Renault Megane RS Trophy

Renault has unveiled the Megane Renaultsport (RS) 265 Trophy - the company’s fastest ever road going model. Set to debut at the World Series by Renault race at the Nurburgring on 18-19 June 2011, the Megane 265 Trophy has been developed to take on hot-hatch rivals including VW Group's Scirocco R and Golf R.

The car is basically a tweaked version of the RS 250 Megane. It comes with the Cup chassis version and stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, mechanical limited slip differential, Brembo brakes and grooved brake discs, but unlike other fast Renault hatches like the R26, it’s not a stripped-out track car and comes with plenty of equipments like a proper hot hatch should.

Inside the Trophy are Recaro seats with yellow seatbelts, and at each corner you'll find 19in alloys in gloss black with a red stripe around the rim. But the best bit is a ‘Renaultsport Monitor' that shows live engine performance, acceleration, lap time and g-force stats.

Prices in France will start from €35500. With maximum power of 265hp (up 15hp), peak torque of 360Nm (+20Nm) available across a particularly broad rev-band (3000 to 5000rpm), a power-to-weight ratio of 5.09kg/hp and specific power of 132.5hp/litre, the car boasts an exceptional performance package.





Press Release

Mégane R.S. Trophy: benchmark performance and versatility

June 10, 2011

Renault unveils an even hotter version of Mégane R.S..

With a power output of 265hp and peak torque of 360Nm, Mégane R.S. Trophy delivers unrivalled efficiency for its class. A new tyre fitment and an increase in power make the very most of the Cup chassis' potential, without detracting from the car's acclaimed versatility and ride comfort.

A production run of 500 cars is planned, and Mégane R.S. Trophy's specific styling features put it at the very top of the Mégane R.S. range.

Order books open on June 20, 2011, and the newcomer will be marketed in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Prices in France will start from €35,500.

Technical evolutions for the existing, exceptional performance package

With maximum power of 265hp (up 15hp), peak torque of 360Nm (+20Nm) available across a particularly broad rev-band (3,000 to 5,000rpm), a power-to-weight ratio of 5.09kg/hp and specific power of 132.5hp/litre, the car boasts an exceptional performance package. Even so, Renault Sport's engineers have worked hard on the specification of the Mégane R.S.'s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to take driving enjoyment and response to even higher levels. Maximum turbo pressure has been uprated to 2.5 bar (up 0.2 bar), while the air intake design has been revised to take the higher pressure and higher running temperatures into account.

Performance has been enhanced in the process, and the result is a 0-to-100kph time of just 6.0s (down 0.1s), a top speed of 254kph (up 4kph) and the 1,000km standing start in 25.4s (down 0.3s). Beyond these statistics, however, the experience of driving Mégane R.S. Trophy is a constant source of enjoyment and satisfying sensations. In addition to the finely-tuned set-up of the Cup chassis and the standard limited slip differential, a new tyre fitment contributes to the car's exceptional road-holding on dry roads, especially through tighter turns, as well as in the wet. The design of the Formula 1-inspired Bridgestone Potenza RE050A's asymmetric, directional tread pattern and the form of its tread blocks provide outstanding grip, stability and acoustic comfort, whatever the conditions. Last but not least, Mégane R.S. Trophy's fuel-efficiency has been carefully optimised to return combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 8.2 litres/100km, equivalent to 190g of CO2/km, which represents a saving of 0.2 litres/100km and 5g/km over Mégane R.S. at the time of the latter's launch.


Assertive yet seductive R.S. styling cues

Mégane R.S. Trophy is recognisable at a glance thanks to its black roof, specific decals, new rear lip spoiler, 19-inch Gloss Black STEEV wheels with red piping and R.S. valve caps (optional or standard, depending on market) and numbered plaque. The LED daytime running lights also play a part in its striking looks. Mégane R.S. Trophy marks the introduction of a new Sirius Yellow finish, an emblematic metallic paint that will be particularly appreciated by Renault Sport fans. This specific body colour is available as an alternative to Glacier White, Etoilé Black and Cassiopée Grey.

Inside, the Recaro bucket seats (fabric or leather, depending on market) add to the cabin's unmistakably sporty feel, as does the central display which shows the data provided by the R.S. Monitor. This innovative onboard data-logging system records performance and displays a range of mechanical parameters in real-time, a feature which owners will especially appreciate during track days, an exercise to which the Mégane R.S. Trophy lends itself particularly well. Indeed, the car will be on show at the Renault Sport Day which forms part of the Renault Sport Enthusiasts Day programme at the Nürburgring, Germany, on June 17, 2011.

DSQUARED2 Unveil Life Ball MINI

Mini has worked with fashion designers Dsquared2 on a special edition Mini Cooper S for the Life Ball 2011 event, Europe’s biggest AIDS charity event, being held in Vienna. Even though we might not enjoy the brand as much as we used to a couple of years ago, we do like what they did with the car.

The DSQUARED2 MINI Cooper S is not only about looks. It has a raised chassis and deep-tread all-terrain tires.

On the inside is a compass and floormats made of aluminum sheeting. The DSQUARED maple-leaf logo is crested on the leather head restraints as well as on the outside of the doors too.

As many of us attempt to conceive how a fashion designer would approach a MINI Cooper S, a good deal of automotive enthusiasts would be taken by surprise by the direction taken by Dean and Dan Caten.

A one-off MINI has been created and sponsored by the BMW Group for the legendary Life Ball for the last 11 years. The ball is Europe's biggest AIDS charity event.




Press Release

DSQUARED² presents exclusive Life Ball MINI 2011. Creative car design for the benefit of Aids Life.

Munich/Vienna. Dean and Dan Caten, better known as the Canadian designer duo DSQUARED², today unveil their exclusive Life Ball MINI 2011 in Vienna. The twin brothers refashioned their MINI Cooper S to ensure that it would be armed for adventures of all kinds. Among its striking features are the front guard, rally headlamps, tinted side windows with grilles and the spare tyre on the tailgate. But that's not all: the vehicle's raised chassis and deep-tread all-terrain tyres instantly evoke a sense of adventure. When it came to the interior, our two designers similarly scrutinised every detail. If road signs are unclear, there's a compass to help you head in the right direction, while floormats made of structured aluminium sheeting protect the inside from dirt. The trademark DSQUARED2 maple leaf on the leather head restraints and the side doors rounds off the cabin of this robust MINI with a stylish flour. Dean and Dan are delighted with the result: "Our MINI ‘Red Mudder' is 100 per cent DSQUARED²." Tonight this one-off will be gliding along the red carpet at the legendary Life Ball.

This year sees carmaker MINI supporting Europe's biggest AIDS charity event for the 11th time. Each year a one-off MINI is created for the Life Ball, the proceeds of which support projects combating HIV/AIDS. Since 2001 more than half a million euros has been generated by these specially styled Life Ball MINI models on behalf of Aids Life. Gery Keszler, the founder and organiser of the Life Ball, is impressed by this longstanding collaboration: "MINI has been a partner of the Life Ball for 11 years and each year it demonstrates anew its creativity, enthusiasm and passion for this good cause. This year's Life Ball MINI designed by DSQUARED² provides further persuasive evidence of this." In previous years, designers such as Agent Provocateur, Donatella Versace, Diesel, Missoni and Gianfranco Ferré obliged with their own designs for a Life Ball MINI.

The social commitment of the BMW Group.

Worldwide measures to combat HIV/AIDS are one of the main elements of the corporate and social policy pursued by the BMW Group. The company's involvement in South Africa is particularly wide-ranging, covering a comprehensive workplace programme for employees and their families, plus a number of different projects in the local communities and further afield. The carmaker is also committed to fighting this pandemic in other affected countries, such as Thailand or China. Membership of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC) underlines its long-term commitment at its various locations.

Volkswagen Transporter Sportline

VW is now offering a Sportline version of its Transporter van priced between £28,220 for the panel van and £30,100 for the kombi.

The 2011 Volkswagen Transporter Sportline extract power from a 2.0-litre BiTDI diesel engine which delivers 180 PS to the wheels via a standard 6-speed manual, or an optional 7-speed DSG transmission for an extra 1,400 GBP.

The car gets new blacked-out features on the exterior plus lots of chrome detailing which make it look cool and crisp. It also gets 18-inch ‘Sportline 5-spoke’ alloys also finished in black, new funky colors and smoked lights.

On the inside there’s two-tone leather upholstery, plus a generous equipment list that includes Bluetooth connectivity, a 7” touch screen with full European satellite navigation, electric windows and air conditioning.

2011 Vw Transporter Sportline will stars value at at Twenty eight,200 GBP at 30,100 GBP for the kombi.


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Press Release

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE AS VOLKSWAGEN LAUNCHES TRANSPORTER SPORTLINE

The versatile Transporter range is now available with even more style as ordering opens for the new Sportline models. Offering greater variation than ever before, the new Sportline specification is available on both panel van and kombi models, in both short- and long-wheelbase with prices starting from £28,220 (excluding VAT) for the panel van and £30,100 (excluding VAT) for the kombi.

All models are fitted with the refined and efficient 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS diesel engine, and are offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The seven-speed DSG transmission is available as an option on all models for a £1,400 premium.

The new models feature bold, sporty styling while retaining all of the practicality and functionality synonomous with the Transporter. At the front, a striking gloss black grille with chrome detailing is framed by revised headlights. Below this, the redesigned colour-coded bumper incorporates front fog lights which sit either side of the lower grille element.

Additional styling cues include polished stainless steel side bars and unique 18-inch ‘Sportline 5-spoke' alloys, finished in silver or satin black, while smoked rear light units and a rear roof spoiler further differentiate the Sportline models. The aggressive and purposeful look is complemented by the choice of stylish paint finishes: Reflex Silver metallic, Deep Black pearlescent or, the optional, Candy White with a contrasting gloss black roof .

Inside, the practical and comfortable interior of the Transporter cabin has been further enhanced with all Sportline models featuring exclusive two-tone leather upholstery.

As with the entire Transporter range, the new range-topping Sportline models feature class-leading levels of safety with ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).

In addition, all Sportline models are fitted with an extensive list of additional equipment including semi-automatic air conditioning, multimedia system including seven-inch colour touch screen with full European satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, built-in Bluetooth connectivity and electric windows

Bentley Supersports Ice Speed Record Convertible【Video】

Bentley has unveiled the limited edition 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Ice Speed Record convertible ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Bentley Continental Superspots "Ice Speed Record" Convertible sports the Flying B's most-powerful engine ever, a 631-horsepower W12 kicking out 590 pound-feet of torque and sporting flex-fuel capability. The car Kankkunen set his record in ran exclusively on bio fuel.

There will only be 100 units available worldwide, offered in just three exterior colors: Beluga, Quartzite, and Arctica White, all contrasting with a Dark Grey Metallic soft top. This special edition will be distinguished by muscular styling cues and 20” inch, 10-spoke Supersports wheels with a dark tint finish.

Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, Kankkunen achieved a speed of 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) eclipsing his own ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in 2007 in the Continental GT.

Inside the Supersports ISR gets diamond-quilted Alcantara on the doors, quarter panels and seat facings and soft-grip leather on the steering wheel. There’s a high-gloss carbon-fibre dash, centre console and roof panel which feature a red weave. There’s also red piping on the seats and doors and red contrast stitching on the seats, door casings, steering wheel and gearshift paddles (red’s obviously not as passe on the inside).




Press Release

BENTLEY SUPERSPORTS ‘ICE SPEED RECORD' CONVERTIBLE DEBUTS AT GENEVA SHOW

Celebration of Bentley's world ice speed record- breaking Supersports convertible driven by rally champion, Juha Kankkunen

(Geneva, 28 February 2011) Bentley announces today its most potent and radically styled convertible ever - the 202mph (325km/h) Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record' convertible. This new model, limited to just 100 cars worldwide, is a celebration of the Company's world ice speed record set two weeks ago by Finland's four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen in a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible.

Driving the all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, Kankkunen achieved a speed of 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) eclipsing his own ice speed record of 199.83 mph (321.6 km/h) set in 2007 in the Continental GT.

Both the new Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record' convertible and Juha's record-breaking Supersports will be on display on the Bentley stand at the Geneva Show from 1st March.

Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley's new Chairman and Chief Executive, said:

"Juha Kankkunen's drive was a remarkable achievement and worthy of a very special car. The Continental Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record' is a true driver's car that captures that unique Bentley spirit. It offers extreme performance, agility and an extrovert personality, while retaining the refinement, handcrafted luxury and comfort our customers expect."

Bentley's most powerful 6 litre W12 engine with FlexFuel technology

The 6-litre, twin turbo-charged W12 engine, produces 640 PS (631 bhp / 471 kW) - the most powerful Bentley ever - and 800Nm (590lb ft) of torque. Paired with a Quickshift six-speed automatic transmission, it launches the convertible ‘Ice Speed Record' model from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.0s) and reaches 100mph from a standing start in only 9.5 seconds (0-160 km/h in 9.4s).

The additional engine power of the new convertible is the result of fine tuning of the engine to optimise the benefits of the new free-breathing air intake ducts, intercooler system and the exhaust system.

And true to the Bentley tradition of delivering instantly available and exhilarating performance in real world driving conditions, the ‘Ice Speed Record' convertible will sprint from 50-75mph (80-120 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds.

In common with its Continental stable mates, the new Supersports model runs on both petrol (gasoline) or E85 bio-ethanol or any combination of the two. Pioneered in the Supersports coupe, this FlexFuel technology offers a reduction of up to 70 per cent in CO2 emissions on a well-to-wheel basis, a measure of a fuel's net contribution to the atmosphere, not just tailpipe emissions. The on-board fuel supply system monitors the content of the fuel tank and ensures that power and torque remain constant regardless of the ratio of petrol to biofuel.

The all-wheel drive system provides outstanding traction in all weather conditions. The drive is transferred between the front and rear axles automatically via a Torsen centre differential. The standard 40 front/60 rear torque split provides optimum traction and modulation of line and attitude by 'throttle steering' for more enthusiastic drivers.

The new exhaust system with reduced back pressure benefits gas flow while delivering a sporty baritone note under hard acceleration. On light throttle cruising, the new Supersports model remains impressively refined.

Large diameter (420 mm front, 356 mm rear), carbon ceramic brake discs, with eight-piston calipers at the front provide fade-resistant stopping power. This lightweight system also reduces unsprung and rotating mass, benefiting steering response and handling. As with all Supersports models the ‘Ice Speed Record' is fitted as standard with Pirelli 275/35ZR20 ultra high performance tyres.

Dramatically extrovert styling

Just 100 examples of this dramatically styled new model will be built at Bentley's Crewe factory. The Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record' is distinguished by its vibrant and muscular styling cues that reinforce the uncompromising performance credentials of this extreme Bentley convertible.

Bentley's designers have selected three ‘stand-out' exterior paint colours for the new convertible: Beluga, Quartzite and, fittingly, Arctica White. These colours are complemented by a Dark Grey Metallic soft top with Bentley's refined three-ply composite construction.

The unique appearance of the soft top is created in the outer layer by a 'grey' acrylic fibre with a semi-transparent 'metallic look' in a twill weave construction. The car's potent performance is further accentuated by 20" inch, 10-spoke Supersports wheels with a dark tint finish.

Contemporary luxury craftsmanship and advanced technology

The dramatic character of the four-seat Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record' continues in the cockpit in which traditional Bentley craftsmanship and fine detailing are given an even more extrovert interpretation.

Traditional leather hides sit alongside a range of contemporary materials for a distinctly sporting style. This includes diamond-quilted Alcantara to doors, quarter panels and seat facings, and ‘soft-grip' leather on the steering wheel and gear lever.

Unique to the ‘Ice Speed Record' model, the high-gloss carbon fibre on the dashboard, centre console and roof panel, features a unique red weave. The theme continues with Pillar Box red piping to seats and doors, and Pillar Box Red contrast stitching to seats, door casings, steering wheel and gearshift paddles.

The front seats and floor mats also feature embroidered ‘Supersports' legends while the signature Breitling dashboard clock also has a red accent.

The Supersports ‘Ice Speed Record', despite its ice racing pedigree, is clearly no ‘stripped out' racer. Its highly specified interior has the highly-advanced touchscreen infotainment system from the new Continental GT that provides rich map imagery and a 30GB on-board hard drive.

An 8-inch screen displays the car's audio system, telephone, ride and comfort settings as well as the very latest navigation system, which uses both an in-car hard-disc drive and a DVD player to access route data. It also utilises dynamic navigation to avoid heavy traffic spots, locates destinations using geo-tagged photos from an SD memory card and is Google Maps-compatible for most markets.

The infotainment system, with 7-digit postcode entry, combines touchscreen controls and classic Bentley knurled rotary switches to offer instant usability. It is complemented by a new driver information panel (DIP) located in the main instrument cluster. The new wide-screen DIP employs TFT technology and enhanced graphics provide the driver with clear and easily accessible information about a wide range of car systems.

Fiat 500 by Gucci【Video】

Gucci and Fiat unveiled the 500 by Gucci, the special-edition model is available in a black and white exterior color with Gucci scheme green-red-green stripes. The vehicle will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The stripes also appears inside on the seats, on the gear shift, the key-cover, the carpets and on the seatbelts. The interior also features chic embroidery, exclusive materials, glossy and satin chromes, the velvety varnish on the “radioboard,” the two-toned seats in Frau leather with the Guccissima print.

Based on the 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol powered model, outside, the car comes with 195/45 R16 wheels, with rear brake calipers in Gucci green.

While Fiat marked the collaboration with the car, Gucci has come out with a a range of clothing and accessories to mark the occasion, including bags, hats, scarves, sunglasses and even a wristwatch. Both were launched at Milan Fashion Week, and will be displayed at a dedicated stand at the Geneva Motor Show next week.




Press Release

Fiat and Gucci announce the "500 by Gucci": a new italian design icon is born

In the year that sees the celebration of both the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and Gucci's 90th anniversary, Gucci and Fiat are proud to unveil the 500 by Gucci, a special edition of the iconic Fiat 500 customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat's Centro Stile. This unique collaboration between two of Italy's most respected brands represents the perfect - combination of craftsmanship and style. Launched on the opening day of Milan Fashion Week, the 500 by Gucci will also be on presented at the Geneva International Auto Show from March 3rd to13th, in a dedicated Gucci pop-up store within the Fiat stand.

Frida Giannini said, "In the 50s the Fiat 500 created a style revolution when it first hit the road. It quickly become the must-have car of its time. Travelling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So, when Lapo Elkann suggested the idea of this collaboration it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in this Gucci's 90th anniversary year".

The black and white colours of the 500 by Gucci, in unique eye-catching glossy pearl glass paint, set the stage for a neo-classic black and white film. These two distinct colors complement one another: black, with detailing in shiny chrome paired with interiors that contrast sharp black and white, for a contemporary and racy attitude. White, with satin chrome detailing and ivory and black interiors for a softer, sophisticated look.

The exterior is further personalized by rims for 195/45 R16 wheels, including the unmistakable retro design of the rays, harmonizing with the surrounding exterior colors and representing a novelty for this category of car. The hubcaps feature the interlocking GG in the same color of the body of the car and the cursive Gucci signature appears on the hatchback as well on the doorpost. The version equipped with 1.4 of 100 horsepower comes with rear break callipers in Gucci green. The car's silhouette is outlined by Gucci's signature green-red-green stripe, which runs along the entire perimeter and links the exterior to the interior. The stripe also appears inside on the seats, on the gear shift, the key-cover, the carpets, and in an innovative finish on the seatbelts. The interior space of the 500 by Gucci is stylish yet functional down to every last detail: chic embroidery, exclusive materials, glossy and satin chromes, the velvety varnish on the "radioboard," the two-toned seats in Frau leather with the Guccissima print.

The communications activity behind the worldwide launch of the 500 by Gucci is being developed with the support of Lapo Elkann and his agency, Independent Ideas, and will include a fully integrated above and below-the-line campaign. Commenting on the collaboration, Lapo Elkann said: «I am honored that I was able to connect Fiat and Gucci, especially in such an important anniversary year for Italy. Being Italian, it makes me proud to have contributed to this 500 by Gucci, which brings together the spirit of two brands that so perfectly symbolize our country's savoir faire in the world. It has indeed been very gratifying to work again on the car I love most with Fiat's Centro Stile and with Frida Giannini».

The 500 by Gucci will initially be available from April 1st to June 30th exclusively by pre-order online at www.500bygucci.com, with a list price in Italy that starts from 17,000 euro all inclusive. The car will also be displayed in exclusive locations in metropolitan cities such as Paris, London and Tokyo, followed by the European commercial launch in July. It will then become available in the rest of the world at the end of the year.

Completing the customization is the exclusive 500 by Gucci collection, including travel accessories, small leather goods, drivers, tracksuits, bombers, driver gloves, sunglasses and a watch, which will be available in select Gucci stores and online at www.gucci.com from April 2011.