The 2009 Nissan Maxima, which makes its world debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, marks a return to the longtime Nissan flagship sedan's roots as a commanding 4-door sports car - a vehicle that is unique in both appearance and driving feel, with renewed relevance for today's active and ambitious sedan buyers. In other words, the Maxima is back.
The all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima will be offered as two well-equipped models, Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, and is scheduled to arrive at Nissan dealers nationwide in early summer 2008.
"Maxima has always enjoyed a certain 'duality' - a unique fusion of sedan practicality with the soul of a sports car," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "In recent years, however, competitive vehicles have caught up with Maxima in 'sporty' looks and performance. For 2009, Nissan is reclaiming its rich 4-Door Sports Car heritage with an infusion of emotional design, driving excitement and advanced technology - creating a silky, stimulating sports sedan like no other on the road today."
2009 Nissan Maxima: Reborn at the "Ring"
"Do-overs" are sometimes allowed in sports but rarely in the automotive industry. Yet midway through the development of the new-generation Maxima a mulligan was indeed granted. Rather than continue with an evolution of the previous highly successful Maxima design, the creators of the 2009 Nissan Maxima stopped and rethought the entire direction.
Inspired by the concurrent top secret development of the 2009 Nissan GT-R supercar, they threw away positioning words like "conservative" and "balanced" and concentrated instead on new concepts like "addictive performance," "striking," "commanding" and "powerful."
High targets were established, including the goal of creating "the best performing front engine, front-wheel drive car in the world," along with class-leading acceleration, braking, handling, workmanship and cockpit design.
"We aren't walking away from the strengths of the last generation Maxima, which was rated the top-ranked vehicle in AutoPacific's 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Luxury Mid-Size Cars and a winner of Strategic Vision's 2007 Total Quality Award? for Best Medium Car Ownership Experience," said Castignetti. "However, complacency breeds complacent vehicles. The new Maxima demanded taking risks in order to ultimately come up with a much more exciting and rewarding vehicle."
Three key areas were singled out for change: exterior design, which needed to be more aggressive, with more personality and attitude; a "super" cockpit, creating an interior that combines a driver orientation with high quality, roominess and user-friendly technology; and class-leading performance, enhancing what previous generation owners called "Maxima-ness."
To further push the performance envelope, the development team challenged themselves to concentrate their efforts on "emotional engineering" - to experience Maxima with the five senses in a purer, more visceral manner, rather than through CAD drawings and computer simulations.
As each designer and engineer set and exceeded higher and higher targets, they realized that confirmation of the results would require validation on the road. But not just any road. Members of the development team traveled to Germany's famed Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit - not coincidentally the site of much of the GT-R's performance development work - to test Maxima prototypes. Special attention was placed on body rigidity, suspension and steering, along with honing Maxima's competitiveness against some well-established European sports sedans.
"A number of product changes came directly from the Nürburgring trials, including enhancements to the braking and transmission systems," said Castignetti. "But more importantly, it gave notice to the entire Nissan organization that the new Maxima is back solidly in the performance arena where it rightfully belongs."
Aggressive Design Adds a "Wow" Factor to the Sedan Category
While seeking to create a simple-yet-strong presence, the designers of the new Maxima's exterior also wanted to re-assert Maxima's breakthrough personality - establishing a "wow" level of style that would clearly distinguish it from segment competitors.
The exterior design theme for the new Maxima is "Liquid Motion" - focusing on the flow of its powerful and beautiful surfaces, like the undulation of a wave. The look starts with Maxima's aggressive stance and powerful fender volume, which is not unlike many exotic sports cars on the market today. This deeply sculpted body/fender treatment is seldom used for mass market vehicles because of the engineering and manufacturing complexity required to physically accomplish it. Maxima's new stance is created by a slight reduction in wheelbase and overall length, along with a wider front and rear track.
Maxima's new look imparts a strong, premium presence. The large, wraparound L-shaped headlights add a unique dimension to the overall design, while the light surrounds suggest a powerful "turbine" appearance of energy and strength. The upturned headlight shape combines with a wide grille, large bumper opening and bulging "catamaran-style" hood to give Maxima a formidable expression, setting the tone for the rest of the vehicle.
The powerful Maxima form continues along its profile, with careful layering of the bumper, hood and fender parting lines. The polished, elegant motion spreads from the deep-waisted rear fenders through distinctive Maxima-style C-pillars and high trunk lid.
Dimensionally, versus the previous generation, the new Maxima measures the same width at the doors but wider at each fender, which not only helps project a sporty appearance but also allows a reduction in the visual gap between the fenders and wheels and tires. Maxima's dynamic performance stance is accented by 18-inch and available 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with low-profile performance tires.
Another new styling feature is the available Dual Panel Moonroof, which is traditionally offered only in luxury segments. The Dual Panel Moonroof includes a front section that moves like a normal moonroof (positioned farther forward than typical), with a very wide opening to provide an open-air motoring feeling. There is also a fixed translucent rear section that provides light to rear seat passengers. The overall design gives the appearance that the entire roof is composed of black glass. The Dual Panel Moonroof includes dual power sunshades for both the front and rear glass sections, adding a level of convenience.
At the rear, Maxima features a new 12-LED L-shaped taillight design, with a pair of side marker bulbs for added visibility during night driving.
"Maxima's breathtaking new exterior gives it a commanding, almost coupe-like appearance, with plenty of driveway appeal," said Castignetti. "It's one sedan that will definitely be noticed by the next door neighbors, along with a lot of other people."
Maxima is available in a choice of eight exterior colors: Winter Frost, Super Black, Navy Blue, Tuscan Sun, Radiant Silver, Mystic Jade, Precision Gray and Dark Slate.
Leading-Edge Sports Sedan Performance Platform
For five previous generations, Maxima has been built on a front-wheel drive (FWD) platform. Yet with the new Maxima's development team everything was open for discussion, including the benefits of front-wheel drive versus rear-wheel drive (RWD). Although there are well-known advantages of RWD in terms of sporty handling, it was ultimately decided that by switching Maxima from its previous platform to Nissan's new "D platform," which was first introduced on the current Nissan Altima Sedan, Hybrid and Coupe, the target Maxima performance could be delivered - without giving up the added FWD benefits of lower costs, lower weight and enhanced roominess versus a RWD platform.
"As demonstrated time and again with the new Altima, the new Nissan D platform is an amazing piece of engineering - providing responsive handling while virtually eliminating the torque steer often associated with high horsepower FWD applications," said Castignetti. "For the new Maxima, we've continued to refine the D platform, creating what we believe is one of the best-performing front-wheel drive car in the world, far above other FWD vehicles in its class. It's a level of performance that we think will be highly addictive."
In creating driving performance worthy of Nissan's flagship, the Maxima's body and chassis engineering teams worked together to create a secure feeling, virtually no torque steer during acceleration and a level of nimbleness that ultimately makes a car fun to drive.
A range of enhancements helped achieve these targets, including increasing body rigidity and adjusting the wheelbase and track dimensions. Body rigidity was increased by 15 percent and front strut mounting rigidity was increased by 100 percent, with all-new structures added to the engine compartment and additional reinforcement applied to the instrument panel structure. Maximas equipped with the Sport or Premium Packages feature a panel behind the rear seat that improves torsional rigidity by 17 percent versus models with a fold-down rear seat (a rear trunk pass-through is utilized with this panel).
The 2009 Nissan Maxima has a wheelbase of 109.3 inches, a decrease of 1.9 inches versus the 2008 Maxima, and width has been increased by 1.5 inches to 73.2 inches. The front and rear track measurement of 62.4 inches represents increases of 1.4 inches front and 1.2 inches rear over the previous model.
Additional "D platform" enhancements include the use of aluminum suspension links, revised suspension geometry, new technology shocks, revised steering and suspension geometries, a lower engine mounting and application of a new Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission), all of which contribute to minimal torque steer and improved handling prowess.
A Refined Engine and CVT
Compared to the previous generation, the new Maxima offers more horsepower and torque, providing quicker acceleration response and a special "Maxima Sound" - a satisfying, sporty sounding exhaust note. For 2009, Maxima again features a standard 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine, enhanced and refined to take its driving performance to new levels.
The revised engine features a modular engine design with microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, a resin intake collector, digital knock control, six individual coils (one per spark plug) and a cross-flow coolant pattern. Also utilized are a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), a variable induction system, a silent timing chain and electronically controlled throttle.
In refining the award-winning VQ-series V6 for use in the new Maxima, engine development engineers focused on three areas - increasing air intake, increasing fuel burn efficiency and lowering exhaust backpressure. Steps utilized to improve air intake included increasing intake manifold collector port diameter, adding a second power valve in the intake manifold, changing intake collector material to resin for less mass and more flow, redesigning the shape of the intake valves and increasing the throttle chamber diameter. Fuel burn efficiency was improved by increasing the engine's compression ratio to 10.6:1 (from 10.3:1), changing the piston shape for reduction of friction and weight, and adding exhaust-side continuous valve timing control (quad valve timing system). Exhaust backpressure was reduced through optimizing the exhaust system layout.
The 2009 Nissan Maxima's 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 is now rated at 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque (estimated), increases of 35 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over the 2008 Maxima.
All 2009 Nissan Maximas come equipped with a revised Xtronic CVT™ with manual mode, tuned specifically for Maxima's sporty driving character. The Maxima development team finessed the previous CVT design to improve responsiveness and strike a balance between sport and comfort, ultimately creating a transmission that provides a true synergy between engine and transmission, along with smooth, responsive and efficient operation.
For drivers seeking the utmost in vehicle control, a new "Ds mode" (drive sport) has been added to the CVT for 2009. "Ds mode" is an electronic control logic, that enhances sport driving through increased acceleration feel with higher engine revolutions, automatic engine braking and maintaining engine speed during cornering.
# by | 2008/03/20 18:15 | = | 트랙백
All E23 7 Series models (with the exception of the 745i) were built with the 12-valve type-M30 six-cylinder engine as used in the older E3 and E9 cars. Although most E23 engines were fuel-injected, two models (the 728 and 730) were available with a Solex four-barrel carburetor until 1979, when they were replaced by the fuel-injected 728i. Early fuel-injected models used the Bosch L-jetronic system while later models used the more advanced digital Bosch Motronic system.
The E23 7 series cars were very upscale and sophisticated for their time. They were the first BMWs fitted with service interval indicators, a 'check control' that alerted the driver to various system faults, and complex climate control systems. On-board computers and anti-lock braking system (ABS) were optional on early models but later became standard features. A variety of options included leather upholstery, several types of wood trim, power seats, seat heaters, and power windows and mirrors. Later models were fitted with a driver's air bag. Four-speed and five-speed manual gearboxes were available (depending on the year) and an automatic transmission was also available.
A minor styling update in 1983 affected the 'nose' of the car (the front 'kidney' grilles, valance/spoiler, bumpers etc) as well as the dashboard and instrument panels which received updates plus (in the UK) the 735i received the Motronic 3430 cc engine (replacing the 3453 cc) and rear suspension modifications as well as numerous other minor changes. In the US, 1984 saw the arrival of the optional 4 speed automatic transmission (replacing the 3 speed unit previously offered), upgraded wood trim above the glove compartment and on the ashtray (previously plastic in all US models), electrically adjustable power seats and larger Michelin TRX radials with special TRX wheels (later standard on all 1985-1987 735i/L7 models) on the 5 speed manual models.
The 745i was a special high-performance model offered in left-hand-drive European markets between 1979 and 1986. It was originally fitted with a specially-prepared 3.2 L type-M30 six cylinder engine and a turbocharger producing 10 psi of boost, BMW engine code M102. In 1984 the engine grew to 3.4 L, BMW engine code M106, produced 6 psi intake pressure, and produced the same power output as the M102. These cars were all built with automatic transmissions (although there is documentation supporting how the ECU was modified at the factory to work with Getrag 5 speeds), and could be ordered with exotic options such as heated front and rear power reclining seats, auto-on aux interior gasoline fired heaters, leather covered cellular telephones, front and rear seat heaters, rear-armrest radio control, water buffalo hide upholstery, and burl wood trim. The water buffalo interior model was the Executive trim option, while the High Line trim package offered ivory leather interior trim including a leather dash board, sun visors, headliner, and other leather bits not offered on the Executive.
A different 745i was built for the South Africa market, because the turbocharger on the European-market 745i could not be installed in right-hand-drive versions of the car. This car was fitted with the 286 hp (213 kW) dual-camshaft 24-valve type-M88 /3 Motorsport engine (with a Bosch ML-Jetronic fuel injection system) as used in the M635i, and M5. 209 of these cars were built between 1984 and 1986, fitted with either an automatic transmission or a 5-speed 'sport' gearbox. Of the 209 cars built 192 were automatics and 17 were fitted with manual gearboxes.
BMW South Africa ran one of these 745i models in Class A of the South African Modified Saloon Car Championship, the only BMW-Sanctioned motor sport application in the history of BMW 7-series cars.
E32( 1987–1994)
In 1986, BMW introduced the second generation of the 7 series, known internally as the E32. Aimed at the high end of the luxury market, the car offered some of the latest innovations in automotive technology, and a new, top-of-the-line V12 engine. Some luxury options featured on the E32 included integrated telephone and fax machines, a wine cooler, double glazing, heated door locks and windscreen washer nozzles, electronic stability control, and a system that automatically increased spring pressure on the windshield wipers, to keep them firmly pressed on the glass at Autobahn speeds. Incidentally, the E32 was the first car adhering to BMW's self-imposed speed limit of 250 km/h (155.37 mp/h). According to the official American brochure in 1986, the ungoverned 750iL could reach 300 km/h (186.4 mph) with a side note that the terminal speed was electronically restricted.
The car was also available in a stretched version (indicated by an 'L' after the model number), in which case an extra 11 centimetres (4.3 in) of leg room was available to the rear passengers by stretching the rear doors, and the body at this point.
The BMW 750iL Highline was the top-of-the-line model of the E32, with lots of added luxury for the rear passengers like full leather, dual radio controls, dual climate control with coolbox mounted in the center console, electrically heated and adjustable rear seats, walnut veneer folding tables, two crystal glasses neatly placed in the coolbox, legrests, and sun shade all around the rear/side windows. Complete with independent heating and ventillation, it also added a second battery in the trunk and a second alternator to provide power for all these luxuries. The 'Highline' option package cost more than €10.000, and was only available on the 750iL, bringing the total price to well over twice that of a 'basic' 730i ('basic' to be taken in context).
The E32 was offered with several different engines, all petrol. At the car's introduction, the 730 and 735 used the straight-6 M30 engine, while the 750 featured the all-new M70 V12 engine which produced 300 bhp. In 1992, a new 32-valve V8 engine was introduced, the M60. The 730i got this engine in a 3-liter version, while the new 740i got the 4-liter version. Both versions were coupled to a new, 5 speed automatic transmission made by ZF. In some countries, there were serious problems with the M60 engine because of sulfur corrosion problems in its nikasil cylinder block. The cylinder lining would quickly wear, causing the engine to lose compression, which caused rough idling and eventually the engine would fail to start. Many engines were replaced under warranty; the problem was corrected by using a different material.
BMW continued to offer the 730 with the straight-6 M30 engine (as well as the V8) in Europe until 1994, when the E38 was introduced.
Externally, the BMW 'kidney' grille indicated which engine was present under the hood: all 6-cylinder models had a narrow grille, and all 8- and 12-cylinder models had the wider version. This feature was not seen on later models (the E38 used a wide grille for all models).
E38 (1994–2001)
The BMW E38 automobile platform was the basis for the 1994 through 2001 BMW 7 Series automobiles. It replaced the BMW E32 in 1995 and itself was replaced by the BMW E65/E66 for the 2002 model year.
The E38 models were offered with either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L), 740d and 750i (with a 5.4 L 322 bhp (240 kW) engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph).
In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i and 740iL share the same 4.4 L V8 engine. The 740iL is essentially a long-wheelbase 740i (hence the "L" in the model name). The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12-powered 750iL was only available as a long-body; there was no E38 750i in the US lineup. The 750iL was BMW's flagship sedan.
Features of the E38 7 Series included high-pressure headlight washers, auto-leveling xenon HID headlamps, power moonroof, a sound system with 14 speakers and four subwoofers as well as 6-disc CD changer, onboard satellite navigation and rain-sensing wipers. Other features included an automatic climate control system with separate controls for the driver and passenger, a three-position memory system for the driver’s seat, safety-belt height, new steering wheel and outside mirrors. Front-seat side airbags and a Head Protection System (HPS) were also standard. The car featured an all-leather interior with burl walnut trim. The continuous-motion Active Comfort Seat technology was introduced in 1998 to improve comfort and reduce fatigue for the driver and front passenger.
The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL.
740iL and 750iL Protection Line light-armored vehicles were built from 2000-2001, and cost US$99,100 and US$124,400, respectively. These models included body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.
A rare executive V12-powered stretch limousine was also produced, called the BMW L7.
When the E38 was phased out in 2001 to make way for the new E65, sales of E38s increased noticeably in the car's final months of production as people moved to buy the car before it was replaced. The E65's radical styling and iDrive was not initially well-received by consumers, so demand for the E38 rose and used E38s increased in value. Also contributing to the E38's continued popularity was its appearance in the BMW Film Ambush, even though it was the only featured car in the series to be replaced the following year.
The E38 has been successfully modified with a large number of after market performance tools, including free-flow exhaust and intake systems, suspension adjustment, and braking system performance upgrades.
Engine tuning companies such as Alpina, Dinan and Hartge have built both turbocharged and supercharged versions of the M73 V12 motor.
E65/E66 (2002–present)
The E65/E66 automobile platform is the basis for the 2002 through present BMW 7 series. It replaced the BMW E38 in 2002. E65 is the designation of the short wheel base version of the automobile, and E66 is the designation of the long wheel base version.
The arrival of this model heralded a new styling era for BMW with the work of chief designer Chris Bangle. The "Bangle-butt" rear styling has been especially controversial, and was toned down in a 2005 restyling. In addition, early production E65s were fraught with problems, the vast majority of which were caused by software issues, as well as the iDrive controversy. BMW repurchased a substantial number of 2002 and 2003 7 series cars in the USA. Subsequent software updates have largely cured these issues. Furthermore, BMW of North America extended the factory warranty on all 2002 and 2003 model year 7 series cars sold in the USA to 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) from the original 4-year or 50,000-mile (80,000 km) coverage.
The E65/E66 are the only BMW cars that are available with the top of the line 6.0 liter V12 gasoline and 4.4 liter V8 turbodiesel engines, respectively the BMW N73 760i V12 and BMW M67D44 745d V8 Turbodiesel models.
The 2008 United States MSRP for the BMW 7 Series is: $75,800 (750i), $78,900 (750Li), and $122,600 (760Li).
In December 2007, The New Zealand government bought 34 diesel BMW 7 Series limousines to be used by the Prime Minister, the Members of Parliment and visiting dignatories to the country, this was at an estimated cost of over NZD$3 million.
The current 7 Series is available on two different platforms: the standard-wheelbase E65 (2990 mm, 118 in) and the extended-wheelbase E66 (3130 mm, 123 in).
"Active" Seat continuous passive motion technology is made standard equipment on the 750/760 models and included in the Luxury Seating Package with heated and ventilated seats for driver and front passenger on the 745 models.
The car has been available in twelve variants—of those, 11 are now in production and on sale in Europe, with four available in the U.S. since diesel models are not yet available there.
BMW plans to offer a car that runs on both petrol and hydrogen, to be called the Hydrogen 7. Drivers will be able to switch what fuel they are using with the push of a button. However, only 100 will be built in total
# by | 2008/03/03 17:00 | = | 트랙백(383)
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury compact car produced by the Mercedes Car Group division of Daimler AG. First introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range, the C-Class was the most affordable model in the marque's lineup, until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class. The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany, as well as in DaimlerChrysler's South African factory in East London. The very first W202 C-Class sedan was produced on June 1, 1993, and the second generation W203 C-Class rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The third generation W204 C-Class was launched in 2007.
The C-Class platform has been used for several coupes, including the CLC-Class (and its predecessor, the C-Class Sportcoupe) and CLK-Class.
W201 (1982-1993)
The Mercedes-Benz W201 was introduced in November 1982 as the Mercedes-Benz 190. £600 million was spent researching and developing this car with Mercedes-Benz acutely aware that a failure of this model could easily bring down the rest of their model range and the entire company’s reputation. Mercedes-Benz said the 190 was 'massively over-engineered'. The UK market was kept waiting up to 12 months longer than mainland Europe to get the 190s into the showrooms, and as soon as the vehicles arrived in showrooms, they were sold. Local 'red tape' in Bremen prevented MB from building the 190 there, so production was started in Sindelfingen at a capacity of just 140,000 units per year. Eventually after just the first year, Bremen was cleared for production of the 190 and these lines replaced the commercial vehicle lines at Bremen which included the first running modifications since its release.
The model was a single 4 door saloon/sedan body type which was designed to fill a hole in the model range below the W123 Mercedes E-class series. It was quickly dubbed "the Baby Benz". Amongst the items that were a first for Mercedes was the 190's patented 5-link suspension at the rear, used in subsequent E- and C- class models, and developments used today in Mercedes road cars. It had front and rear anti-roll bars, and anti-dive, anti-squat geometry. The 190 was available with airbags, ABS brakes and seatbelt tensioners, advanced safety features.
W202 (1993–2001)
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury compact car produced by the Mercedes Car Group division of Daimler AG. First introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range, the C-Class was the most affordable model in the marque's lineup, until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class. The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany, as well as in DaimlerChrysler's South African factory in East London. The very first W202 C-Class sedan was produced on June 1, 1993, and the second generation W203 C-Class rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The third generation W204 C-Class was launched in 2007.
The C-Class platform has been used for several coupes, including the CLC-Class (and its predecessor, the C-Class Sportcoupe) and CLK-Class.
On its debut, the C-Class was the only Mercedes model with a complete lineup of multivalve engines. The new family of four cylinder petrol units, called M111, debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, 122 PS (120 hp/90 kW)), C 200 (2.0 L, 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) and C 220 (2.2 L, 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW), the only four cylinder of the range sold in the U.S.). In 1996 the C 220 was replaced by the C 230, enlarged to 2.3 L displacement but with the same output, although with torque increased to 220 N·m (162 ft·lbf). . The top of the range was the C 280, with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-6 engine, capable of reaching 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW).
Four cylinder diesel models were equipped with the same OM601 engine of the 190, in the 2.0 L and 2.2 L versions. Many of these diesel variants were sold as taxis, due to their low fuel consumption and strong reliability. There were also more powerful five cylinder engines (OM605) which were available in naturally aspired (C 250 D) and turbocharged (C 250 TD) forms. The Turbodiesel was introduced in 1995 and is one of the novelties in the engine range available from this year. The most important was a supercharged version of the M111 straight four, the C 230 Kompressor, using a Roots-type supercharger to generate 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz reused supercharger technology after 50 years. Export models in Portugal and Italy featured a supercharged version of the smaller 2.0 L (C 200 Kompressor), which had a similar output of the C 230 Kompressor.
With the 1997 restyling, a lot of things changed under the hood of the Baby Benz. The most important innovation was the OM611, the first turbodiesel engine equipped with a Common rail direct injection system (co-developed with Bosch). The new model was named C 220 CDI, and had an output improvement of 30 PS compared with the C 220 Diesel, better fuel average and lower emissions. Another revolution regarded six cylinder engines: the legendary straight six were replaced by an all new family of V6. These new engines, the M112, featured SOHC heads instead of the previous DOHC, three valves per cylinder, instead of four, and twin sparkplugs. So the four cylinder C 230 was replaced by the C 240 (2.4 L) and the I6 C 280 by the V6 C 280. These changes theoretically reduced emissions and fuel consumption without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight 4 PS increase with the change).
In the last four years of production the W202 received a few changes in the engine range. In 1998 a less powerful version of the 2.2 L turbodiesel was added, called C 200 CDI, which replaced the C 220 Diesel. In 2000 the C 200 Kompressor T's output was cut to 163 PS (161 hp/120 kW), the C 240 T displacement was enlarged from 2.4 L to 2.6 L, but output remained at 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) and the C 180 got a 2.0 L engine.
W203 (2000–2007)
The second generation C-Class was introduced in 2000, with an even sportier look than the previous generations, with a steeper front-end and shorter rear-end. The sedan debuted with a range of straight-four and V6 gasoline engines and straight-four and straight-five Diesels. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C 320 was exclusive, offering 218 hp, also the C240 now had 2597 cc but output was unchanged at 170 hp. The diesels now featured common rail direct injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for nearly the entire range (except the C320 and C 270 CDI). For the first time, the number designations were no longer equivalent to the engine displacement, more specifically in the C 180 (2.0 L), C 240 (2.6 L) and C 200 CDI (2.2 L).
In 2001, Mercedes increased the range, with the introduction of the new T-Modell (station wagon) and Sportcoupé body types. The Sportcoupé was actually a three-door liftback made to counter the BMW Compact, but like its competitor, it proved unpopular with the younger buyers it was targeted towards, due to high prices compared to the lower entry-level models it was competing against, and unfavorable exchange rates. Although removed from the North American lineup in 2005, it continued on sale in other markets. From October 2000 until 2007, a total of 230.000 Sportcoupés were built in the Bremen factory and in Brazil. In Canada, it was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. A new family of supercharged four cylinder engines, dubbed M271, also debuted. All of them used the same 1.8 L engine, with different designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas. The 193 PS(142 kW/190 hp) C 230K was initially available only in the Sportcoupé. 4MATIC four wheel drive versions were also offered for the C 240 and C 320.
The C-Class was refreshed in early 2004. In this year, the interior styling was changed in all three body styles. Different taillights were added to the Sportcoupé and several all-new M272 and OM642 V6 engines were introduced later in the year. These were available in both petrol and diesel configuration, ranging between 2.5 L and 3.5 L, and the three-valve twin spark design was replaced by the more standard four-valve design, now with variable valve timing. The C 350 could now reach 272 PS (200 kW/268 hp), while the C 320 CDI was good for 224 PS (165 kW/221 hp). In addition, these engines also received the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission as optional, the diesel four cylinder's power was slightly increased, and a more economical naturally-aspirated 1.8 L (C 160) was added to the Sportcoupé lineup.
The C-Class is arguably one of the most popular automobiles in its class in many of the European markets. The second generation was for a long time after its release the second most popular new car in the German market, right after the Volkswagen Golf, and in 2002 it achieved success in the field of safety by scoring the maximum five stars in a EuroNCAP crash test. In the United States, the C-Class automobiles are the least expensive of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. However the W203 C-Class did acquire a poor reputation for reliability compared to other Mercedes-Benz models, an area which was targeted for improvement in the replacement model.
The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on December 14, 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant, after almost 630,000 units of the sedan were produced.
After the success of the AMG models in the previous generation, Mercedes-Benz attempted to increase sales by introducing two different AMG versions in the new model, also in 2001. The C 32 AMG scaled back down to a 3.2 L V6 engine, to match the E46 M3 displacement and improve weight distribution, but it required a twin-screw type supercharger (manufactured by IHI) to reach 354 PS (260 kW/349 hp) at 6100 rpm and 450 Nm (332 ft•lbf) at 4400 rpm. Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic, helping it to complete a 0-100km/h sprint within 5.2 seconds. The second version was C 30 CDI AMG, using a 3.0 L five-cylinder engine, capable of 231 PS(170 kW/228 hp) at 3800 rpm and 540 Nm (398 ft•lbf) at 2000 rpm. Both were available in all three body styles, but the diesel model did not reach sales expectations and was retired in 2004, as well as the C 32 AMG Sportcoupé.
By the revision of the C-Class in 2005, C 32 AMG was also replaced, giving way to a new 5.5 L naturally-aspirated V8-powered C 55 AMG. This was an evolution of the V8 engine found in the previous E-Class, with power raised to 367 PS (270 kW/362 hp) at 5750 rpm and torque climbing to 510 Nm (376 ft•lbf) at 4000 rpm. Unlike the less-powerful V6s and V8s in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, it continues to use Speedshift five-speed automatic. Though maximum speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) and 4.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is not improved, this model is considered the sportiest AMG model in the C-Class history before the recent release of the W204 (third generation) C63 AMG.
W204 (2007–present)
DaimlerChrysler introduced a new generation of the C-Class on January 18, 2007 and displayed it in the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Sales started on March 31, 2007 in almost all European countries. The new vehicle has an extended wheelbase and tracks, a stiffer bodyshell and a design inspired by the most recent S-Class and some hints from the CLS-Class. The model has three levels of equipment - Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. A high performance AMG version with a 6.2 L engine followed in September 2007, labelled C 63 AMG with 457 PS (335 kW)to rival the Audi RS4 and BMW M3. The Classic and Elegance lines retain the traditional Mercedes-Benz radiator grille, with a three-point star bonnet emblem. The Avantgarde line has a grille similar to that on Mercedes' sport coupe models, with two horizontal bars and a large centre-mounted star. In the UK the Classic line is known as the SE and the Avantgarde line is known as the C-Class Sport, and comes with an AMG bodykit, and AMG alloy wheels as standard. The North American version is slightly different, as the Classic model is dropped. The Elegance is known as the C-Class Luxury and the Avantgarde wearing the AMG sports package is known as the C-Class sport. Both lines have an additional amber light in front of the front wheel well.
Versions of the car are available with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive (in the latter case an improved version of the 4MATIC system, not available in right-hand drive format), along with a variety of four and six-cylinder engines (and a 6.2 litre V8 in the C 63 AMG). Engines are the straight-4 M271 and V6 M272 petrol engines, straight-4 OM611 + OM651, and V6 OM642 Diesel engines. Six-speed manual transmissions are standard on all models (except the C 350), with the 7G-Tronic seven-gear automatic transmission available for six-cylinder engines (7G-Tronic is available for C 230K, C 280, C 300, C 320 CDI and standard for C 350) and a five speed automatic transmission available for the four cylinder models. In the United States, the C 300 Luxury and C 350 Sport are only available with the 7G-Tronic transmission, and the C 300 Sport comes with a six-speed manual transmission, and the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission as an option.
The development of the W204 C-Class involved the use of a "digital prototype", which put a 2.1 terabyte digital replica of the car through a 15 million mile road course. This is an industry first which allowed for crash testing and more, before a physical prototype was actually constructed.
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz C Class was awarded "Car Of The Year" in Australia by Australian Motoring Magazine "WHEELS", edging out the Ford Mondeo and Mazda 2 for the award.
| Version | Engine | Cyl. | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| C 180 | 1.8 16V K | S4 | 156 PS (154 hp/115 kW) |
| C 200 | 1.8 16V K | S4 | 184 PS (181 hp/135 kW) |
| C 230 (C250 in Japan) | 2.5 24V | V6 | 204 PS (201 hp/150 kW) |
| C 280 (C 300 in North America and Japan) | 3.0 24V | V6 | 231 PS (228 hp/170 kW) |
| C 350 | 3.5 24V | V6 | 272 PS (268 hp/200 kW) |
| C 63 AMG | 6.2 32V | V8 | 457 PS (451 hp/336 kW) |
| Version | Engine | Cyl. | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| C 200 CDI | 2.2 16V CDI | S4 | 136 PS (134 hp/100 kW) |
| C 220 CDI | 2.2 16V CDI | S4 | 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) |
| C 320 CDI | 3.0 24V CDI | V6 | 224 PS (221 hp/165 kW) |
# by | 2008/02/28 23:01 | = | 트랙백
The latest generation, the W221 S-Class, premiered in 2005 as an all-new design. As in previous iterations, the latest S-Class is sold in standard and long wheelbase versions and offers V6, V8, V12, and diesel powertrains. The W221 is the second consecutive generation of the S-Class to be solely produced in a sedan body style; past two-door coupe models of the S-Class became known as the CL-Class in 1998. Since 2003, the traditionally rear-wheel drive S-Class also offers 4MATIC all-wheel drive in some markets. In the U.S., base prices for the W221 S-Class range from $87,475 for the S550, $144,975 for the S600, $127,775 for the S63 AMG and $194,775 for the S65 AMG.
The name "S-Class" derives from the German word "Sonderklasse" of which "S-Class" is an abbreviation. Sonderklasse means "special class," and in automotive terms thus refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades, the "S-Class" designation was first officially applied
"Ponton" (1955)
The W180 line debuted in 1955, and is the first lineup of "Ponton" models associated with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The W180 featured six-cylinder sedan, coupé, and convertible models, and was produced until 1957. The later W128 lineup was the last to be associated with the "Ponton" name, and featured sedan, coupé, and cabriolet models powered by a 2.2L straight-6. The "Ponton" designation referred to pontoon fenders, a stylistic feature on the W180/W128 models.
The "Ponton" lineup included four- and six-cylinder models, but only the six-cylinder W180 and W128 lines are considered part of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class chronology, as they were the most powerful "Ponton" versions available.
"Fintail" (1959)
The W111 "Fintail" series debuted in 1959. Initially powered by a line of straight-6 engines (the M180 and M127), it set a new standard for luxury. In 1961, the W111 series was augmented with a line of 3.0 L straight-6 cars, the W112. The W112 was the most luxurious model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup until surpassed by the W100 line's model 600 limousines in 1963. The W111/W112 lines contained sedan, coupe, and convertible models.
The Fintail was among the first cars in the world to have crumple zones and disc brakes, and for the top of range W112 models, an air suspension. The characteristic name referred to a styling feature on the rear section of the W111/W112 models, the Heckflosse ("Fintail") which resembled the larger fins then in fashion on American luxury cars produced by Cadillac and Buick.
The larger W111/W112 Fintail models should not be confused with a smaller Fintail line, the W110, which was also produced in 1961 (derived from the W111 line) and was essentially the predecessor of today's E-Class.
W108 (1965)
With the W108/W109 series of 1965, the range received V8 power for the first time. The W108 line launched with an initial lineup of straight-6 powered models. The unusual high-displacement 300 SEL 6.3 V8 model was based on this body type. The W108 line was larger than the Fintail models it replaced, and also eliminated the characteristic design feature of the previous model.
During this period, the designation SE was used for short wheelbase models including 250S, 250SE, and 300SE. Long wheelbase models (with more room particularly in the back) were designated SEL. Since the advent of the W108 series, the Mercedes S-Class has always included two wheelbase lengths. The more powerful 300SE and 300SEL models were the most luxurious versions of the W108 line, with burl walnut dashboards, automatic transmission, and power windows.
In 1968, the W108 line replaced the 250S and 250SE with the 280S and 280SE; the 300SE/SEL was later upgraded with a 3.5 litre V8 engine (in both the SE and SEL) and a 6.3 litre V8 engine (in the SEL model).
W116 (1972)
The W116 series, produced from 1972 through 1979, was the first Mercedes-Benz model to be officially designated the S-Class. The W116 S-Class featured a four-wheel independent suspension and disk brakes. The 280, 350, and 450 (4.5L version) models featured SE and SEL versions. Production of the W116 totaled 473,035 units.
The W116 models were large luxury sedans. The W116 was larger on the outside than the W108/W109 series it replaced, but had similar interior capacity, as the additional bulk was driven by new theories on car safety and occupant protection in a crash. It was one of the first cars to be available with ABS, a driver's airbag supplemental restraint system, or a turbo diesel engine.
The 450SE, then the most powerful model in the W116 lineup, was awarded European Car of the Year in 1974. Starting in 1975, the W116 was upgraded with a new fuel injection system in order to comply with revised exhaust emission standards in European markets. A slight power reduction was a result of this update, but in 1978, a series of further engine upgrades restored original performance levels under the new fuel injection systems.
Engines
The most notable W116 was the high-performance, limited-production 450 SEL 6.9. This 8-cylinder model boasted the largest engine installed in a postwar Mercedes-Benz up to that time. Every 450 SEL 6.9 featured a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, and offered the ABS anti-lock braking system as an option from 1978 onwards. Also, in the United States only, Mercedes introduced the economical but powerful 3.0 liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel in 1978, sold as the 300SD.
W126 (1979)
The W126 series premiered in late 1979 as 1980 model (and 1981 in USA). The W126 line introduced a host of new safety features, and ushered in the next phase of Mercedes-Benz styling. The W126 S-Class was also the first luxury car to win the prestigious Car of the Year award from Australia's Wheels Magazine, which it did in 1981. The W126 line lasted from 1979 through 1991, a production run of over twelve years. Total sales of the W126 S-Class sedans reached 818,036 units, with an additional 74,060 coupes sold. These sales figures make the W126 the most successful S-Class line in Mercedes-Benz history.
In 1981, the W126 introduced the modern airbag, as patented by Mercedes in 1971, to the world as an additional measure of occupant protection. Other safety innovations on the W126 included passenger side airbags (in 1986), seat-belt pretensioners, and traction control. In the cabin, additional courtesy and reading lamps, along with heated seats and a more advanced climate control system, added to the luxurious interior environment. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard.
Although the top of range Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 of the previous generation was not directly replaced, the W126 carried forward the hydropneumatic suspension of the 6.9 as an option on the 500SEL. A new cruise control system was offered as well. Abandoning the roadster based coupes, the W126 introduced a two door variant, the SEC coupé. The longevity of the W126 S-Class model cycle was aided by a mid-cycle update in 1986, an upgrade which previously was not done in S-Class generations. During the update of the W126 model S-Class, a facelift was performed and engine upgrades occurred.
Powerplants on the W126 S-Class included straight-6 and V8 engines. Most sales came from the diesel model in the United States and straight-6 models in Europe, although the V8 models were praised by contemporary journalists. During the W126 mid-cycle update in 1986, both the straight-6 and V8 engines were upgraded in several models to different displacement levels (six-cylinder upgraded from 2.8L to 3.0L, eight-cylinder upgraded from 3.8L to 4.2L, and 5.0L to 5.6L).
Notably, the 500SEL has an interesting place in US history, despite not being offered in that country. American demand for this particular car drove the establishment of a large grey market. The detuned, yet very expensive standard US specification 380 SE/SEL/SEC/SL was underpowered, according to contemporary reports, so 25,000 units per year of the parallel import vehicle were sold in the early 1980s. That prompted then Mercedes-Benz of North America to lobby for the elimination of parallel import in 1988.
W140 (1991)
In 1991, W140 series replaced the W126 line in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and the first production model of the latest S-Class rolled off the assembly line on August 6 of that year. As with its predecessor, the W140 was the first of the "next generation" of Mercedes-Benz models to feature the company's new design theme. Following S-Class tradition, the car was available in two wheelbase lengths along with the shorter-wheelbase W140 coupé. Production totaled 406,532 units, the reduced total reflecting the inroads made by the newly introduced Lexus LS into the key US export market.
The W140 S-Class is often known as the last Mercedes-Benz to be "overengineered," a company trait which was costing Mercedes-Benz in product delays and overbudgeting. For the consumer, the W140 cost a considerable 25% more than the preceding W126. Intense pressure from competitors such as Lexus and Infiniti led to the addition of more features and options as to set the W140 apart from the rest and to justify the higher price. The W140 introduced new innovations such as double-pane window glazing, self-closing boot lid and doors, electric windows with a jam-protection feature (lowering back down when encountering an obstruction), rear-parking markers (which appeared on the rear wings when in reverse), and a heating system which emitted warm air even after the engine was turned off.
In 1994, Mercedes-Benz model nomenclature was completely rationalized, with the SE/SEL/SEC cars becoming the S-Class and alphanumerical designations inverted (e.g. the both 500SE and 500SEL became S500 regardless of wheelbase length). In 1997, following the new Mercedes-Benz tradition of mid-life facelifts (first with the W126 in 1986), the W140 received a minor facelift. The clear turn signal indicator lenses on the front and rear were the most obvious changes. Headlamps were fitted with separate low and high beam reflectors. Following the mid-year facelift, the W140 coupé and sedan were each fitted with Electronic Stability Control. The W140 was to feature an air suspension as an option, but Mercedes was still perfecting the technology and chose to launch air suspension as an option in the next generation S-Class in late 1999.
In 1992, A new 6.0L 408 hp (304 kW) V12 engine joined the lineup for the first time with the 600SE, 600SEL and 600SEC. To distinguish these high-powered halo cars from their V8 and straight-6 counterparts, a "V12" badge was affixed to the C-pillar, a leather dashboard and suede headliner was available, and the grille was redesigned on all V12 models in 1997. In 1993, the 408 hp (304 kW) V12 motor was slightly detuned to 389 hp (290 kW) to comply with tighter emission control regulations in the United States and Europe. The V8 models were tuned down from 322 hp (240 kW) to 315 hp (235 kW).
W220 (1999)
In late 1999, the W220 was introduced. The W220 S-Class was completely restyled, with a body that was slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor. Unlike its predecessor, the W220 was not the first model to feature the company's new design theme for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz. This honor was given to the A-Class when it launched in 1997. The new S-Class incorporated the new styling cues first introduced on the Mk I A-Class the year before (for example, the dashboard carried over the new styling details first seen in the A-Class). Despite being smaller, the W220 S-Class offered more interior space than the W140. Production of the W220 S-Class totaled 485,000 units, slightly more than the production totals from the W140.
As with each new S-Class, the W220 brought in new innovations such as Airmatic air suspension and Active Ventilated Seats (which used miniature fans in the seats to move air through perforations). A navigation system with center console-mounted screen display was introduced, along with the COMAND input control system. Other options included keyless entry and ignition, a radar-controlled Distronic cruise control system and a cylinder shut-off system called Active Cylinder Control. The 4MATIC all wheel drive system was introduced to the North America market S-Class for 2002.
Consumer Reports classified the W220 model's reliability as "poor," its lowest rating, and declared it one of the "least reliable luxury cars." Build quality, however, was generally considered to be good. For instance, Forbes described the W220 S500 as "built remarkably well." Early W220s were recalled for issues with the trunk spring and the hydraulic fuel line; there were no recalls for the 2005 or 2006 model years.
In 2002 Mercedes introduced the worlds first preemptive safety system on the W220 with its first iteration of Pre-Safe.
In 2003, the W220 S-Class received an exterior refresh with updates to the front fascia. The grille angle was adjusted to a slightly more upright position, and the xenon-discharge lheadamps were given a new transparent housing, replacing the earlier opaque versions. The front bumper's lower air intakes were also restyled. In 2005, the S-Class was the first vehicle to receive a TÜV Institute environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance for environmentally friendly components.
The W220 was available with more engine options than the W126 or W140. The range started with smaller 3.2L 224 hp (167 kW) V6 motor, which was superseded by an enlarged 3.7L 245 hp (183 kW) V6 in the S350. The S430 was powered by a 4.3L 279 hp (208 kW) V8 and the S500 was powered by a 5.0L 306 hp (228 kW) V8. The S55 AMG was outfitted with a supercharged 5.4L 493 hp (368 kW) V8 motor, the S55 AMG 2000/2001 was outfitted with the naturally aspirated 5.4L 367 hp (274 kW) V8 motor. The S600 was outfitted with a 5.5L 493 hp (368 kW) V12 twin turbo engine, the S600 2000/2001 was outfitted with the naturally aspirated 5.8L 367 hp (274 kW) V12 engine.
For one month in 2001, AMG produced the S63 AMG, which was sold in very limited numbers. The S63 was powered by a 6.3L 444 hp (331 kW) V12. An undisclosed number of were sold exclusively through AMG in European and Asian markets. The S65 AMG was introduced in 2005. Powered by a 6.0L 612 hp (456 kW) V12 twin turbo motor, the S65 was the most powerful S-Class, as well as the world's most powerful production sedan. The S65 had a 0 – 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.2 seconds and could reach 100 mph (160 km/h) under 9.0 seconds.
W221 (2005)
The all-new W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with export to other markets beginning in 2006. The W221 S-Class made its North American premiere at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The latest S-Class is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, and it features a more luxurious, Maybach-like appearance, as well as three newly developed engines with up to 26% power increase. The interior is completely new, all materials have been upgraded and make for a more luxurious ride, and the center-mounted transmission has been replaced with a column-shifter.
The brakes continue to become more advanced with the new Brake Assist Plus system monitoring for an impending collision and increasing braking if needed, while the Distronic Plus cruise control can now bring the car to a complete stop. This system works in outdoor conditions; a test demonstration by Mercedes-Benz in a crash-test hall resulted in embarrassment for the company when a new S-Class crashed into the back of a stationary W220 S-Class, an incident later attributed to radar-confusing steel in this hall.
In 2007, Automobile Magazine named the W221 S-Class as one of its 2007 "All-Stars" over rivals from Lexus and BMW, and Car and Driver selected the S550 as the winner in a five-way comparison test of flagship luxury sedans. The W221 S-Class was also the recipient of several other motoring awards (see following).
The W221 S-Class features a similar number and variety of engine choices as the previous generation W220 S-Class. The current lineup of gasoline engines includes a 3.5L V6 with 268 hp (200 kW) in the S350, and two V8 selections: the 4.6 L, 335 hp (250 kW) V8 in the S450, and the 5.5, 383 hp (286 kW) V8 in the S500/S550. Turbo diesel V6 options include 3.0L 235 hp (175 kW) and 4.0L 310 hp (230 kW) variants in the respective S320 and S420 CDI models.
The twin-turbo V12 S600 returns with the W221 generation, and features a 5.5L twin-turbo V12 with an output of 510 hp (380 kW). Two high-performance S-Class AMG models are currently offered: the S63 AMG with a 6.2L, 525 hp (391 kW) V8, and the chart-topping S65 AMG with a 6.0L, twin-turbo V12 producing 612 hp (456 kW).
Recent generations of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have been the recipient of different automotive awards, reflecting the vehicle's status as one of the world's most prestigious luxury flagships. These awards include the following categories:
# by | 2008/02/25 15:16 | = | 트랙백
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury performance cars, whose headquarters are at Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. The company name is derived from the Aston Clinton hill climb and one of the company's founders, Lionel Martin.
From 1994 until 2007 Aston Martin was part of the Premier Automotive Group, a division of the Ford Motor Company. On 12 March 2007, it was purchased for £479 million (US$848 million) by two Kuwaiti investment companies in a deal led by David Richards of Prodrive. Ford retained a US$77 million stake in Aston Martin, setting the total value of the company at US$925 million.
Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. The two had joined forces as Bamford & Martin the previous year to sell cars made by Singer from premises in Callow Street, London where they also serviced GWK and Calthorpe vehicles. Martin raced specials at Aston Hill near Aston Clinton, and the pair decided to make their own vehicles. The first car to be named Aston Martin was created by Martin by fitting a four-cylinder Coventry-Simplex engine to the chassis of a 1908 Isotta-Fraschini. They acquired premises at Henniker Place in Kensington and produced their first car in March 1915. Production could not start because of the outbreak of World War I, and Martin joined the Admiralty and Bamford the Royal Army Service Corps. All machinery was sold to the Sopwith Aviation Company.
In light of mounting financial pressure, and after internal review of costs and realisable value on investment, Ford decided to look at selling parts of its Premium Automotive Group. After suggestions of selling Jaguar Cars, Land Rover or Volvo Cars, Ford appointed UBS AG to sell Aston Martin by auction. At the end of August 2006, Ford announced that it would be willing to sell all or part of Aston Martin. Bill Ford said: "As part of our on going strategic review, we have determined that Aston Martin may be an attractive opportunity to raise capital and generate value".
The first round of the auction closed on 30 November 2006. One of the four survivors was Syrian-born billionaire Simon Halabi, while the Australian bid included James Packer, Australia's second richest man. The German auto newspaper Autobild reported on 2 February 2007 that the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH had bought the company for an undisclosed sum. The paper cited "anonymous, but well-placed sources" with the information. It was later reported by Autocar magazine that LVMH had denied the news as "rubbish".
On 12 March 2007 a consortium led by Prodrive chairman David Richards purchased Aston Martin for £475m/USD$848m. Prodrive has no financial involvement in the deal.[ Ford will keep a stake in the company (valued at GBP 40 million / USD 70 million). The consortium also consisted of John Sinders, an Aston Martin collector; and two Kuwaiti investment companies, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co.
On 19 July 2007 the last car, a Vanquish S, was produced at the Newport Pagnell plant. Nearly 13,000 cars had been made there since 1955. All production was concentrated at Gaydon, with the old premises in Tickford Road remaining in Aston Martin ownership as the restoration and service department.
Aston Martin has also boosted its worldwide appeal by opening more dealers in Europe, as well as branches in China for the first time in its 93 year history in Beijing and Shanghai. This has brought their dealership programme to 120 dealers in 28 countries.
V8 Vantage/V8 Vantage Roadster
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a hand built sports car from British manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston Martin has previously used the "Vantage" name on high performance variants of their existing GT models, notably on the Virage-based supercar of the 1990s. The modern car, in contrast, is the leanest and most agile car in Aston's three-model lineup. As such, it is intended as a more accessible model to compete with cars such as the Porsche 911.
At the 2006 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, Aston Martin officially unveiled the V8 Vantage Roadster. The car gains 200 pounds over the coupe, but Aston Martin claims the car will have the same performance as the coupe. To compensate for the loss of the roof a new, super-stiff cross-member has been added to the frame. The soft top can be raised or lowered electronically in 18 seconds and can be operated in speeds up to 30 mph (50 km/h). It has the same 4.3 litre V8 from the hard top version producing 380 bhp (283 kW) at 7000 rpm, 302 lb-ft (410 Nm) at 5000 rpm & a top speed of 175 mph (280 km/h). It will accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.
DB9/DB9 Volante
The Aston Martin DB9 is a grand tourer launched by Aston Martin in 2004.
The DB9 is the first new car to be built at Aston's Gaydon facility. The name "DB" stems from David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin for a sizeable part of its history. The DB9, which was designed by Ian Callum and finished by his successor, Henrik Fisker, superseded the now-discontinued Aston Martin DB7 (also by Callum) which started production in 1994.
The Aston Martin DB9 Volante is the convertible version of the DB9 coupe. It is built by hand in limited numbers and has enhanced styling. It is powered by the same 5.9 liter, DOHC 48 valve V12 as the DB9 and is completed with 450 bhp (331 kW) and a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h). Because it is a convertible it will do 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, two-tenths of a second slower than the hard top. The Volante is taller than the hardtop, standing at 51.2 inches (1,300 mm) compared to 50.1 inches (1,270 mm). The transmission options are either the 6 speed manual or the 6 speed TipTronic II automatic.
DBS
The modern Aston Martin DBS is a high performance sports car from the UK manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston has used the DBS name once before on their 1967-72 grand tourer coupe. The modern car replaces the Vanquish S as the flagship of the marque.
The DBS was first seen in the 2006 film Casino Royale. It was officially unveiled at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance sporting a brand new exterior color, a graphite gray with a blue tint which has been dubbed 'Casino Ice'. The two seater coupé (as opposed to the 2+2 DB9 which the car is based on) has a bonded aluminium chassis made of lightweight magnesium alloy, carbon fibre composite and aluminium. It is the first production Aston Martin to make extensive use of carbon-fibre body panels.
Power comes from the heavily revised handmade 6.0 litre V12 engine from the DBR9 racing car, tuned to deliver 510 bhp (380 kW) at 6500 rpm and 420 lb·ft (569 N·m) of torque at 5750 rpm. The V12 power plant features a new by-pass air intake port that opens above 5500 rpm to boost engine breathing as well as re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. A curb weight of 3750 pounds (1695 kg), combined with the 510 bhp (380 kW) V12 help the DBS accelerate 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 191 mph (307 km/h).
The DBS is fitted with new vented carbon ceramic brakes discs – a first for a road-going Aston Martin, it which reduces unsprung weight by 12.5 kg. The front wheels are fitted with 398 mm (15.7 in) diameter carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers, with 360 mm (14.2 in) diameter brakes with four-piston calipers at the rear. The double wishbone alloy suspension features an adaptive damper controlled suspension which uses two separate valves to set the dampers to five different positions, allowing instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics.
Also included is a new hand finished interior with black lacquer, brushed alloy, semi-aniline leather and Alcantara as some of the materials. The car comes with a six speed manual transmission standard and is expected to retail for approximately $265,000 USD. Sales are expected to start in spring of 2008.
On the 22nd of January 2008 spy photos of the Aston Martin DBS Volante appeared on the internet .
Future - Rapide
# by | 2008/02/13 14:25 | = | 트랙백(2)
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