do you need vehicle repairs but like to avoid hassles? Getting the right work done on your car can be exhausting before you ever see a mechanic. It's hard to know the right place to take your car, or to know if you can do the repair yourself. Take some time to read the tips ahead to learn what you can do for your vehicle.

One of the biggest issues reported by automobile rescue clubs is running out of gasoline. While this may seem comical or a mere inconvenience on a busy day, you could actually be causing real damage to your engine by allowing the fuel level to get so low. You could end with major auto repair bills as a result of this careless act.

Do all the research you can on auto repair shops in your area before selecting one. Find out the services they provide, how professional they are, and their prices. In addition, do not neglect checking out online customer reviews so that you can see how well they satisfy their customers. Unfortunately, all auto shops are not the same, so you need to pick the best one.

If you are looking to extend your car's life, do not accelerate too quickly immediately after starting it up. Especially in cold weather, racing the engine of your car will result in it deteriorating more quickly and contributing to accelerated wear and tear. Rather, accelerate slowly when you begin to drive.

Consider how well kept an auto repair shop is when making your decisions. A sloppy shop can be a sign that the workmanship you're about to receive will be pretty sloppy as well. Opt for the auto repair shop that keeps its floors and space clean of tools and rubble. It's not a guarantee of great workmanship, but it's a sure sign that your chances are better that you'll receive the service levels you'd like.

Be certain that the mechanic who performs your auto repairs is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. ASE certification is offered two times a year to mechanics who have two years of experience working as auto mechanics. It is a written test that helps identify competent auto mechanics.

Your car owners manual is actually a valuable guide to the workings of your car. That means that you should not trash it as soon as you leave the dealer. It can tell you everything from what that light on your dash means, to how to perform basic maintenance on your particular model.

Paint doesn't bond well with rust, so keep touch-up paint nearby to immediately apply over small scratches and nicks. If you wait too long to apply the touch-up paint, the scratch will have already began to rust and you the paint won't stick. Apply the paint quickly and cover the spot to prevent the rust from accumulating.

The confusion and discomfort of car repairs can leave you wanting to purchase a new vehicle. Take the time to make use of the suggestions and ideas in this piece. You will find that repairs for your car are not so tough to face. Keep your vehicle longer and enjoy it more through this valued advice.

Auto Repair Tips To Get Your Vehicle Up And Running

It's no secret that auto repair costs a lot of money. Complicated repairs and simple repairs alike can both cause you to lose your hard earned money. That's why you need every advantage possible to reduce the cost of your auto repair bills. In this article, you will find tips that can help you save money on auto repairs.

If you take your car to an auto repair shop to get one thing fixed and they tell you that other repairs are needed, thank them for the information and decline the additional services. Go to several other places and get quotes before allowing them to do any more work on your car.

When you top off your motor oil, avoid spilling oil on your engine by wadding up a couple of paper towels around the oil receptacle on the crank-case. This will absorb drips and spills. Be sure to dispose of your empty oil container and the paper towels responsibly when finished adding oil.

If you take your car into a shop, expect to be asked about additional service. However, you don't have to take them up on this. Simply get done what you need to get done. If you feel someone is pressuring you too much, move on. While it is their job to try and sell you on as much as possible, you need to feel good with whoever you are working with.

Understand the billing process at the auto repair shop you go to. In many cases, you could get a bill for labor based on how long the manufacturer thinks it will take to repair your car. Be clear about how it works at whatever shop you take your car to.

To save a trip to the auto repair shop, you should take a look at your owner's manual. Here, you may find hints or perhaps answers to questions you may have about your vehicle. It can be quite helpful to know the size of your engine or its configuration, which is usually found in the manual.

Always exercise the highest level of caution when working with your car's fuel system. Never work around fuel tanks, fuel lines or pumps with sources of ignition such as cigarettes or anything that could produce a spark. Wipe up any fuel spills immediately, and protect yourself by wearing fuel-resistant gloves and eyewear.

Ask about the warranties associated with any new parts going into your car. Most new parts will include a warranty. If something goes wrong with that part after the repair, you'll be covered for the replacement. Know how long the warranty is good for and if there are any stipulations tied to it.

Listen to your gut. If you bring your car into the shop and the technician doesn't seem to be on the up and up, consider going somewhere else. At the very least, the person probably doesn't care that much about you and your car, and you deserve better service than that.

You may need auto repair, but you don't have to break the bank to get it done. There are legitimate ways that you can give your car the repairs it needs while staying within your budget. This article will come in handy, so use it and keep your car running smoothly for less.

2014 Cadillac CTS Teasers Surface

Set to have its official debut later this week at the New York Auto Show, images of the new 2014 Cadillac CTS have made their way online. However, these are only a series of teaser shots that were more than likely released by the automaker itself. But still, from what we can tell the car is going to be quite a stunner. In particular take note of the elegant yet aggressive lines along the hood that continue to lead directly into the front grille, which itself is complimented by vertical LED light strips that are angled downward.





The rear end design is more familiar, as it looks similar to those of the XTS and ATS. LED taillamps are featured prominently as is a center-mounted LED brake light. There’s just one shot of the interior but it’s clear that everything inside will be of high quality with plenty of wood, leather and suede. The new CTS is expected to be powered by a choice of three engines: a 2.0-liter turbo four, a 3.6-liter V6 and a turbocharged 3.6-liter V6, the latter of which will be paired to an eight-speed automatic - a GM first. Full coverage and official images and specs of the new Cadillac CTS will likely follow soon, so stay tuned.

Buy Your Next Car With Confidence Thanks To This Article

Everyone loves the new car smell of the dealership, but not everyone feels the same about the process of buying a vehicle. The greatest way to get a good deal on a vehicle is to figure out what works best for those that you're driving around. Researching is key if you want to get the best out of your search. Keep reading to get useful tips on how to get the car you need.

Consider using your bank to purchase your car. In doing so, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars that would be wasted by accepting less generous rates from another lender. Compared to other lenders, you bank's loan is usually the best.

Never sign an As-is warranty when buying a used car. This can be something that you will regret in the future. You should get at least 30 days of warranty with your purchase. If the vehicle needs a major repair a day or two after you buy it, you will have to pay for the repair.

Make plans to spend a lot of time in car dealerships. You do not have to be rushed and go for a deal that is not good. Allowing for an entire afternoon is best. If time is an issue, never hesitate to postpone the process and return another time.

Take any car you plan to buy used from a private seller to a trusted mechanic. If the owner is reluctant to let you do that, walk away. There might be hidden, expensive issues that have a bearing on whether the car is right for you. You shouldn't put yourself in a situation where a surprise may arise.

When buying a car, it's important to do research. In face, you shouldn't even go to a car lot without doing adequate research. You need to find out as much as you can about these cars and about the dealer as well.

Try renting a car in order to test it out. This will help you get a good idea of what it is like to drive. You should go on a small trip in the car. This can help you feel less stressed when purchasing the car.

Before buying a used car, you must have it checked out by a mechanic. That is the only way you are going to know there if something that is wrong with it. If problems are discovered, you should consider another car, or haggle for a lower price if the problems are minor.

If any salesman pressures you, never fear requesting a different one to deal with. You should not let an intimidating or dishonest salesperson show you around a dealership. If you see a vehicle you like but do not want to deal with the salesperson, come back another day.

Purchasing a car can be fun, but it can also be stressful and financially tiring. However, you can prepare by educating yourself on the process so that you know what you're doing. Keep the above facts in mind in order to have an optimal experience.