2011 Piecha Design Mercedes-Benz SLK R172 Accurian RS

Summer 2011 marks the grand launch of Mercedes-Benz’s newest SLK-class roadster, the SLK R172. Following at the heels of the R170 (1998-2004) and the R171 (2005), this state-of-the-art sports car was carefully engineered by PIECHA designs and equipped with features that are both a celebration of modern design and futuristic tuning.

Headed by the Mercedes design specialists hailing from Rottweiler, the SLK R172 is touted as a classier and sportier version of the legendary roadster from Stuttgart. With front and rear Accurian RS spoiler lips, lateral grids and four LED daytime recessed running spot lights on the right and left sides, the R172 is certainly a force to be reckoned with.

Developers of the elegant and adrenalin-inducing modern Mercedes road cars, PIECHA designers weren’t remiss in infusing a sleek aerodynamic look and capacity on the R172. In addition, PIECHA made sure that airflow on the R172 remains as serene as it can be with opposed installed Accurian RS side skirts that can latch on seamlessly on the original lateral grids—endowing the R172 with further prominence and stylistic appeal.

Last but certainly not the least, opening and closing of the R172’s retractable top is virtually breeze at 60 km/h maximum speed—an astounding design feature providing levity between ease of use and convenience. Detailed information of the R172 including price and model specifications are available at certified Mercedes-Benz distributors and showrooms.

June 14, 2011 at 11:38 am | No comment

2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ISR

An enduring testament of the English automobile manufacturers prominence in the elite supercar arena and a celebration of world rally champion Juha Kankkunen’s world ice speed record in a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible, the Continental Supersports Convertible ISR is the most avant-garde and powerful Bentley convertible by far.

The ‘Ice Speed Record’ (ISR) Continental Supersports is an exceptional sports car that truly resonates Bentley’s characteristic ethos. With excellence in performance, handle dynamics, and trendy flamboyance, the Supersports Continental Convertible ISR doesn’t, however, compromise class, handcrafted design and passenger comfort.

Launched at the 2011 Geneva Show, the new convertible has sent the entire auto world abuzz—glorified no doubt because of the ‘Ice Speed Record’ convertible’s ability to sprint from 50-75 (80-120 km/h) in merely 2.5 seconds under real world conditions. The new convertible is off to a promising start, starting from under the hood: a 6-liter, W12 turbo-charged engine capable of churning 640 PS (471 kW / 631 bhp) combined with a six-speed Quickshift automatic sports car transmission propels the Continental Supersports Convertible ISR from 0-60 mph within 3.8 s (0-100 km/h within 4 s) and achieves 100 mph from a standing start in just 9.5 s (0-160 km/h within 9.4 s).

The ‘Ice Speed Record’ model doesn’t fail to impress with its interior features as well: a carbon fiber with red weave high-gloss finishing and the most exquisite leather and Alcantara cabin components. The Supersports Continental Convertible ISR, which comes in three colors, has an estimated priced of £189,300 ($ 309,022 USD) and available at authorized Bentley automobile dealerships.

June 13, 2011 at 11:38 am | 1 comment

2011 BMW Alpina B5 Biturbo

BMW is destined once again to captivate the global vehicle consumer market and the rest of the world as it unveils the latest ALPINA B5 Biturbo Touring saloon. A breakthrough in both design and engineering technology, the Biturbo takes the saloon car concept to an entirely new level. Combining functionality, luxury and flexibility, the ALPINA B5 Biturbo sets the standard with an 8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with SWITCH-TRONIC buttons that complements a massive V8 twin turbocharger engine (touring from 0-62 mph in 4.7- 4.8 s at 700 Newton meters of torque).

Emanating from a distinguished pedigree of upscale high-performance automobiles, the ALIPINA Biturbo comes with a spacious luggage compartment and 1,670 liters of storage space. Sharp handling dynamics and superior top-speed stability make the Biturbo a cutting-edge saloon car festooned with an expertly-honed suspension and chassis design (including variable dampers)—ensuring utmost comfort and touring experience for all passengers. High-class touring and economy in conjunction, the B5 Biturbo is the leader when it comes to state-of-the-art direct fuel injection complemented by Double-VANOS engine design: 252g/km (255g/km Touring) CO2 (Measured, combined according to ECE Regulations) and 10.81/100 km / 26.2 mpg (10.91/100 km / 25.9 mpg Touring).

An optional mechanical limited-slip differential for superior maneuverability—a result of BMW and ALPINA’s strategic partnership with Drexler Motorsport—is also available.

June 13, 2011 at 11:38 am | No comment

2011 Carlsson Mercedes-Benz E 350 CDI

Aerodynamic configuration, sleek interiors and exteriors and superior engine technology—and not to mention optimized torque. These are just a few of the tantalizing features of Mercedes’ newest E class cabriolet, the Carlsson E 350 CDI. Taking the classic cabriolet to new and higher levels, the distinguished manufacturers of cutting-edge automobiles from Merzig, Germany, infused the E 350 CDI with design and engineering aesthetics that takes the breath of even the most jaded automobile enthusiast away.

Common-rail diesel direct injection isn’t what it used to be for Mercedes cabriolets when Carlsson packs the E 350 CDI with ECU C-Tronic® DIESEL POWER that propels a V6 engine to as much as 20% greater engine performance—from 231 hp (170 kW) to a chart-topping 280 hp (206 kW), paving the way for a massive maximum torque of 478 lb-ft. The optional ECU CD35 REVO that Carlsson custom-made for Mercedes E 350 CDI engines can be retrofitted at a price of 1,784 Euro (inclusive of VAT). Of course, Carlsson made sure that E-class cabriolet comes with luxurious interiors to match an elegant top-of-the-line engine.

With velvety-soft floor mats etched with the Carlsson logo (154 Euro for the entire set), the leather and Alcantara automatic gear shift lever (213 Euro), door pins made of aluminum (58 Euro) and pedals cast in aluminum plus foot rests (282 Euro), the sporty yet elegant aesthetic of the E-class cabriolet is a thrilling experience inside the automobile’s interiors for passengers. Improved traction through suspension springs (355 Euro) allows this stunning Cabriolet to manage full flexibility at maximum throttle—the icing to the cake of decadent yet action-packed automobile travel.

June 11, 2011 at 11:32 am | 1 comment

2011 Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 Supersport GT

One look at the KICHERER SLS 63 Supersport GT and anyone won’t fail to notice the irresistible fusion between unique aesthetics and technological advancement from the makers of world-renowned luxury automobiles, Mercedes-Benz. Inside as well as outside, the KICHERER exploits the use of innovative carbon fiber in both the cabin components and the exterior body shell. Exceptional carbon fiber fixtures inside the KICHERER include: exquisite door paneling, door entrance borders, center console, back of the seats and tray lid.

The KICHERER’s exterior, on the other hand, certainly doesn’t lag behind; handmade front grills emphasized by large vertical fins (giving the front section of this sports car a rogue appeal), exhaust pipes on the rear, and carbon fins on the mudguard and the cowl pull the very handsome exterior package all together. If that doesn’t take anyone’s breath away (a long shot), then they better be prepared for what lies under the KICHERER’s hood: a 6.3 liter V8 engine that defines an exemplary system allowing the KICHERER to achieve optimal torque of 700 Newton meters (from 650 Newton meters) for a fully-fledge driving experience.

Thanks to 630 Horsepower (from 571) of improved engine performance, the SLS Supersport GT achieves a top sustained speed of 320 km/h and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 s. With the handmade exhaust pipe and the exceptional damper sport exhaust system (with innovative pressure regulation), the KICHERER proves to be a high-performing supercar worthy to carry on the Mercedes legacy towards the future.

June 10, 2011 at 11:32 am | No comment

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