Aston Martin V12 Zagato road-going

Aston Martin has announced the road-going variant of the V12 Zagato which will be making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month.



Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.



Aston Martin Zagato uses its 5.9-litre V12 engine, which sends 510bhp and 420lb ft to the rear wheels. That’s enough to give the V12 Vantage a 4.4sec 0-60mph time and 190mph top speed, though the Zagato’s handcrafted aluminium and carbonfibre body should give it a kerb weight around 100kg lighter than its donor car’s 1680kg, boosting performance figures.



The car is priced at £330,000 (€376,500 / $544,000), not including local taxes.










Press Release



Aston Martin V12 Zagato set for Motor Show Debut at Frankfurt



25 August 2011: Gaydon - The new Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be appearing in September at the

64th IAA International Motor Show at Frankfurt. Along with the largest display of contemporary Aston Martins ever seen at a Motor Show, two V12 Zagatos, both having completed their engineering sign-off at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, will be shown for the first time at a mainstream event.



Hand assembled at the company's global headquarters in Gaydon, England, the V12 Zagato is based on the highly acclaimed V12 Vantage and features a beautiful 'handcrafted‘ aluminium and carbon fibre body. Combining traditional craftsmanship and high technology, the V12 Zagato also boasts Aston Martin's most dynamic bonded aluminium platform and the power of the company's acclaimed 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.



Following extremely positive initial customer reaction, the V12 Zagato is being offered for sale at £330,000 GBP (excluding local taxes) and will go into strictly limited production of up to 150 cars in summer 2012. 50 years on from the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato have collaborated to create this modern interpretation which remains true to the focus of craftsmanship, performance and exclusivity which underpinned the original collaboration.



Launched successfully in late May at the famous Villa D'Este Concours on Lake Como, Italy, the V12 Zagato saw off tough competition to be awarded the coveted Design Award for the concept and prototypes class. Just a week later, the V12 Zagato made its racing debut at the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the historic Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. Following other appearances in the series, both prototypes of the V12 Zagato were entered into the gruelling 39th ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hour on 25/26 June, successfully amassing a combined 230 laps and over 3,700 miles of intense durability testing - both taking the chequered flag to maintain Aston Martin's 100% finish record in the race.



The first of the two V12 Zagatos being shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show, finished in its distinctive green livery is the full endurance race car concept specification as campaigned at the Nürburgring. The car, nicknamed ‘Zig' by the factory team features a full aerodynamic package including front splitter, dive planes, large rear diffuser and spoiler designed to make the most of the Nürburgring's multitude of corners and lengthy straights.



The second of the cars, nicknamed ‘Zag', was originally shown at the Villa D'Este before being converted into the same full racing specification as the sister car. Since the 24 hour race, Zag, has been returned to its original show specification which, although showing a racing car interior, has an exterior more representative of the exclusive road car currently offered for order. In addition to this, Aston Martin today releases the first conceptual illustrations of the road car variant that will go into production from mid 2012.



The pair of V12 Zagatos will join the Aston Martin stand at Frankfurt in September alongside the stunning One-77 supercar and the recently launched Virage and Vantage S.

Renault Megane RS250 black edition

RENM Renault Megane RS 250 Black Edition is based on the old RS 250 model and gets a new stainless steel performance exhaust system, turbo intercooler, sports air filter, brake callipers and brake pads, to cope with the extra power.

The RENM RS 250 Black Edition dials power up on the hot hatch to 310 PS (228 kW / 306 bhp) and 430 Nm of torque by means of an ECU remap.

Visually, what struck us the first time we lay our eyes on the RENM Megane RS250 are the 19-inch titanium grey racelight wheels and lower ride height, which the tuners say it’s 35mm lower than the OEM version. Individually adjustable height and dampening coilover suspension are also added to the mix.





Press Release

Press release, June 2011
RENM Renault Megane RS250 black edition

RENM performance has released a ‘black' edition of the Renault Megane RS 250. The RENM Megane RS250 black edition is a more potent version of the highly regarded and accomplished performance hatchback, and the RENM black edition is no exception. With its highly developed engine and chassis, the black edition features striking new styling and race car-like dynamics.

The black edition receives a new stainless steel performance exhaust system, turbo intercooler, sports air filter, brake callipers and brake pads. RENM has increased engine output to 310PS/430NM by recalibrating the ECU and redesigning the exhaust system with sports catalytic convertor. The new intercooler, approximately four times the size of the OEM version, lowers intake temperatures for improved and sustained performance.

The black edition is characterised by 19" titanium grey racelight wheels and lower ride height (35mm lower than the OEM version). Handling dynamics are improved with individually adjustable height and dampening coilover suspension. The package can be further enhanced to accommodate circuit use with a choice of race seats, seat belt harnesses and steering wheels.

For more details on the RENM Renault Megane RS250 black edition, visit www.renm-performance.com for more information.

Skoda Octavia vRS Bonneville with 600HP

Czech automaker Skoda announced its plans of competing in the famous Bonneville Speed Week in August (13-20), and they goal is to reach a speed of 200 mph.

The car features a 2.0-liter TSI petrol engine that has been equipped with a new Garret turbocharger. Thanks to high-octane race fuel and 26 to 28 PSI of boost, the engine will produce 550-600 PS (405-441 kW / 542-592 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. Skoda estimates this will enable the car to hit a top speed in excess of 200 mph (322 km/h).

The car also features changes to improve aerodynamics and performance. That includes lowering it to run almost 80mm closer to the ground and a new sub-frame which houses a race prepared intercooler. The unique racer has been built to stringent Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) safety regulations, which means a reinforced roll cage, parachute, fire extinguishers and window cage.

Rear brakes have been removed to reduce aerodynamic drag – the Octavia will rely on a drag racing parachute to stop. Wheels are standard Skoda 15-inch steel rims wearing high-pressure Goodyear Eagle Land Speed tyres to give a total wheel diameter of 23-inches.





Press Release

ŠKODA TAKES ON BONNEVILLE SPEED WEEK......AT 200MPH

• Škoda to compete on legendary American salt flats to mark 10 years of vRS
• Specially built 600PS Octavia vRS aims to be the first 200mph Škoda

Simply Clever.....at more than 200mph! Škoda UK is to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its iconic vRS performance flagship badge by going landspeed record racing.

A one-off modified Octavia vRS saloon has been entered into the world famous Bonneville Speed Week in August (13-20). Its aim is to break the magic 200mph barrier and join the most exclusive club in motoring.

The brand's UK technical team at Milton Keynes has been working in secret on the vehicle for several months, with the assistance of performance software and tuning outfit REVO Technik.

The car is a factory-fresh production Octavia vRS, but some changes have been made to improve aerodynamics and performance. That includes lowering it to run almost 80mm closer to the ground and a new sub-frame which houses a race prepared intercooler.

It retains its production-standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine but the standard turbo has been replaced with a more advanced unit from respected component firm Garret. Generating up to 600PS, and producing 26-28 PSI of boost pressure, it drinks high-octane race fuel (with water methanol mix)rather than unleaded petrol.

The unique racer has been built to stringent Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) safety regulations, which means a reinforced roll cage, parachute, fire extinguishers and window cage.

Since its launch in 2001, vRS has captured the hearts of UK motorists who enjoy the thrill of sports car driving. Since then, the UK has become Škoda'slargest market for the Octavia and Fabia vRS with more than 12,000 cars sold since launch.

Robert Hazelwood, Director for Škoda UK, said: "The 10-year relationship between the UK and the vRS badge has been extremely successful. This is a landmark anniversary and going to Bonneville is a fitting tribute. It's also an ambitious project which might surprise a few people, but Škoda is all about engineering excellence and this car is pushing that to new limits."

The vRS is entered into the ‘2.0-litre production car' category and will race over a nine-mile straight, which includes a timed mile in the middle. Performance through that section determines the class winner.

The legendary Bonneville Salt Flats begin 90 miles west of Salt Lake City and cover around 50 square miles of north-western Utah. It has been the spiritual home to high-speed racing for almost a century and each August a variety of hot rods, roadsters, belly tankers, lakesters, motorcycles, streamliners and diesel trucks compete in Speed Week.

Škoda vRS models are designed to ignite the passion and thrill of sports car driving. They offer additional emotional involvement and an extra level of dynamic appeal, and stand out from the crowd thanks to their subtle but distinctive exterior features. These include aggressive bumpers, rear spoiler, bespoke alloy wheels and chromed exhaust tips. Inside, the attention to detail continues with fresh upholstery, unique badging and smart dashboard inserts.

Renault Megane RS Trophy

Renault has unveiled the Megane Renaultsport (RS) 265 Trophy - the company’s fastest ever road going model. Set to debut at the World Series by Renault race at the Nurburgring on 18-19 June 2011, the Megane 265 Trophy has been developed to take on hot-hatch rivals including VW Group's Scirocco R and Golf R.

The car is basically a tweaked version of the RS 250 Megane. It comes with the Cup chassis version and stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, mechanical limited slip differential, Brembo brakes and grooved brake discs, but unlike other fast Renault hatches like the R26, it’s not a stripped-out track car and comes with plenty of equipments like a proper hot hatch should.

Inside the Trophy are Recaro seats with yellow seatbelts, and at each corner you'll find 19in alloys in gloss black with a red stripe around the rim. But the best bit is a ‘Renaultsport Monitor' that shows live engine performance, acceleration, lap time and g-force stats.

Prices in France will start from €35500. With maximum power of 265hp (up 15hp), peak torque of 360Nm (+20Nm) available across a particularly broad rev-band (3000 to 5000rpm), a power-to-weight ratio of 5.09kg/hp and specific power of 132.5hp/litre, the car boasts an exceptional performance package.





Press Release

Mégane R.S. Trophy: benchmark performance and versatility

June 10, 2011

Renault unveils an even hotter version of Mégane R.S..

With a power output of 265hp and peak torque of 360Nm, Mégane R.S. Trophy delivers unrivalled efficiency for its class. A new tyre fitment and an increase in power make the very most of the Cup chassis' potential, without detracting from the car's acclaimed versatility and ride comfort.

A production run of 500 cars is planned, and Mégane R.S. Trophy's specific styling features put it at the very top of the Mégane R.S. range.

Order books open on June 20, 2011, and the newcomer will be marketed in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Prices in France will start from €35,500.

Technical evolutions for the existing, exceptional performance package

With maximum power of 265hp (up 15hp), peak torque of 360Nm (+20Nm) available across a particularly broad rev-band (3,000 to 5,000rpm), a power-to-weight ratio of 5.09kg/hp and specific power of 132.5hp/litre, the car boasts an exceptional performance package. Even so, Renault Sport's engineers have worked hard on the specification of the Mégane R.S.'s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to take driving enjoyment and response to even higher levels. Maximum turbo pressure has been uprated to 2.5 bar (up 0.2 bar), while the air intake design has been revised to take the higher pressure and higher running temperatures into account.

Performance has been enhanced in the process, and the result is a 0-to-100kph time of just 6.0s (down 0.1s), a top speed of 254kph (up 4kph) and the 1,000km standing start in 25.4s (down 0.3s). Beyond these statistics, however, the experience of driving Mégane R.S. Trophy is a constant source of enjoyment and satisfying sensations. In addition to the finely-tuned set-up of the Cup chassis and the standard limited slip differential, a new tyre fitment contributes to the car's exceptional road-holding on dry roads, especially through tighter turns, as well as in the wet. The design of the Formula 1-inspired Bridgestone Potenza RE050A's asymmetric, directional tread pattern and the form of its tread blocks provide outstanding grip, stability and acoustic comfort, whatever the conditions. Last but not least, Mégane R.S. Trophy's fuel-efficiency has been carefully optimised to return combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 8.2 litres/100km, equivalent to 190g of CO2/km, which represents a saving of 0.2 litres/100km and 5g/km over Mégane R.S. at the time of the latter's launch.


Assertive yet seductive R.S. styling cues

Mégane R.S. Trophy is recognisable at a glance thanks to its black roof, specific decals, new rear lip spoiler, 19-inch Gloss Black STEEV wheels with red piping and R.S. valve caps (optional or standard, depending on market) and numbered plaque. The LED daytime running lights also play a part in its striking looks. Mégane R.S. Trophy marks the introduction of a new Sirius Yellow finish, an emblematic metallic paint that will be particularly appreciated by Renault Sport fans. This specific body colour is available as an alternative to Glacier White, Etoilé Black and Cassiopée Grey.

Inside, the Recaro bucket seats (fabric or leather, depending on market) add to the cabin's unmistakably sporty feel, as does the central display which shows the data provided by the R.S. Monitor. This innovative onboard data-logging system records performance and displays a range of mechanical parameters in real-time, a feature which owners will especially appreciate during track days, an exercise to which the Mégane R.S. Trophy lends itself particularly well. Indeed, the car will be on show at the Renault Sport Day which forms part of the Renault Sport Enthusiasts Day programme at the Nürburgring, Germany, on June 17, 2011.

Monaco Fisker Karma debuts

The Fisker Karma is an electric sedan with range extender, which comes from the U.S.and is built by Valmet in Finland, it made its first european public appearance with HSH Prince Albert of Monaco and Henrik Fisker on board.

The Fisker Karma can hit a top speed of 125mph and accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds. While the sports car can run up to 50 miles on battery power alone until the small petrol engine kicks in to power the electric motors.

Fisker Karma hybrid is powered by two rear-mounted 201.5 horsepower (150 kW) electric traction motors and a 175 kW electric generator to power the motors. There is enough power to move you around at a good pace, but the range is a bit shabby in electric mode at 50 miles or 80 km.

Also unique are the 22-inch aluminum wheels which come standard on the car





Press Release

FISKER KARMA MAKES EUROPEAN DYNAMIC DEBUT AT MONACO GRAND PRIX

• Head of State, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco joined company co-founder Henrik Fisker to drive Karma around Monaco Grand Prix circuit
• Newest addition to Fisker's global retailer network located behind the 'pit straight'

Monaco, 29/05/2011: Visitors to the world's most prestigious motorsport event, the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, were among the first to see the first Fisker Karma off the production line put through its paces as it made its European driving debut on the famous street circuit.

On Saturday 28 May 2011, before official race qualifying began, the first European production version of the Fisker Karma, the world's first true Electric Vehicle with extended range, took to the streets of Monaco, completing a couple of laps.

The vehicle was piloted by Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco. His Serene Highness was joined during this momentous occasion by company co-founder, CEO and executive design director, Henrik Fisker. This event marked the first dynamic, public showing of the Karma in Europe.

Fisker commented: "The Fisker Karma project has a distinct Monaco link. Prince Albert was one of the people who inspired me to create the Fisker Karma. When I met him at the Top Marques Show in Monaco in 2006 he commented that he would love to see a fuel-efficient luxury car, and from that small seed grew the concept of what became Fisker Automotive and our focus on premium EVer cars that deliver pure driving passion.

"We want to thank both the principality of Monaco and Prince Albert for not only being the inspiration, but also a great support for our groundbreaking automotive green initiative," continued Fisker.

Designed to reflect Henrik's paradigm of Responsible Luxury™, the Fisker Karma is the first American-designed and engineered luxury vehicle specifically developed to appeal to world markets. It is the only luxury sedan in the world that meets future fuel consumption and emission requirements, making it suitable for any international city.

The Karma was also on static display during the race weekend, both at the chicane exiting the tunnel, turns 10 and 11, otherwise known as the Nouvelle Chicane, and thereafter in Cavallari – Monaco Motors, Fisker's newest dealership, located on 6- 11 rue Princesse Florestine, MC 98000.

The only true Electric Vehicle with extended range, the Fisker Karma drives its rear wheels using two rear-mounted 201.5 horsepower (150 kW) electric traction motors that draw energy from the lithium-ion battery pack for up to 50 miles (80 km). The gasoline engine drives a 175 kW electric generator to power the motors; there is no mechanical link between this engine and the drive motors.

Uniquely, the Fisker Karma can run in one of two drive modes: Stealth and Sport. Stealth Mode maximizes efficiency, giving the car its greatest range on battery power before activating the gasoline engine-driven generator to sustain battery charge. In Stealth Mode, the Karma can accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 95 mph (153 km/h). With Sport Mode engaged, the gasoline engine drives the generator to provide enough electricity for 403 total system horsepower, allowing the Karma to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

In all aspects of performance, the Fisker Karma is designed to be a true driver's car. Its proprietary, advanced aluminum space frame incorporates new levels of rigidity and strength that give the Karma world-class ride and handling characteristics. Fisker Automotive's engineering team designed the Karma's space frame around the car's unique powertrain, filing for multiple patents in the process.

Benefitting from a four-wheel independent SLA (double-wishbone) suspension, also employing aluminum components, the Karma has been specifically tuned to run on standard 22-inch aluminum wheels, a first for a production car.

Production of the Fisker Karma recently started at Valmet Automotive's Uusikaupunki facility in Finland with Fisker aiming to achieve full build rate by the second half of 2011. It is Fisker's plan to deliver vehicles to all current deposit holders during the 2011 model year.

More information on the Fisker Karma, as well as a full equipment list and technical specification, is available at www.fiskerkarmamedia.com.

- Ends -

Notes to editors:


ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Fisker Automotive is a privately owned, premium auto company creating environmentally conscious vehicles with passion, style and performance. Global headquarters are in Anaheim, California, USA. Acclaimed auto designer Henrik Fisker and industry veteran Bernhard Koehler established the company in 2007. Previously, Fisker was a board member and design director for Aston Martin, as well as president and CEO of DesignworksUSA, BMW's North American design arm. Koehler led operations for Ford's Global Advanced Design Studio in London and created concept cars for Aston Martin, MINI and BMW.

2011 Eagle Jaguar E-Type Speedster Lightweight

The 2011 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Speedster by Eagle will be debut at 2011 Salon Privé, the luxury supercar and Concours d’Elegance, taking place at Syon House in west London on 22nd-24th June, 2011.

Powered by a 4.7L 6-cylinder engine making 310-hp with a maximum torque of 340 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, the E-Type Speedster Lightweight goes from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds with a top speed of 160 mph.

The engine is connected to five-speed manual transmission, which enables the roadster to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Besides, it can hit a top speed of 160 mph (258 km/h).

The E-Type Lightweight Speedster sports 16-inch tires on aluminum rims with stainless-steel spokes, drilled and vented brake discs with aluminum 4-pot calipers, double wishbones, adjustable shocks and stabilizer bars.





Press Release

Jaguar E-Type Speedster

Eagle, makers of the exclusive Eagle E-Type, showcases the world's most exclusive hand built car - the E-Type Speedster Lightweight - an authentic Jaguar E-Type from the 1960s reworked with more muscular styling, fresh classic detailing, and the performance of a contemporary supercar.

This outstanding car makes its public debut at 2011 Salon Privé, the luxury supercar and Concours d'Elegance, taking place at Syon House in west London on 22nd-24th June, 2011.

Henry Pearman, the founder of Eagle, says of the new Speedster Lightweight: "The elements in this remarkable alchemy are an original Jaguar E-Type, thirty years of dedicated experience, and the absolute cream of our widely acclaimed engineering developments and upgrades."

Eagle has a global reputation as an E-Type specialist, and offers an unparalleled collection of magnificent E-Types for sale, ranging from the earliest original specification dealer launch examples through to fully developed cars.

Beneath the Speedster Lightweight's jaw-droppingly beautiful body, every component has been thoughtfully and skilfully reworked, improved and often lightened resulting in a handmade automotive masterpiece with a weight of just 1000kg. The technical tour de force is the original Lightweight E-Type based aluminium 4.7 litre fuel injected engine and aluminium drive train. While retaining an external appearance identical to the original, they enable the car to offer a power- to- weight ratio matching that of the very latest Porsche 911 Turbo.

Jaguar E-Type Speedster Lightweight Specification

• Engine: 4.7 litre, aluminium in line 6 cylinder, longitudinal front mounted
• Cylinder head: Aluminium twin cam big valve.
• Max power: 310bhp @ 4800rpm
• Max Torque: 340lb ft @ 3600rpm
• Fuelling: Fuel injection with individual throttle bodies and ECU
• Transmission: Aluminium 5 speed gearbox, aluminium Power Lock differential
• Suspension: Independent wishbones, 6 high tech adjustable dampers, anti roll bars and rear radius arms
• Brakes: 315mm/280mm drilled and vented discs, Aluminium 4 pot calipers, servo assistance
• Steering: Rack and pinion
• Wheels: 6 x 16 front, 7.5 x 16 rear, aluminium rims with stainless steel spokes
• Tyres: 225/55 x 16 front, 245/55 x 16 rear
• Weight: 1008kg dry
• 0-60mph: under 5 seconds
• Top speed: 160mph plus
• Height: 1000mm
• Length: 4260mm
• Width: 1740mm

Protoscar Lampo3

The latest prototype of the Swiss company Protoscar was unveiled yesterday at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum and the least we can say is that the car is superb!

The new version is equipped with four-wheel drive, using an electric motor on the front and two rear axle, managed to balance the tension between both the axles and between the wheels on the same axis with effect torque vectoring.

Power is provided by a 32 kWh lithium-ion battery that has been outfitted with a BRUSA on-board charger which enables the car to be charged with everything from "a standard single-phase 10A plug ... to a three-phase 32A industrial plug."

The Lampo3 has a satisfactory 124-mile range, but it’s not going into production just yet. Protoscar will be demonstrating the car this summer and developing it further before releasing it for sale. Expect a hefty pricetag for an electric car that can do 0-60 in 4.5 seconds...




Press Release

From LAMPO to LAMPO3 : The evolution to a purpose designed premium EV

LAMPO3 is a battery powered electric demonstration sports car developed on the base of 30.000 km lessons learned with its predecessors LAMPO and LAMPO2

It features a purpose designed light weight chassis, a 2+2 coupé design and a fast charge option. The BRUSA powertrain (3 motors with a total output of 420 kW) guarantee extreme performances without compromises in terms of efficiency.

LAMPO3 has been developed by Protoscar (www.protoscar.com ), a Swiss company working for OEMs, power utilities and governments, and since 24 years specialized in the development of CleanCar projects. LAMPO3 has been unveiled the 11 May in the M-Way Shop in Zürich.

Purpose designed chassis
LAMPO3 is an electric sports car with purpose designed lightweight chassis that impressively shows un-compromised CleanCar design and engineering competences:
1) For the first time a pure electric 2+2 coupé features a chassis specifically built around the electric components, unlike most OEMs' EV-chassis, which are adapted from internal combustion versions. LAMPO3 is the worldwide first pure electric sports car being a 2+2 seater and providing enough luggage space and optimized ergonomics.
2) The light weight chassis carries actively cooled batteries, optimally positioned in the central tunnel to improve drive dynamics, safety and pay load.
3) Three motors - of which two on the rear axle and one on the front axle - allow an improved dynamic behaviour of the car and an optimized torque vectoring, not only between front and rear axles, but also between the two rear wheels (the motors actively drive on different adapted RPMs for instance in curves, where the inner wheel turns slower than the outer wheel).

Technical description and top performances
LAMPO3 has three electric motors (in fact becoming a four-wheel drive with variable torque between front and rear axle for optimal handling, safety and efficiency) with a total output of 420 kW (equivalent to 550 HP), 900 Nm and 32 kWh of Lithium-Ion battery capacity. LAMPO3 features real sports-car performances: 4.5 seconds for accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, 220 km/h of max. speed, and 200 km of range. More than enough energy for driving throughout the whole year is produced by a remote solar plant, allowing a real zero-emission drive.

As the first two LAMPO prototypes, LAMPO3 impressively demonstrates that from a pure performance point of view (acceleration, torque, overtaking, speed, efficiency) pure E-drive is THE solution not only for city cars, but for all other types of vehicles including premiumsegment cars (the only segment, through which new technologies have been introduced into the market successfully so far). The real performance of LAMPO3 will be demonstrated on different test-tracks during the year 2011 by the winner of the 2010 GT1 24 hours of LeMans, Mr Gabriele Gardel. Catch him ... if you can!

For the first time a LAMPO concept could be produced in a micro-series for public customers such as companies involved in the EV development, entities dealing with the promotion of EVs and private enthusiasts.

Charging Modes
LAMPO3 is equipped with the new BRUSA on-board charger NLG6 allowing up to a 22kW of charging power. Therefore LAMPO3 can be charged with every kind of power actually on the market: from a standard single-phase 10 A plug, up to a three-phase 32A for charging at industrial plugs (fleet users). Moreover LAMPO3 has an interface for DC fast charging based on CHAdeMO standard (www.chademo.com). With LAMPO3 different infrastructure solutions will be tested and evaluated.

Home Charge Device
The Home Charge Device offers maximum safety to charge any compatible electric vehicle, because its hardware and software is personalized to a specific car brand, model, plug (Type 1 / 2 / 3 or CEEPlus Plug) and to a specific national grid.

Electric plugs are available everywhere, but not all of them can withstand the full power required by an electric vehicle charger. The HCD allows the automatic adapting according to the limitations of the available infrastructure.

The HCD is to be considered as "snow chains": because it is personalized, it follows the specific car once the car changes to a second user. This is why the HCD is conceived as a mobile device, and can easily be hanged up on the wall (in the garage or outside, since the HCD is conceived both, for indoor and outdoor use). The marketing concept is to offer the possibility of ordering the HCD equipment device and its proper installation at the same time, including a relevant check of the existing electric domestic installation.

Fast Charge (in association with ABB)
The ABB DC fast charge station is conceived to dramatically decrease the charging time of electric vehicles. According to the battery type and its status, an additional range of up to 100 km can be achieved within 10 minutes of charging. This charging solution is mainly intended as a range extension, not as a recharge system for full charges, although this would be possible as well (at least between 20% and 80% DOD - according to the battery type and status).

The ABB DC fast charge follows the CHAdeMO standard. Two characteristics define this standard: protocol and connector compatibility - both will be made available by CHAdeMO, and no IP will limit the diffusion of such systems. Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Peugeot, Citroen, Think and Protoscar already support this standard from an OEM point of view.

Philosophy
Well to Wheel approach - Protoscar not just realises zero emission vehicles, but also cares about the energy needed to let them move. This takes into account the entire energy chain, focused on CO2 emissions - the so called "Well-to-Wheel" (www.optiresource.com). LAMPO3 is powered by
solar energy, produced by a remote 16 kWh photovoltaic plant located in Seggiano (Tuscany), Vitabella Palazzetto. The energy produced is put into the global grid and charges the LAMPOs around Europe when needed. The goal is to self-produce all the energy that we need for the car getting to counterbalance the entire consumption.

See: www.sunnyportal.com/Templates/PublicPageOverview.aspx?page=c07b1bc9-afdd-4ae9-
a489-8ffb4fbcea9d&plant=496a607f-3e95-44fe-bef5-4013639397a3&splang=it-IT

Innovative top-down approach
With LAMPO3 we clearly apply a top-down approach, instead of a bottom-up strategy. Traditionally the automobile sector initially shows trendy characteristics in exclusive, premium, vehicles. Unavoidably, at first the price of such products is very high but with growing production the prices decrease, allowing a large number of people to have access to the new technology (in other words the first buyers allow the technology to circulate).

However, in the electric vehicles market the strategy is often contrary based on a bottomup approach. This is the reason why electric vehicles are not always successful. In today's market the majority of the EV promoters try to sell electric cars as a "rational vehicle" and forget the emotional aspects. But as a matter of fact, for most buyers a car is essentially an emotional object and not only a means of transport. The LAMPO3 as well as its predecessors LAMPO and LAMPO2 shall demonstrate that electric drivetrains can be perceived positively and totally accepted if placed and launched in a different way.

Vehicle‘s name and logo
LAMPO3 because it is not just the third car within the LAMPO project developed by Protoscar, but it is even more efficient than its predecessors and the purpose design chassis represents a huge step forward in terms of design and engineering of sporty Evs.

In the Italian language LAMPO means „lightning". A lightning stands for power, especially for electric energy like the one propelling LAMPO3 ,Moreover a lightning is fast, intense . impressive and, last but not least, LAMPO3 is a product of nature. The edgy logo of LAMPO3 with its straight lines reminds the lightening and emphasizes the electric spirit of the car.

Vehicle's design
The Design of LAMPO3 has been inspired from an oblique approach to car design, combined with an essential rule for an extremely advanced, performing and efficient vehicle: form follows function. We took inspiration from the American Le Mans and FIA GT1 series cars, where all the functional aspects of these high performance cars are presented in a stylish way.

The general layout of the vehicle, consisting in a shortened bonnet, front wheels close to the cabin, long wheelbase and short rear overhang, helps to give a very dynamic feel to the silhouette of the car. This combined with some "LAMPO DNA" design clues creates the mix that lead to the final design that wears LAMPO3 body.

The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - Complete story collection

For an easy reach of all the articles related to the "The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions" subject, we have compiled all the useful links in a single post. Moreover, after the jump, you will be able to experience an exquisite photo gallery containing 67 exclusive images of the new C-Class Coupé. Enjoy!

1. The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - I

2. The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - II


3. The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - III

4. The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - IV

5. The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - V

6. The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - VI

7. The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - VII

8. The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - VIII

9. The C-Class Coupé: Pure fun at the wheel with the perfect coupé proportions - IX



































































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