2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca autocar

How do you amp up a performance car package as complete as the new 2012 Mustang Boss 302 - already a street-legal race car in its own right? Pull out everything that doesn't make it go faster and add in more of what does. The result is the limited-production Laguna Seca package - the ultimate 2012 Boss, named to commemorate the first-place Boss 302 finish at the 1970 Trans-Am series opener.

-Laguna Seca package pares the race-inspired 2012 Mustang Boss 302 down to its essential elements, with aggressive suspension, chassis and aerodynamic tuning creating a ready-for-racing Boss

-Ford Mustang team members developed the package to provide weekend racers with a factory track car that could be driven to the course, take the win, then driven back home again

-R-compound tires, rear seat-delete, aggressive front splitter for track use, and rear spoiler and rear cross-car bracing shave seconds off track times and boost lateral acceleration to 1.03 g

"The Laguna Seca package puts a race-ready version of the new Mustang Boss 302 directly into enthusiasts' hands," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Laguna Seca isn't intended for Boss buyers who simply want an exhilarating daily driver. Think of it like a factory-built race car, which we hope avid racers and track-day fans are going to love."

Boss Laguna Seca builds on the bumper-to-bumper improvements found on the standard Boss while further stiffening the chassis and installing an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

"Drivers who know how to get the most from a tuned race car on a closed course are going to be amazed by what the Laguna Seca is capable of," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. "The balance, agility and tuning of each vehicle system places the driver at the center of the machine, completely connected to everything the car is doing."

Chassis enhancements
Laguna Seca cars are powered by the same smooth, high-winding 440-hp 5.0-liter V8 as the standard Boss, since the engine was already tuned specifically for road racing. Instead, engineers turned their attention toward delivering power to the ground most efficiently, and getting the car around a track in the quickest possible time.

"When we built the Boss, we had to step back and ask ourselves ‘How do we improve on this?'" said David Pericak, Ford Mustang chief engineer. "That car is so strong we realized the Laguna Seca package was going to have to be just a fraction of a step back from the Ford Racing 302R to top it. So we went back and threw daily-driver practicality out the window, cut some things we couldn't cut on the volume model, like the back seat, and built it the way we would set up a production Boss for pure competition."

Laguna Seca cars eliminate the rear seats, instead adding a cross-car X-brace that couples the structure between the rear wheels. The brace offers chassis stiffness improvements of as much as 10 percent and allows the suspension tuning - precisely calibrated by Mustang team members - to better do its job.

Standard Recaro front seats were designed by Ford SVT in cooperation with Recaro for high performance Mustang models, and are shared between the Boss and GT500. An Alcantara-covered race steering wheel provides a solid grip for hard cornering.

Engine power routes through a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox to a standard 3.73-ratio Torsen limited-slip differential, helping the revised rear suspension deliver maximum torque and traction under the punishing conditions encountered on the track.

Higher spring rates and a larger rear stabilizer bar - all upgraded over Boss specifications - help generate unrelenting grip. And drivers can dial in exactly the level of shock stiffness a particular track requires using the four standard, independently adjustable dampers with Laguna Seca-specific valving.

The final touch for a proper race car was to add the proper wheels and tires: Laguna Seca models use lightweight 19-inch alloy racing wheels in staggered widths: 9 inches in front, 10 inches in the rear. R-compound ultra-high-performance tires, 255/40ZR-19 in the front, 285/35ZR-19 in the rear, maintain contact with the pavement - a job that ended up being trickier than expected.

"The R-compound tires on the Laguna Seca are so sticky we had to really work on the rear suspension tuning to make sure drivers can get the most out of them," explains Pericak. "The rear stabilizer bar is the largest we've ever installed on a production Mustang - including any SVT product. The rear spring rate was also maximized to work with the massive rear tires and balance the car for minimal lap times."

While standard Boss 302 cars get vented brake dust shields to help cool the rotors, Laguna Seca models receive Ford Racing front brake ducts that force outside air directly onto the 14-inch vented front rotors, helping to eliminate brake fade and ensure hard, repeatable late braking on the track. Combined, the braking changes help refine the sense for drivers of being directly connected to the pads - an essential edge during car-to-car combat on a road course.

Added up, the further improvements to Boss Laguna Seca result in the best-handling Mustang ever, with more than 1.03 g of lateral acceleration, stopping distances shortened by three feet from 60 mph over Boss, 0-60 acceleration improvements of one tenth of a second, and an overall expected lap time improvement of one to two seconds over the standard Boss on a typical road course.

Styling evokes racing, improves aerodynamics
As a race car should, Boss 302 models with the Laguna Seca package look like nothing else on the road. A bright red C-stripe offsets either Black or Ingot Silver paint, and is complemented by a red roof panel. Red also sets off the front grille, mirror caps and rear pedestal spoiler, while Laguna Seca rear badging and unique two-tone red and silver wheels complete the transformation.

Adding both to appearance and aerodynamics, an aggressive front splitter for track use adds downforce at the front of the car, while helping channel air under and around the car. At the same time, air impacting the front end is funneled into the radiator and brake ducts, supporting cooling even under grueling race conditions.

"The Laguna Seca front splitter is really a Ford Racing piece we've lightly adapted for our purposes," explains Pericak. "It's been tested and refined for the last six months on the Boss 302R to perform exactly as required on the track; we just made a few changes so it could be adapted to the production Boss - though owners will still want to avoid speed bumps and parking blocks."

At the back, a large rear spoiler is sized to exactly complement the effect provided by the front splitter and underbody aero treatments, with the combination adding as much as 90 pounds of downforce at 140 mph.

"Balance is the key on Boss, and even more so on Laguna Seca," said Pericak. "A winning race car has to do everything well, and we've had the ability to test all the engineering that went into Boss Laguna Seca on the Ford Racing 302R. It's not for everyone: It's stiffer, there's no back seat, and the aero package is designed for downforce, not speed bumps in the mall parking lot. But for hard-core Mustang racers who want something they can occasionally drive on the street, to shows or whatever, Laguna Seca is the car they've been waiting for, and they're not going to be disappointed."

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca police car
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca car
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca image
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca auto
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca photo

2011 Jaguar XJ Sentinel autocars images

The new Jaguar XJ Sentinel offers the ultimate in discreet protection, being virtually indistinguishable from the standard Jaguar XJ model, yet featuring a state-of-the-art armouring package which provides occupants with up to B7 levels of ballistic protection.

Benefiting from Jaguar Land Rover's extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, the Jaguar XJ Sentinel is supplied with a full three-year 50,000 mile factory warranty, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians.

"The Jaguar XJ Sentinel was designed and developed in partnership with industry leaders, and incorporates the very latest armoured vehicle systems to deliver extremely impressive levels of protection, while maintaining a very discreet appearance," said Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars.

"The Jaguar XJ Sentinel is the ultimate armoured luxury limousine. It offers governments, security organisations and private individuals, the highest level of security, with advanced design, refined performance and a beautifully-crafted cabin. The Jaguar XJ Sentinel will be the vehicle of choice for the most discerning," he added.

Jaguar engineers focused on ensuring that the Jaguar XJ Sentinel retained the real-world usability of the standard car. Based on the long wheelbase XJ, the armoured vehicle maintains that model's luxurious interior package, its compelling blend of comfort and agility, and convenient servicing using regular dealer equipment.
The Jaguar XJ's aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium body structure also makes it possible to offer a very generous 500kg payload for passengers and luggage without compromising vehicle performance.

2011 Jaguar XJ Sentinel wallpaper
2011 Jaguar XJ Sentinel photo
2011 Jaguar XJ Sentinel pic
2011 Jaguar XJ Sentinel in road
2011 Jaguar XJ Sentinel front angle

2010 dodge ram 3500 cars photos

You may or may not of heard about the incentives Dodge Canada just announced on the 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 and 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 for July – August As far as factory incentives go these are pretty impressive. So much so, I thought I would write a quick blog post to explain the “fine print” in the offer.

For the months of July-August, if you purchase a new or demo 2010 Dodge Ram 2500 or 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 from any Alberta Dodge Dealer, you will have the choice of;

1. No charge Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. (Value $9,245) or…

2. Two low rate financing options; (0% for 36 months or 2.5% for 84 months.) Both finance options come with a factory rebate of $4,500.
Which is better, the free Cummins engine or the low rate and rebate?

This depends completely on how long you plan to keep the truck and how much money you wish to put down. For example, if you are a cash buyer or if your down payment is substantial, obviously the free engine ($9,245) would be a better choice.

Many people who are financing the majority of the purchase go with the low rate as the interest savings over several years quickly add up.

If you are unsure which option makes the most sense for you, I recommend sitting down with one of our finance managers before making a decision. They can run multiple scenarios for you showing the total cost for each option.

Remember, the price you pay in the end is the total of all you put down plus the payments you make. The terms of the financing can have a bigger impact on the total price than the actual price of the vehicle in some cases.

Oh, one more thing, 2010 is the first year for the new body style on the Ram Heavy duty trucks. If you haven’t seen one yet, drop by for a look. We have lots of them.

2010 dodge ram 3500 front pose
2010 dodge ram 3500 side pose
2010 dodge ram 3500 pic
2010 dodge ram 3500 image

latest Jaguar XJ 75 Platinum Concept car pics

The innovative dual-view navigation screen in the all-new 2010 Jaguar XJ is undoubtedly cool, but unfortunately for Jaguar, it's currently illegal in the U.S.

The XJ's new navigation screen is designed to show two different images, depending on whether the driver or passenger is looking at it. For example, as the screen displays the navigation map to the driver, the passenger could be watching a film. The exact same screen will be offered in the new 2010 Range Rover, and a similar system has been developed by Mercedes-Benz for its S-class range.

Jaguar's chief designer, Ian Callum, has admitted that the system is "technically illegal" here in the states. National Highway Safety Transportation Administration law dictates that entertainment systems cannot be used in the front of the vehicle while it is in motion, so as not to distract the driver, although some cockpit-mounted entertainment systems do allow occupants to play movies when the car is in park.

Although the system doesn't allow the driver to access the entertainment controls on the move, and the driver cannot see the passenger's screen, the split-system still technically breaks the law as it currently stands. Jaguar is reportedly hoping NHTSA will update its laws so that it can bring the innovation to U.S. consumers.

2010 Jaguar XJ 75 Platinum Concept side image
2010 Jaguar XJ 75 Platinum Concept picture
2010 Jaguar XJ 75 Platinum
2010 Jaguar XJ 75
2010 Jaguar XJ 75 Platinum Concept

2012 Morgan EvaGT pictures

2012 Morgan EvaGT
latest Morgan EvaGT
2012 Morgan EvaGT
2012 Morgan EvaGT image
2012 Morgan EvaGT wall

The dynamic team at Morgan has made a commitment from 2010 that they will bring out a new model every two years. The legendary sports car manufacturer will target new niches... electric sports cars, a fun weekend vehicle and the first of the new cars will be the Morgan EvaGT, a four seater Coupe aimed at young families, with a bit of drama or automotive theatre as we like to call it. This is a revolution for a car company famous for making the same car for 50 years!

Chassis

The Morgan EvaGT makes full use of clever technologies that the Morgan Motor Company has developed to manufacture a lightweight car. Morgan was one of the first car companies to see the advantage of a bonded aluminium chassis to give rigidity but also to save weight. The Morgan EvaGT uses a further developed version of the bonded aluminium chassis of the Morgan Aero SuperSports, a chassis that successfully competes in International GT3 Sports Car Racing. Compliant with European and US safety approvals.

Bodywork

Morgan was the first car company in 1995 to see the benefit of superformed aluminium, an aircraft technology, to manufacture smooth accurate body parts. Morgan Design have sculpted a new shape for the Morgan EvaGT that focuses on natural materials and understands their unique technical properties. Using computer technology in design and in manufacture to ensure accuracy, the parts are then hand finished to make sure they feel as good as they look. A perfect "A" class surface, minimal shut lines, hidden wipers, flush door handles and sharp creases deflect air over the surface of the car. The new Morgan EvaGT represents a philosophy of lightweight luxury that embraces authenticity, sustainability and innovation achieving its final result through the process of skilled craftsmanship.

2011 Mini Countryman interior parts

2011 Mini Countryman interior
2011 Mini Countryman interior pic
2011 Mini Countryman interior image
Mini Countryman interior
201 Countryman interior

2011 Mini Countryman cars pictures

2011 Mini Countryman car
2011 Mini Countryman
2011 Mini Countryman gray car
2011 Mini Countryman cute car
2011 Mini Countryman pic
2011 Mini Countryman interior pic

A year ahead of its launch in the US, MINI Countryman is confirmed to expand the MINI lineup to four variants.

Note: U.S. product specifications are different from those announced in markets outside North America. All specifications presented in this press kit are provisional. The launch date for markets outside North America is fall 2010, and early 2011 for the U.S.

Meet The MINI Countryman
MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of motoring with that unmistakable MINI exhilaration. The new MINI Countryman is a genuine crossover vehicle, and bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Crossover. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique go-kart handling so typical of MINI, yet allows the brand to appeal to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility.

As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. The MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, and optional ALL4 all-wheel-drive offers an additional highlight for motoring enthusiasts. In a nutshell, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customization in a new, modern style.

The Countryman’s Look
The MINI Countryman carries on unique design characteristics such as superior style and quality, while combining new larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors. It also features short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and windows extending around the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of a MINI. At the same time, the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagonal radiator grille element, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid with integrated side direction indicators, the prominent wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters.

Measuring 161.3 inches in length, with a wheelbase of 102.2 inches, the MINI Countryman features an interior that offers a new dimension of space and function. The four-door body of the car combines the proportions typical of the brand with extra ground clearance and an elevated seating position, the MINI Countryman thus bridging the gap between the classic Mini and a modern Crossover Vehicle. From the start, the design of the MINI Countryman emanates a unique feeling of independence, performance, robustness and versatility, particularly the clear structure of the front end giving the MINI Countryman a mature and most respectable look of class and style. But at the same time the new model naturally retains that unique charm and individual flair so typical of MINI.

Proceeding from the MINI design language, the MINI Countryman authentically visualizes the particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright, the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimize pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is emphasized by extra-large windows and the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.

The new diagonal function line at the transition point from the front side panel to the door likewise serves to distinguish the MINI Countryman from its counterparts within the range. This particular feature – yet another re-interpretation of the body welding seam at the same point on the classic Mini – comprises both the side direction indicator and the air outlet on the MINI Countryman. Conceived and designed as a wide and very robust-looking band, this diagonal function line continues the course of the A-pillar towards the front wheel. Like the C-pillar facing towards the rear axle, this special line again emphasizes the impression of a powerful body resting strongly on its wheels.

The proportions and horizontal subdivision of the rear end also underlines the sporting character of the MINI Countryman, ensuring powerful presence also from this perspective. Broadening out in steps from top to bottom, the body structure emphasizes the stable stance of the car, the muscular shoulder line additionally highlighting the masculine character of the MINI Countryman. With its integrated, aerodynamically refined airflow contour, the roof appears to almost hover above the window areas. The chrome band extending round the entire car between the windows and the body, finally, forms yet another horizontal line as a further highlight in the design of the MINI Countryman.

Like all models in the MINI range, the MINI Countryman comes with upright rear light clusters forming a distinctive contrast to the otherwise horizontal lines at the rear. Highlighted by chrome surrounds, the rear light clusters stand out three-dimensionally from the body of the car. Positioned far to the outside, the rear lights emphasize the width of the MINI Countryman and bear clear reference to the generous interior space.

All light functions are integrated in the rear lights embedded like islands in the rear side panels. The inner structure of the lights is determined again in typical MINI style by full circles and circular sections also giving the car its unique night design.

For the first time the MINI logo at the rear has a specific function: Pressing the inner circle on the logo allows the MINI owner to release the rear lid that is hinged at the top. The rear license plate recess takes up the shape of the air intake in the front bumper, thus linking the front and rear ends through their clear symbiosis in design.

The rear air dam on the MINI Cooper S Countryman comes as a diffuser guiding the flow of air beneath the rear end of the car to optimize the aerodynamic qualities of this special model. The most powerful model in the range also stands out through its special roof spoiler, a twin-chamber exhaust system, as well as striking openings in the rear wheel arches.

The MINI Countryman is available with a choice of at least eleven body colors: five non-metallic, and six metallic. All models are available with the roof finished either in Black, White or as an alternative, body color.

Living In The Countryman
Within the interior, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees comfort and pleasant and optimizes the driver’s all-round view. The Central Display and air vents are highlighted by colored rings. The most unique interior feature is its innovative Center Rail system, which extends from the front to the rear replacing a conventional center console. It opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. It offers flexible clip-in elements enabling the driver and passengers to subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.

The MINI Countryman offers superior comfort also on long distances, with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats move fore-and-aft either individually and the backrests may be tilted for angle, increasing capacity in the luggage compartment from liters 12.2 –41.0 cu ft.

All surfaces come in a new, even more striking, textured grain that harmonizes perfectly with the powerful look of the car. The instrument panel in the MINI Countryman is characterized by concave shapes and a sporting, functional impression. Extra-large air vents at the side emphasize the particular style of the interior in its modern class and function. Like the center air vents, the center speedo and the gearshift lever, the air vents are highlighted by white surrounds in a contrasting color. A further color highlight is provided by the side surrounds on the center console appearing to actually support and hold up the dashboard. The center console itself, through its matt-black color in conjunction with a chrome ring for the climate controls, is particularly stylish and sophisticated in its looks. Apart from the control units for the air conditioning and CD player, the toggle switches for various car functions typical of MINI are also housed within the center console.

Newly designed door panels underline the specific shape of the body and the extra space the MINI Countryman has to offer. The ellipsoid frame around the door armrests and door handles, again so typical of the brand, is for the first time positioned in the middle, encompassing in its design also the B-pillars and emphasizing the length of the interior through its stretched contours.

The MINI Countryman comes with supportive bucket seats specific to this particular model. Sports seats are featured as standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman (optional on the Cooper) and offer two different combinations of cloth/leather seating as well as various choices of all-leather upholstery as an option. A particular highlight is the top-of-the-line Lounge Leather upholstery that is reminiscent of classy leather seats with piping in a classic British car.

The rear bucket seats featured at the rear move fore-and-aft 5.1inches independently of one another. Even with the seats in their upright position, the MINI Countryman is able to meet additional transport requirements as the rear seat backrests may be moved to a cargo position increasing luggage space from 12.2–15.4 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity increases to a commodious 41.0 cubic feet, enough for two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed. And for those that need more options to carry their adventure items, a standard low-profile roof rail system allows Motorers the ability to add a full line of MINI Accessory.

MINI Center Rail: Unique Storage Concept
Instead of a conventional center console between the seats, the MINI Countryman comes with an innovative rail system, the unique MINI Center Rail enabling the driver and passengers to keep their personal belongings and odds and ends exactly where they need them at any point in time. At the same time the MINI Center Rail forms a visual and functional connection between the front and rear seats.

The Center Rail extends through the entire passenger compartment all the way to the rear seat backrests. Specially developed and easy-to-use clip-in fixtures allow the driver and passengers to use the MINI Center Rail individually as required, hanging on various bins and storage units. As an example, the MINI Center Rail may be fitted with holders for entertainment and telecommunication devices, cupholders, a case for sunglasses in genuine MINI design, as well as center armrests held safely and comfortably in position. The holders and storage bins placed on the Center Rail may then be moved forwards and backwards to any desired position. And whenever the users place electronic devices such as a mobile phone or an MP3 player on the Center Rail, the integrated cable system automatically connects the respective device to the car’s on-board network and ensures full and convenient integration into the MINI Countryman’s entertainment system.

Ambient lighting, which is part of the standard light package, sets a particular highlight within the interior of the MINI Countryman. Providing an indirect lighting effect, ambient lightning creates special color highlights throughout the entire door panel in night design, thus giving the interior a truly unique atmosphere. Using a toggle switch, the driver and passengers may vary the color of the light generated steplessly from a warm orange to a sporting blue. Light rods also provide the color desired on the MINI Center Rail from one end to the other. This makes it easier to find objects attached to the Center Rail.

The optional interior color lines provide further opportunities to customize the car, creating different color effects along the door panels within their ellipsoid frame, on the center armrest side panels, the lower section of the B-pillar covers, and the inserts on the Center Rail itself. The colors available in this case are Carbon Black, Polar Beige, Pure Red, and Dark Tobacco, as well as powerful Surf Blue exclusive to the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Trim bars for the cockpit as well as a Chrome Package adding discreet gloss to the air vents, the central instrument, the rev counter and the surrounds on the gearshift lever, provide an even more intense touch of color and style.

Countryman Power
The MINI Countryman is entering the US market with a choice of two engines, each coming in the new generation of power units developed with masterful engineering and naturally, comply with ULEV II emission standards. The rev-happy 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine in the Cooper offers fuel efficiency and performance with fully variable valve timing and lift via VALVETRONIC technology. The Cooper S adds a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. It also features fully-variable valve management offering the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. And as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, both Cooper and Cooper S models are also available with a six-speed automatic transmission complete with manual control.

All engines featured in the MINI Countryman come with fully variable valve management. This technology for masterminding engine load without requiring a throttle to control engine output is quite unique within the segment of this new MINI and is based on the VALVETRONIC valve management system featured in BMW power units. This optimizes engine response and serves to significantly reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.

Valve management adjusts the lift and duration of the intake valves within fractions of a second to the respective level of power required. The intake camshaft acts on the valves through an additional intermediate lever, and not directly through the follower arm. The rotating point of this additional lever is adjusted infinitely by an eccentric shaft controlled by an electric motor.

MINI Cooper Countryman: Four-cylinder gasoline engine with fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc
Max output: at least 120 hp at 6,000 rpm,
Max torque: at least 118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, top speed 190 km/h (118 mph)
Average fuel consumption: TBD

MINI Cooper S Countryman: Four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc
Max output: at least 180 hp at 5,500 rpm
Max torque: at least 177 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm (at least 192 lb-ft with Overboost).
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: in 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 205 km/h (128 mph)
Average fuel consumption: TBD

ALL4 –Performance and Safety
The MINI Cooper S Countryman is the first MINI to offer a permanent all-wheel-drive system known as MINI ALL4. Utilizing an electro-hydraulic differential, positioned directly on the transmission’s final drive, varies the power distribution from front to rear in an infinitely-variable process. Under normal driving conditions, up to 50 percent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels and under extreme conditions up to 100 percent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of the agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI including features such as the front axle with MacPherson spring struts and forged lower control arms, the multi-link rear axle and EPS (Electric Power Steering.)

On the Cooper S Countryman with ALL4, a specific driveline setup is used. Together with the elaborate mounting for the final drive and individual driveshafts, a vibration damper is fitted is within the rear driveshaft giving the ALL4 version of the MINI Countryman the same high standard of acoustic and dynamic comfort as on the models with front-wheel drive.

Designed for optimum safety in the event of a collision, the body structure, with its precisely defined load paths and deformation zones, ensures passive safety of the highest caliber. A total of six airbags are standard, with frontal and side airbags as well as side curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants. Three-point inertia-reel seat belts are present on all four seats and belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as LATCH child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet another standard feature is the Tire Pressure Monitor.

In terms of crash behavior, there is no compromise between the front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions of the MINI Countryman. To ensure this equality, the car comes with an innovative drive shaft made up of two elements giving way within one another in the event of a collision to absorb impact energy. The body structure of the MINI Countryman is also designed to offer maximum occupant safety in the event of a collision, high-load-resistant bearer structures, precisely defined deformation zones and an extremely stable passenger cell serving to keep impact forces away from the passengers.

The MINI Countryman furthermore comes standard with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) is an option that also features an electronic limited-slip function for the front axle differential. All Countryman models comes standard with 205/50 R17 runflat tires for supreme safety and performance in all situations. Available optionally are 18’’ alloy wheels with runflat tires and 19” wheels can be ordered as a dealer-installed accessory.

True You-ification and Technology, Countryman Style
The wide range of customization options on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colors, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his – or her – very special car with truly unique character. The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such a multi-function steering wheel with cruise control, the MINI Center Rail, and a premium six-speaker audio system complete with a CD player and AUX IN. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone® and other smartphones in the car. Further options are the dual-pane Panoramic sunroof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with the optional Xenon headlight units, lightweight-alloy wheels ranging in size from 17 to 18 inches, sports suspension (which lowers the car by 10 millimeters or almost 0.4″), as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works Performance Components.

The Countryman Cometh
For the US, the Countryman’s three versions – Cooper Countryman, Cooper S Countryman and Cooper S Countryman ALL4 – will be offered for sale in early 2011. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

As the fourth model within the MINI range and the first premium car of its kind, the MINI Countryman is a pioneer in many respects. It opens up that characteristic MINI feeling for new target groups and at the same time transfers individual design and the unique fun of motoring into a segment with greater demands in terms of space available, diversity and motoring comfort, thus opening up new perspectives for the MINI brand as a whole.

Through this extension of the model range, the MINI brand once again proves its ability to grow with the demands of its fans and followers, while remaining true to its particular character.

2010 jaguar xkr cars images

2010 Jaguar XKR

Performance and efficiency. These are the two cardinal attributes that all car designers are aiming for these days, and Jaguar is no different. For the last few years, the automaker's latest XK has relied heavily on its riveted and bonded aluminum-intensive architecture to achieve low weight, which is the first necessity for sporting credentials. For 2010, Jaguar is taking that successful formula and adding lots more power via an enlarged version of its AJ V8 engine. Direct injection, variable valve timing and a variable-geometry intake manifold all conspire to increase power to 510 hp while also having the desirable effect of improving fuel efficiency. Of course, an impressive engine is only a small part of the overall desirability of a new car, and Jaguar claims to have given its XK line, available in both a Portfolio model and uplevel R-model for the 2010 model year, a thorough freshening. So, what are they on about? Plenty, it seems. Keep reading.
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let's take a better look at that new engine. As per usual, a roots-type supercharged and intercooled version of the aluminum engine is available in the XKR that has seen its power swell all the way to 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque – enough to launch the R to 60 in just 4.6 seconds. A naturally-aspirated Portfolio model does the deed in 5.2 seconds thanks to 385 hp and 380 lb-ft. All that extra power comes with no increase in fuel consumption and carbon emissions are actually improved slightly. Jaguar says the new powerplants are the most efficient in their class. Interestingly, the brand has joined the ranks of automakers that purposely pipe underhood sounds into the cabin – all the better to hear the new V8's soundtrack.

Jaguar says that there have been many changes to the XK's appearance, and we'll take them at their word. Specifically, the front bumper, rear LED tail lamps and light clusters are said to be all-new, but it'll take a trained eye to spot the differences in the real world. Then again, the cat's styling was probably the area that needed the least bit of attention. It's still a looker. Standard 19-inch alloys and optional 20's round out the exterior package.

Both powerplants come equipped with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission that's now shifted with the marque's JaguarDrive Selector -- complete with the accompanying dial that pops up from the center console upon entry along with (as the Brits would say) steering wheel-mounted flappy paddles. All this interior theater is new for the XK and was previously only available on the firm's latest XF sedan.

The new gear selector is joined by gauges that now have red pointers and white illumination as opposed to the classic green. Exciting! Of course, as is befitting a Jag-U-R, the driver is coddled with heated and cooled seats, plus a new three-spoke steering wheel. Leather? Of course, in your choice of multiple hues. Wood? If you'd like, in either oak or classic walnut; alternatively, choose one of the optional aluminum trims for a sportier, less opulent look.

What's a modern luxury car without all of its techno-goodies? Fortunately, Jaguar has those based covered too, with a full touch-screen-based multimedia system that controls... oh, just about everything, including the audio controls, climate control and satellite navigation system. We'll reserve judgment until we get the chance to use it in the real world, as the previous system looked pretty but was slow to react to inputs. We're happy to report that the car will in fact include an iPod jack, along with a USB port that should support all the rest of those technological wonders that we just can't seem to live without these days.

Choose either the coupe or convertible model, the latter of which retains a flush-folding cloth top that's raised and lowered electronically in 18 seconds. Naturally, Jaguar claims that its open-top version is plenty robust, but we're certain that true performance junkies will prefer the hardtop's greater rigidity. Adaptive Dynamics replaces the old Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) system, and joins a full list of electronic driving nannies like Adaptive Damping System, Active Differential Control and Dynamic Stability Control.

We've always thought that the Jaguar XK was a pretty car, but it's been down on power and available features to properly do battle with its mostly German competition. From the sounds of things (there's an entire press release worth of updates below), the sorta-British automaker has armed its latest grand tourer with what it truly needs to remain solidly in the mix of things. If nothing else, 510 leaping kitties is surely enough to win over some new friends.

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