just go with it

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is presenting drive concepts particularly friendly to the environment at the Los Angeles Auto Show starting on November 16, 2007: The highlight of this event at the Los Angeles Convention Center is the first appearance of the Cayenne Hybrid in America.Porsche will be offering a hybrid version of the Cayenne sports utility vehicle by the end of this decade. Based on the Cayenne with its V6 power unit, prototypes of the Cayenne Hybrid are already on the road today. This revolutionary new model will combine Porsche’s 3.6-litre gasoline engine featuring Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) with an electric motor, already giving the vehicle composite fuel consumption of 9.8 litres on 100 kilometres in the new European driving cycle (NEDC) and 28 miles per gallon in the US FTP cycle. And making further improvements, Porsche is looking at a further reduction of fuel consumption to just 8.9 litres/100 kilometres by the time the Cayenne Hybrid enters the market.

Porsche is taking a new approach, opting for parallel full hybrid instead of the branched or split power hybrid concept. Indeed, many reasons speak in favour of parallel full hybrid:

* The high degree of compatibility of the hybrid components, on the one hand, and the existing platform of the Cayenne, on the other. The risk of having to accept restrictions affecting the capacity of the luggage compartment or all-wheel drive, for example, is reduced to a minimum by parallel full hybrid.

* Greater fuel savings when driving overland and on the autobahn. Contrary to other hybrid concepts which offer their benefits primarily in city traffic, the system chosen by Porsche provides the option to run the vehicle without the combustion engine at speeds of up to 120 km/h or 75 mph.

Source: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid At The Los Angeles Auto Show

Simona Alina
Filed in: Mercury | 2007 | suv | Mercury Mariner | Miami Auto Show

Mercury continues pushing fashion-forward design, with a new runway-inspired production series called VOGA. Literally translated as “fashionable and trend-setting,” VOGA hits primetime today at the South Florida International Auto Show, debuting on a 2008 Mercury Mariner. Over time, the VOGA series will be offered on a series of Mercury products.

“Mercury always has been about smart and contemporary design aimed at the style-conscious customer who appreciates a unique look,” says Peter Horbury, executive director, Design, The Americas. “At a time when stores like IKEA and the concept driving Design Within Reach are influencing our choices of style, the Mercury brand and the new VOGA theme, in particular, are ideal for satisfying customers’ desires for even more expressive vehicles.”

Mercury Milan Voga Concept

VOGA came to life on a Mercury Milan VOGA concept revealed during Miami Fashion Week in 2006. Reaction to the vehicle and the idea of a more fashion-focused series resonated with consumers, making a dedicated production series a choice move.

“It’s great to be back in Miami to announce the new series and show off the Mercury Mariner VOGA,” says Eric Peterson, Mercury Mariner Brand manager. “Given the sophistication of the south Florida market and the enthusiasm around the launch of the Mercury Mariner last year, it made perfect sense to debut our first production application of the VOGA styling here.”

The Mariner, along with the Milan sedan, continues to draw new, progressive customers to the Mercury showroom. New customer conquest rates for both vehicles are at nearly 50 percent. Sales of the Mercury Mariner, redesigned for 2008, were up 19 percent in October.

2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA

Already known for its distinctive flair and good looks, the stylish Mercury Mariner has been customized to create the VOGA edition.

At first glance, the Mariner VOGA catches looks with Moss Green metallic paint, special chrome brightwork highlighting the grille, rear fascia trim and unique VOGA badging. The additional brightwork matched with the 17-inch VOGA-capped chrome wheels lends this fashionable vehicle a sporty appearance, making the Mariner VOGA appear ready to hit the scene.

“VOGA is about making a fashion statement each time you go for drive,” says Chief Designer Camilo Pardo. “I’m really excited to bring the concept of VOGA to reality across the Mercury line-up. It’s my passion to design vehicles that emotionally connect with customers – that ‘gotta-have-it’ appeal is what fashion is all about.”

The Mariner VOGA’s distinctive style carries through to the interior, as well. A charcoal black environment surrounds the plush, unique VOGA-embroidered Cashmere leather seats, which are trimmed with contrast Ash stitching to match the exterior color. Charcoal black floor mats are embroidered with the VOGA label, reinforcing the personalized feel.

The focal point of the interior is the striking Tarragon metallic instrument panel covered in a unique paint. The subtle silver-green metallic spans across the center console and door switch plates as well. All of these extra touches provide Mercury customers with the look and feel of a personalized vehicle customized to suit their tastes.

“Customers definitely care about choice and personalization – from their MP3 player case to their cell phone ring tone – that’s why Mercury strikes a chord with savvy individualists who aren’t looking for the run-of-the-mill products,” says Peterson.

The Mariner VOGA will include the same great host of features as the Mariner Premier edition, offering one of the most advanced safety packages in the compact SUV segment with standard side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac® with RSC®. It also delivers fuel economy up to 24 miles per gallon.

Customers will be able to show-off their sense of style with the new Mercury Mariner VOGA beginning early 2008 when vehicles hit dealer showrooms. Mariner VOGA will join the Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid produced at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.

Source: Internal

Source: Mercury Mariner VOGA edition

Simona Alina
Filed in: AC Schnitzer BMW | coupe | car tuning | BMW M3

The 4th generation of the BMW M3 has begun. In our experience, many M3 drivers seek individual solutions for their vehicle while retaining high technical standards. Naturally a complete AC Schnitzer range for the BMW M3 is currently in development.

AC Schnitzer alloy and racing rims Type III and Type IV are already available in 19" and 20" and alloy forged wheels Type V in 20".

Source: Internal

Source: BMW M3 E92 by Ac Schnitzer