Selasa, 28 Juni 2011

Volkswagen given the green light for two plants in China

  • Chinese government approves plans for Foshan and Yizheng Planned annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles for each plant
WOLFSBURG/BERLIN : June 28, 2011 - As planned, the Volkswagen Group can build two further automobile plants in China, continuing its long-term growth strategy in the world's largest market for passenger cars. During the German-Chinese government consultations in Berlin, final approval was granted today for the plants to be built at Foshan and Yizheng. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, today signed appropriate declarations together with the Presidents of the Chinese partner organizations.


The factory at Yizheng, in Jiangsu Province in eastern China, is to be developed together with partner Shanghai Volkswagen, and the plant at Foshan, in Guangdong Province in southern China, will be built together with the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. The first documents for the development of the two sites were signed in the summer of 2010. "China is already the world's largest sales market for automobiles and further substantial growth is expected in the future," Winterkorn said on the occasion of signing the contracts at the Federal Chancellor's Office in Berlin. "The Volkswagen Group intends to play a major role in shaping this growth with new environmentally compatible models and the expansion of local production capacity. Our new plants show that Volkswagen remains a strong motor for the Chinese automobile industry."

Each of the two plants will be designed for an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles and production is due to start in 2013. "The new factories are a key element in our plans to increase annual production capacity in China to three million vehicles in the medium term together with local partners," said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group China in Berlin.

In view of the dynamic development of the Chinese automobile market, Volkswagen had boosted its investment program for China to 10.6 billion euros for the period from 2011 to 2015. In addition to the two new plants, plans have already been announced to expand production capacity at each of the existing Nanjing and Chengdu plants to between 300,000 and 350,000 vehicles per year.

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]

The BMW X1 – unique in the premium segment and now even more

2011 BMW X1

MUNICH : June 28, 2011 - The BMW X1, the very first and still the only premium vehicle in its segment, continues to extend its pioneering position in the field of fuel efficiency.



In the autumn of 2011, the model diversity across the range of the compact all-rounder will be complemented by the BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition. This model, which was systematically designed to provide driving pleasure simultaneously combined with reduced fuel consumption and emission levels, is powered by a 120 kW/163 hp four-cylinder diesel engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. With an average fuel consumption of 4.5 litres/100 km and a CO2 emission level of 119 grams per kilometre it achieves best marks for efficiency in a BMW X model. Furthermore, from the autumn of 2011, a newly developed four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology will be available for the BMW X1. The 135 kW/184 hp power unit also sets new standards in the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions within its performance class, with values ranging from 7.1 litres and 165 grams for the BMW X1 sDrive20i and 7.7 litres (automatic: 7.6 litres) and 179 grams (177 grams) for the BMW X1 xDrive20i.

The consistent deployment of highly efficient engines and BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard helps BMW X models also achieve brand-typical driving pleasure combined with exemplary fuel economy and low emission levels. The BMW X1’s outstanding efficiency is a fundamental part of its premium character, which is unique within the competitive environment and also underscored by high-class workmanship, elaborated functionality, a variable interior and numerous equipment features. The BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition raises the relation between sporty and athletic agility and fuel economy to a new level. Its 2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, whose BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprises a supercharging system with variable turbine geometry and Common Rail injection, generates a maximum output of 120 kW/163 hp between 3 250 und 4 200 rpm. Maximum torque of 380 Nm is available between 1 750 and 2 500 rpm.

The engine has been optimised in detail in order to achieve an exceptionally high degree of efficiency. Special model-specific features include a centrifugal force pendulum in the dual-mass flywheel, which compensates vibration experienced at low engine speeds, thus providing more riding comfort when the vehicle is driven within the economic low engine speed range. The gear-shift point indicator fitted as standard has been adapted to suit the new engine characteristics. Moreover, standard features also include brake energy regeneration, Auto Start Stop function, electromechanical power steering, a disengageable air-conditioning compressor and tyres with reduced rolling resistance. The BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition also features a longer rear axle drive ratio and specific light alloys in the Streamline design.

Furthermore, the BMW X1 sDrive20d EfficientDynamics Edition features newly conceived insulation technology for reducing engine noise that is perceptible inside the vehicle. The noise optimisation measures will be deployed as from the autumn of 2011 in all further diesel versions of the BMW X1.

The petrol engine variants of the BMW X1 also present themselves as pacesetters for ever-increasing driving pleasure combined with optimised efficiency. The BMW X1 xDrive28i is now being followed by further models featuring a new generation of four-cylinder combustion engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The technology package featured on the 2-litre four-cylinder power unit for the BMW X1 sDrive20i with rear-wheel drive and the BMW X1 xDrive20i with intelligent four-wheel drive comprises a supercharging system according to the Twin Scroll principle, the direct injection system High Precision Injection and variable valve control VALVETRONIC. This combination guarantees not only spontaneous response and sporty power delivery even in the higher load ranges, but also favourable fuel consumption that is outstanding for petrol engines in this performance class.

Maximum power output of the new engine is 135 kW/184 hp, which is made available between 5 000 and 6 250 rpm, whilst maximum torque of 270 Nm is achieved between 1 250 and 4 500 rpm. Thanks to its supreme pulling power and sporting performance, the BMW X1 sDrive20i accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and the BMW X1 xDrive20i in 7.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption of 7.1 litres/100 km as per the EU test cycle and a CO2 emission level of 165 grams are applicable to the BMW X1 sDrive20i both in conjunction with the standard six-speed manual gearbox as well as with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW X1 xDrive20i achieves an average fuel consumption of 7.7 litres/100 km (automatic: 7.6 litres) and a CO2 emission level of 179 (177) grams per kilometre. The standard BMW Efficient Dynamics technology package featured on both models comprises in addition to brake energy regeneration and on-demand control of ancillary components also the Auto Start Stop function and the gear-shift point indicator for vehicles with manual transmission as well as electromechanical power steering on the BMW X1 sDrive20i.

With the introduction of the new engines, the drive portfolio of the BMW X1 will increase in the autumn of 2011 to a total of three petrol and four diesel power units with a power output spectrum ranging from 105 kW/143 hp to 180 kW/245 hp. All told, there is a choice of ten model variants, five of them featuring characteristic BMW power transmission to the rear wheels and five with the electronically controlled four-wheel drive system xDrive.

The entry-level model from the BMW X family attains additional appeal through optimisation of the suspension technology as well as an extended range of optional equipment. The standard stability control feature DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) has been supplemented on the rear-wheel drive diesel models by the dry braking and fading compensation functions. The models BMW X1 sDrive20i, BMW X1 sDrive28i, BMW X1 xDrive20i, BMW X1 xDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive20d are equipped in addition with the brake stand-by function and a hill-start assistant. The BMW Individual roof rail system High Gloss Shadow Line will also be available in future as an individual option and thus not only in conjunction with the M Sport Package for the BMW X1. Moreover, the optional range of BMW ConnectedDrive features will be supplemented as from the autumn of 2011 by the Real-Time Traffic Information function.

Images : 2011 BMW X1





[Source : BMW]

HAMANN presents sporty individualisations for the BMW 6 Cabrio (F12)

HAMANN presents sporty individualisations for the BMW 6 Cabrio

HAMANN Motorsport is known for giving new top-of-the-range cars extensive refinements shortly after they've been introduced to the market. And, true to form, the tuning specialist from the town of Laupheim in Baden-Württemberg can now present its comprehensive individualisation range for the BMW 6 Cabrio (F12).



For the wheel arches, customers can choose from 21-inch alloy wheels in DESIGN EDITION RACE "ANODIZED" with high-gloss chrome-plated rim flange, black spokes and titanium screws or DESIGN "ANNIVERSARY EVO" wheels in silver or matte black, available in 20 or 21-inch format. HAMANN Motorsport also offers the DESIGN EDITION RACE matte black wheels in a 20-inch version. All wheel designs can be ordered individually or as a complete set and are fully compatible with the tyre pressure sensors fitted at the factory.

In order to set the stage even better for the alloy wheels, HAMANN Motorsport has lowered the centre of gravity of the BMW 6 Cabrio (F12) by around 30 mm at the front and around 25 mm at the rear using progressive suspension springs.

HAMANN has also given the engine of the 650i Cabrio a sporty soundscape. To this end, its tuning professionals have installed a stainless steel exhaust system consisting of a four-pipe exhaust system with round 90 mm tailpipes and a middle silencer.

The car's interior is upgraded by way of aluminium pedals and a footrest, available either in silver or anodized black. Black foot mats with a silver HAMANN logo are available as an optional extra to add a finishing touch of class to the car's sporty cockpit.

But there is more: HAMANN already pays special attention to a fascinating car body program which will be presented to the world public at the 64th IAA in Frankfurt this September.

Images : HAMANN presents sporty individualisations for the BMW 6 Cabrio






[Source : HAMANN]

Senin, 27 Juni 2011

Monster Tajima set world new record by breaking 10 minutes barrier at Pikes Peak international hill climb race!

Monster Tajima @ 2011 Pikes Peak international hill climb race - Photo by Yujiro Otsuki - Monster Sport

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. : July 26, 2011 - The finals of Pikes Peak international hill climb race was held, Monster Tajima “Team GoPro Monster Sport with BC" set world new record (9:51.278)!



He broke his old record 10 minutes barrier (10:01.407) by shortening 10 seconds, also achieved sixth consecutive overall wins.







































Pos
Driver
Veh #
Finish Time
1
Nobuhiro Tajima
1
9:51.278
2
Rhys Millen
67
10:09.242
3
Jean Phillippe Dayraut
3
10:17.707
--
Dave Carapetyan
959
DNF
--
Paul Dallenbach
98
DNF

[Source : MONSTER SPORT, Photo : Yujiro Otsuki]

ROLLS-ROYCE presents one-off Bespoke Drophead Coupé at Masterpiece London 2011

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé

CHELSEA : June 26, 2011 - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents a very special Phantom Drophead Coupé, hand-built by craftspeople at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. The highly bespoke model was designed to capture the essence of a perfect weekend get-away, offering drivers and their passengers the ultimate luxurious and relaxing experience in roof-down motoring.



As well as bespoke luggage, the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé features a one-off Asprey jewellery box, housed discretely in the glove compartment. Designed for rings, cufflinks and earrings, it presents stylish and secure storage for these essential valuables before drivers and their passengers sink back into sumptuous leather seats, set the roof down and head out of town.

The model was created for Masterpiece London 2011 and hosts a suite of additional bespoke design details, including teak decking, engraved tread plates and Spirit of Ecstasy with inscription that marks the centenary of the world’s most famous bonnet icon.

The Masterpiece 2011 Drophead Coupé is also the first Rolls-Royce to be presented in Mazarine Blue, a bespoke finish that joins a palette of 44,000 shades already available to clients ordering Phantom models. This eye-catching colour takes inspiration from the Mazarine Blue butterfly, a whimsical creature at home in continental Europe, which can still occasionally be seen wafting by in the South of England.

The luxurious natural-grain leather interior comes in Seashell with Navy Blue contrast for floor and door panels with embroidered R-R logos finished in headrests. With roof down, the car reveals its yacht-inspired teak decking, with mother-of-pearl inlays throughout cross-banded Santos Palissander wood veneers. White instrument dials, rotary controllers and clock finished in mother-of-pearl complete the design.

“We are delighted to present this outstanding Rolls-Royce at Masterpiece London 2011,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through in features developed at Goodwood and in partnership with Asprey. It’s a model that demonstrates the breadth of our bespoke offering, where the only limit to what we can deliver is a client’s imagination.”


Asprey Jewellery Case

The Asprey jewellery case, which fits neatly into the passenger glove compartment, took two working days to finish, using a hide of softest grade-one suede cut into 15 separate pieces.


Its central earring holder is detachable and can be interchanged for use with clip earrings or stud styles. There are also two additional sections for elegant cufflinks, and a separate compartment for the owner’s most precious rings. An embossed silver foil Asprey stamp finishes this stunning one-off feature.


Bespoke Luggage

Designed in Goodwood, the bespoke luggage set can be found nestled neatly in the picnic boot of the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé. The leather used to craft this bespoke set of four cases is of the highest quality and employs a traditional approach in its creation.

Hides were carefully selected for the firmness and grain structure then tanned in pits, a slow artisanal way of producing hard-wearing yet supple leather – and a process that takes four months to complete. The result is beautiful; a substantial material, in deep Navy Blue, that is also resistant to hard wear. Moreover the leather has a distinctive and intense aroma of vegetable tannins that come from the mix of bark, wood and berries used to stabilise and pigment the hides.


Masterpiece London 2011

Masterpiece London 2011 is held in the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and the Rolls-Royce car is available for preview from Friday 29 June 2011. The fair runs from Saturday 30 June – Friday 5 July 2011.



[Source : ROLL-ROYCE]

2011 Nürburgring 24 hour race : Porsche wins at the Nordschleife

1st PLACE: # 18 (LIEBHERR / LUHR / DUMAS / BERNHARD) Porsche 911 GT3 RSR - 2nd PLACE: # 1 (MÜLLER / Farfus / ALZEN / LAMY) BMW M3 GT - 3rd PLACE: # 14 (Basseng / FÄSSLER / STIPPLE) Audi R8 LMS

NURBURGRING : June 26, 2011 - In the 39th Edition of the ADAC Zurich 24h-race won at the weekend Marc Lieb (Germany) / Lucas Luhr (Switzerland) / Timo Bernhard (Germany) / Romain Dumas (Switzerland) in a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. The pilots at the Bonn Team boss Olaf Manthey could be in front of 250,000 spectators around the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife in a thrilling slugfest against dozens of teams and work to enforce factory-supported teams.


1st PLACE: # 18 (LIEBHERR / LUHR / DUMAS / BERNHARD) Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

After 156 laps (3958.968 km), they were probably the fastest goal in the 24h-Race of all time before the work of second-placed team from BMW Motorsport. Jörg Müller (Monaco) / Augusto Farfus (Brazil) / Uwe Alzen (Germany) / Pedro Lamy (Portugal) failed to order the BMW M3 GT defend their title scarce. Third Marc Basseng (Neusalza) were / Marcel Fässler (Switzerland) / Andrea Piccini (Italy) / Frank Stippler (Bad Münstereifel), the Audi R8 in the LMS Domiciled at the Nurburgring last year's result of the Phoenix squad
could repeat. Detailed information and results for Gives endurance classic it-under www.24h rennen.de on the Internet.

After a tremendously exciting able performance in the first two thirds of the race the eventual winners from the Sunday morning to concentrate their placements bear with top speed to the finish. Earlier, the fans in the jam-packed Spectators an exciting start-up phase experienced with many lead changes, the seamlessly into a nightly battle over high-speed left. Here lay the Manthey driver laid the foundation for the victory, as they are faster with a series Could sell the rest of the competition rounds. "This 24-hour race was for us Perhaps the most difficult, "admitted team boss Manthey," because the competition was really enormous. Our strategy was to rely on our own strength and not
engage in excessive jostling for position. This is paying off. In the night we were able to settle with fast, consistent lap times of all four drivers - and This projection has paved the way to success. I'm really happy for our whole team for this victory has worked harder than ever before. "Great joy There was also at BMW Motorsport. "This is a highlight of the season for our team and me for a grand finale of their careers, "summed up BMW Motorsport Director Dr Mario Theissen. "Last year we won here, because We had fewer incidents than the competition - this year it was vice versa. This race involves so many imponderables that you plan ahead, a victory may. "

2nd PLACE: # 1 (MÜLLER / Farfus / ALZEN / LAMY) BMW M3 GT

Farewell to the steering wheel

An emotional farewell as an active driver of the motor sports scene to celebrate this Weekend, Hans-Joachim "Striezel" Stuck. With his victory in the first edition of 24-hour race in 1970, the Austrian-laid the groundwork for a one-time driving career, which ended at the same point now: In a Lamborghini LG 600 was the crowd favorite with his two sons John and Ferdinand and Dennis Rostek (Porta Westfalica) into the race. With the 15th Space was the Doyen highly satisfied: "The weekend has made me super fun," grinned
Stuck. "The biggest thing for me was that we drove the fastest laps Ferdinando is. Even at night he did a great job. For me, this is a sign that I can now give the baton to my sons. "It could not be stucco take, during the final laps to grab the steering wheel himself: "I have me on the last lap was very happy and enjoy every single one. "

3rd PLACE: # 14 (Basseng / FÄSSLER / STIPPLE) Audi R8 LMS

Highly satisfied organizers

"This 24-hour race was a real endurance Crime", said race director Walter Hornung after the finish. "Three brands share the first four places, the struggle of the top teams was exciting and balanced: This confirms our intensive Effort to the regulations on the highest level opportunities had to produce. "Right up until the hours before the start on Saturday afternoon Experts on the schedule in a balance of performance power key data filed and the top class in the GT3 cars have given a weight advantage. "In The aim has cars from three different classes - the SP7, the E1 and XP2 SP9 GT3 - to the podium. Even more balance we can hardly "manufacture, accounted for the race director. "But I'm also happy about the huge Scenery and the many fans who have celebrated despite the rain and cold for days. "

Votes of the winner's press conference

1st PLACE: # 18 (LIEBHERR / LUHR / DUMAS / BERNHARD) Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

Lucas Luhr: "Our plan was to give the night to correct everything and gases. The We have succeeded, although it was not easy in heavy traffic. I also had the front left even a contact with another vehicle. This time the competition was particularly strong and you had from the first to the last meter push full '.

Timo Bernhard: "For me it is a very special moment, my fifth win to celebrate at the 24h race. Too bad that our regular driver Marcel Tiemann time could not be there with. With Lucas Luhr, we had a good substitute. The race was super hard. Therefore, we are even happier had no problems making ends meet be. We have achieved all of the maximum. Olaf Manthey, I am pleased especially, because there is hardly anyone who lives the motor sport so intensely as he did. "

Marc Lieb: "At the start of the race it was a difficult decision as to which The two 911s we should go through. It was good that we concentrated on a car have, because in order to bring these services to two vehicles, this was the Speed ​​too high. Everything went perfectly, as the cars were always perfectly prepared.

Romain Dumas: "This was a competition at high level. We have our best given. Except for the small problem at night, as I describe the car, front right was slightly damaged, it went very well for us. We have space to make room front fought. That was a nice race. "

2nd PLACE: # 1 (MÜLLER / Farfus / ALZEN / LAMY) BMW M3 GT

Uwe Alzen: "Despite the second place I'm happy. We had no technical problems. It was totally a sprint race, all have given everything. At the starting line and the
Race course should be glad, if you stand here on the podium. "

Augusto Farfus: "The Nürburgring Nordschleife is the largest and most demanding Circuit in the world. It was a unique battle at extremely high levels. There were numerous overtaking moves at the absolute limit. We have pushed hard all the time, in the end it was a good race for us. It has paid off that we at the beginning Gas have given. "

Jörg Müller: "That was the hardest 24 hour race of my career, because this time About 20 cars capable of winning. It was soon clear that the 24 to a sprint race
would be. It was tough but beautiful. Our car ran perfectly - I can not imagine a nicer weekend. "

Pedro Lamy: "Unfortunately yesterday I had the accident at the rotary. This was a difficult Situation at the moment and I saw at that moment no other option than
to drive a short distance from the direction of travel. "

3rd PLACE: # 14 (Basseng / FÄSSLER / STIPPLE) Audi R8 LMS

Marc Basseng: "We were right at the start of the race twice with a problem loose front splitter. As a result we lost about four minutes. Our goal was to ensure
to get through the night and then to push the morning right. This plan worked, demonstrates how our podium. "

Marcel Fässler: "This month I had great success in endurance racing, in addition to This third place was the highlight, of course, the victory at Le Mans. In this
Sprint race and the competition is the third place absolutely fine. "

Frank Stippler: "We stand on the podium. This is a good result for us. It is great to be on the podium three different manufacturers. It was a great race -
also for the spectators. For our team it was not an easy job, but it has everything went well. Equal opportunity was given. We are in for the start
Next year work hard again. "

The Top -15 standings:
  1. 18 Lieb/Luhr/Bern/Duma 156 9:50.166
  2. 1 Mül/Farf/Alze/Lamy 156 9:24.921
  3. 14 Bass/Fäs/Picc/Stip 155 9:37.582
  4. 15 Stip/Henn/Haas/Wink 155 12:03.884
  5. 16 Ekst/Sche/Wern/Abt 154 10:37.689
  6. 22 Heye/Jäg/Blee/Seyf 153 9:03.563
  7. 32 Arno/Marg/Brü/Fran 153 11:05.863
  8. 2 Farn/Simo/Seef/Melo 152 9:43.708
  9. 26 Abbe/Schm/Kent/Berg 152 9:36.345
  10. 12 Weis/Kain/Jaco/Krum 151 10:44.891
  11. 21 Meht/Bres/Bres/Rös 150 9:33.726
  12. 17 Ludw/Mies/Jön/Abt 149 11:29.063
  13. 8 West/Menz/Stur/Rieg 149 9:29.581
  14. 125 Amme/Biel/Klin/Tomc 148 9:26.303
  15. 34 Stuc/Stuc/Stuc/Rost 148 9:48.516
Images : 2011 ADAC Zurich Nurburgring 24h-race








[Source : ADAC 24H RACE - Official, PORSCHE, BMW, AUDI]