Honda Insight
Concept or production: Production. What is it: Honda’s backchatting the Prius. Highlights: Despite apparent aesthetic inspiration drawn from Toyota’s hybrid, the Insight is expected to beat Prius in the price contest.
Honda’s third-gen IMA hybrid system combines an all-aluminium 1.3-litre petrol four-cylinder with a 10kW electric motor and claims to sip 91RON at approx. 4.4L/100km.Honda brags that Insight could get up to 600km from a single tank.Insight is already in high demand – the first batch of domestic orders was double its initial monthly sales targets.Australia-bound: Honda hopes for a late 2009 release, but it might spill over into 2010.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
Honda Insight at Melbourne Motor Show
The world’s most affordable hybrid, the Honda Insight, will be the main attraction at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show from 27 February to 9 March.Mr. Fumihiko Ike, Chief Operating Officer of Regional Operations for Honda Asia Oceania announced the Insight’s arrival at his recent visit to Australia to launch the all-new Honda City.Honda Australia’s Senior Director, Mr. Lindsay Smalley is looking forward to the Insight being available in Australia in the near future.“After pioneering hybrid motoring in Australia with the original Insight in 2000 and following this with two generations of Civic Hybrid, we are looking forward to showcasing our latest innovation in hybrid technology with the second generation Insight.“This is one part of our vision to offer more hybrid motoring options to the Australian public,” Mr. Smalley said.The all-new Insight hybrid vehicle is currently on sale in the United States and Japan.The new Honda Insight has been designed to offer a practical, five-seat family car at an affordable price, with excellent fuel economy and low CO2 and other emissions. The Insight has a boot capacity of 408 litres with the seats up. The repackaging of the IPU and batteries means the Insight has seats which fold almost flat, increasing the boot capacity to approximately 1,017 litres.Honda’s latest hybrid vehicle revives the Insight nameplate, which was first used in 2000 and marked the introduction of hybrid motoring to Australians. It also marks a return for Honda to producing hybrids in a dedicated aerodynamic body, designed to optimise the performance of the efficient petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.The Insight combines an optimised 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine, now with Vehicle Cylinder Management (VCM) which shuts down cylinders and in some cases all four cylinders, to reduce fuel and emissions. It has a compact thin electric motor that gives the engine assistance when increased performance is required and acts as a generator during deceleration and braking. It also allows electric only operation in some slow and medium speed conditions.The Insight has been designed to give good real world emission and fuel economy figures. Its key element is the Eco Assist system that is fitted as standard. The upper instrument cluster where the speedometer is situated features a colour changing ambient light that illuminates green when driving ecologically, blue/green when the car is being driven acceptably and blue when driving with less regard for economy.The ambient lighting of the speedometer combines with a bar diagram which is more than a simple instantaneous economy meter. The display in the centre of the rev counter shows how aggressively the driver is accelerating or braking and encourages the driver to stay towards the middle with lighter more progressive use of the brake and accelerator pedals.
To chart progress during each journey, leaves will appear on the bare stems of the plant icons on the centre meter if the driver is matching the ecological driving conditions ideal. Should their driving go outside of these parameters for a length of time, the plants will wilt. At the end of each journey the driver is given a score which they can build up over time and gradually they will be rewarded with trophy symbols for continued good driving.
The practical interior is complimented by an attractively styled and aerodynamically profiled body, (similar in looks to the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car), which achieves an excellent CD of 0.28, helping the Insight to achieve excellent fuel economy and low emissions.
2010 Toyota Prius
Concept or production: Production. What is it: Third generation of the successful hybrid, with a few tune-ups. Highlights: The new 1.8-litre, 73kW engine (up from the last model’s 1.5L, 57kW ‘plant) is boasting improved fuel economy as well as power, redeucing fuel consumption by about 10% despite the higher displacement. The 60kW electric motor is 10kW more powerful than before.
The new look Prius is apparently a better drive than its predecessor as well, claiming a better electrically assisted power steering system, revised suspension settings, wider track, and newly-developed tyres with less rolling resistance.Prius will go into the ring in Melbourne with another anticipated hybrid, Honda’s Insight.Australia-bound: Expected third-quarter of this year.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
NEW PRIUS ON SHOW IN AUSTRALIA
Australian motorists will be the first outside the United States to view the next-generation Prius hybrid car when it features on the Toyota stand at this month’s Melbourne International Motor Show.In an era when multiple hybrid systems are starting to surface, Toyota is unveiling the third generation of Prius with its superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions.Melbourne is the first public outing for new Prius since the sharper-looking but instantly recognisable car made its world debut at last month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.Prius is the world’s most successful hybrid car with more than 1.2 million sales, including almost 12,000 in Australia.Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the decision to show new Prius in Melbourne indicated the importance of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to Australia.“It is a real coup to be able to show the new Prius at Melbourne, well ahead of its local launch early in the second half of this year,” Mr Buttner said.“Significantly, the name Prius is Latin for ‘to go before’ – a fitting name for a car that epitomised environmental awareness long before it became a mainstream social issue.“In keeping with its name, new Prius is also the fore-runner of another hybrid vehicle with even more importance for Australia.“Early next year, Toyota will become the first local manufacturer to produce a hybrid vehicle when we release the hybrid Camry from our Altona plant in Melbourne’s west.”The third-generation Prius features significant improvements to Toyota’s patented Hybrid Synergy Drive technology.As a result, new Prius achieves the remarkable feat of even better fuel economy while also gaining a bigger engine and improved performance.It features a 1.8-litre engine compared with the current car’s 1.5-litre engine, improving its performance and economy, especially on the highway.It is expected to accelerate more briskly, yet consume approximately 10 per cent less fuel on the official combined cycle.Unlike most other hybrid vehicles available, Prius has been a “full” hybrid since introduction.This allows it to run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both – and to charge the batteries while the car is running.Mr Buttner said the new car’s styling is sharper, sportier and more aerodynamic – with the best aerodynamic profile of any mass-produced vehicle in the world.“New Prius is quieter, roomier and equipped with advanced technology and innovative design features.“While Prius will satisfy those who demand ultra-low emissions, it is now also a mainstream car with great performance and more space,” he said.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Concept or production: Production. What is it: The successor to the Tiburon, based on the new Genesis sedan and driven rather impressively from the rear wheels … Highlights: The Korean carmaker’s first foray into rear-wheel drive is a convincing one.
Two petrol engines are available (overseas) – a 2.0 litre turbocharged four and an aluminium 3.8 litre V6. The latter claims performance of ‘0-96 km/h in under six seconds’, which to us reads 0-100km/k in six seconds…Safety and tech highlights include full stability control, six airbags, keyless entry, cruise control and Bluetooth.Australia-bound: Hyundai claims it is neither built nor converted for RHD countries. So why is it at the show?Also-shows: The i30cw Wagon variant of the hatch, first seen at Sydney last year, which features a 230 mm longer wheelbase and 40mm more height with a hatchback to boot.
Lamborghini LP560-4 Spyder
Concept or production: Production. What is it: The Longitudinale Posteriore (longitudinally placed in the posterior) 560 horsepower through four wheels Gallardo (no wonder it’s shortened) without a roof. Highlights: It’s the fastest and most expensive car on show, topping out at 324km/h and costing more than $750,000. Gives a new meaning to wind-in-hair driving, for the Lambo is at the extreme end of the cruising cabrio scale…
Features a worked version of the redeveloped 5.2L V10 developing 412 kW at 8000 rpm versus the standard car’s 382kW (and Superleggera’s 390kW), setting a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of four seconds flat.Also features intricate alloys, angular bodykit and fibrous interior trim a la LP640 Murcielago.Australia-bound: A handful… Also-shows: A Lamborghini Miura will feature at the Historic Tribute display.
PEUGEOT 308CC
Concept or production: Production. What is it: Peugeot’s 307CC replacement and big brother to the 207CC. Highlights: Four-seater under Peugeot’s latest-gen folding hardtop roof.
Neat ‘air scarf’ system in the front seats which diffuses warm air around the occupant’s shoulders and neck. And it’s adjustable for temperature, flow and direction. Just the thing for top-down winter motoring. Australia-bound: On sale in April.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Peugeot lets the sunshine in at Motor Show
Peugeot will confirm its position as the pioneer of coupé convertibles when it is the only maker with two different CC models at the Melbourne Motor Show this year.It will display both the 207CC and the soon-to-be-released 308CC at Australia’s only major motor show for 2009, which runs from 27 February to 9 March at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.Due to go on sale in Australia later this year, the 308CC promises to be a unique and attractive offer for enthusiasts of lifestyle motoring.With four full-size seats, the 308CC capitalises on all the inbuilt strengths of the 308 range whilst embodying the 307CC spirit and Peugeot’s coupé cabriolet expertise.Among the special features of the 308CC is a warm air system in the front seats, which acts as a scarf by diffusing warm air around the occupant’s shoulders and neck, adjustable for temperature, flow and direction.Peugeot pioneered the concept of “folding roof cars” way back in the 1930s with its elegant 401, 601 and 402 “Eclipse” models, and it revived the concept for the 21st century with the hugely popular 206 CC.The 308CC is the latest of the Peugeot coupé cabriolets which have led the trend away from soft-tops to the comfort and security of metal folding roofs in affordable four-seat convertibles.It is scheduled for a mid-year launch on the Australian market to replace the successful 307CC and complete the 308 range of hatches and Touring wagons.Melbourne International Motor Show runs from 27 February to 9 March at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and is organised and promoted by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce through its dealer division the Australian Automobile Dealers Association (Vic).
Mazda 3
Concept or production: Production. What is it: The next 3 line-up, complete with turbocharged MPS variant. Highlights: A very exciting debut for Mazda – and for Australia. The three-year-old Mazda3 topped the sales charts last month, helped along by incentives and run-out deals no doubt, and the new 3 is assured to continue as a strong seller.
Two iterations of the 3 line-up will be on display: a 2.0 litre Mazda3 Maxx Sport sedan, and the 2.5 litre Mazda3 SP25 hatchback. While the 2.0-litre is carried over, the latter gets a 0.2-litre boost from its larger sibling, the Mazda6. The 3 will also retain its 2.0-litre diesel.More swoopy soft lines from the company’s recent Nagare Series influence are obvious in both exterior and interior, and tech advanced include standard DSC and a sat-nav option.Mazda is also showing off the new, nostrilled MPS. It will be the global debut of the car.Australia-bound: Yes – April for the 3, third quarter for the MPS. Also-shows: An updated Mazda MX-5 Roadster.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Mazda at 2009 MIMS – Australians first to see Mazda3 MPS
The Melbourne International Motor Show will host the world public debut of the new-generation Mazda3 MPS turbocharged performance hatchback.Australian showgoers will be the first in the world to see the new-generation Mazda3 MPS in the metal because Mazda has fast-tracked a high-performance Mazda3 MPS version of the new-generation Mazda3 range to the Melbourne International Motor Show and will roll it onto the stand early on March 4.The new-generation Mazda3 MPS high-performance hatchback makes its official debut during the invite-only Industry Day at the Geneva Auto Salon on March 3, but the public will have to wait until March 5 to gain entry.Show-going Australians, however, will be able to view the turbocharged hot hatch when the Melbourne International Motor show opens its doors at 10am on March 4.This is a huge coup for Australia and for hot hatch fans, and the second time Mazda has rushed a new car Downunder to the Melbourne International Motor Show. The Mazda MX-5 roadster starred at the show in 2005, again just hours after making its international debut in Geneva the night before.The Mazda3 MPS is the performance king of the new-generation Mazda3 range, and has the potential to rewrite affordable hot-hatch benchmarks, primarily with its feisty 2.3-litre turbo engine, and also through its finely-tuned chassis and sports suspension.The previous model’s pedigree is proven in the toughest automotive environment – motorsport. The first-generation Mazda3 MPS has competed twice in Targa Tasmania – a five-day road race across Australia’s smallest state – and finished in the top 10, amongst a field of Porsches, Lamborghinis, Evos and other exotica.Alongside the Mazda3 MPS on the stand will be the updated Mazda MX-5 roadster and twonew-generation Mazda3s, in sleek sedan and sporty SP25 hatchback form. The new-generation Mazda3 range makes significant advances in style, safety, value for money and driving spirit, and will be offered with a range of economical petrol and diesel engines.The new-generation Mazda3 will be the most significant new car at the Melbourne International Motor Show. Australians buy more Mazda3s than any other new car on the market, according to official January 2009 sales figures released by VFACTS.
The new-generation Mazda3 range goes on sale in April 2009. The Mazda3 MPS is slated for launch in Australia in the third quarter of 2009.
KIA SOUL
Concept or production: Production What is it: A five-door hatchback bashing down Gen Y’s door. Highlights: Despite its looks and design, the Soul is not a mini SUV, but a front-wheel-drive hatch along the lines of Dodge’s Caliber. The Soul entices the younger market with options like bigger alloys and different bodykits, sporty or retro interior trims, bigger stereos, etc etc.
Kia is promising a choice of petrol or diesel engines, with manual or automatic ‘boxes. Overseas, it is sold with two petrol four-cylinfers and a turbodiesel four cylinder…Australia-bound: Early April 2009.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
All-new Kia Soul – redefines the personality of cars for young buyers
To celebrate the Australian premiere of the all-new Kia Soul at the Melbourne International Motor Show, Kia Motors Australia will be displaying five different interpretations of its latest model in a special interactive ‘Soul Zone’ on the Kia stand.The eagerly awaited Soul marks a revolutionary expansion of the Kia product line-up and redefines the personality of cars, with Generation Y and the young-at-heart firmly in its sights.Soul presents consumers with such a broad selection of styling, comfort and equipment choices, that it redefines the concept of freedom and individuality and creates a new category for the young and young-at-heart.It’s a brand new urban car packed full of liberating ideas – a car that challenges consumers to ‘free your mind’, to build an emotional bond with their new car and to rethink everything they know about Kia.The all-new Soul closely follows the concept first shown to the world in 2006. Kia Motors Corporation’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, has overseen the evolution of Kia Soul from 2006 concept fantasy to its 2009 production reality.“Conceived in the USA, developed in Korea and fine-tuned in Europe, the Soul will be a breakthrough vehicle for Kia on its journey to be seen as a design-led company and the maker of distinctive cars which consumers aspire to own,” said Mr. Schreyer.“Kia Soul is all about creating a car that demonstrates our passion for automotive design, gets Kia talked about the media and the public, and generates an irresistible customer appeal.”The Soul also features the trademark Kia ‘corporate grille’ that first had its Australian premiere on the new Kia Cerato sedan, launched last month and already drawing accolades from the Australian media and buying public alike.The key to the all-new Kia Soul’s appeal is its ultimate ‘customisability’ for young and young-at-heart urban car buyers.With 61 factory and locally fitted options available, no two Souls seen in the street are likely to be the same, thus expressing the individuality of their owners. The new Kia Soul can be whatever you want it to be!Options will include alloy wheels; body-kits; audio upgrades; sports or ‘retro chic’ interiors; body accents and many other options, all designed to give customers almost infinite possibilities to personalise and individualise their own Soul.Kia has prepared five different interpretations of Soul for MIMS to demonstrate some of the options that can be fitted to complement the ‘attitude’ and individual lifestyle of young buyers:• Burner (Black): Go ahead, judge it by its cover! • Diva (Vanilla): Arrive fashionably ahead of your time. • Lava (Orange): Blend out. The only thing it lacks is subtlety. • Mode (White): It’s a blank canvas for your individual personality. • Searcher (Green Tea): It’ll move you. Even when standing still.When released to the Australian market in early April 2009, the new Kia Soul will be available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, with manual or automatic transmissions.
Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce
Concept or production: Production What is it: A reason for buyers of the LP 640 and the Reventon to get very upset… Highlights: Just when you thought the Lamborghini Murciélago couldn’t get any bigger, badder, or more angular, comes the LP 670-4 SuperVeloce.
In the vain of the Diablo SV, Lamborghini’s ‘exceptionally purist’ LP 670-4 SV adds 30 horses to the (now) standard LP to develop 499kW and 660Nm from the stretched 6.5L V12. And all they did was tweak the valve timing and lift, and refine the air intakes.Even better, the bulging body is actually 100kg lighter, offering a 3.2sec 0-100km sprint and speed tops out at 336km/h with the heli-pad spoiler, or a greater 341km/h with a smaller rear lip.The clear engine cover also looks like a hornet’s nest of hexagons, giving a good hint to what lies beneath the armour-plated skin…Australia-bound: Yeah, right….
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – the new king of the bulls is even more powerful, lighter and faster.
The Lamborghini Murciélago is one of the most extraordinary super sports cars of all time. Automobili Lamborghini has now expanded its model range with a new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top model – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is even more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murciélago LP 640. With the output of the 6.5 liter V12 increased to 670 hp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp. This catapults it from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a breathtaking 3.2 seconds and powers it on to a top speed of around 342 km/h (212 mph). Distinctive design refinements ensure that each of this 350-unit limited edition series conveys its full potential from the very first glance.With its outstanding performance, razor-sharp precision and exceptional high-speed stability, the Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the ultimate performance car for advanced sports car drivers. The super sports car has been extensively redesigned with a new front and rear, an innovative engine bonnet and a choice of two aerodynamic set-ups featuring either a small or large rear spoiler. The interior in Alcantara and carbon fiber provides a purist and minimalist approach.In order to achieve the substantial weight reduction of 100 kilograms (220 lbs), the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce was extensively reworked and redeveloped in virtually every aspect – from chassis to engine and transmission, right through to the interior. The increase in engine output from 640 to 670 hp is the result of optimized valve timing and a reworked intake system. The significantly modified aerodynamics with substantially increased downforce brings considerable improvement to vehicle stability at very high speeds. With the small standard-fit rear spoiler, top speed stands at 342 km/h (212 mph), while the large “Aeropack Wing” and its added downforce gives a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph).“The new Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the systematic continuation of our brand philosophy. It is more extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “As the new top model of the highly successful Murciélago range, the SuperVeloce displays not only outstanding driving dynamics, it is also further evidence of our company’s technological expertise. Customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving experience.”Design and aerodynamicsThe Murciélago is an icon of the Lamborghini brand – a sports machine of menacing character and brutal power. Its unique design radiates a supreme form of highly concentrated sensuality. Wide, low, with its glass area pushed way forward and a long, taut back – the interplay between the soft contours of the basic form and razor sharp edges is the perfect expression of the Lamborghini design language. In the totality of its character, the Murciélago is without comparison on the sports car market.Yet even a character like this can be further refined – the new Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the more extreme, even more purist pinnacle of the model range. This is clearly evident from the very first glimpse of its completely redesigned front end – pulled way forward and finished in matt black paint, the carbon fiber front spoiler is connected to the front end via two vertical elements. The large air intakes for the front brakes are more powerfully emphasized. The new front fenders feature additional air intakes for brake ventilation. The air vent for the oil cooler located in the driver-side sill area is painted matt black to match the sills.The modifications are even more apparent around the mighty engine bay of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The twelve-cylinder engine is presented as an engineering masterpiece under a transparent engine bonnet that boasts a completely new architecture. Hexagonal polymer plates made from transparent polycarbonate are set on three levels within a carbon fiber framework. The layers are open towards the rear, playing a key role in the thermodynamics of the high-performance engine.The impressive rear end of the SuperVeloce is dominated by a veritably noble, flat and extremely wide exhaust tailpipe and, on the underside, by a two-level diffuser system finished entirely in carbon fiber. The rear light clusters display their signals in that distinctive Y-shape that has been a fixed element of Lamborghini design since the Murciélago LP 640, Reventón and Gallardo LP 560-4. The panel between the lights is made from carbon fiber, while the large intake mesh below expands across the full width of the rear end. Made from thick-walled aluminum, the hexagonal pattern is laser-cut and a Teflon coating provides the necessary heat protection.The aerodynamics of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce have been completely redeveloped. Alongside the enlarged front spoiler and the twin rear diffuser, the new fixed rear spoiler also plays an important role. Customers can choose between two versions, with the small rear spoiler providing improved downforce at high speeds. As an option, the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be supplied with the “Aeropack Wing” – a large, fixed, carbon-fiber wing mounted on two carbon-fiber brackets. The new aerodynamic set-up provides a significant boost to directional stability at the very highest speeds. The top-speed downforce on the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce with Aeropack is strongly increased.Bodyshell and lightweight constructionWith the construction of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, Lamborghini proves its expertise in the manufacture of lightweight materials and in working with hi-tech carbon fiber. The structure of the super sports car is a composite construction of extremely stiff carbon components and a tubular steel frame – as in a race car. The transmission tunnel and the floor are made of carbon fiber, attached to the steel frame using rivets and high-strength adhesives. The roof and the exterior door panels are formed in sheet steel, while the remainder of the outer skin is made from carbon composite material.For the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, engineers in Sant’Agata Bolognese recalculated the framework and selected a new, super high-strength sectional steel. This achieved two objectives – on the one hand, they increased the torsional stiffness of the chassis by 12 percent to provide improved handling precision and, on the other, they were able to reduce weight by 20 kg (44 lbs), making a significant contribution to the reduction of overall vehicle weight. And the systematic approach to lightweight design continues throughout the entire bodyshell. The front fenders, the rear side panels/fenders and the casing for the third brake light are made of a modified carbon-fiber material. Combined with the removal of the drive for the moveable spoiler, this brings a further weight reduction of 13 kg (28.6 lbs).Added to the 33 kg (72.6 lbs) of weight reduction from the chassis and exterior, are 34 kg (74.8 lbs) from the interior, as well as over 33 kg (72.6 lbs) removed from the engine and drive train.Power unit and transmissionThe longitudinally mounted 6.5 liter V12 delivers the infernal power for an unparalleled driving experience. With 670 hp (493 kW), the engine in the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is 30 hp more powerful than in the Murciélago LP 640. The twelve-cylinder sends its mighty 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at 6,500 rpm; maximum power is reached at 8,000 rpm, with an average piston speed of 23.7 meters per second – a figure almost comparable to race engines.The V12 is eager to deliver its performance – it brings its menacing power with immediacy and precision to guarantee breathtaking performance – after only 3.2 seconds the SuperVeloce has already reached 100 km/h (62 mph).The engine block and heads of the V12, positioned at the ideal cylinder angle of 60 degrees, are made from aluminum. The four chain-driven camshafts are variably controlled, while the intake manifold operates in three stages – both technologies add even greater thrust to the merciless pushing power. To increase the performance of the SuperVeloce, the intake system was modified, the valve train optimized and, most importantly, valve travel was increased.The control electronics for the V12 were developed internally by Lamborghini – each cylinder bank has its own high-performance processor. If the engine needs more cooling air, intake funnels emerge from the rear pillars: when not in operation, they lie flush with the bodyshell. Dry sump lubrication enables the V12 to be mounted extremely low down, benefiting the handling dynamics: this also guarantees oil supply under extremely dynamic driving conditions. With 12 liters of lubricating oil in circulation, the oil cooler is located on the left side of the vehicle and cooled by air flowing through the aperture in the sill.The weight reduction of more than 26 kg (57 lbs) in the engine area was derived primarily from the completely new exhaust system. The muffler has been redesigned and even the mighty tailpipe of the SuperVeloce manufactured from new materials is lighter than on the Murciélago LP 640. But most of all, the new exhaust system makes for an acoustic experience that is surely equal to the driving performance – from the heavy rumble of a stormy night, through the trumpeting of mighty elephants to the roar of a raging lion, the SuperVeloce performs the grand opera for 12 cylinders, 48 valves and 8,000 revs.The SuperVeloce is equipped as standard with the sequential, automated manual transmission e.gear, which uses electro-hydraulics to shift gear extremely quickly and smoothly. A cockpit display informs the driver of the gear currently engaged. In addition a special “Corsa” mode and a “Low adherence” mode are available.As a no-premium option, the SuperVeloce is available with a six-speed manual transmission. Its short metal shift stick runs in an open gate of classic Italian elegance. In both variants, the new lightweight clutch makes its own contribution to the weight loss program.All-wheel drive and chassisThe Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce delivers its extreme power to the road with great reliability – assured by its permanent all-wheel drive. Before the rear wheels spin, the viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 percent. With its four driven wheels and traction, the Murciélago delivers a decisive advantage over rear-wheel drive sports cars when it comes to accelerating out of a corner – and always with maximum stability. The rear axle bears 58 percent of its overall weight – a distribution ratio that is highly beneficial to traction.Explosive dynamics, tenacious cornering and extreme speeds – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is a super sports car packed with aggressive power, but by no means a mean-spirited car. Its steering requires very little power support, giving full control of the car to the driver. Those prepared to tackle the beast head on are quickly rewarded with intimate contact and trust – as speed increases, so the Murciélago reveals its strengths, thus exposing a character with no hidden surprises and behavior that can always be anticipated.The Murciélago is fitted with double wishbone suspension all round. Spring struts – two on each of the rear wheels and one on each of the front – control the loads transferred from the road. The standard-fit lifting system enables the front end of the vehicle to be raised by 45 mm (1.8 inches) to avoid obstacles such as garage entryways. The SuperVeloce is equipped with exclusive “Ares” alloy-forged wheels, bearing the exclusive five twin-spoke design. The front wheels are clad in 245/35 ZR 18 rubber, while the rears sport 335/30 ZR 18. High-grip Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires come as standard.Four brakes controlled by a hi-tech ABS system are capable of mighty stopping power when required. The Carbon Ceramic (CCB) brakes are fanned by cooling air flowing through enlarged channels in the bodyshell, while openings in the front fenders provide additional ventilation for the SuperVeloce. The ceramic discs are exceptionally lightweight, fade-free and capable of extremely high operational performance.Interior and equipmentEven stepping into the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is an experience as individual as the vehicle itself. The upward-opening doors – a solution developed by Lamborghini in the early seventies for the Countach – are released via small latches, then swing wide open to reveal a panorama of the exclusive interior of the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The dominating materials are Alcantara and carbon fiber, which make for an ambience that is as high-quality as it is sporty.The sports bucket seats come as standard and provide exceptionally firm support around the hip and shoulder areas. The bucket seats are made from lightweight and highly robust carbon fiber and guarantee the driver perfect support, even in the most extreme driving situations. The Murciélago’s standard seats are also available on the SuperVeloce as an option free of charge.Not only the seats are upholstered in black Alcantara micro-fiber; the cockpit and the roof lining are also finished in this high-quality, lightweight material. The Y-shaped perforations on the seats and roof lining bring additional finesse, with an inlaid backing material in the same color as the exterior paintwork. The Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce can be delivered with the paint finishes Giallo Orion, Arancio Atlas, Bianco Isis, Grigio Telesto and Nero Aldebaran, as well as Bianco Canopus (white matt) and Nero Nemesis (black matt) as an option.Naturally, the interior also makes its contribution to weight reduction. The door panels are clad in carbon fiber, as is the wide center tunnel. The application of Alcantara instead of leather is another weight-saver, just like the selection of sports bucket seats and the omission of the radio-navigation system (if requested, this is available as an option). At the end of the day, the music in a Murciélago comes from the engine compartment. Overall, modifications to the interior contribute over 34 kg (75 lbs) to the SuperVeloce weight loss program.But absolutely no corners have been cut when it comes to one characteristic that is a feature of all Lamborghini super sports cars – the exceptionally high quality of the workmanship. The craftsmen in Sant’Agata Bolognese are all masters of their respective trades; the three-year warranty bears testimony to absolute faith in product quality.
Bentley Continental Supersports
Concept or production: Production What is it: A reason for buyers of the Conti GT Speed to get very upset… Highlights: Bentley follows the Lambo route with the Supersports, the fastest, lightest, most powerful Continental – indeed Bentley – ever produced.
Named after a 1925 top-shelf variant (below), the new SS pumps out 463kW and 800Nm from the good ol’ 6.0-litre W12, and clocks 100km/h in just 3.7secs.Top speed is 329km/h, and it’s 110kg lighter than the already slimmed-down GT Speed. And it’s a flex-fuel car, accepting E85 as well as 98RON.Australia-bound: No doubt someone will be able to afford one, and we will despise them…
EDAG Light Car – Open Source
Concept or production: Concept What is it: Rolling education for the tailgating masses. Highlights: Though it looks a little odd and unoriginal (think Toyota 1/X concept from the Melbourne show last week), the latest EDAG electric concept has a few very cool features.
The best road safety element to this black jelly-bean has to be its rear window – LEDs through the entire panel can alert the traffic behind if the car is braking hard, or if traffic conditions ahead have changed. The LED panels on the front can change the headlights to blinkers and vice-versa, while its battery charge on the lower side sill doubles as a cool graphic.It has a 100 percent recyclable chassis made of basalt fibre (like carbon fibre, but made up of mineral compounds), and it uses hub-mounted electric motors to save on space.But the best bit is the open source inference – EDAG has developed the car and its cool components for others to improve upon. A great advancement for technology, and a great PR nod for EDAG.Australia-bound: No.
