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2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

November 5th 2009 18:00
Porsche Boxster Spyder


German sports car maker Porsche has announced the debut of the Boxster Spyder will take place at this year's LA Auto Show in December. Inspired by the 550 Spyder and the RS Spyder of yesteryear, the Boxster Spyder is a lightweight (1,275 kg) race car for the street that boasts more power, a lower centre of gravity and an all-new sports suspension over the Boxster S.


Porsche Boxster Spyder


One glance at the Spyder will tell you this is no regular Boxster - the extra-low side windows and two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid gives Porsche's lightest vehicle a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT. Its low-slung, lightweight soft top – when closed – extends far to the rear to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and weather.

Power comes from the 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection which makes 7 kW or 10 hp more than the Boxster S. The combination of 10 more hp and 176 pounds less weight than the award-winning Boxster S, plus an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 20 mm, a lower center of gravity, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels provides the kind of driving dynamics that back up the unique look.

Porsche Boxster Spyder


Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute to the weight reduction.


Performance, as you'd expect, is sensational - equipped with Porsche's brilliant PDK transmission and Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h mph in under 5 seconds. Top track speed is 268 km/h - with the roof open!

The Porsche Boxster Spyder will become available worldwide in February 2010.

Porsche Boxster Spyder interior


The Official Porsche Press Release:

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is introducing a new top version of the Porsche Boxster, a light mid-engined roadster making its world debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December.

Weighing in at just 2,811 lbs., the new 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder will be the lightest Porsche available – from a company known for lightweight, proficient sports cars. This new mid-engined roadster represents the true, purist form of the sports car – agile, powerful, open and efficient. This third Boxster model will join the Boxster and Boxster S and will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, December 2, 2009.

The newest member of the Boxster family stands out from the other versions of Porsche's mid-engined roadster. Its low-slung, lightweight soft top – when closed – extends far to the rear to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and weather. This top, when combined with extra-low side windows and two striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, provides the Boxster Spyder with a sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.

The Boxster Spyder features a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine with Direct Fuel Injection upfront of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320 horsepower (hp), 10 hp more than the Boxster S. The combination of 10 more hp and 176 pounds less weight than the award-winning Boxster S, plus an all-new sport suspension that lowers the Boxster Spyder 20 mm, a lower center of gravity, a standard limited slip differential, and exclusive wheels provides the kind of driving dynamics that back up the unique look. Aluminum door skins and lightweight interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS contribute to the weight reduction.

When equipped with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top track speed is 166 mph – with the roof open.

Fundamentally, the entire Boxster family is the successor to the legendary 550 Spyder and RS 60 of the Fifties and Sixties, all sharing the same mid-engine roadster concept. Low weight and supreme agility combine to provide outstanding driving pleasure.

In 2004 and 2008 Porsche produced limited editions of the Boxster bearing the additional name Spyder, honoring the 550 and RS 60. In contrast, the new Boxster Spyder is a regular, but specially developed and upgraded production model as compared with the Boxster and Boxster S.

2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder: Light, Powerful, Purist Roadster to be Introduced at Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2011 Boxster Spyder goes on sale February 2010. U.S. pricing is $61,200.
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster

September 30th 2008 06:40
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster


The end is nigh for the Mercedes McLaren SLR so what better way to see out this supercar than with perhaps its wildest iteration yet, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster.

Sharing the same 478 kW (650 hp) supercharged 5.5-litre hand-built V8 engine as the coupe, the 722 S Roadster boasts jaw-dropping performance for an open top car - try 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster


The fully retractable folding soft has been designed to be capable of withstanding the high speed the 722 S can travel at while Mercedes-McLaren have tapped into their F1 know-how to create a carbon fibre body that provides extreme torsional stiffness and structural rigidity at those insane speeds. The 722 S' aerodynamic efficiency coupled with favourable aeroacoustics means that conversations during open-air journeys is still possible at well over 200 km/h, although at those kinds of speeds, you should be focusing on the road ahead and not chatting about what you had for breakfast!

The body has also been lowered by 10 mm at the front and rear to ensure greater handling stability while also significantly improving the handling dynamics of the car.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster interior


Finished exclusively in crystal antimony grey paint to highlight the sculptured look of the 722 S Roadster including the contrasting black, grid-like air vents on the bonnet and the front and rear light modules with palladium grey surrounds.

Only 150 examples of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster will be available from January 1, 2009.

The Official Mercedes-Benz Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S: Thrilling high-performance roadster

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S opens up astonishing dimensions when it comes to open-top driving. Delivering 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h, this two-seater cabriolet surpasses the existing benchmark among open-top super sports cars – the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both vehicles feature a fully retractable folding soft top capable of withstanding the high speed and are made of carbon fibre. This endows both models with a very high degree of safety and extreme torsional stiffness. In addition to increased power, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features even more dynamic suspension tuning and improved aerodynamics. While enjoying exceptional performance, the new roadster's occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. With its sporty, premium-quality interior appointments and distinctive motorsport pedigree, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is limited to 150 vehicles and will inspire the most discerning automotive enthusiasts.
Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLRMcLaren Roadster 722 S. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h, this open two-seater betters the standard set for open-air super-sports cars by the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both have a fully recessible soft top suitable for high speed driving, and are made from carbon fibre. This produces a very high level of safety and extremely high torsional strength. In addition to a higher engine output, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S has an even more dynamic suspension setup and further aerodynamic improvements.
By naming this new model variant the SLRRoadster 722 S, Mercedes-Benz is recalling the historic victory won at the classic Mille Miglia long-distance race in 1955 by British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson, in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S continues the legend of the successful 1950s SLR racing sports cars, with innovative technology adopted from the world of motorsport.
Engine hand-built by AMG
The powerful heart of the SLR Roadster 722 S is a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine which is hand-built in the Mercedes-AMG engine shop in Affalterbach. The special strengths of this high-performance engine include extraordinary responsiveness to movements of the accelerator, a high torque and an unmistakable V8 sound. Moreover, with an output of 478 kW/650 hp and 820 Nm of torque, power is on tap almost to excess (SLR McLaren Roadster: 460 kW/626 hp, 780 Nm). Accordingly the new model variant meets the wishes of the most discerning customers for even more sportiness combined with excellent day-to-day practicality.
The five-speed automatic transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz is designed for high performance. It is specially configured for a very high torque, and allows the driver to choose between two sets of shift characteristics. As a result the roadster achieves performance figures that are even outstanding for the high-end sports car segment: the SLR Roadster 722 S absolves a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in 10.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 335 km/h, which is unrivalled by any other series-production roadster.
Even more dynamic suspension setup
The spring and shock absorber configurations of the suspension are stiffer, and the body has been lowered by 10 millimetres at the front and rear. This ensures the greater handling stability of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, with a significant improvement in handling dynamics. The lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels allow a view of the red-painted brake callipers on the highly-resistant carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs, which make for impressive deceleration figures.
Sophisticated aerodynamics and a fabric soft top suited to high-speed driving
The outstanding qualities of the 722 S are complemented by the fully recessible fabric soft top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the roadster. The weave structure of this high-tech roof material reflects the carbon-fibre look, guarantees full day-to-day suitability in any weather conditions and allows the vehicle a top speed of 335 km/h – a unusual figure for a roadster. Thanks to favourable aeroacoustics, conversation during open-air journeys is still possible at well over 200 km/h.
The soft top opens and closes semi-automatically in around ten seconds, combining comfort expectations with the purist nature of the roadster. For opening, the roof needs to be unlatched at the windscreen frame and lifted slightly, after which it folds down electrically. The front section of the soft top features an integral aluminium cap, which effectively prevents "ballooning" at high speeds.
The handling and aerodynamics of this high-end roadster were optimised for high speeds in the wind tunnel. The aerodynamic concept follows that of the SLR Coupé, with an airbrake integrated into the boot lid, an enclosed underbody and a diffusor in the rear bumper to ensure the greatest possible downforce on the rear axle. The so-called airsplitter at the front end augments this downforce, while small wheel spoilers reduce turbulence at the rear axle. The result is precise handling and steering at high speeds.
Outstanding performance and safety thanks to carbon fibre technology
In technical terms the 722 S benefits from the long experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula-1 partner McLaren. With the exception of two aluminium frames, the body is completely of carbon-fibre materials (CFRP). This makes it highly exceptional among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the roadster, the sophisticated carbon-fibre technology was developed further for the monocoque. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and therefore a high level of occupant safety, plus a torsional rigidity that is unprecedented for an open-top car. It allows outstanding handling characteristics that are otherwise only found in closed super-sports cars.
A high level of safety is provided by unique carbon-fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars. Other safety features include adaptive airbags, knee and sidebags, belt tensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
A thoroughly sporty appearance
The roadster has a crystal antimony grey paint finish, which highlights the sculptured look of this high-performance car particularly effectively. The carbon-fibre technology is visually complemented by the black, grid-like air vents on the bonnet and the front and rear light modules with palladium grey surrounds.
In the interior, outstanding lateral support is guaranteed by sports bucket seats upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather/Alcantara. Striking visual highlights are provided by the contrasting seams in 300 SL red, the embossed 722 S lettering on the head restraints and the likewise red seat belts. Frequently used controls such as the shift and parking brake levers are lined in particularly high-grip and moisture-absorbing suede leather. In the interior too, the generous use of carbon-fibre underlines the high-performance philosophy and adds a particularly puristic touch.
Exclusive appointments
The exclusive appointments include two-zone automatic climate control, a high-quality BOSE Premium sound system, a multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and a navigation system with an integrated radio and CD player.
This limited edition of 150 examples is predominantly hand-built at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England, and is available from January 1, 2009.


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]









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Lorinser Mercedes-Benz SL-class

September 23rd 2008 00:15
Lorinser Mercedes-Benz SL-class


Since the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-class was revealed earlier this year, the Merc tuners out there had to head back to the drawing board to muster up a new styling kit for the flagship roadster


[ Click here to read more ]
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Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Edition IWC


German car maker Mercedes-Benz has teamed up once again with prestige Swiss watch maker IWC to reveal a new limited edition version of the facelifted 2009 SL 63 AMG roadster


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Carlsson CK50


Specialist Mercedes-Benz tuner Carlsson has released the Carlsson CK50 based on the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 roadster


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Brabus SLK 55 AMG


Specialist Mercedes tuner BRABUS has wasted no time at all in introducing a customisation program for the recently face-lifted SLK roadster, in particular, the fire-breathing AMG version which is upgraded with a 6.1-litre V8 BRABUS tweaked engine (up from the standard 5.5-litre V8 mill) plus a new aerodynamic bodykit to go with it


[ Click here to read more ]
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BRABUS SLR Roadster with ULTIMATE 112


Renowned Mercedes-Benz tuner BRABUS has found a way of incorporating an idea from the world of yachts into the motoring industry by unveiling the oddly but purposeful pairing of a BRABUS tuned SLR supercar and its tender, the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112, both with absolutely identical paint and equipment


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Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster


The roadster version of the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR is one of the fastest road-going convertibles on the market


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2009 SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG


Mercedes-Benz has released official details and hi-res images of the face-lifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 and 65 AMG models


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Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG


Mercedes-Benz AMG have finally released a press release and a stunning set of hi-res images for the updated 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG
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2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG facelift

December 25th 2007 22:30
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG


Mercedes-Benz have released these first images of the facelifted 2008 SLK55 AMG


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Porsche Carrera GT by Edo competition


German Ferrari and Porsche aftermarket tuner, Edo Competition, has made the ultimate Porsche - the Carrera GT - even more individualised and exclusive with a host of customised upgrades including a power bump for the 5.5-litre V10 from a 'standard' 450kW to 567kW


[ Click here to read more ]
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Audi TT clubsport quattro wallpaper


Here are some videos taken from the Wörthersee 2007 of the stunning Audi TT clubsport quattro
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Mercedes SLR Roadster
Click on image for hi-res version


Here is a video clip of the stunning new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren roadster in motion


[ Click here to read more ]
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