The new BMW ActiveHybrid 7

Source: Paultan.Org

BMW now has a competitor for the S400 BlueHybrid - the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The ActiveHybrid 7 (available in both F01 and F02 longwheelbase bodies, with the long wheelbase called the BMW ActiveHybrid 7L) uses a mild hybrid system, also sometimes called a motor assist system.

Basically the V8 engine and 8-speed ZF automatic transmission is assisted by a three-phase synchronous electric motor weighing 23kg to give a peak output of 465 horses and 700Nm of torque. The electric motor (20 horses and 210Nm of torque) is positioned between the V8 and the 8-speeder’s torque converter, and receives power from a 35 cell 400wH lithium ion battery, which can also be recharged by the motor via brake energy regeneration.Read more: http://paultan.org/2009/08/13/new-bmw-activehybrid-7-hybrid-luxo-barge-to-face-off-the-s400-bluehybrid/#ixzz0O4VIGEEc

This lithium ion battery measures 370mm by 220mm by 230mm and weighs 27kg, and is housed in the luggage compartment between the wheel arches, protected by a high-strength casing. Basically BMW had to remove the air-conditioning compressor for the rear aircond vents to make space for the battery.
0 to 100km/h takes 4.9 seconds, while EU test cycle fuel consumption is rated at 9.4 liters per 100km. CO2 emissions have been measured at 219g/km. Not exactly figures that will make greenheads drool but being an enthusiast I’m quite interested in experiencing the kind of pulling power that a high torque turbocharged engine and an inherently torquey electric motor can give.Read more: http://paultan.org/2009/08/13/new-bmw-activehybrid-7-hybrid-luxo-barge-to-face-off-the-s400-bluehybrid/#ixzz0O4VN79IO

The ActiveHybrid 7 also features automatic start-stop, which is said to be a first on a BMW equipped with an automatic transmission. Auto start-stop has been available for quite sometime now as part of their EfficientDynamics program but have previously been available only on manual transmission models.
The air conditioning and other systems remain fully operational whenever the engine is off, however being a mild hybrid system the car will not move with the V8 engine turned off - it will only turn off when you come to a stop. The air conditioning system can also be activated remotely via the remote control to cool down the car sufficiently before you get into the car.
Look after the jump for a full hi-res gallery and a video of the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7.Read more: http://paultan.org/2009/08/13/new-bmw-activehybrid-7-hybrid-luxo-barge-to-face-off-the-s400-bluehybrid/#ixzz0O4VPvgP2

The Mercedes Benz S-Class Awarded Best Luxury Car

Source: Carpages.Co.Uk



The Mercedes Benz S-Class has been crowned Best Luxury Car at the prestigious Auto Express New Car Awards for the fourth consecutive year.

Editor in Chief, David Johns said: "Mercedes Benz redefined what we expect from the luxury car class with the S-Class, it still stands out like a beacon four years after its launch…the outstanding quality, effortless performance and superb refinement of the S-Class just couldn't be matched by its rivals, old or new."

Since the launch in 2006 the flagship model has continued to dominate sales in the luxury car segment with class leading innovative technology and the highest levels of comfort and style.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars said: "It is fantastic to receive this accolade from Auto Express again this year. We are delighted that the S-Class has been awarded the Best Luxury Car title every year since we introduced the current car to the UK market, and it is going to get even better."

Later this year the new-generation Mercedes Benz S-Class will arrive in the UK, and, will of course feature even more safety and technological enhancements, along with improved performance and efficiency. The combined fuel consumption of the Mercedes Benz S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is now 37.2 mpg, an improvement of 9% and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 21% to just 199 g/km. Standard equipment will now include Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Attention Assist while an enhanced version of Night View Assist Plus with pedestrian recognition, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist will all be optionally available.

The interior of the new Mercedes Benz S-Class will boast class leading technology in the form of a new SPLITVIEW screen. The screen enables the driver and front passenger to view different content on the same screen, at the same time. The driver can see the navigation information while the passenger can watch a movie. When activated the pixels facing towards the driver are used for the driver's image and the pixels oriented towards the front passenger are activated for their own image.

Mercedes CL-Class W216 by MEC Design

Source: Gtspirit.com



MEC Design has unveiled a new bodykit for the Mercedes CL-Class W216; called 2FACE. The kit packs a new aggresive front bumper with revised grille. The back of the car got a three-piece rear spoiler, a choice between two rear diffusers (called elegant and extreme sports) and a sports exhaust system with four tailpipers.

The package also holds side skirts with LED lighting and new wheels in black or chrome. The MEC design wheels measure 10.5×22 front and 11.5×22 rear. No info pricing yet, we only want to hear your opening about this special package.