MEC Design Take the SLS to Extremes With Their New Studies

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG has already become a classic model even before its release next year with fans all over the world eager to get their hands on one. None more so than European tuning company MEC Design who have just released a couple of studies showing just how the SLS might look once they've got their hands on one. MEC Design are known for their extreme tuning and these studies show that they have certainly not lost their touch when it comes to taking things further than most tuners.

The first study shows the SLS AMG from the front. The Mercedes Benz star has moved from the front to make space and now sits above the grill and is very reminiscent of the SLR McLaren which it is replacing. It features a new front bumper which has an extremely deep mesh grill as well as curved side air inlets. The side skirts have been deepened and now feature the MEC Design lighting system which is linked to the interior lighting and lights up when the ignition is turned on or the doors are opened. The SLS look is finished off with the three piece bi-colour 22 inch mecxtremeIII wheels.


The second study shows the rear of the SLS AMG and the extreme look rear diffusor for which MEC Design are already well known. Its part of their 2Face system which allows you to choose between having a more extreme look as shown here or having a more refined elegant finish. A carefully placed rear spoiler finishes off the optics whilst the oval chrome tips of the MEC Design exhaust system enhance the whole experience with its amazing sounds.

The third image shows the front view again but this time in a golden yellow finish along with the three piece 22 inch mecxtremeI wheels.

The interior is left almost original except for the addition of the MEC Design sports steering wheel which has a Carbon Fibre and Alcantara finish to match the rest of the high quality interior.


"We're very excited about the SLS, it's already becoming a classic just like the 300 SL Gullwing. These first studies have received a lot of good feedback and now we just can't wait to get our hands on one", says CEO Cem Altun.

It has not been decided whether these studies from MEC Design will be the final design or whether there will be a small-batch production.

About MEC Design:
MEC Design are an exclusive tuning company based in Berlin, Germany. They specialize in Mercedes-Benz and have an extensive range of extraordinary tuning and styling products as well as a range of high quality one piece and three piece alloy wheels. They have been making a big noise all over Germany and Europe for over 10 years and are now expanding into North America and the rest of the World.
Source: MEC Design

EAS: BMW 7 Series M Sport

In September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled their latest 7 Series model with the aggressive M Sport package. The BMW 740d with M Sport package comprises an Aerodynamics Package as well as additional chrome trim on the specially designed front and rear aprons, illuminated M entry trim and BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line. The dynamic look of the car is rounded off by 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design featuring different-sized tyres front and rear. As an option there are also 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, again with different tire sizes front and rear.


Aside from ditching the chrome in favour of matt black side and kidney grilles, matt black OEM rear diffuser, Style 312 OEM 21-inch matt black alloys and a new, converted front bumper replacing chrome with, yes, matt black, EAS also add body-coloured door handles and trunk trim.


Compare to the original M Sport Package, European Auto Source takes a different approach and phases out the multiple chrome exterior design elements that are equally loved or disliked by many BMW fans.


All in all, a great improvement. But assumedly at a cost which - although unannounced - is likely to total a few thousand dollars.
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XTR Carchip: Porsche Cayman X-Wide

This interesting project is by German company XTR Carchip Tuning Berlin GmbH. Based on the 2006 Porsche Cayman 987 “S” it features a very aggressive wide body kit, which consists of detachable GRP fenders, side skirts, rear side panels, front spoiler with carbon sword, new rear bumper, adjustable rear spoiler and carbon fiber mirrors.


XTR Carchip has not done much to the engine yet. With little chip tuning it produces now 310 horsepower and has a top speed of 285 km/h. Not much, but their future plans are big. If all goes planned we should see a Twin-Turbo monster with 850 horsepower next spring.


Inside, the stock stereo and air conditioning remain, but a set of Recaro GT3 seats with six-point Schroth harnesses and a roll cage make it ready for a late night assault on Hockenheim.


Interior upgrades include a new carbon-fiber dashboard, Recaro GT3 Seats with 6-point Schroth belts. In case you ever decide taking it to the track it has a roll cage to keep you safe. For everyday comfort it has the original air conditioning and audio system.


Other highlights of the Cayman X-Wide are a Super Sprint “Magnum” exhaust, upgraded suspension and 3-piece 18-inch BBS RS (with central locking) wheels wrapped with Pirelli tires.
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The End Of Saab?

Bad news for Saab fans today. Koenigsegg, like Penske with Saturn, backed out of the deal, leaving GM with another brand it doesn't want.

Perhaps Geely will look at it, since it is rumored that they are leading the bidders for Volvo.

A great place to go for Saab discussion is Saabs United, the home of Steve Wade, the definitive Saab Blogger, who formerly blogged at Trollhattan Saab. Swade thinks GM will probably try to sell to another buyer, because they have a lot invested in Saab, and can use the cash.

The dismantling of GM sure is ugly.

speedART PS9 - 650 will be released at Essen Motorshow 2009

speedART presents the PS9 - based on the new Porsche Panamera:
Power kits (just for Turbo engine):
Power kits with 520, 550, 600 and 650 hp up to 890 Nm consits of bigger turbo chargers and intercoolers (just 600 + 650 hp), sport exhaust with sound switch, sport catalysts, sport air filter and ECU update. The 650 hp car accelerates in 3.5 seconds from 0 - 62 mph and the top speed is over 200 mph.


Brakes:
Sport brake system with modular 380 mm discs and 6 piston brake calipers


Sound:

• sport exhaust systems; optional with sound switch control

• sport catalyst (OBD2-compliant) for impressive 8 cylinder sound and more power and torque

• different design twin tail pipes, polished or matt black

Aerodynamic:

• fully CAD designed body kit consists of:

• front chin spoiler for more downforce with integrated brake cooling system

• engine hood air outlets

• rear diffuser for enhanced down force and a very sportive design

• rear bumper with air outlets on the side to give the back a racy look and to interrupt the big curves of the factory-provided back

• side skirts for a wide body look

• rear spoiler on rear bonnet for optimized downforce and an impressive styling

Wheels:

• speedART designed three-pieces forged wheel in 22" with 23" center star, type „LSC FORGED" in 9,5 + 11 x 22" with 265/35 and 305/25 ZR22" tyres, many colored versions available

Interior:

• upholstered sport steering wheel with F1-shift paddles (available in 340 mm and 365 mm with aluminium-, wood- or carbon inlays)

• real-carbon body trim in special colours

• colored stiches on door panels and seats (many colors availiable)

• instrument dial plates (many colors availiable)

• design floor mats

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Next generation Mercedes C-Class to be built Stateside, CLC will be axed

Updated: 16/12/09

Mercedes will move U.S production to Vance, Alabama in 2014. World-wide production will commence at the Bremen plant in Germany.

Mercedes is set to add the fourth generation C-Class saloon to the list of cars already produced at its Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama as part of a program aimed at fighting slumped profitability in its second biggest market.


With the continued strength of the Euro against the U.S dollar eating into margins on models produced in Germany and sold in the U.S, Mercedes insiders say efforts are underway to provide protection from unfavourable currency exchange rates in the form of increased North American production.

“We’ve reached a window of opportunity where we can now consider producing the next C-Class in the U.S,” a source revealed. “We’re mid-cycle on the W204 (the current C-Class) and need to decide if we want to push ahead with its successor at Tuscaloosa.”

Mercedes already produces the M-, R- and GL-Class at Tuscaloosa – a plant that opened in 1997 and expanded in 2005 to meet growing demand. While nothing is official, annual U.S production of the C-Class would likely reach 80,000 units.

During a press conference, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said "It's no secret that a decision for the new C-Class has to be made in the near future".

But with sales of large SUVs down in most markets owing to the miserable state of the economy, the currency balancing effects of U.S production are not as significant as they have been in recent years, leading the German car maker to consider the addition of other models.

The earmarking of the next C-Class saloon, due in 2014, for North American production is significant as it could ultimately pave the way for other mechanical similar models, including the GLK to be built there. However, it would come as major blow to Mercedes-Benz’s worker union which fought hard to ensure production of left-hand drive versions of the current C-Class saloon remained in Germany despite high labour costs.

Additional North American production would unlikely affect the UK as right-hand drive versions of the C-Class saloon are supplied from Mercedes-Benz’s East London plant in South Africa, while the GLK is only available in left-hand drive form owing to difficulties in re-engineering its four-wheel drive system for right-hand drive markets, although Mercedes is still trying to find a way.

An official decision is set to be made in January 2010.

Meanwhile, in related news, Mercedes is preparing to axe the CLC to make way for a new C-Class coupe in 2011. The C-Class coupe will be the second two-door car based upon the existing C-Class but the first to take its name into production.

Set to go on sale in the UK at the same time as facelifted versions of the existing saloon and estate reach showrooms in early 2011, the new C-Class coupe has been conceived to replace the CLK, discontinued earlier this year after 12 years and two model generations.

The introduction of the C-Class coupe spells the end for the CLC, a small sports hatch that was only recently updated. Sources indicated the model will be phased out and will be replaced by the new coupe.

The forthcoming two-door will avoid having a unique bodyshell and individual styling that made the CLK such a success for a comparatively upright look that draws heavily on the silhouette and detailing of its four door siblings.

“We went back and studied what made our coupes so popular in the past. If you look at some of the more successful two door models Mercedes-Benz has produced you can see a direct relationship between them and their four door stable mates,” said an insider describing the new coupe’s appearance. Don’t expect the new Mercedes-Benz to have a very long life, though. With engineering of the fourth-generation C-Class already underway at the German car maker’s R&D centre near Stuttgart, the new two door is planned to be sold for a maximum of four years before it is replaced by a much more curvaceous model that’s likely to follow the example of the CLS in boasting a more practical four door layout.

The upcoming C-Class coupe will be the second two-door model to be based on today’s C-Class. Unlike the E-Class coupe, however, the C-Class version will not be modified and offered in cabriolet guise.

“We did look at an open top version but in the end the costs were too high given the short model life,”

All-new sporty and dynamic Kia Cadenza makes its debut

'Big step into the future' for Kia's masculine and luxurious sedan
290 ps V6 gasoline engine, plus 6-speed automatic
High-tech features such as 'Welcome' system, cabin mood lighting, keyless entry, engine 'start' button and RPAS reversing sensors

(Seoul) November 24, 2009 – The all-new Kia Cadenza luxury sporty sedan revealed in Korea today (where it is called the K7), will be a 'big step into the future' for Kia when it goes on worldwide sale next year. New Cadenza will make its overseas world premiere at next month's Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia on 12 December, followed immediately by an appearance at the Dubai Motor Show on 15 December.

The Cadenza name is derived from an Italian musical term used to describe an elaborate, ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria. It perfectly symbolizes the dynamic sedan's striking design philosophy and upscale image. The 4965 mm long Cadenza will take over the role of large luxury sedan for the Kia marque from the 10-year old Opirus ('Amanti' in some markets) and is destined to totally transform Kia's sales performance in the D2 segment.


"With the Cadenza, we have created an all-new, large sedan that will revitalize Kia's fortunes thanks to its exciting appearance, strong performance and luxurious cabin which will guarantee a much broader consumer appeal, attracting thousands of new customers to our brand," commented Mr Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.

Under the direction of Kia's Chief Design Officer (CDO), Peter Schreyer, the large sedan design team in Korea was determined to transform every aspect of the brand's range-topping model, to deliver sporty and sleek styling, agile and dynamic performance, exceptional comfort and refinement and competitive high-tech features.

A 'big step into the future' for Kia's sophisticated design

The design team targeted 'stand-out' looks with modernity, while incorporating Kia's evolving design DNA to ensure the new large sedan boasts an appearance that will humble potential rivals. Last April, the team's KND-5 concept car at the Seoul Motor Show revealed just how revolutionary Kia's new large sedan was going to be.


"Our new sedan looks masculine and luxurious," comments Peter Schreyer. "Today, people recognize a Kia at first sight: well balanced proportions, flowing greenhouse and dynamic window graphic plus the big wheels, give this car its confident stance, dignity and elegant personality. The distinctive 'tiger nose' front with its signature grille and headlights are evidence of Kia's new self-confidence. Kia Cadenza is a big step into the future – another quantum leap for Kia," concludes Schreyer.

The traditional three-box sedan shape was retained, but was morphed into a more flowing design with an aerodynamic Cd of just 0.29. The innovative treatment of light is a constant design theme. At the front, second-generation LED position lights are used to define the width of the car and the shape of the headlamps. At the rear, the combination lamp clusters also feature LED position lights which, together with the dual mufflers integrated into the bumper, enhance the new Cadenza's sporty appearance. As an option, a full-length three-part glass Panoramic Roof will be available.


Contemporary looks, premium quality and a unique ambience

Inside, the new Cadenza is every bit as stylish and sophisticated as the exterior promises. The interior is dominated by the treatment of the futuristic 'floating' dashboard that highlights Kia's innovative design approach.

A 'welcome' system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to 'greet' the car owner, while the interior mood lighting strip, which runs across the two-tier dashboard and all around the door trims, creates a warm ambience within the vehicle. An additional large mood lamp, which runs down the center of the cabin ceiling, is available.

Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning is standard, and other high-tech 'comfort & convenience' features include keyless entry and an engine 'start' button, RPAS reversing sensors, a reversing safety camera with interior mirror display screen and a powered extension for the driver's seat cushion.

Although New Cadenza is shorter than the Opirus, the extended wheelbase (up by 45 mm to 2845 mm), additional exterior width and more compact rear suspension, come together to ensure that the interior offers occupants more space than the old model.

Less weight, more performance and better fuel-economy for new sedan

Kia's new front-wheel drive 'Type-N' platform makes its first appearance in Cadenza and will be utilized in other Kia models in the future. The lighter (and stronger) bodyshell, together with all-new suspension systems, helped Cadenza to achieve a weight loss of up to 130 kg, compared with the previous Opirus – even though the new model has numerous additional features.

As part of Kia's drive to increase sales in the large sedan segment, the new Cadenza will be manufactured with a total of three gasoline engines – with different engines being available around the world to best suit local legal requirements. Power outputs will range from 165 ps to 290 ps and all models will feature front-wheel drive and Kia's all-new six-speed automatic transmission.

Driving up sales and market share with an all-new product

"Despite the current global economic uncertainties, we are confident that the new Kia Cadenza will substantially increase Kia's share of this segment in Korea and around the world," concluded President Lee.

Manufacturing of the new Cadenza sedan will start at Kia's Hwasung facility in this month for the domestic market and in January 2010 for export markets. Export sales in the General Markets* (excluding North America and Europe), will begin during March 2010 and in China in June 2010.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS [ EXPORT MARKETS ] - NOVEMBER 2009

New Kia Cadenza

Body & Chassis
Four-door, five-seater sedan, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Powered by transversely-mounted V6 gasoline engine driving the front wheels.

Engine
3.5-litre / 290 ps [ Middle East & General Markets ]
Type 'Lambda II' Quad-OHC, six-cylinder in V, with dual CVVT
Max power 290 ps (213 kW) @ 6600 rpm
Max torque 338 Nm (34.5 kg.m) @ 5000 rpm

Transmission
Automatic 6-sp with fully auto & sequential manual modes

Suspension & Damping
Front Fully independent by MacPherson Struts.
Rear Fully independent by Multi-Link rear axle.

Steering
Type Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion
Gearing 2.94 turns lock-to-lock with 11.08 metres turning circle

Brakes
Front / Rear 300 x 28 mm ventilated discs / 284 x 10 mm solid discs


Wheels & Tyres
Standard LX Alloy 16 in x 6.5J 215/65 R16 tires
Standard EX* Alloy 17 in x 7.0J 225/55 R17 tires
*Optional on LX

DIMENSIONS
Exterior (mm)
Overall length 4965 Overall width* 1850
Overall height 1475 Wheelbase 2845

Capacities
Fuel tank 70 litres Luggage (SAE) 451 litres

Weights (kg)
Curb weight (min.) 1575 Gross weight 2065

Performance
Top speed / kph 230 0-to-100 kph (sec) 7.2

Fuel Economy
Combined cycle 9.36 (litres / 100 km)*
CO2 223 g/km*
*Manufacturer's estimated figure
Source:Kia