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2010 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black edition


The Aston Martin DBS and V12 Vantage models have received an exclusive Carbon Black makeover featuring Carbon Black metallic paint "especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina".


2010 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black edition interior


The special edition Aston Martins will undergo 50 man-hours of hand painting followed by stringent quality checks. For the V12 Vantage the iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from real carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing.

Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch all hand stitched by the craftspeople at Gaydon greets you when the door opens as do a pair of lightweight seats formed from Carbon Fibre and Kevlar (a saving of 17 kg over the standard seat). Other features include a Piano black facia trim, centre stack and centre console, anodised black tread plates and unique sill plaques build on the carbon theme.

The Aston Martin 700w Premium Audio System is delivered as standard in the V12 Vantage while the DBS boasts the Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system as standard.


The Official Aston Martin Press Release:

Aston Martin Carbon Black Special Editions

Gaydon, Warwickshire. 18 December 2009. Aston Martin's two top-of-the-range sports cars; the DBS and V12 Vantage have undergone a unique Carbon Black makeover to create a highly desirable special edition.

Celebrating the enormous success of the DBS and V12 Vantage which have surpassed all sales expectations since launch, the new special editions add a typically understated flair to these acclaimed models. Featuring bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina. Each car will undergo 50 man-hours of hand painting followed by stringent quality checks. For the V12 Vantage the iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from real carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing.

Inside, owners will be greeted to swathes of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch all hand stitched by the craftspeople at Gaydon – Aston Martin's global headquarters in England.

Lightweight seats formed from Carbon Fibre and Kevlar saving 17 kg over the standard seat also feature together with Piano black facia trim, centre stack and centre console, anodised black tread plates and unique sill plaques build on the carbon theme. The Aston Martin 700w Premium Audio System is delivered as standard in the V12 Vantage while the DBS boasts the Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system as standard.

Customers who order a Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage will have the opportunity to experience Aston Martin's renowned Performance Driving Course (UK and Europe only) free of charge which offers a memorable day helping customers to equip themselves with the skill sets to enhance the enjoyment of their Aston Martin on the track.

The Carbon Black Editions are available to order from the official Aston Martin dealership network with final pricing (expected to be approximately 5% over current base prices) to be confirmed in the New Year.

About the DBS

The DBS was launched in 2007 and is Aston Martin's ultimate GT sports car. Benefitting from weight saving materials including aluminium and carbon fibre; the DBS offers dynamic and aesthetic purity, an exquisite interior and a driving experience unsurpassed by any other car in its coupe and Volante forms. Its hand built V12 engine produces 380 kW (510 bhp / 517 PS) making it one of the most powerful production cars Aston Martin has ever made. In 2009, the DBS 'Volante' (Aston Martin's nomenclature for convertible) joined the DBS line-up

About the V12 Vantage

Launched in 2009, agility and outright performance form the basis of the design of the V12 Vantage creating the most exciting incarnation of the Vantage line-up to date. The V12 Vantage subtly hints at its sporting intent with its controlled aggression and lower, purposeful stance. The naturally aspirated 6.0- V12 engine provides the driver with instantaneous access to high levels of power and torque at all engine speeds, while Aston Martin's class-leading, all alloy VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture provides exceptional strength and rigidity.


[Source: Aston Martin]








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2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

December 17th 2009 18:00
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet


Mercedes-Benz has revealed details of the all-new 2011 E-Class Cabriolet - the replacement for the CLK-Class Cabriolet - ahead of its public debut at next month's Detroit Motor Show.

Based on the E-Class Coupe, the convertible version features a sound-dampening soft top that can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds at speeds of up to 40 km/h. Aside from this benefit, a soft-top also provides greater boot capacity with the top down than an equivalent hard-top.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet


Other striking new features of the E-Class Cabriolet include an automatic draft-stopper dubbed AIRCAP. Activated at the push of a button, AIRCAP greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than conventional draft-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet's flowing side lines remain uninterrupted.

The AIRSCARF feature has also been improved in the new E-Class Cabriolet to provide better neck-level heating for the driver and passengers.

At launch, the new convertible will be powered by a choice of two engines: a 3.5-litre V6 developing 200 kW and 350 Nm of torque (the E350) or a 5.5-litre V8 producing 285 kW and 530 Nm of torque (E550 model).

Australian prices and delivery dates have yet to be confirmed.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet interior


The Official Mercedes-Benz Press Release:

The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Four seasons, four personalities

* Comfortable: AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop plus AIRSCARF®
* Quiet: sound-dampening soft top as standard
* Safe: robust roll-over protection and new headbags

The all new E-Class Cabriolet is the latest addition to the successful Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model, which goes on sale in May 2010, features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling. Viewed from the side, the new model is an intriguing proposition – with its clear proportions and a flawless cabriolet silhouette.

In keeping with the motto "four seasons, four personalities", all-year-round suitability was right at the top of the developers' list of priorities. With the new E-Class Cabriolet, the cabriolet season lasts the whole year because, while many cabriolets tend to disappear from the roads in the Fall, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (length/width/height: 185.0/70.3/55.2in.) provides driving pleasure and comfort whether the roof is open or closed.

New features include:

* The AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop: always on board and easily controllable at the push of a button, it reduces turbulence substantially for all four seat occupants
* The modified AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system
* The sound-dampening soft top fitted as standard

The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds – even when driving at speeds of up to 25mph. The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel. A retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the trunk area; it must be closed in order to close the soft top. If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the trunk capacity is increased by 3.17 cu. ft. to 13.8 cu. ft. A through-loading feature is included as standard for the new Cabriolet, as is EASY-ENTRY – a manually operated entry and exit aid for the rear passengers.

The power plants for the new E-Class Cabriolet are equally innovative: the engines combine efficiency with effortlessly superior power delivery. The exemplary, low fuel consumption has been achieved because of a number of practical measures. These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tires with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle's electrical power requirements, plus the crucial factor of outstanding aerodynamics. The Cabriolet's cd figure of 0.28 is the best in its class, marking a continuation of the E-Class success story in the field of aerodynamics.

An overview of the engines:

E350 Cabriolet: 268 hp / 258 lb-ft.
E550 Cabriolet: 382 hp/ 391 lb-ft.
Less turbulence, easier to use: AIRCAP® is a world-first

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced a world premiere in the shape of a draught-stop for the SL model series, followed in 2004 by the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to further enhance comfort in open-top models. Now comes another world-first: the AIRCAP® automatic draft-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button, greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than conventional draft-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet's flowing side lines remain uninterrupted. AIRCAP® is therefore a classic Mercedes innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe.

AIRCAP® consists of two components: a wind deflector that can be extended by around 2.4 inches with a net in the windscreen frame and a draft-stop
between the rear seats.

The functions of the two components:

* Elevation of the free flow above the interior
* Net at the front increases the basic pressure in the interior
* Draft-stop at the rear reduces the backflow

As well as enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing, the reduction in draft when AIRCAP® is activated (it can be activated at speeds of up to 100 mph and remains in use right up to the car's top speed) reduces the interior noise level – so passengers in all seats find it far easier to communicate.

When the standard AIRCAP® is combined with the optional AIRSCARF®, the system functions like an invisible scarf warming the occupants' head and neck areas. AIRSCARF® is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.

Mercedes engineers have modified this unique innovation specifically for the E-Class Cabriolet: in this model, an adjustment wheel pivots the outlet nozzle upwards and downwards by a total of 36 degrees over and above the head restraint height adjustment, meaning that the driver and front passenger can enjoy the unique neck-level heating regardless of how short or tall they are.

Quiet, warm and windproof: sound-dampening soft top fitted as standard

Thanks to its sound-dampening soft top, fitted as standard, even the closed E-Class Cabriolet has one of the quietest interiors in the segment for four-seater premium cabriolets with a fabric roof. The soft top's exceptionally high-quality insulation brings about a clearly noticeable reduction in the interior noise level compared to conventional fabric soft tops. Exterior noise caused by other vehicles and wind noise are therefore absorbed more effectively.

On the road, the difference is audible from speeds of just 50 mph, for example when driving through a tunnel or overtaking a convoy of trucks. At higher speeds, the benefits of the acoustic soft top are even more tangible. For instance, it is possible to have a perfectly normal phone conversation in hands-free mode even when travelling at a speed more than 125 mph.

The soft top is of course waterproof and windproof. Plus it can be put through an automatic carwash without any hesitation. With a total thickness of .9 inches, the fabric soft top offers excellent thermal insulation, meaning that the E-Class Cabriolet is also ideal for use in winter.

Safety: robust structure, anticipatory protection and windowbags

The new Cabriolet offers the wealth of safety innovations one would expect from a Mercedes-Benz model. Highlights of the open-top two-door model include roll-over protection, the A-pillars reinforced by two additional tubes and the plug-in B-pillars. This new model is also the first Mercedes cabriolet to feature headbags.

The roll-over protection consists of two robust bars, each with a diameter of 1.4 inches, which are housed in the rear head restraints in modules behind the rear seat backrests. A tilting cone sensor detects imminent danger to the occupants based on extreme skidding movements or acceleration caused by impact. If this sensor then sends a corresponding signal, pre-tensioned pressure springs are activated by pyrotechnic means, i.e. extremely quickly.

Consequently, both roll-over bars in the rear head restraints are extended. They reach their highest point and are locked automatically within a fraction of a second. In combination with the robust A-pillars, each of which is reinforced with two high-strength steel tubes, the steel bars provide highly effective roll-over
protection.

The plug-in B-pillars are extremely robustly connected as they engage in the side skirts, thus offering highly effective protection in the event of a crash. A shoe made from ultra-high-strength steel braces the inside of the B-pillar against the rear seat crossmember.

With seven airbags fitted as standard, belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats, not to mention crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class Cabriolet offers the most extensive safety equipment package in this vehicle category. The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds in the event of an accident, include front airbags and sidebags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag on the driver's side, and headbags. The latter, which appear in a Mercedes cabriolet for the first time, are housed in the door panelling in the beltline area. Covering a wide area – around 2.3 × 1.6 feet with a volume of 17 liters when deployed – the airbags provide extremely effective protection for occupants large and small in the event of a crash. The three-part side protection system – comprising headbag and thoraxbag – optimises the level of protection afforded to individual parts of the body. Rear sidebags are available as an option.

Further exemplary safety equipment available for the E-Class Cabriolet includes ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control.


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]







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BMW unveils faster Z4 sDrive35is

December 15th 2009 18:00
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is


BMW has unveiled one of their fastest and best-handling roadsters ever: the Z4 sDrive35is. Based on the standard and brilliant 35i, the 35is packs even greater power courtesy of increased air intake flow and increased boost pressure


[ Click here to read more ]
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2011 Volkswagen Amarok

December 9th 2009 18:00
2011 Volkswagen Amarok


Volkswagen has unveiled the Amarok ute as part of its Commercial Vehicles fleet with an Australian launch slated for the second half of 2010. Alongside South America and South Africa, Volkswagen has identified Australia as a key market for this ute - no doubt, aware of our love for recreational and commercial vehicles


[ Click here to read more ]
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Facelift: 2010 Toyota Corolla Hatch

December 7th 2009 18:00
2010 Toyota Corolla Hatch


One of Australia's favourite cars, the Toyota Corolla, receives a mid-life make-over including a raft of styling and safety - both active and passive - upgrades for the hatchback variants


[ Click here to read more ]
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2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Previewed

December 3rd 2009 18:00
2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta


The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the successor to the 147 hatchback, has been unveiled today ahead of its worldwide debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show


[ Click here to read more ]
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2010 Audi A8 Revealed

December 2nd 2009 18:00
2011 Audi A8


The all-new 2010 Audi A8 has been unveiled as the sportiest sedan in the luxury class at its Miami Design week launch. Set to go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series in the high-end luxury segment, the Audi A8 is built on an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure


[ Click here to read more ]
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BRABUS tunes the Merc E 63 AMG

December 1st 2009 18:00
2010 BRABUS B63 S


Renowned Mercedes-Benz tuner BRABUS has announced a new performance kit for the new-generation E 63 AMG model. Available for both sedan and wagon variants of the top-of-the-range E 63 AMG, the BRABUS B63 S performance kit consists of two sport air filters, free-flow metal catalysts and newly programmed engine electronics


[ Click here to read more ]
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2010 Kia Cadenza


The all-new Kia Cadenza luxury sports sedan - aka the K7 in Korea - has been confirmed to make its overseas world premiere at next month's Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia on 12 December, followed immediately by an appearance at the Dubai Motor Show on 15 December. Hailed by the Korean car maker as a 'big step into the future' for Kia, the Cadenza will go on sale worldwide in 2010


[ Click here to read more ]
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2010 Renault Twingo Gordini RS

November 26th 2009 18:00
2010 Renault Twingo Gordini RS


Just weeks after announcing the revival of the Gordini name for its sporty and performance variants, French car maker Renault has unveiled the first model to wear the prestigious nameplate: the Renault Twingo Gordini RS


[ Click here to read more ]
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