New details for Gordon Murray's T.27 City Car

Gordon Murray has long been considered one of the most innovative engineers and designers in the automotive world. The latest project from the mind that created the McLaren F1 supercar is the new T.27 electric city car. The T.27 is the battery powered variant of the T.25, a model that will debut shortly with a gas engine. Both models use the same basic architecture, and like the seminal supercar, they feature a three seat layout. That's largely where the similarities end, however.

Essentially an electric version of the T.25, the T.27 features a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery and a small electric motor with 25 kW (34 hp / 34 PS) and 875 Nm (645 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 15 seconds, before topping out at 105 km/h (65 mph). While it's not fast, the 680 Kg (1,500 lb) T.27 will have a range of 129-161 kilometers (80-100 miles). More importantly, "projected emissions, using a UK energy mix, are 48g/km CO2 for the combined cycle and 28g/km CO2 for the urban cycle alone, with zero emissions at the point of use.  Full lifecycle CO2 damage will be 42% less than the average UK car," according to the press release.

T.27 has a length of 2.50m, width of 1.30m and height of 1.60m, and it offers s wheelbase of 1.78m. The car’s turning circle is 6.0 meters and the weight including the battery is 680Kg.





Press Release

Gordon Murray Design announce the Specification and Performance Targets for the T.27 City Car, a pure electric drive vehicle designed to fully optimise packaging, weight and performance. The announcement marks an exciting leap forward in efficiency for electric vehicles and working closely with their powertrain partner, Zytek Automotive, a brand new, innovative, lightweight and fully integrated electric motor, control system and battery will be designed to ensure that maximum efficiency is achieved.

Projected emissions, using a UK energy mix, are 48g/km CO2 for the combined cycle and 28g/km CO2 for the urban cycle alone, with zero emissions at the point of use. Full lifecycle CO2 damage will be 42% less than the average UK car.

Vehicle Specification

eMotor:	25kW	Height:	1.60m
Battery Type:	Li-ion	Weight:	680Kg (incl. battery)
Battery Spec.	12kWh	Wheel Base:	1.78m
Length:	2.50m	Turning Circle:	6.0m
Width:	1.30m

Performance Targets

Top Speed:	105kph
0-100kph:	Less than 15 seconds
Range:	80 – 100 miles

The T.27 vehicle concept closely follows the layout and geometry of Gordon Murray Design’s innovative T.25 city car, an MPV with 6 possible internal layouts.

The efficiency in cost, weight and performance comes in part from the ‘clean sheet of paper’ approach, part from the full integration of the powertrain and also from the low energy manufacturing system developed by Gordon Murray Design called iStream®.

iStream® massively reduces the capital investment required to produce the vehicle and also the energy required for manufacture plus the flexibility of the iStream® process would also allow the petrol powered T.25 and the T.27 to be manufactured at the same plant.

The 16 month programme started in November 2009 with a running prototype scheduled for completion in April 2011 and is supported with a 50% investment from the Technology Strategy Board. The next phase in the programme will include a push to secure partners and funding for UK manufacture. A UK partner or consortium to produce the city cars in the UK would keep the technology at home and could create 6,000 jobs.

Professor Gordon Murray, CEO of Gordon Murray Design said:

“The Technology Strategy Board have been incredibly supportive of the T.27 programme and together we are working to keep this in the United Kingdom. It is a great opportunity to work with Zytek Automotive and our other partners on this very exciting programme. We always strive to lead the way in automotive design and our current goal is to maximise efficiency of electric vehicles.”

Bill Gibson, Chairman of Zytek Automotive said:

Zytek’s new innovative powertrain, developed from our substantial experience of EV and hybrid vehicle production programmes, will substantially reduce the weight and cost of the electric engine, whilst delivering the quality, refinement and driving experience that T.27 customers will demand.”

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board said:

"This is another example of the UK positioning itself to benefit from the economic opportunities offered by the emerging low-carbon vehicles market.It’s great that the T.27, a fantastic example of smart engineering and sustainable design, is at the forefront of this. We are also glad that we were able to support a project that enabled Gordon Murray Design and Zytek Automotive and the other partners to work together to be truly innovative.”

Project Kahn Freelander RS200

Project Kahn is one of the world’s most prestigious tuners in the world and they always pick expensive and luxurious cars to upgrade. But their latest project is for the Land Rover Freelamder, which is neither luxe or expensive! But as usual they’ve done a great job in improving the looks inside and out.

The package includes a matte black signature bonnet stripe, silver door handles, door mirror caps, front bumper vents, body colored style vents, side sill, front grille surround and smoked side repeaters. The exterior is rounded off with Kahn 20" RS wheels and tires

Coming to the interior its essentially a combination of black and white colors. Black leather of the finest quality is stitched with contrasting white stitching. The RS200 logo adds a touch of style to the interiors. The white contrast stitch also abounds on the steering wheel. However, some shades of red comes into the picture in the speedometer and rev counters that is essentially red and white.

The complete RS200 is priced at a very reasonable £29,995 which includes £10,000 worth of Project Kahn accessories.
Project Kahn will shortly be announcing another addition to the RS series.





Press Release

Following on from the hugely successful Project Kahn Range Rover Sport RS600 and the Project Kahn RS300 powered by Cosworth, it was an inevitable progression that the prestige automotive design house, Project Kahn would eventually place their signature stamp on the Land Rover Freelander.

The Freelander as the junior member of the 4×4’s most aristocrat family; Land Rover, continues to be the nations favourite SUV with its combination of car-like dynamics and smart styling explaining their popularity.

Taking inspiration from the Project Kahn Range Rover Sport RS600, the Freelander RS200 has received an extensive makeover from the king of aesthetic conversions Afzal Kahn.

The Freelander RS200 modifications include features which are unrivalled in today’s market, including to the exterior; Kahn 20” RS wheels and tyres, matt black signature bonnet stripe, silver door handles, door mirror caps, front bumper vents, body coloured style vents, side sill, front grille surround and smoked side repeater’s.

Climb aboard the RS200 and you’ll find modifications including black leather interior with contrasting white stitching complete with RS200 logo’s, steering wheel with white contrast stitching and Kahn red and white speedo and rev counter’s.

Of course as with all Project Kahn cars, the RS200 accessories are available as standalone pieces. Afzal Kahn; the CEO of Project Kahn comments: “Customising your existing car, is a great alternative, cost effective way for owners to upgrade”.

The complete RS200 is priced at a very reasonable £29,995 which includes £10,000 worth of Project Kahn accessories.

Project Kahn will shortly be announcing another addition to the RS series, news of which we will bring you shortly.

Updates: NOVITEC Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Novitec Rosso has announced new accessories, wheels and an ECU upgrade for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti has received a tuning kit from Novitec Rosso, with the package targeting both the performance and the aesthetics areas of the Italian Grand Tourer. The Scaglietti’s 5.8 liter V12 powerplant, which originally developed 540 hp at 7,250 rpm and 588 Nm at 5,250 rpm, now delivers 565 hp at 7,290 rpm and 609 Nm of torque at 5,300 rpm.

Starting with the exterior the NOVITEC Ferrari 612 Scaglietti comes with a set of 20/21 inch size wheels wrapped in ultra-high-performance tires, black taillights and 90 mm stainless tailpipes that offers a deeper exhaust note.

It’s value referring to which a “black lamps” ascent is accessible which comes with 4 turn taillights, reflectors and side markers. On the inside, Novitec Rosso will ascent the interior in a bespoke conform for the client. Steering circle customization is accessible from density to color.




Press Release

Arrivederci 612 Scaglietti!

NOVITEC ROSSO Refines the Ferrari 2+2-Seater

2+2-seaters have a long and illustrious tradition at Ferrari. The 612 Scaglietti seamlessly continued this tremendous success story since its debut in the fall of 2003. To make this extraordinary automobile even more exclusive and to add an even higher level of customization NOVITEC ROSSO now offers new accessories such as a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with diameters of 20 and 21 inches, a power increase to 565 hp / 416 kW, a stainless-steel sport exhaust system, new taillight design and upgrades for the interior.

Wheels make a car and for a Ferrari the best is just good enough. The NOVITEC ROSSO suspension specialists have developed custom versions of the three-piece NF3 alloy wheels for the Italian sports car.

The new wheels feature a striking design with five double spokes and polished outer flanges. Contrary to the 19-inch production wheels, the 612 Scaglietti in NOVITEC ROSSO trim sports a combination of size 9Jx20 wheels in front and size 12.5Jx21 rims on the rear axle.

This measure benefits not only the driving dynamics of the car but also and foremost the coupe's appearance. The staggered wheels further emphasize the wedge-shaped design of the two-door car.

In the P Zero tire technology partner Pirelli offers the perfect ultra-high-performance tires for this tire/wheel combination that makes optimal use of the available space in the wheel wells Tires in size 275/30 ZR 20 on the front axle provide enormous grip during fast cornering and hard braking. Tires in size 355/25 R 21 on the rear axle allow even higher cornering speeds and provide maximum traction.

The exclusive look can be further upgraded with black NOVITEC ROSSO lamps. The complete package comprises the four round taillights, the reflectors and the side markers.

Further cornerstones of the NOVITEC ROSSO program for the 612 Scaglietti are a power increase and an even sportier exhaust note. The inner workings of the V12 engine with a displacement of 5,748 cm³ remain untouched. The power increase to 565 hp / 416 kW at 7,290 rpm is the product of a newly calibrated engine management system and the NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system.

The tuning gives the V12 engine an even crisper response and lets it rev up even faster. Simultaneously peak torque grows to 609 Nm at 5,300 rpm. A top speed of more than 325 km/h and a sprint time for 0 - 100 km/h of just 3.9 seconds make the 2+2-seater an even more dominant sports car.

The NOVITEC ROSSO sport exhaust system is an integral part of the power increase and produces a truly delightful exhaust note. The NOVITEC ROSSO exhaust is easily distinguished by its four 90-mm tailpipes cut at an angle.

NOVITEC ROSSO upgrades the four-seat interior according to customers' personal preferences. The ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel comes in any color imaginable. But that's not all: Customers can also freely choose the steering wheel's material as well as the thickness of the rim. The rim is flattened at the bottom for easier entering and exiting of the vehicle.

Every NOVITEC ROSSO interior is characterized by its masterful precision finish and its striking colors. But NOVITEC ROSSO realizes not only Ferrari owners' personal material and color selections, it also custom-tailors the seat to each customer's body measurements. Special requests such as for seats with even more lateral support or a lowered seat position for especially tall drivers round out the interior customization program.

Preview：Skoda Fabia vRS launches in UK

Skoda has announced that the new Fabia vRS range will be officially launched in the UK on Thursday 29 July 2010, with prices and specification having already been confirmed.

The new vRS is the fastest production Fabia ever built, and builds on its predecessor’s reputation for high performance, low running costs and remarkable value for money.

Maximum power is 132 kW (178 bhp / 180 PS) at 6,200rpm and peak torque is 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox which helps it accelerate from 0 - 62mph in 7.3 seconds for both the hatch and the estate. Average fuel consumption comes to 45.6 mpg-UK (6.2l / 100km).

The car comes with a 7-speed DSG transmission, with ESP, HHC (Hill Hold Control) and XDS (Electronic Differential System). Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 7.3 secs, with a top speed of 139mph (140mph for the estate). It also features 17-inch ‘Gigaro’ alloy wheels, LED daylight running lights, sunset glass and vRS body kit.

The Fabia vRS will also sip fuel at the rate of 6.1 litres/100kms and comes with an XDS electronic differential for extra cornering grip.

The new Skoda Fabia vRS will be available for £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate version.





Press Release

NEW ŠKODA FABIA vRS LAUNCHES IN THE UK

• On sale in the UK from 29 July
• Estate version available for the first time
• 1.4-litre TSI turbo and supercharged to give 180bhp
• Seven-speed DSG gearbox with paddleshift as standard
• XDS electronic differential boosts cornering grip
• 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, combined fuel economy of 45.6mpg

The fantastic new Fabia vRS will be officially launched in the UK on Thursday 29 July 2010, and prices and specification have been confirmed.

The new vRS is the fastest production Fabia ever built, and builds on its predecessor's reputation for high performance, low running costs and remarkable value for money.

Available as a hatch and estate, the vRS is powered by the fantastic 1.4 TSI 180bhp engine in tandem with a 7-speed DSG transmission, with ESP, HHC (Hill Hold Control) and XDS (Electronic Differential System). Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 7.3 secs, with a top speed of 139mph (140mph for the estate).

The new vRS features stylish 17-inch ‘Gigaro' alloy wheels, LED daylight running lights, sunset glass and vRS body kit giving it a very sporty appearance. Customers can also choose an optional white or black roof with a range of body colours, including the new Rallye Green, inspired by the Škoda Fabia S2000 rally car.

Inside, the vRS boasts figure-hugging vRS sports seats, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with radio controls and paddles for changing gear and MDI (Multi-Device Interface) for use with iPods and other mp3 players.

Overall, the vRS offers fantastic value for money, particularly when compared to the competition. Where else can you find a 180bhp engine with DSG, paddles, LED lights and loads of standard kit for £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate version?

Pricing

Hatch	Gearbox	CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR
Fabia vRS 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	7spd	148	F	£15,700
Estate	Gearbox	CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR
Fabia vRS 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	7spd	148	F	£16,495

Standard specification

• 17" alloy wheels "GIGARO" 7J x 17"
• 3-spoke multi-function leather sports steering wheel w/ paddles & controls for radio
• Alarm with tilt sensor
• Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
• Electric front windowsESP (incl ABS, MSR and ASR)+HHC+TPM+XDS (ESP with Hill Hold Control, Tyre Pressure
• Monitor and Electonically Controlled Differential)
• Height adjustable driver's and passenger seat
• ISOFIX in outer rear seats
• LED daylight running lights
• Manual air conditioning
• Maxi-dot trip computer
• MDI (Multi-device interface and cable for connecting MP3 players)
• adio ‘Swing' 2DIN CD and 8 speakers (can play MP3 recordings)
• Rear chrome double exhaust pipe
• Rear spoiler (painted in body colour or roof colour)
• Remote central locking
• Small leather pack (handbrake, gearknob and gaiter)
• Sport seats with vRS logo
• Sports suspension
• Stainless steel pedals and vRS logo on kickplates
• Sunset glass (from the B-pillar back)

Technical data

	Fabia vRS Hatch 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	Fabia vRS Estate 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG
Emissions
CO2 (g/km)	148	148
Standard Euro emissions	EUV
Engine and drive train
CC	1,390
Compression ratio	10.0:1
Fuel delivery	Direct injection
Number of gears	7
Performance
0 to 62 mph (secs)	7.3	7.3
Engine power (bhp/rpm)	180/6,200	180/6,200
Engine torque (Nm)	250/2,000-4,500	250/2,000-4,500
Top speed (mph)	139	140
Fuel consumption
EC urban (mpg)	36.7
EC extra-urban (mpg)	54.3
EC combined (mpg)	45.6
Tyre size front/rear	205/40 R17 84W	205/40 R17 84W
Weight and capacities
Gross vehicle weight	1,718	1,713
Luggage capacity (seats down)	1,163	1,460
Luggage capacity (seats up)	300	480
Max loading weight	400	400
Max roof load	75	75
Max towing weight – braked	-	-
Max towing weight – unbraked	-	-
Kerbweight	1,318	1,313

Colours

Fabia vRS will be available in a range of colours with optional black or white roofs. Estate is not available with a coloured roof.

	Black roof	White roof
Rallye Green Metallic	?	?
Race Blue Metallic	-	?
Black Magic Pearl Effect	-	?
Brilliant Silver Metallic	?	-
Sprint Yellow	?	-
Corrida Red	?	-
Candy White	?	-

First Aston Martin Rapide rolls off production line

Aston Martin is celebrating a new era after its first four-door Rapide sports cars rolled off the production line, headed for 125 showrooms in 34 countries.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Rapide is Aston Martin's first four-door coupe since the Lagonda went out of production in 1989. It features sexy styling, bi-xenon headlights (with integrated LED sidelights and direction indicators), and clear LED taillights.

The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere. At the heart of the Rapide lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lb.ft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

The base price for the Rapide is $199,950. Just 666 examples are coming to the United States.






Press Release

New Four-Door Sports Car Officially Joins British Marque's Product Line-Up

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 7 May 2010. A new chapter in Aston Martin's modern era has officially begun; with the first four-door Rapide sports cars leaving the Aston Martin Rapide Plant (AMRP) for delivery to eagerly awaiting customers.

Following a warm reception from customers and media observers alike, the Rapide is now set to reach customers and Aston Martin's 125 showrooms in 34 countries over the coming weeks.

First shown in 2006 in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, the Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin's new shareholders in mid-2007 following the sale of the marque by the Ford Motor Company. In a little over two years, Aston Martin's dedicated design and engineering teams have delivered a new car from the ground up.

In parallel with making the Rapide a reality, Aston Martin and its specialist automotive partner, Magna Steyr created a state of the art facility to ensure the Aston Martin Rapide achieves the same exacting standards set by the marque's model line-up at Aston Martin's headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The result is a plant that combines the very latest technology with time-honoured craftsmanship.

From the preparation of Rapide's bonded aluminium body frame, to the painstaking six-stage painting process where nine coats of paint are applied making Aston Martin's paint finish the best in class, to the trim shop where highly-skilled craftspeople shape and stitch 10 of the finest leather hides to create the Rapide's magnificently upholstered interior, the AMRP is a centre of automotive excellence.

Unveiled in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009 to worldwide acclaim, the Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in a four-door sports car with unrivalled performance, extremely high levels of craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. The Rapide is a car to savour and share, an expressive sports grand tourer that extends the Aston Martin experience to an entire family, a group of colleagues or other performance enthusiasts. Beauty, power and practicality have never been presented so seductively.

The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere. At the heart of the Rapide lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lb.ft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

The Rapide is on sale now via Aston Martin's global dealership network.