ABT Mountain bikes: All-terrain fun from German tuner

Can’t even remember when the last time I took a bike was. Not that I don’t want to but, as all city-dwellers, free time is a luxury I cant seem to be able to afford. Well, anyways, for all you out there who are able to squeeze a trail-bike ride, German VW Group tuning specialist ABT, has released its new series of mountain bikes. The range consists of three models (Abt Mountain Bike, Abt Mountain Bike Sport and Abt Mountain Bike Race) which were developed in co-operation with the Pforzheim-based bike manufacturer, Bergwer. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release and a high-res image gallery

ABT PRESS RELEASE: When successful motor sports ace Christian Abt is not racing a DTM car or is not test riding one of the modified Abt cars for everyday suitability, he loves going mountain biking. So what could be more natural than to develop his own bike? By the end of the 90s Christian Abt had already realized this idea and had designed a special bike in the same yellow outfit as the winning car in the DTM. The series was very popular and soon all bikes were sold and until today customers keep enquiring about a new series of bikes.

Abt Sportsline moves along with the times and it is not Abt’s sportsmanship to simply copy a success model, as the Bavarians also do not design cars based on the standards of 1990. Therefore the new state-of-the-art mountain bike series with the models Abt Mountain Bike, Abt Mountain Bike Sport und Abt Mountain Bike Race were developed in co-operation with the renowned Pforzheim-based bike manufacturer Bergwerk. Thanks to the dampers DT Swiss SSD 190 L the rear spring travel can be adjusted individually to 110 or 125 millimetres. What is more, the exceptional bikes do without platform dampers. The innovative damper construction operates with varying transmission ratio when the bike’s springs compress. The more the bike’s springs are compressed, the softer the lever transmission responds. Due to this unique dynamical adjustment traction as well as performance is optimized.

Uphill the muscular strength is transformed optimally into propulsion and higher speeds are possible on downhill passages. All Abt bikes offer excellent climbing features and high stiffness when going great speeds. Despite these characteristics, the rear section of the bike shows sensitiveness in all terrains and also reacts to soft bumps when the springs are compressed. This sophisticated technology draws distinctions between other mountain bikes. “Everybody riding an Abt bike rides a real Abt. It’s as simple as that“, says engine and suspension perfectionist Christian Abt.

Data:

Front spring travel: from 90 to 130 mm
Rear spring travel: from 110 mm to 125 mm
Weight of frame: 3,100 g
Seat tube angle: 73°
Steering angle: 70°
Fork length: 481 mm
Chain stay length: 425 mm
Steerer tube measure: 120 mm to 150 mm
Seat pillar: 31.6 mm (with sleeve: 27.2 mm)
Dampers: DT SWISS SSD 190 L
Suspension fork: RS Récon 351 UT + PL or RS Revalation 426 UT R + PL
Brakes: Magura Julie, Shimano LX 2007 or Shimano XTR Disc 2007
Handlebar: Bergwerk
Pulse logic: FSA Orbit XL II or ACROS AH/06
Technorati: ABT+Mountain+bike, bicycle, gadgets, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/02/abt-mountain-bikes-all-terrain-fun-from.html

Official: Chrsyler Group approves small-car agreement with Chinese, Chery Motors

Theoretically and for the time being, the Chrysler Group is up for sale but that doesn’t mean that the Group has halted all its future projects. Today DaimlerChrysler announced that its Supervisory Board approved the framework of a limited partnership to develop small vehicles between the Chrysler Group and Chinese Chery Motor Company. Although this agreement has to be approved by the “almighty” Chinese government, consider it a done deal with the final paper work to be signed by the end of March.

According to DC, under the non-equity partnership, the Chery-built vehicles will be distributed under Chrysler brands, primarily in North America and Western Europe. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release

PRESS RELEASE: Auburn Hills, Mich./Stuttgart, Germany - The DaimlerChrysler Supervisory Board today approved the framework of a limited partnership to develop small vehicles between the Chrysler Group and Chery Motor Company of China. The deal is still contingent upon approval by the Chinese government, but the final pact of the framework is expected to be signed by the end of March. Under the non-equity partnership, Chery-built vehicles will be distributed under Chrysler brands, primarily in North America and Western Europe.

Chrysler Group indicated that the partnership would allow the company to become a bigger player on the global automotive stage by giving it access to products in new segments more quickly, with less capital spending.

Small vehicles such as these will allow Chrysler Group brands to compete in segments in which the brands do not currently compete, and which are especially important in price- and fuel-economy sensitive markets. Some 67 percent of all vehicles sold outside of North America are in these segments. Chrysler Group's major competitors in the U.S. and Western Europe have similar arrangements with Asian manufacturers for vehicles in these segments.

Technorati: DaimlerChrysler, Chrysler+Group, China, Chery+Motors, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/02/official-chrsyler-group-approves-small.html

Gumpert Apollo Sport - 800Hp German supercar to be unveiled at Geneva

What a name - Gumpert Apollo; sounds more like a chewing gum than an insane, 800Hp strong beast that costs about 300.000 EUR or 390.000 USD. Based on the 650Hp Apollo, the Apollo Sport’s Audi RS6 derived biturbo V8 gets an extra 150Hp. Thas good enough for a 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) time of 3,0 sec while top speed is pushed up to 360km/h (224mph). Apart form the engine upgrade the Sports is also equipped with an extended aerodynamic package. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more pictures and the press release

PRESS RELEASE: It is one of only a handful of super sport cars and after its debut at Geneva’s international Motor Show in 2006 it was clear: the Apollo is a synthesis of dynamic and design with pure driving pleasure and unique performance. On the road it speeds like a god and on the race track it cries out to be challenged by an opponent that can match its breathtaking acceleration and incomparable handling. Now, it is due to get a worthy competitor out of its own stable. At the 77th Geneva Motor Show, the Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur will present the Apollo Sport to the wide public.

The Apollo Sport is the rebel amongst the super sport cars. Its bodywork combines sexy curves with potent edges and angles and aims for uncompromising aerodynamics. A clear demonstration of the principle “form follows function”. Its challenging sporting design derives from the requirement to built a street legal racing car, whose number one priority is to provide extraordinary performance on the circuit, but at the same time embodying a vehicle suitable for daily use.

The highest importance was attached to safety: the tubular space frame in chrome-molybdenum steel with integrated safety monocoque fabricated in carbon-fiber passes all crash-tests regulations, while a cashbox offers additional protection. The gaping air intake stub over the roof and on the rear signals power, dynamics and superiority. The eight cylinder, bi-turbo mid-engine with up to 800 horsepower is capable of catapulting this 1200 kg missile from 0-100 km/h in only 3 seconds. The Apollo port is equipped with an extended aerodynamic package and, in contrast to the three part spoiler of the Apollo, possesses a racing wing which gives even more down force and pushes the Apollos’ maximum speed up to 360 km/h.

As you can guess, it is not for nothing that this cars is named after the fierce Greek God. The two-seater also convinces from the inside, with its sporty and elegant alcantara interior, and offers air-condition, CD-player, navigation system and reverse view camera as standard equipment. A two-layer metallic finish available in any conceivable color, gives this bolide a particular luster. As a special accessory the Apollo is equipped with an airjack, a pneumatic jacking pad. The standard version of the Apollo Sport costs 299.500,- € plus VAT.

Technorati: Gumpert+Apollo+Sport, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/02/gumpert-apollo-sport-800hp-german.html

Univers Concept: Bulgarian Low-cost study car

Renault’s Dacia Logan success in Eastern Europe (and not only) seems to have created a trend towards low-low priced compact cars designed for emerging markets. Even neighbouring Bulgaria who just joined the E.U. this year, wants to take a piece of the action through the Univers concept that was created by the students of the technical university of Sofia. According to Automotorundsport, the Univers project was initiated by DaimlerChrysler. The idea behind the concept, which took more than two years to engineer, was to create an appealing compact car with enough space for 4 or 5 people priced strictly between 7.500 & 8.500 EUR (9.900 – 11.100 USD).

Although this is a static concept (1:1 scale), the university plans to create a fully drivable prototype till the summer, and if all goes well, they hope to find investors, maybe even promotion funds from the E.U., so they can continue to develop their project. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more pictures

Via: Automotorundsport

Technorati: Univers+Concept, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/02/univers-concept-bulgarian-low-cost.html

Lamborghini Gallardo "Superleggera" official pictures

Well that didn’t take long did. Not even 24 hours past after our Sunday post on the light weight Gallardo and even though Lamborghini hasn’t come out yet with an official press release, the first official images have surfaced all over the net. And what beauty do these pics reveal; a lustful piece of art, so brutal and so sexy at the same time.

If you haven’t read our previous post, in a few words, the “Superleggera” is a sporty or rather sportier version of the Gallardo that lost 100 kg (220,5 pounds) and gained 10Hp (overall output 530Hp) thus bettering 0-100 km/h time by 0,2 sec over the standard model (3,8 sec vs 4,0 sec respectively). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & a high-res image gallery

UPDATED - OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

The new Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

The sportiest and most ‘purist’ Gallardo ever

The new more powerful and lightweight series leader

With the Gallardo Superleggera, to be launched at the 2007 Geneva motor show, Automobili Lamborghini presents an uncompromisingly high-performance sports car. Thanks to increased power (an additional 10 hp) and a 100 kg reduction in weight, the new range-leading Gallardo Superleggera is even more dynamic than the already very sporty Gallardo. The weight/power ratio of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is only 2.5 kg/hp, putting it in the top lightweights of its class.

The Superleggera also has the fastest acceleration in its class. It needs only 3.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph); 0.2 seconds less than the basic model, and boasting speed and grit under various driving conditions.

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera is an extremely high-performance car: it includes a standard robotized mechanical e-gear gearbox that guarantees shifting without removing hands from the steering wheel. The new Gallardo Superleggera can be ordered through the dealer network starting March 2007: production volumes will be restricted to lower numbers than the standard Gallardo.

More power thanks to technological developments

The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera’s engine is the latest version of Lamborghini’s well-known 4,961 cm3 V10. Now 530 hp is reached in 8,000 min-1. The increase in power was made possible by the engine’s improved volumetric efficiency through reduced intake load losses and by exhaust backpressures, together with optimized electronic control. Naturally, emission levels observe the strict EURO 4 and LEV II standards.

Higher power thanks to lighter construction

Lamborghini engineers decreased the Lamborghini Gallardo’s already low weight when empty (1,430 kg) by another 100 kg (70kg in the USA) using advanced materials and technologies. The engine hood is made of visible carbon fibre and transparent polycarbonate, a type of material that guarantees lightness and also shows off the magnificent V10. The rear diffuser and underbody covering, the rearview mirrors, door panels and the central tunnel’s covering are also made of carbon fibre. Further reductions in weight were achieved by replacing certain glass surfaces with transparent polycarbonate. For the interior, monocoque carbon fibre sports seats covered in Alcantara were chosen to ensure restraint of the driver and passenger during the intense lateral accelerations that the Gallardo Superleggera is capable of achieving around curves.

Exclusive specification and options range

A comprehensive specification and extensive range of options will be available, with some exclusive to the Superleggera. The Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera comes with robotized mechanical e-gear as standard; a sports package including shock absorbers; and special suede-covered steering wheel. The car is available in four colors: Midas Yellow, Borealis Orange, Telesto Gray and Noctis Black. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (standard) on new Scorpius forged rims accentuate the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. A few of the options that can be requested include the multimedia system with navigator and CD-changer; a rear video camera to make parking easier (with optional rear wing only); a Carbon accessories kit for the interior; a fixed rear spoiler; a four-point seatbelt (not for USA); tubular rear frame or fitting points for later inclusion (not for USA, Japan or Middle East); and carbon-ceramic brakes.

Technorati: Lamborghini+Gallardo+Superleggera, Geneva+motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/02/lamborghini-gallardo-official-pictures.html

Crazy Finish Rally Video– Ayayayayaya!

I think its about time we took a little break from all that "Geneva -madness" today, don't you agree? Since we talked about the Fiat Grande Punto Abarth and its S200 Rally car sibling in our previous post, I thought a euro- rally video would be quiet appropriate.What you'll see here is rally cars skidding out of control at this Finnish Rally race, probably cause the co-drivers weren’t properly briefed about that little turn in the road. Listen to the spectators though, one guys sounds like speedy gonzales getting a pole stuck up his arss. Ayayayayayay!!!! Don’t you just love rallies?

Technorati: Video, Rally, Youtube, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/02/crazy-finish-rally-video-ayayayayaya.html

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth 1.4T 150Hp: Geneva Show marks the rebirth of the Abarth Brand

Fiat’s calling upon its rich history in motorsports to launch a new line of sports models that’ll wear the iconic “Abarth” logo whose emblem features a scorpion. The Grande Punto Abarth which will make its debut at the Geneva Show along with its rally version, the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 (it will be entering the 2007 Italian Rally Championship with Giandomenico Basso and navigator, Mitia Dotta) are the first models of this series. Later on Fiat will enrich the Abarth range with the 500 Abarth and the Bravo Abarth.

Back to the Grande Punto Abarth, Fiats answer to the Peugeot 207 GT 1.6T and the VW Polo GTI is equipped with the 1.4 Turbo petrol engine that premiered on the Bravo. It delivers 150Hp at 5500 rpm, (boosted to 155Hp if you use 98 RON petrol) and a maximum torque figure of 230Nm at 3.000 rpm. Fiat also announced that latter in the year they’ll present a more powerful version of the Grande Punto Abarth. The latter, thanks to a booster kit will deliver 180Hp. We have no idea of how the sporty Fiat will handle on the road, but we sure as hell dig its unique design elements like the nostalgic 17’’ rims (reminiscent of the Cromodora Abarth alloys), the red pin stripes and the rally-inspired air intake on top of the windshield. –Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the press release and a high-res image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: FIAT ABARTH

The legendary Abarth “Scorpion” returns

A great project will be launched at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show: the rebirth of one of the most prestigious brands in world motorsports. Its symbol is a scorpion, and its name is Abarth.

Abarth has always been synonymous with assertive cars, competitiveness, passion and excitement, and it now returns with a new range that will appeal to all lovers of motorsports. Abarth’s first interpretation of the Grande Punto will be on the “catwalk” at the Geneva Show, the first step in an initiative which will later involve other models.

This new adventure starts in the familiar, uniquely emotional context and exclusive setting of the Geneva Motor Show. A striking stand has been prepared, in line with the philosophy of Abarth’s rebirth, an innovative space with a fresh, contemporary, technological language and great attention to every detail. The new elements that will publicise the Abarth brand are displayed with all their strong, original personality: the revamped version of the famous Abarth racing stripe has been rendered with LED tiles, while the new logo, the scorpion and the wording are all large, three-dimensional elements in polished, satin-effect aluminium.

The Abarth values and tradition on the other hand are underlined discreetly and technologically: refined materials and precious finishing details in aluminium, carbon fibre, enamel and lacquer decorate the exhibition area, and draw attention to the true stars of the stand: the Grande Punto Abarth S2000, a car that has been type-approved for racing and is proving to be highly successful, and the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a concept car making its world debut.

These are the two souls of the Abarth world: racing and standard production.

Visitors to the Geneva Show will also have an opportunity to discover a third field in which the brand operates; a multimedia configurator will illustrate the whole concept of the ‘Abarth Kit’, and the flexibility and wide range of combinations that the brand will offer customers in its conversion kits. Some of these solid wooden boxes, inlaid with satin-finished aluminium trims, are on display inside glass cubes, with the historic mechanical and stylistic components from the conversion kits.

And finally, by means of exclusive LED technology and plasma screens, the walls of the stand propose historical photographs and films, alternating them with a reproduction of the new Abarth racing stripe, underlining the fine link between the past and the future, as well as the energy and personality that are inherent in the Abarth brand.

The Grande Punto Abarth Preview

The absolute star of the stand is the Grande Punto Abarth Preview, a true jewel of assertiveness and elegance. The car will be marketed in September, to enhance the sporty, youthful positioning of the Grande Punto.

The car on show in Geneva is equipped with a 1.4 Turbo petrol engine that delivers 150 bhp at 5500 rpm, boosted to 155 bhp by the adoption of 98 RON petrol. What is more, thanks to a booster kit, a version with twice as much power as the basic version (180 bhp) will soon be available. This is a revival of a tradition from the past: for example, the Fiat 500 of 1958 delivered 13 bhp at 4000 rpm with a top speed of 85 km/h, while the Fiat 500 Abarth of the same year delivered 26 bhp at 5000 rpm and a top speed of 118 km/h.

The Grande Punto Abarth aims to revive the feats of these entertaining performance cars, offering young drivers in particular an opportunity to enter the racing world in complete safety and at an accessible price.

The Grande Punto Abarth S2000

The public in Geneva will also be able to admire the extraordinary Grande Punto Abarth S2000. This is a racing car designed for racing stables, which the Fiat Racing Department will be entering in the 2007 Italian Rally Championship with Giandomenico Basso and his navigator Mitia Dotta. Davide Gatti, winner of the 2006 Fiat Abarth International Trophy, will compete at the wheel of an official Fiat Grande Punto R3D with a diesel engine. On the international scene, the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 will compete in the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) with drivers Andrea Navarra, his navigator Guido D’Amore, and young Umberto Scandola and Anton Alen.

The Abarth & C. Spa racing team will be managed by Claudio Berro.

Powered by a 2000 cc aspirated engine that delivers 270 bhp, with 4-wheel drive, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is heir to the version that took the 2006 Italian Rally Championship title with Paolo Andreucci and Anna Andreussi, winning 7 of the 11 races on the programme. Nor must we forget the excellent season of their team-mates Andrea Navarra and Guido D’Amore who took third place. Giandomenico Basso and Mitia Dotta won the European title and the International Rally Challenge.

Since its debut last season, the racing version has proved unbeatable, whatever the type of route or terrain. And we must underline that the 15 cars built so far have been ordered by several racing stables in Europe and elsewhere, to compete in domestic and international rallies. And now, thanks to this technological and competitive superiority, the new Grande Punto Abarth S2000 is ready to compete in these two championships with the same determination and assertiveness.

And finally, as well as a successful car and an outstanding team of drivers, the new Abarth & C. company can also boast a staff with a great deal of experience in motorsports: a total of 113 experts, 26 in the engineering field, 43 on the manufacturing side and 9 dedicated to racing.

Spec sheet of the Grande Punto Abarth

Engine
• 4 cylinders in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368 cc;
• Power output: 110 kW (150 bhp) at 5500 rpm, boosted to 155 bhp by adopting 98 RON petrol;
• Peak torque of 206 Nm at 2000 rpm, but 230 Nm can be obtained at 3000 rpm by activating the
SPORT mode;
• ‘Drive-by-wire’ accelerator control, without mechanical connections;
• Turboboost by Garrett IHI RHF3-P10.5 fixed geometry turbocharger.
Transmission
• 6-speed gearbox
• Dual hose external gearbox drive.
Suspension and steering
• MacPherson layout at front with anti-roll bar;
• Torsion axle at rear;
• Ground-hugging sporty trim;
• Electrical power steering with SPORT mode.
Brakes
• Fixed M4x40 Brembo calliper at front, with double piston;
• Front brake disc ø 305 mm x 28 mm, ventilated;
• Rear calliper, piston ø 54 mm;
• Rear brake disc ø 264 mm x 11 mm.
Bodywork
• Wider front and rear wings.
Wheels
• 7” x 17” aluminium alloys;
• Tyres: 215/45-17.

Technorati: Fiat+Grande+Punto+Abarth, Abarth, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/02/fiat-grande-punto-abarth-14t-150hp.html

Geneva Preview: Alfa Romeo 159 TI Versions

Damn sexy… If there’s one thing that Italian carmakers haven’t forgotten to do is DESIGN cars, cars that make your heart melt like a hot spicy Napolitano sauce. As if the new 159 wasn’t already hot enough Alfa went on and made it even more desirable by adding the sporty TI (Turismo Internazionale) versions. Look at these photos of the 159 TI Sportwagon and tell me that I’m wrong. Personally, the only station wagons I’d ever think of owning would be the 159 Sportwagon and the Audi A4 & A6 Avants.

Available for both 159 sedan and Sportwagon versions, the TI logo adds sporty exterior and interior elements as well all larger brakes with red callipers. According to Alfa, TI versions get larger tyres, 19” alloy wheels and sideskirts. In the interior there’s leather covered bucket seats, a new sporty steering wheel with red stitches, dark upholstery on the roof and the pillars, new instrument graphics etc.

Apart from the TI versions, Alfa announced that it’ll also debut 159 Sportwagon 210Hp 2.4 JTDM Q4 and the brand-new Blue&Me Nav system –Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the press release and a high-res image gallery

PRESS RELEASE

The new TI versions

TI for Turismo Internazionale, the name that Alfa Romeo once gave only to the most lavishly equipped of its cars. They were derived from standard models but stylistic touches and mechanical changes turned them into thoroughbred sports cars for everyday driving. And today those two letters, so simple but so glorious, reappear on cars in the Alfa 159 family (saloon and Sportwagon). Underlining that the Alfa Romeo brand always guarantees the quality and guarantee of work performed right in the plant for this particular sporty characterisation.
Earmarked for a young, sporty public, the cars with the TI logo promise more entertaining driving, better ‘handling’ and more powerful braking. In a word, the dynamic behaviour of a car that brings the sensations of the racing circuit to our everyday roads.
Models for people who want the maximum in terms of sportiness. And they want people to know, albeit without ostentation. As a result, the exterior lines of the car were not radically altered, and any intervention was limited to a few small touches. This is why the cars are still immediately recognisable from outside, but appear more assertive, literally ‘glued’ to the road, thanks in part to their low stance, larger tyres, 19” alloy wheels, sideskirts and larger brakes with red callipers.
Inside, the TI ambience is expressed in the sporty shape of the leather covered seats, the new steering wheel with its sports grip, the gear lever knob covered with perforated leather, and the dark upholstery of the ceiling and pillars. The sporty look is evident in the instrument graphics, the pedals and the heel-high strip with the TI logo. And finally, the burnished aluminium trims and satin-effect housing of the wing mirrors (optional) that characterise this particular version, which also offers a superb array of standard equipment, including dual-zone climate system and the VDC system.
These are cars that offer great sensations and authentic driving pleasure, that interpret the brand values one hundred percent and that are ambassadors of the ‘sportiness’ that makes them famous all over the world. In a word, the new TI specification is the perfect answer for customers who wish to enter the world of Alfa Romeo sports.


The Blue&MeTM Nav system

The Geneva Show marks the debut on the Alfa 159 of the brand-new Blue&Me™ Nav system, the latest evolution of the Blue&Me™ system which is proving to be a huge commercial success just one year after its launch: in fact it is requested by 20% of purchasers of all Fiat Auto models. That is not all. The sophisticated device has also received a number of prestigious international awards:
• from ‘Frost & Sullivan’, the ‘Excellence in Technology of the Year Award for European Automotive Telematics and Infotainment market’ (January 19, 2006);
• ‘Telematic Update of Detroit’ awarded it the prize for the best telematic solution of the year (May 23, 2006);
• ‘Automotive News Europe’ awarded the ‘Eurostars 2006’ prize to Giuseppe Bonollo, Vice President Product Portfolio Management, for the success of the system installed in Fiat Group cars (August 22, 2006).
Today, Blue&Me™ takes another step forward, with the new Blue&Me™ Nav version that makes its first appearance in Geneva. In addition to the version marketed until now (hands-free with Bluetooth® interface and advanced voice recognition – USB port, MP3 player and SMS text interpreter), the new Alfa Romeo model will offer a new version that incorporates the convenience of a navigator at an extremely competitive price. Blue&Me™ Nav is already wired to enable a range of telematic services developed in partnership with Telecom Italia, such as:
• SOS calls: in an emergency the driver only has to press the SOS button and a call and text message will be sent to the control centre giving the car’s position. This service is also activated automatically when an airbag inflates. The vehicle will be located rapidly so that roadside and medical assistance can be sent. The SOS button is also used in the event of a sudden indisposition or danger. These services are free of charge during the warranty period.
• INFO: information at the motorist’s service. Wherever he goes, it will be easy to receive updates about events, films, museums, road conditions, trains, restaurants, bars and plenty more. He only has to press the INFO button to speak to an operator who will answer his every query. INFO services are ‘pay-as-you-use’.
• Insurance services: thanks to the satellite location system and agreements with the major insurance companies, it will be possible to obtain discounts of up to 20% on Third Party insurance and of up to 50% on Theft and Fire insurance. In the event of theft, tracking will make it possible to trace the car. It will also be possible to establish how many kilometres the car travels and, on the basis of this, to draft specific insurance policies, which are more advantageous because they are based on the customer’s habits and real needs.

Blue&Me™ Nav offers a simple, intuitive pictogram navigation system that features an innovative method of introducing the destination using voice controls.
The destination is located in real time: the map of the country is memorised on the USB pen drive, and this makes access to the data faster and quieter than when a CD is used.
And with Blue&Me™ Nav, all the functions are built-in, and the telephone, music and navigation information is available on the instrument panel. What is more, as he navigates, the driver can listen to his favourite music, which he has memorised, together with the map, on the same USB pen drive or media player, or make a telephone call using the hands-free device.

All the strong points of the system
Blue&Me™ was developed in 3 years by Fiat Auto and Microsoft. The partnership was ratified in June 2004, with the long-term goal of designing innovative telematic systems for cars, and it has created a product that has established itself on the market, exploiting a perfectly integrated technology that is in complete harmony with the user, as its name suggests.
Based on the Windows Mobile for Automotive system, this device features an open system that is always in step with the times, updateable, flexible and modular. With the help of Magneti Marelli, Fiat Auto and Microsoft offer a platform that adapts to most cell phones, music players and other personal devices, replacing current expensive, rigid hardware, with the great benefit of being able to constantly adapt to innovations on the market, remaining perfectly integrated into the car. All at an accessible price.
Blue&Me™ is extremely safe and easy to use. The voice control system, which is perfectly integrated into the controls on the steering wheel and the information on the instrument panel, allows a customer with a Bluetooth® cell phone to use it even if the phone is in a jacket or bag, without taking his hands off the wheel. And the advanced voice recognition system allows immediate interaction, because the voice does not have to be ‘learned’, even allowing incoming text messages to be interpreted aloud.
Occupants can listen to hours and hours of digital music in MP3, WMA and WAV format recorded on an iPod, a cell phone, an MP3 player or a USB pen drive, by connecting the digital device to the USB port.
The customer who purchases the Blue&Me™ Nav system will receive a navigation kit comprising a USB pen drive with the memorised map, and a back-up CD that can be used to transfer the map onto a personal MP3 player or iPod.
The Nav key connects directly to the navigation menu, which can also be accessed via the controls on the steering wheel, or vocally. The USB key is inserted to start navigating, and the driver uses the keys on the steering wheel to choose his destination by selecting the initial letters of the address; he can even complete it vocally.
Like all other information, the navigation details can be displayed on the control panel: destination address, pictograms of the directions to follow, information on arrival and the usual vocal suggestions of the manoeuvres to make, reproduced through the speakers. Unlike other navigators, on which it is not possible to navigate and listen to music CDs at the same time without a CD changer, with Blue&Me™ Nav it is easy to navigate and listen to the music saved in the media player.
The navigation program can be used on a personal computer together with the back-up CD, to save the maps of a number of countries, purchased separately, on the USB pen drive. Then the driver can select a whole country (for example Italy, France, Germany, etc.), or part of a country (for example northern/central/southern Italy), or even a region that groups together maps of different countries (for example northern Italy and Switzerland, Austria and southern Germany).


The new 210 bhp 2.4 JTDM with the Q4 system

A new version of the Alfa 159 Sportwagon also makes its debut in Geneva, with a 2.4 JTDM 20v engine boosted to 210 bhp that delivers torque of 400 Nm at 1500 rpm. The torque delivery, which reaches its peak at very low engine revs, highlights the car’s prompt response to the accelerator pedal. With this engine, the car reaches a top speed of 226 km/h (224 km/h for the Sportwagon) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.4 seconds (8.6 for the Sportwagon). It adopts an evolved version of the Alfa permanent 4x4 system with three differentials (with a Torsen C self-locking unit at the centre). The heart of this project is the ‘Alfa Romeo Q4 four-wheel drive’ system, which splits torque constantly and dynamically between the four wheels, reaching the highest levels of active safety and sportiness. The Torsen C self-locking differential sends drive torque 57% to the rear wheels and 43% to the front. The system also guarantees excellent traction in all grip conditions by automatically checking any slipping.
The torque split between the front and rear axles is modulated constantly by the Torsen C central differential on the basis of grip. This feature harnesses sportiness to enhance active safety. Modulation is mechanical, continuous and gradual, to enhance the perception of optimal, enjoyable, easy driving. There are no gaps in the torque delivery. Where grip is concerned, the behaviour adapts gradually and smoothly to changing road conditions. This ‘mechanical’ control is backed up by electronic stability control, which boosts performance and safety margins, in line with the Alfa Romeo philosophy.
The four-wheel drive car is the state of the art in technical terms and offers important advantages.
• Q4 permanent four-wheel drive with a Torsen C self-locking differential makes for better roadholding, entertaining driving and smooth responses. Other technological archetypes with electronically controlled joints do not achieve the optimal balance between understeer and oversteer or the smoothness that are innate in the Alfa 159, and translate into superb active safety.
• The torque split in favour of the rear axle makes driving even more entertaining, because it makes the car even easier to handle, without detracting in any way from stability during sudden lane changes on the motorway, or other emergency manoeuvres.
• The possibility of travelling safely when grip is poor without having to use electronics to split torque, enhancing the enjoyment of driving.

We could say that the Alfa 159 Sportwagon Q4 interprets four-wheel drive from the Alfa Romeo point of view: it is basically a ‘mechanical’ system enhanced by cutting-edge electronic technology to guarantee maximum comfort and entertainment, combined with superb performance and absolute safety.

Technorati: Alfa+Romeo+159+TI, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/02/geneva-preview-alfa-romeo-159-ti.html

Geneva Preview: Zagato releases real-life pics of the Diatto

And the news from the Geneva front just keeps coming on. This time its Italian coachbuilder Zagato who has released real-life shots of its Diatto concept (read more about it here: Diatto). Can’t say that I’m impressed with Zagato’s prototype which pays tribute to the historic Italian car-maker. By the way, is it me or does the Diatto Concept mimic several design elements of Zagato’s one-off Ferrari 575 GTZ that was introduced last year? Via: Autoblog.it

Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the high-res image gallery

Technorati: Zagato+Diatto, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

https://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2007/02/geneva-preview-zagato-releases-real.html