Ford Taurus SHO (2010)

Ford Taurus SHO, one of America's favorite "sleeper" performance cars, returns to the Ford lineup, powered by a Super High Output (SHO) EcoBoost twin turbocharged engine. The Taurus SHO joins Ford's growing lineup of performance vehicles for the 2010 model year, building on the legacy of the original, which earned a spot on the Car and Driver 10 Best list four years running.
"The new Ford Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury-appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "This new sport derivative answers enthusiasts' calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude."
Introduced in 1989, Ford Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sports sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Produced through 1999, more than 100,000 were sold.
The original Ford Taurus SHO generated a loyal following of owners and enthusiasts, with an active club more than 1,000 members strong, an online forum with more than 10,000 registered users and a Web site (bringbackthesho.com) specifically devoted to convincing Ford to resurrect the SHO. The 2010 Ford Taurus product development team spent significant time listening to SHO enthusiasts.
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EcoBoost™ Twin-Turbocharged Power
The foundation of the new 2010 Taurus SHO is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine. This advanced powerplant generates an estimated 365 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm, resulting in significantly improved power, torque and fuel economy compared with larger, normally aspirated engines. This also is Ford's most powerful EcoBoost engine.
A key feature of this EcoBoost engine is gasoline direct injection. The direct injection of fuel into the cylinder during the intake stroke, as opposed to port-style injection to an externally mounted intake, produces a well-mixed air-fuel charge. Fuel vaporization during the intake stroke cools the incoming air, improving volumetric efficiency and lowers the likelihood of knock.
The results are improved throttle response, reduced cold start emissions characteristics and improved fuel economy. The cooled charge enables an increased compression ratio, improving efficiency at partial load, while the higher compression ratio allows for better volumetric efficiency under full load engine behavior. Customers will experience normally aspirated V-8 power, without compromising V-6 fuel economy.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 also uses twin turbochargers, as opposed to a single unit. The reduced size of each turbocharger results in reduced internal inertia, allowing this advanced engine to avoid the "turbo lag" often prevalent in earlier-generation turbocharged applications. From the driver's seat, the rewarding result is linear power delivery across a broad torque band from 1,500 through 5,500 rpm. Peak torque building quickly off idle ensures responsive acceleration from a standing start.
SelectShift with paddle controls and All-Wheel Drive
The new Ford Taurus SHO driveline combines a high-capacity six-speed 6F55 SelectShift transmission with a sophisticated torque-sensing All-Wheel Drive System. These components work in harmony to deliver ample traction when putting EcoBoost power on the road. The six-speed transmission offers a wide array of gears to enable spirited acceleration, yet comfortable high-speed cruising, through a 2.77 to 1 final drive ratio.
SelectShift provides conventional automatic operation or a manual shift mode that gives the driver complete control over gear selection. For performance-minded drivers, paddle controls allow "match-rev" downshifts and will hold manually selected gears for precise control. Intuitively operated, a squeeze on either paddle will deliver an economical upshift under acceleration, while a gentle push forward brings a smooth downshift, synchronizing the engine and transmission speeds for responsive and positive engagement.
The Ford Taurus SHO driveline is contemporized with the incorporation of a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive System that engages automatically and unobtrusively. The unit contains an advanced array of internal electromechanical clutches to efficiently distribute torque to the wheels with optimum traction. Standard all-wheel drive allows the Ford Taurus SHO to efficiently deliver its high performance to the pavement under a wide variety of conditions.
"Taurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide discriminating drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride," said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer.
Ford Taurus SHO features an advanced electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, providing responsive road feel and enhanced on-center balance while offering the additional benefit of increased fuel economy. SHO also features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings specifically developed and harmonized to deliver the highest level of Ford DNA road holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Blue Oval full-size sedan.
Ford Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multi-link SR1 rear suspension design. Named for the 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable baseline for the SHO development team to fine tune for enhanced driver control and agility. In addition, the SR1 rear suspension geometry provides increased travel, while enabling the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.
For the discriminating automotive enthusiast, Ford Taurus SHO offers an available SHO Performance Package consisting of upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPAS for even more responsiveness,a "Sport Mode" setting for the standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control and a shorter 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. Summer-compound 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 performance tires on premium painted wheels also are included.

BMW Z4 (2010)

The latest in BMW's long and successful roadster family has been revealed. The all-new BMW Z4 will go on sale in the UK in May 2009 and features a host of innovations never before showcased during BMW's 75 years of roadster heritage.
The BMW Z4 is the first to come with a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. The new roadster is also the first vehicle to be offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations and lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive. By way of comparison, the Sport+ setting of the new car is comparable to the outgoing Z4's standard ride comfort level.
The standard Drive Dynamic Control function is another first and allows the driver to alter, depending on model specification, the throttle and steering response, level of ride comfort, Dynamic Stability Control response and, on automatic or Double Clutch Transmission cars, gear change times.
Powering the new BMW Z4 is a choice of three six-cylinder powerplants. The range flagship is the current International Engine of the Year-winning 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. Producing 306hp at 5,800rpm, the BMW Z4 sDrive35i powers its way from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds for a Double Clutch Transmission-equipped car) and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The twin-turbocharged 2,979cc engine with high-precision direct injection technology produces 400Nm of torque from just 1,300rpm for effortless in-gear acceleration. The strong performance credentials are matched in terms of economy and emissions. The Z4 sDrive35i records a combined consumption figure of 30.1mpg (31.4mpg) and CO2 emissions of 219g/km (210g/km).Joining this model in the launch line-up are the Z4 sDrive23i and the Z4 sDrive30i. Both use the same magnesium aluminium alloy engine with Double VANOS and VALVETRONIC technology, but with varying capacities. The 2,497cc entry-level Z4 sDrive23i produces 204hp at 6,400rpm and 250Nm of torque from 2,750rpm. This equates to a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds (7.3 seconds for the Sport Automatic) and a top speed of 151mph (149mph). In contrast the Z4 sDrive23i is capable of 33.2mpg (34.4mpg) on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 199g/km (192g/km) respectively.
All three six-cylinder powerplants surpass the latest strict EU5 emissions standards.
The BMW Z4 sDrive30i comes with a 2,996cc powerplant offering 258hp at 6,600rpm and 310Nm of torque from 2,600rpm. The six-cylinder engine records a zero to 62mph time of 5.8 seconds (6.1 seconds for the Sports Automatic) and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Like the Z4 sDrive23i, the Z4 sDrive30i posts impressive combined consumption and CO2 emissions figures, recording 33.2mpg (34.0mpg) and 199g/km (195g/km). Transmitting the power to the road in all three Z4s is a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Customers of the Z4 sDrive23i and the Z4 sDrive30i who prefer the characteristics of an automatic can specify a six-speed Sport Automatic transmission featuring gear change paddles on the steering wheel. Buyers of the Z4 sDrive35i can choose the more advanced seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, again with gear shift paddles located on the steering wheel.

Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID (2010)

Mercedes-Benz is launching its first passenger car model equipped with a hybrid drive system in summer 2009 - the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID. The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury saloon with a spark-ignition engine. The NEDC combined fuel consumption is a mere 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This makes for the world's lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class - just 190 grams per kilometre. These exemplary figures go hand in hand with assured performance. The 3.5-litre petrol engine develops an output of 205 kW/279 hp, the electric motor generates 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of 160 Nm. The result is a combined output of 220 kW/299 hp and a combined maximum torque of 385 newton metres. Moreover, the new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID is the first series-production model to be equipped with a particularly efficient lithium-ion battery specially developed for automotive use. This is another major contribution by Mercedes-Benz to the electrification of the car.
The new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID is based on the S350, and features an extensively modified drive train. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module, the necessary operating and control electronics, the transformer and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
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The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. The system offers a double benefit, as it both helps to save fuel and increases driving enjoyment. This is partly due to the booster effect of the electric motor, as it powerfully backs up the petrol engine with a maximum additional torque of 160 newton metres during the high-consumption acceleration phase. The driver benefits from the combined action of these two units in the form of even more impressive torque characteristics and smooth, effortlessly superior acceleration.
The hybrid module also has a comfortable start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill - for example at traffic lights. When it's time to move off again, the electric motor almost imperceptibly restarts the main power unit. This likewise makes a contribution to fuel economy and environmental protection: because the engine restarts first time, and practically instantly, emissions are also minimised during the starting phase.
When the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy by a process known as recuperation. Working in finely tuned partnership, the electric motor supplements the braking effect of the petrol engine and the wheel brakes to deliver a smoothly progressive braking action. The recuperated energy is stored in a compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment, and made available when required. This complex system is managed by a high-performance control unit, which is likewise located in the engine compartment.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE

When it first debuted, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new standard in terms of performance that remains a benchmark for new sports car development to this day. Now Ferrari is introducing the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package for the model to further underscore its sportiness and handling.
The package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings. The ride height has also been lowered which in turn lowers the car's centre of gravity. This combined with the new set-up helps improve body control. The package also includes specifically optimised tyres featuring a compound that offers even better grip.
The car's electronics have also evolved to ensure even more prompt response to driver commands. The F1 gearbox's shifts are now even faster in high-performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response.
The exhaust silencer has also been modified with the result producing an even more marked and thrilling sound under hard usage whilst still delivering just the right comfort levels at cruising speed.
From a styling point of view, the package also includes some distinctively sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter. The 20" split-rim wheels are new with a special diamond-cut and matte silver finish. The rear diffuser is finished in matte black to underscore the car's new set-up and highlight the chromed tail pipes. The cabin is sportier too thanks to a sophisticated mix of full-grain leather, black Alcantara® and carbon-fibre trim.
The new seats are trimmed in a new two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara® inserts, and the seat backs are trimmed entirely in carbon-fibre. Embroidered in contrasting stitching on the headrest are a Prancing Horse and the words "Handling GTE".
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The Abt R8: Sports car in perfection

The Abt R8: Sports car in perfection
There are cars and dream cars. The latter includes Lamborghini's Gallardo, Ferrari's F430 or Porsche's 911 Turbo. These cars make your heart beat faster and show the perfected magic of speed on the roads. Abt Sportsline's R8 will also be among these outstanding super sports cars and is getting ready to overtake them in the prestige duel.
The design studies already show the first impressions of Abt's sportiest creation - and prove that the Kempten-based tuner manages to perfect an excellent serial model like the R8 to detail and accentuate its racing genes already in the drawing. The front of the Bavarian R8 shows the marked Abt face. Together with the unique and beautiful rear with its four inclined arranged exhaust end pipes, the rear diffuser and the extravagant rear wing, the front of the Abt R8 is part of an overall concept that brings about phenomenal roadholding. The add-on parts of the super sports cars from the Allgäu-region improve downforce and ensure perfect balance of the front and rear axis. This is especially notable in speed ranges reserved for only a few cars. The sideblades which were developed especially for the Abt R8 and the Abt side skirts give the Abt R8 a new and individual design besides aerodynamical advantages. The aerodynamically efficient Abt body kit, which also includes carbon-fibre parts, is a real eye catcher but also shows the state-of-the-art Bavarian precision work. With the ingenious construction, which also includes a carbon-fibre bonnet, not only a maximum reduction in weight is achieved but it also ensures optimized weight distribution of the Abt R8 - the pure presence of the model athlete already shows this.
Technology and design milestones do not only come from Maranello or Sant'Agata-Bolognese but also from Kempten. The Abt R8 will be a gorgeous dream car with the genes of a top-class race car. This special automobile will belong to one of the fastest among the fastest; the Abt R8 will also challenge the Lamborghinis and Porsches. With regards to the anticipated performance data the Bavarians are traditionally discreet. But this data already amazes sports car fans and makes them want to spur the hot-blooded Bavarian horses. 530 HP (390 kW) are to be drawn from the 4.2 litre-V8 thanks to the Abt supercharger. Compared with the serial model which already shows impressive performance data this means an increase of 110 HP (81 kW). The brand new Abt 20-inch BR wheels stylishly transfer this power onto the asphalt. The all-wheel-drive dream car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 317 km/h. These values are synonymous with magic and this extraordinary super sports car desperately wants to be driven. By means of the Abt suspension which is adjustable in height, pressure and rebound, the performance and driving comfort of the super sports car can be adapted perfectly to the requirements of its driver.
A dream car is becoming reality: In autumn the top-class sports cars will have a new challenger as this is when the almost unrivalled fast and uniquely beautiful Abt R8 becomes available.
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ABT Audi AS4

There is hardly a car that was spoken about so much this year as it was about the Audi A4: at its debut in the DTM (German Touring Car Masters) the bestseller clinched the titles in the driver's, team and brand championship in Europe's most popular touring car series at first go. It's a matter of course that Abt Sportsline sets a high value on sportiness, dynamics and high-quality design for the street version of the Limousine the company from Kempten is presenting the result on the Essen Motor Show with the AS4.
The Audi A4 from Ingolstadt was already born with a dynamic line management. Using premium manufactured body add-on parts, Abt Sportsline understands accentuating this skilful line management. Thus, a marked front grill and a matching front spoiler lip were developed for the Abt AS4 for an equally friendly and aggressive facial expression. This look continues to the Abt side skirts and the rear where the AS4 is equipped with a rear wing and rear skirt. Beside sportier optics the add-on parts also provide an improved contact pressure and so a more stable road holding.
The driver will appreciate this, as also concerning power, the engineers have done their job on the so-called "volume model" from Ingolstadt. Originally the 2.0 TDI engine performed 140 HP (103 kW) under the bonnet but after the power treatment in Kempten a total of 170 HP (125 HP) can be measured. The chip tuning perfected by Abt Sportsline which enables this leap, moreover causes a considerably improved responding behaviour of the power unit. Appropriate sound comes from the Abt rear muffler with four chrome end pipes and necessary safety from the Abt sport brake system.
The optimal contact to the road surface is an important fact when possessing so much power - Abt Sportsline has two important components: the Abt sport wheel SP1 in noble titanium design and a size of 8.5 x 19 inch as well as the matching tyres of Dunlop. The tyre manufacturer is not only partner of the champion team Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline in the DTM, but also in the tuning business.
The package for the Abt AS4 is rounded off by an Abt shift knob as well as marked emblems on the rear and the engine cover.

Latest Car Pictures

Here are links to some of our most recent pictures - you'll find a wide range of images in this section. Unlike most sections we haven't yet loaded up larger resolution images of these pictures yet. However, full resolution copies of these images are available - as always - on request. Terms vary according to the intended use of the picture - from free for personal use, to a small fee for commercial use.
Here are links to some of our most recent pictures - you'll find a wide range of images in this section. Unlike most sections we haven't yet loaded up larger resolution images of these pictures yet. However, full resolution copies of these images are available - as always - on request. Terms vary according to the intended use of the picture - from free for personal use, to a small fee for commercial use.


Marcos

Aston Martin

Yes, Geneva finally lets us get a full viewing of Aston Martin’s supercar for the mega-rich – the stunning One-77. Even though we've previously glimpsed a corner or two of this impressive machine, the impact of the full car is still staggering. It's lower and more compact than we'd first imagined, as well as a sublime beauty, as indeed it needs to be with a projected $1.4 million price tag.

The car unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show isn't, in reality, any different than the one kept under wraps at the Paris Auto Show last September. It’s still a full-sized mock-up but painted a different color and now with lights. But the key thing is a full display of the new chassis that incorporates so many innovations for Aston Martin. All-carbon-composite construction, dry-sumped V12 and push-rod inboard suspension are all firsts in an Aston Martin road car.

The 700-horsepower 7.3-liter engine has been developed with Cosworth and will be assembled at its Northampton base, rather than in Germany like other Aston engines. It's set well back and very low in the chassis, giving it that gfront mid-engined h configuration that should give it the dynamics of a rear mid-engined supercar without the edgy handling.

The suspension system cleans up the airflow around the front wheels to optimize aerodynamics. But it's not just the state-of-the-art design. The chassis alone is a thing of such precise technological beauty it is reason enough to covet the One-77. The billet machined aluminium suspension components are works of fine art.

The 6-speed transmission is, of course, controlled via steering-column-mounted paddles. It's a new generation of Aston Martin’s familiar robotized sequential manual. Though it's made specifically for the One-77 and features specially strengthened internals to cope with the tremendous power and torque, the lessons learned in its development will ultimately find their way into the company’s series production models.

With a projected weight of 3,307 pounds, a top speed in excess of 200 mph and zero to 60 mph runs of around 3.5 seconds, elevate the One-77 into the very top bracket of the ultra-supercars. But let's not forget that as well as raw numbers, the One-77 promises an unrivaled combination of driving experience and automotive art.

DBS VolanteIn the more affordable realm, if $224,847 can really be called affordable these days, comes the debut of the DBS Volante. Aston Martin's Ferrari California rival wipes all thoughts of credit crunches and recessions away, leaving you to simply savor one of the most beautiful cars at the show. It’s not just a pretty face either, this soft-top gaining all the features you’d expect of a flagship Aston Martin.

Adjustable dampers and ceramic brakes are standard. Buyers have a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, the latter specially configured to match the DBS Volante’s formidable power output. Capable of running from zero to 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds en route to a top speed of 191 mph, the Volante matches its coupe brother in performance.

But surely a traditional cloth hood is old tech compared with the folding metal hardtop offered by the Ferrari California? Perhaps, but it means the Volante looks just as elegant as the coupe when the roof is up, preserves the finely balanced lines (the California’s looks are compromised by the need to accommodate its solid roof) and minimizes weight gain.

Aston Martin’s sophisticated bonded and riveted aluminium structure means the DBS is inherently stiff anyway; chopping the roof off barely compromises this and requires a minimum of extra bracing. The rear-mounted gearbox, meanwhile, ensures perfect weight distribution with which to enjoy the added performance of the DBS model.

And while the standard DB9 Volante already develops 470 horses, the DBS version of the fabulous 6-liter V12 in this new model boasts an output of 517 horsepower and a mighty 420 lb-ft of torque. Much of the extra grunt comes from a revised induction system including a flap to bypass the standard intake beyond 5,500 rpm, boosting power and noise.

The latter is especially spectacular and all the more enjoyable in this open-top version. It’s not the only V12 Aston here though; the new twelve-cylinder 517 horsepower version of the Vantage is also on the stand. Previewed in concept form already, the production car is one of the most extreme road-going Astons ever built.

Production will be limited to just 1,000 cars when it starts later this year – recession notwithstanding. The headline figures of a 190 mph top speed and zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds might not sound dramatically different from the 180 mph and 4.8 seconds of the standard V8 Vantage, but the new V12 is a much more extreme proposition.

The V12 Vantage includes technology honed on track with the N400 and GT4 race versions. Carbon ceramic matrix (CCM) brakes help keep weight gain over the V8 to just 110.2 pounds, despite the engine alone weighing 220.5 pounds more. There’s also a “track” mode on the stability control and a “sport” button to unleash the ferocious side to the V12’s nature.

Top 10 Cars You Can't Buy

While the United States is still the largest car market on the planet, there are many examples of machines that Americans can't buy at their local dealers. Here are our choices for the 10 most significant rides at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show that won't be sold from sea to shining sea.