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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Brakes

  • Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1-Series

    Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1-Series September 10th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 10th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 6 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1-Series

    BMW released an updated version of the 1-Series compact late last year and since then suspicious prototypes of the car have been captured running around the south of Germany. Until now, we had only seen early development test-mules but the latest shots reveal the first full prototypes for the next-generation 1-Series Hatchback model.

    The current 1-Series has often been criticized for having a back seat no full-sized adult would be comfortable in. However, the rear seat room in this new 2012 model is expected to be much improved. This may also see BMW finally release the Hatchback version of the 1-Series in the all-important U.S. market. A...

    BMW released an updated version of the 1-Series compact late last year and since then suspicious prototypes of the car have been captured running around the south of Germany. Until now, we had only seen early development test-mules but the latest shots reveal the first full prototypes for the next-generation 1-Series Hatchback model. The current 1-Series has often been criticized for having a back seat no full-sized adult would be comfortable in. However, the rear seat room in this new 2012 model is expected to be much improved. This may also see BMW finally release the Hatchback version of the 1-Series in the all-important U.S. market. A slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model will be present. Last year BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed that the four-cylinder engines destined for the next-gen 1-Series will be the same compact units developed jointly by BMW and France’s PSA Peugeot-Citroen for the Mini and a number of French models. The engines will range from 1.4 to 2.0-liter in displacement and will be available in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated forms. Expect to see BMW’s award-winning straight six engines also appear in the lineup. Engines could be downsized somewhat to meet more stringent emissions and fuel economy rules, but with the aid of the direct injection and forced induction, power figures may not decrease substantially, and could even increase in models like the 135i. Engine stop-start and electrical-regenerative systems should carry over into the new series as well as possible new EfficientDynamics technologies such as heat-recovery systems and solar panels. BMW has also revealed that initial testing of thermoelectric generators and solar panels on its cars showed savings of up to 5% in fuel consumption. Expect the new 1-Series Hatchback to launch in 2011 and be followed by new Coupe and Convertible variants, as well as a possible shooting brake model and high-performance M version. Read More

  • Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants

    Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants June 23rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 23rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 11 Comments

    Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants While its Mini dealerships expand and BMW plans to double North American production, it's even busier behind the scenes working on the next generation of its most compact platform. Four new BMW 1-series variants are rumored to be in the works for the next-gen model, known internally as the F20, in addition to the traditional coupe and hatch already in production.

    The new variants include a new version of both the Coupe and Cabrio, a GT-style Estate, and a crossover-like vehicle possibly wearing a Y1 badge. A roadster version called the Z2 and potentially a small coupe version of that car are also up for production, reports Autocar. Bringing... While its Mini dealerships expand and BMW plans to double North American production, it's even busier behind the scenes working on the next generation of its most compact platform. Four new BMW 1-series variants are rumored to be in the works for the next-gen model, known internally as the F20, in addition to the traditional coupe and hatch already in production. The new variants include a new version of both the Coupe and Cabrio, a GT-style Estate, and a crossover-like vehicle possibly wearing a Y1 badge. A roadster version called the Z2 and potentially a small coupe version of that car are also up for production, reports Autocar. Bringing the car to market now is thought to make sense both from a consumer perspective and for competitive reasons - Volkswagen is also reported to be going forward with the Bluesport roadster, which may also share its underpinnings with entry-level Porsche and Audi roadsters. So far the GT-style Estate and the crossover-like variant are still only possibilities, without official approval. A four-door sedan-profile car on the 1-series platform is also among the talk. The next-generation 1-series is expected to include a range of powertrains. A 1.3L three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine could replace the current 1.6L four-cylinder. If so, in Europe at least, five petrol models should be available: the 116i with a 136hp (101kW) 1.3L turbo; the 118i with a 177hp (132kW) 1.3L turbo; the 120i with a 218hp (162kW) 2.0L turbo; the 130i with the 272hp (203kW) naturally-aspirated 3.0L inline six; and the 135i with a 326hp (243kW) turbo six-cylinder. The diesel range will be somewhat more compact with a 118d featuring a 150hp (112kW) 2.0L turbodiesel, a 120d with a 184hp (137kW) 2.0L turbodiesel and a 123d with a 211hp (157kW) 2.0L turbodiesel. A series of high-performance 'ti' models could also come with design assistance from the M Division, though exactly what shape those might take is still up in the air. BMW's Megacity urban vehicle project, which had previously been linked to the next-gen 1-series, will not play a role in the coming lineup. The Megacity project is independent of the 1-series because of the unique nature of its design goals. According to previous reports, the first model released - the five-door hatch - will hit the market around 2011, while the top-end model will wait until early 2012 to make its debut, while the standard coupe will come toward the end of 2012. A cabrio will come in early 2013 as the last of the certain-to-be-produced models.BMW 1-series mule2012 BMW 1-series spy shots2012 BMW Z2 Roadster preview Read More

  • Report: Mercedes planning new shooting brake based on E-Class Coupe

    Report: Mercedes planning new shooting brake based on E-Class Coupe June 3rd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 3rd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    Report: Mercedes planning new shooting brake based on E-Class Coupe We’ve reported about Mercedes Benz planning to launch a new shooting brake version of its next-generation CLS but latest reports indicate that a smaller version based on the 2010 E-Class Coupe is also in the pipeline and could be on the market by 2011.

    The shooting brake is essentially a two-door wagon that dates back to the first half of the century. Mercedes designers hinted at the possibility of a modern version with the unveiling of the ConceptFASCINATION study at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and now AutoExpress is reporting that the car is in the works.

    At the original unveiling of the ConceptFASCINATION, most thought the concept... We’ve reported about Mercedes Benz planning to launch a new shooting brake version of its next-generation CLS but latest reports indicate that a smaller version based on the 2010 E-Class Coupe is also in the pipeline and could be on the market by 2011. The shooting brake is essentially a two-door wagon that dates back to the first half of the century. Mercedes designers hinted at the possibility of a modern version with the unveiling of the ConceptFASCINATION study at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and now AutoExpress is reporting that the car is in the works. At the original unveiling of the ConceptFASCINATION, most thought the concept was merely a preview of the E-Class Coupe but the fact that it featured a shooting brake bodystyle strongly suggests Mercedes already had big plans for the new E-Class range. The addition of a shooting brake will stretch the E-Class family to a total of five derivatives, where it will join the Sedan, Coupe, Cabrio and Estate wagon. Mercedes is apparently hoping that the originality of a sporty shooting brake will match the success currently enjoyed by the CLS. Since it will be based on the E-Class Coupe, the vehicle’s platform would be closely linked with the C-Class but its powertrain will be shared with the E-Class range. This means a family of four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 200hp (147kW) up to 382hp (285kW). An AMG version is unlikely to make the cut.2008 Mercedes Benz ConceptFascination concept at Paris Motor Show2010 Mercedes-Benz E-class Coupe Official Read More

  • Brembo forms new joint-venture to bring carbon ceramic brakes to the masses

    Brembo forms new joint-venture to bring carbon ceramic brakes to the masses June 2nd, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, June 2nd, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Brembo forms new joint-venture to bring carbon ceramic brakes to the masses Seek out any modern supercar and chances are you'll see some carbon ceramic brake discs behind its wheels, often with the Brembo logo emblazoned on them. Now, Brembo is announcing a new partnership with SGL Group, a company specializing in carbon-fiber production, and together the two will jointly operate a new company to help develop carbon ceramic brakes for mass production.

    Headquartered in Milan, the new company will work on carbon ceramic brakes exclusively for passenger and commercial vehicles, and will also be seeking a way to bring costs down so that carbon ceramic brakes might be featured in a much broader range of cars.

    Brembo... Seek out any modern supercar and chances are you'll see some carbon ceramic brake discs behind its wheels, often with the Brembo logo emblazoned on them. Now, Brembo is announcing a new partnership with SGL Group, a company specializing in carbon-fiber production, and together the two will jointly operate a new company to help develop carbon ceramic brakes for mass production. Headquartered in Milan, the new company will work on carbon ceramic brakes exclusively for passenger and commercial vehicles, and will also be seeking a way to bring costs down so that carbon ceramic brakes might be featured in a much broader range of cars. Brembo and SGL Group eventually expect to sell around €70 million worth of carbon ceramic brakes per year, and the current customer base includes such notable sports car companies as Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Daimler, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. But breaking into markets beyond these select high-end manufacturers is the key to growth for Brembo and SLG Group's new company. Bringing carbon ceramic brakes to the masses however, will be a long process as the current method of manufacturing the brakes requires several manual and semi-automated processes. Developing new products that can be built completely using automation is the key to expanding business, and by increasing volumes the costs associated with the high end brakes should inevitable come down. Read More

  • Brembo teams with Italian watchmaker for carbon-ceramic special edition

    Brembo teams with Italian watchmaker for carbon-ceramic special edition April 20th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, April 20th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 3 Comments

    Brembo teams with Italian watchmaker for carbon-ceramic special edition Watches and cars have shared a long history together. Something about the kindred spirit of precision, style and function of both endeavors finds an overlapping fanbase. Few watches exhibit that cross-pollination better than the Meccaniche Veloci Quattro Valvole CCM - a carbon-ceramic watch built in collaboration with famed brake maker Brembo.

    Featuring four independent Swiss movements set into a high-tech carbon ceramic face, the CCM combines form with function in a nod to the four-valve arrangement of modern racing engines. The crown is hand-polished titanium and each face can be had in red, yellow, black or silver color. Straps can be... Watches and cars have shared a long history together. Something about the kindred spirit of precision, style and function of both endeavors finds an overlapping fanbase. Few watches exhibit that cross-pollination better than the Meccaniche Veloci Quattro Valvole CCM - a carbon-ceramic watch built in collaboration with famed brake maker Brembo. Featuring four independent Swiss movements set into a high-tech carbon ceramic face, the CCM combines form with function in a nod to the four-valve arrangement of modern racing engines. The crown is hand-polished titanium and each face can be had in red, yellow, black or silver color. Straps can be had in a high-tech polymer or black alligator skin. Built entirely in Italy of limited-edition pieces - the carbon ceramic face, for instance, is custom cut with a 5,000 bar waterjet - the watch is priced to match its exclusive nature, starting at $15,500. Despite its complex and high-tech construction, the watch's operation is stunningly simple. Winding is accomplished by a simple wrist motion, and a single knob controls the adjustment for each ETA 2671 Swiss mechanical movement. Via: Gizmag Read More

  • IDING Power Ferrari F460GT conversion

    IDING Power Ferrari F460GT conversion January 26th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, January 26th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 6 Comments

    IDING Power Ferrari F460GT conversion With more power and even more aggressive aerodynamics than the factory-built 430 Scuderia, IDING Power's new F460GT offers a new take on a super-performing F430 variant. Boring out the engine and replacing stock parts with carbon fiber are the primary modes of improvement.

    As the name suggests, the F460GT increases upon the standard 4.3L displacement of the F430's V8 engine by 0.3L bringing it to 4.6L. That increase in size along with the inclusion of some bolt-on parts brings power up to 508hp (379kW) and 353lb-ft (479Nm) of torque.

    The power upgrade is enough to send the F460GT to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.8 seconds, complete the 1/4mile... With more power and even more aggressive aerodynamics than the factory-built 430 Scuderia, IDING Power's new F460GT offers a new take on a super-performing F430 variant. Boring out the engine and replacing stock parts with carbon fiber are the primary modes of improvement. As the name suggests, the F460GT increases upon the standard 4.3L displacement of the F430's V8 engine by 0.3L bringing it to 4.6L. That increase in size along with the inclusion of some bolt-on parts brings power up to 508hp (379kW) and 353lb-ft (479Nm) of torque. The power upgrade is enough to send the F460GT to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.8 seconds, complete the 1/4mile (400m) in 11.7 seconds, and run the standing kilometer (0.62mi) in 20.9 seconds. Top speed is above 199mph (320km/h) according to IDING Power. The bolt-on additions include a full exhaust and a carbon fiber intake. Other essential elements of the F460GT include unique springs and dampers, a full 12-piece aerodynamic body kit, magnesium forged wheels and carbon-ceramic brake rotors. All cars come with a unique identifier plate and serial number marking them as part of the limited-edition conversion. Optional components include a new navigation system, carbon fiber interior decorative elements, a selection of 'RS-style' rear wings, and upgraded steel brake rotors instead of the more expensive carbon-ceramic. The kit will set you back a massive ¥16,200,000 ($181,700), however - enough to buy a brand-new Nissan GT-R SpecV outright.IDING Power Ferrari F460GT Conversion Read More

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