car modification mercedes

Citroën Metropolis will be on show in the French Pavilion at the Shanghai World Fair from 1st May to 31st October, 2010. Citroën has revealed the spectacular new Citroën Metropolis Concept - a sleek and muscular concept car that pays homage to China's extraordinary development. Created by Citroën's international design team - based in Shanghai since 2008.

Citroen is one of the most creative and adventurous car makers in the world. Just a quick look at some of their past concept, and production, vehicles proves that. However for the Citroen Metropolis concept the company have decided to keep things a little more grounded in reality. It's still a fine looking machine, but it's not quite as crazy as some of their recent stuff.

Reflecting China's avant-garde status, grandeur and vitality, the sleek limousine concept immerses itself in 'Créative Technologie', balancing environmental responsibility with luxurious comfort and driving pleasure. Incorporating a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and Hydractive suspension, Citroën Metropolis produces CO2 emissions of just 70g/km - approximately one fifth that of a conventional engine with equivalent performance.

Citroën Metropolis Concept's distinctive silhouette is a vision of creative and sophisticated luxury with an imposing stature (5.3m long, 2m wide & 1.4m high), reflecting the dynamism and ambition of China in the 21st Century. Powerful and engaging, Citroën Metropolis' subtle 'Pearl Silk' body colour changes under different light conditions, revealing the model's generous curves and ultra-honed detailing.

Citroën Metropolis blends taut lines with smooth surfaces, evidenced particularly at the front where the sculpted, incisive wings and kite-shaped grille merge with the harmonious contours of the bonnet. The streamlined headlamps have an imperious and steely look, giving Citroën Metropolis a natural air of authority.

Citroën Metropolis' powerful hybrid drivetrain utilises an optimised 2-litre V6 petrol engine and a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox. At low speeds, Citroën Metropolis runs in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode, with its electric motor developing a continuous 55bhp (40kW), peaking at 95bhp (70kW). At steady speeds on main roads and motorways, the petrol powerplant efficiently provides 272bhp (200kW) and 375Nm of torque. When additional performance is required, such as during overtaking, the car uses both the electric motor and the combustion engine to deliver a maximum power output of 460bhp (345kW) and 430Nm of torque - equivalent to a 4-litre V8 petrol engine. There's also a four-wheel drive mode for when extra grip is needed.

Delivering a smooth and cosseting ride experience, Metropolis is specified with Citroën's renowned Hydractive suspension, which dampens even the roughest of road surfaces and improves the car's aerodynamic performance - further helping to reduce CO2 emissions.

Chinais the world's largest automotive market and Citroën's second largest outside Europe - having been established there for 20 years. The Shanghai World Fair is the perfect opportunity for the brand to reassert its international character and to show, once again, the importance it places on the needs and expectations of this rapidly developing market. With Metropolis, Citroën demonstrates that a blend of Chinese and French sensibilities can create a beautiful vision for the future.

The 2010 AC Cobra MK VI is the reincarnation of the AC Cobra, which is arguably the greatest sports car icon. The new AC Cobra gets its design cues from the older model but incorporates modern technology, taking the AC Cobra to the twenty-first century. The 2010 AC Cobra MK VI has a jig-welded round-tube space-frame chassis that is fully triangulated and has a suspension that is derived from the race car.

The 2010 Cobra is powered by a Corvette V8 6.2-liter engine that has a horsepower of 437 bhp and 647 bhp for the GT and GTS versions respectively which enables to reach 60 mph within 3.3 seconds. It is also fitted with 4-pot Porsche brake calipers with vented discs. The 2010 Cobra’s aluminum-hybrid body, which is handmade to ensure that it endures forever, has a bigger air-conditioned cabin to guarantee comfort for taller drivers. The interior of the 2010 AC Cobra MK VI is outfitted in the top-quality leather hides and German carpets.

The AC MkVI, a faithful recreation of the ultimate sports car icon - the AC Cobra, is now being produced in Germany for sale in Europe. AC has entered into a long term strategic alliance with Gullwing GmbH in Heyda, Germany. The AC MkVI is being produced in a modern facility and AC is extremely proud of the quality of the finished product which is due to the skills of the craftsmen at the Heyda facility.

"AC is one of the most admired and respected marques in the world," stated Juergen Mohr, CEO of Gullwing GmbH. "Their sports cars ignited a passion that still burns inside enthusiasts today. For over a century, the company has built cars with superb engineering, old world craftsmanship and classic designs. We feel extremely honoured that we can now be part of the future of the brand."

Alan Lubinsky added: "There are two major new features on the AC MkVI. We are especially excited about the new aluminium-hybrid body construction on the AC MkVI. This provides the AC MkVI with a traditional aluminium finish on the bodyshell, together with a strong composite structure. In addition to this, the AC MkVI will have as standard equipment a light weight gullwing hardtop, with coupled to the standard air conditioning, will provide drivers with total all weather motoring.

The AC MkVI is an open-top sports car based on the design of the Le Mans winning AC Cobra with many of the original car's characteristics while incorporating modern technology. The cars are not imitations - they are new generation of AC Cobra incorporating relevant advanced technology. "Every year approximately 1,500 copies of the cars AC built in the 1960s are sold in America," says Alan Lubinsky. 

"Why would anyone buy a replica when they can own an authentic AC roadster that is lighter and better and has been engineered and built to such demanding standards?" Weighing only about 1,025 kg, the lightweight AC MkVI GTS sports car can hit 100 kph in approximately 3.3 seconds. "The AC MkVI is wickedly addictive," says Gullwing's Juergen Mohr.

"One drive in this scorchingly fast sports car creates an adrenalin rush that will last a lifetime. The AC MkVI offers heritage, performance and timeless styling that stirs the soul." The AC chassis has been at the heart of some of the most legendary cars in history. Texan Carroll Shelby imported a number of rolling chassis from AC in the 1960s to build the legendary "Cobras" that dominated international sports car racing. 

The Shelby American team inserted a performance tuned Ford V8 and gearbox into a chassis and body supplied by AC for the North American market. Since then AC has manufactured a car that has been imitated by numerous companies. AC expects to appoint a distribution network in Europe in the coming months to sell and maintain the AC MkVI.

The new ex-works 500 E-Class coupé is in itself not underpowered. With 388 PS and 530 Nm torque it´s the currently most powerful production model coupé that the company can offer its customers. However, those who like it a touch more dynamisc can find what they want with the traditional refiner Kicherer in Stockach. Engineers, technicans and designers have taken on the E-Class derivative and accentuated it in all things sporty, technically and optically.

Engineers, technicians and designers of the car refiner Kicherer in Stockach have taken on the 500 E-class coupé derivative. This new ex-works E-class is the currently most powerful production model coupé that Mercedes-Benz can offer with 388 PS and 530 Nm torque. Therefore, the Kicherer E 50 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is dedicated for customers who like the coupe with a more dynamic and sportier touch.

To give the E50 Coupé aerodynamics, Kicherer have employed the Kicherer Performance Series Package, a final polish with regards to performance and looks. This package includes a front lip, side skirts, a rear diffuser and special mirror casings. All are made of top quality and ultra-light carbon, including the three-bladed sports grill which is optionally available.

The elegant side view of the coupé is perfected by the sportily filigree Kicherer RS-1 20 inch wheels, behind which you get hints of the braking power of the 6 and 6 piston high performance brake system with composite discs and modified flexible steel tubes.
At the rear, an almost rectangular tail pipe can delight both eye and ear, since it produces an exciting but not obtrusive sound. Inside, Kicherer offered the interior elements and entry strips in epoxy resin laqueur complements the outer appearance of the E50 Coupé.

Finally, by means of software update and a sport exhaust system, the V8 performance of the E50 Coupé was increased by 42 PS and 20 Nm. As a result, the 430 hp engine can freely run to reach the speeds of up to 330 km/h.

Arash Motor Company was born out of a passion for cars, the allure of beauty and the thrill of driving the seemingly end less acceleration of a thoroughbred engine. The engine, or better still, the soul of the AF10 is designed to withstand the punishment of motor racing and we’re sure it will excite even the most accomplished of drivers.

The superlative handling of a chassis designed by leaders in their field combined with extraordinarily forceful braking performance will make you question whether the tyres will still be intact when you climb out. The AF10 seduces and excites on every level with it’s distinctive silhouette and exceptional performance.

Design of the Arash AF10 began in 2005 with styling sketches and renderings. Gradually the design evolved into computer models and aerodynamic CFD mesh models. Finally the finished car was revealed in October 2008.

Powering the Arash AF10 is a GM sourced, mid-mounted, 7.0 litre, V8 which produces 550 bhp @ 6,000 rpm. This is connected to a Grazianno 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. This drivetrain allows the AF10 to reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and go on to a 204 mph top speed.

The Arash AF10 features a full carbon and steel frame chassis with steel front and rear crash structures and cradles. Covering the chassis is an all carbon fiber body with honeycomb and nomex sandwiches to achieve weight reductions and add rigidity.

The aerodynamic body of the Arash AF10 includes unusual features like the radical front wing which is separated from the main body, and prominent air intake side pods. These features have been influences by Le Mans and F1 race cars, however they also perform specific functions for the overall performance of the car. Split radiators have been used at the front and Oil radiators are positioned in the side pods.

The modular carbon chassis of the Arash AF10 is super light and super strong. This structure is made up of 13 parts assembled into a jig and bonded at temperature.

An estimated 25 Arash AF10 cars will be manufactured per year with a small number being delivered to the US market.

About Arash Cars:

Arash Cars was established in March 2006 and has been working on the AF10 ever since. The styling drawings were made in March 2005 by Arash Farboud Designs and have since been converted into computer models and aerodynamic cfd mesh models.

The company is located in Sawston on the outskirts of Cambridge. Most testing will be conducted at Millbrooke proving grounds 20 miles away from the company. The facility in Sawston Cambridge is equipped with a styling studio, painting booth, carbon lamination room, parts despatch area, carbon curing autoclave oven and polished epoxy floored car assembly stations. A board room and administration offices are also located at the site.

Arash Cars have designed a traditionally shaped badge with an eagle emblem. The background colour is solid black and the foreground eagle is in gold. The 'Arash' emblem is in flame orange.

Ariel announce the latest version of the Atom - the Ariel Atom 500, powered by a small V8 engine. With over 500bhp in a 500kilo package the Atom 500 will boast one of the highest power to weight ratios ever for a production car, ever. At over 1000bhp per tonne the Atom 500 will be the ultimate statement in performance and is destined to be made in a limited edition.

The V8 powered Atom is the first of some exciting developments from Ariel due to be released though 2008 and builds on the growing reputation that the company has for putting the passion back into driving and producing sports cars that are fun to drive as well as fast both on and off the track.

The Ariel Atom 500 V8 project first began back in 2007 as a special model created in conjunction with RS Developments. The car features the same RS (Russell Savory) designed supercharged, 2.4 litre V8 engine connected to a 6 speed sequential Sadev gearbox driving the rear wheels. The gearbox has power-on shift capability, paddle gearchange with manual override as well as launch and traction control.

The Ariel Atom 500 V8 is identifiable from the standard Atom by the twin rear intakes for intercoolers and unique anodized gold color scheme for the chassis and wheels and carbon fibre panels and carbon fibre aerofoils. Other features include chromemoly aerofoil wishbones, multi-function steering wheel, Alcon 4 piston caliper brakes and lightweight Dymag magnesium wheels.

Said Simon Saunders, Director of Ariel, 'This is an interesting project for us and an experimental departure from what we normally produce. For a few customers the Atom 500 will be the ultimate expression of lightweight performance and represents the outer limits of what is achievable in a road registered car. 

We also use this sort of project to explore the possibilities of how we can improve our standard cars. The Honda engined production cars already combine all the elements that we want in an Atom and by pushing the envelope to these sorts of extremes we can further improve the breed'.

Prices have not yet been released, but the first customer’s Ariel Atom 500 V8 will be built in spring. Ariel Director Simon Saunders said: ‘The Atom 500 will be the ultimate expression of lightweight performance and represents the outer limits of what is achievable in a road registered car.’

With the standard Atom 300 already achieving sub 3 second times to 60mph and sub 7 second times to 100mph, the 500 will take this one stage further with record breaking production car possibilities.

In response to the horrific natural disaster that has crippled the nation of Haiti, Naomi Campbell together with Lotus Cars will be auctioning eight special edition "Naomi for Haiti" Lotus Evora sports cars, with the proceeds from the auction going to help the relief effort in Haiti on 12th of January 2010.

The Lotus Evora Naomi for Haiti has to be one of the most expensive special edition ever to come out of the company's plant. The firs two Lotus Evora Naomi for Haiti units have been auctioned for more than 300,000 GBP each at The Fashion For Relief Event. The first Lotus Evora Naomi for Haiti was bought by Naomi Campbell’s boyfriend, Vladimir Doronin for no less than 320,000 GBP.

The remaining five Lotus Evora Naomi for Haiti will be auctioned starting from today on the supermodel's website at www.naomiforhaiti.com. The highest bidders and the new owners of the remaining five Lotus Evora Naomi for Haiti cars will be announced at the Lotus press conference on the 2nd of March at the Geneva Motorshow.

The Lotus Evora is a very desirable, multi-award winning, high performance, mid-engined sports car that presents a fantastic piece of design to bid on. The “Naomi for Haiti” Evora sports car has been specially designed by Lotus Design Director Donato Coco and reflects Naomi’s design direction. The bespoke styling combines the flag of Haiti with a dramatic colour scheme and the cars include a full range of options, meaning these cars will all become desirable collectors items.

The “Naomi for Haiti” Evoras will be auctioned at Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief TM charity fashion show on the 18th of February at the London Fashion Week venue at Somerset House. The remaining “Naomi for Haiti” Evoras will be entered into an auction run on the “Naomi for Haiti” website Charity Auction - Naomi For Haiti and bidding will commence at 0800 GMT on the 19th of February and will end at 1200 noon GMT on 28th of February 2010.

According to Naomi, Lotus Cars has been Fashion for Relief’s biggest supporter and has been instrumental in helping us to raise crucial funds for The White Ribbon Alliance and its partners in Haiti. Still according to her, to have Lotus on board supporting Fashion for Relief is very important to Sarah Brown, myself and everyone at The White Ribbon Alliance and we are truly very grateful.

Naomi Campbell says, "I am deeply saddened by the recent tragedy in Haiti. So many have been killed and severely affected by the earthquake - women and children in particular are most vulnerable in disasters. Fashion is universal, personal and touches everyone. I am delighted that Lotus Cars is supporting my Fashion for Relief TM charity and I am sure with such generous help we will raise crucial funds to help save the lives of women and children."

Lotus CEO, Dany Bahar said “It was a great pleasure for Lotus to work with Naomi and the White Ribbon Alliance for this excellent cause and we are delighted that by working with Naomi, our suppliers and the generosity of the bidders, we have been able to raise such a significant sum of money to help those in need during this difficult time.”

It was announced on March 11, 2010 at the 80th Geneva Motor Show that the eight special editions of the Lotus Evora Naomi for Haiti have achieved in excess of €1.4m at auction.