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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
GP Recyko RC Car Body Contest
As a theme car, decided to use GP recyko green and make the tires and lights look like GP Batteries.
Side view. Stickers were made via Photoshop then printed on sticker paper.
Competition was tough. Here is a beautiful BMW entry.
Click here for more...
Thanks to Chris Kho for the beautiful pictures. And thanks for looking!
Mercedes to shift C-Class production to U.S?
Mercedes is considering moving some production of its popular C-Class to the United States. If the plan is approved, production of the C-Class would shift from Sindelfingen, Germany to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, presumably at the company�s current M-Class facility. Mercedes� is considering the shift due to lower wages rates at the Alabama plant. The move would also help safeguard Mercedes� profits against unfavorable Dollar to Euro exchange rates.
Mercedes has yet to confirm the report � only saying that �there is neither a decision nor a recommendation on C-Class location politics� � but rumors suggest the 4 door, 2 door and wagon variants of the C-Class could be built at the Alabama plant, with the latter likely for export.
No word on when the shift might occur, but the Mercedes SL-Class would likely fill the C-Class' spot at the Sindelfingen plant.
News in brief
Russian built Nissans due in 2012 - Via Autocar
2010 Lexus ES sedan pricing announced - Via Edmunds.com
Electric Rolls-Royce Phantom under consideration - Via WorldCarFans
Opel workers in Spain take to the streets to protest - Via Autocar
Office of Fair Trading (OFT) launched an inquiry into second hand cars (UK) - Via MSN UK
Turkey investigates pricing fix - Via Autocar
Audi RS6 V10 set to be replaced by twin-turbo V8 - Via WorldCarFans
Protesters dump manure on Clarksons lawn (UK) - Via Autotrader UK
Land Rover Defender replacement due in 2012 - Via Autocar
Ploue "Peugeots have lost their beauty" - Via Autocar
Uninsured? Say good-bye to your car (UK) - Via WhatCar?
Vauxhall Astra pricing announced (UK) - Via Autocar
Mexcian buyers get more incentives (MX) - Via Edmunds.com
September 2009 Dream Car of the Month - Lotus Elise
That's it. That's all you need to know. The above quote is attributed to Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars and it represents the prevailing design philosophy of the company he created. Although he has been dead since 1982, Chapman's ideals continue on through the cars manufactured with his name on them. None more true to his philosophy than the Lotus Elise.
The Elise was conceived and designed in 1994 and released to the public in 1996. It's simple design consists of a fiberglass body attached to an aluminum chassis, all bonded together by adhesive rather than welding or metal fasteners. The result is a small two seat sportscar that weighs in at only 1600lbs. The original Series 1 which was built from 1996 - 2001 featured a power output of only 118HP from it's 1.8L Rover 4 cylinder, but it could still accelerate from 0-60 in about 5.8 seconds thanks to that low weight. The low weight also provided another benefit, amazing go cart like handling.
The Series 1 design spawned many special models throughout it's production run such as the 111S, 340R, and the Exige. The 111S was powered by a 143HP 4 cylinder and was fitted with a close ratio gearbox. Externally, the 111S featured headlight covers, new wheels, a spoiler, and upgraded brakes. The 340R was a special limited edition model that weighed just 1250lbs and was powered by a 177HP version of the Rover 4cyl engine. The body was also radically redesigned from the standard Elise. Only 340 of these were made, hence the name. The Exige is the only "special" variant of the Elise that lived on and became it's own continuing model. It basically a hardtop version of the Elise with a more powerful, 177HP, engine (from the 340R) and some exterior restyling.
The Series 2 Elise debuted in 2000 and was a redesign of the Series 1 on top of a modified chassis. The Series 2 model continued to use the K-series Rover 4cyl until 2005 when it was replaced by the aluminum Toyota 2ZZ-GE 4 cylinder and 6 speed transaxle. Power output from that motor jumped up to 189HP allowing the Series 2 to accelerate to 60mph in as little as 4.7 seconds. Part of the change to the new Toyota powerplant was due to the fact that Lotus was bringing the Elise to the US. Because of some added safety and amenities, curb weight rose to 2006lbs for the US version of the car. In Europe, the base Elise can be had with a less powerful Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine producing 134HP and weighing 1896lbs.
In 2008 Lotus added some new models to the US lineup, the base naturally aspirated 4cyl with 189HP and the Elise SC featuring a non intercooled supercharger which pushes output to 218HP. Curb weight remains around 2000lbs. The SC can run from 0-60 in about 4.3 seconds. The Exige continues on as well in Series 2 guise with various special models producing up to 260HP in some cases making the Exige a potent track weapon.
The great thing about the Elise beside the fact that you can actually buy one here in the US is that they are fairly reasonably priced. Used examples are now dropping into the mid $20,000 range. That's a whole lot of little car for the money.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: A new Gullwing in the Mercedes-Benz Museum
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart, Germany, Sep 29, 2009
Between the 6th and 16th of October 2009 the Mercedes-Benz Museum will have another attraction to show: the new Gullwing, which had its world premiere just recently at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, will land 42 metres up on the museum�s roof terrace. For a few days visitors then can take in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in an open-air setting.
�This will be a very emotional experience for our visitors,� says Michael Bock, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH. �This super sports car stands for excitement, passion and high-tech. As museum for the past. present and future of the automobile we provide an ideal setting for the exclusive presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.�
A unique vehicle calls for exceptional surroundings: the roof terrace of the Mercedes-Benz Museum normally is not open to visitors. The 465 square metre outdoor area can be accessed through Legend Room 1 on level 8. At a dizzy height one has a grandstand view of the surrounding vineyards and the Mercedes-Benz Untert�rkheim plant. To place the SLS on the stage set for it, a 120-ton hydraulic crane will let the car float down onto the roof terrace - an ultra-precision job.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has an exciting technology package to offer: aluminium spaceframe body with gullwing doors, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with a maximum output of 420 kW/571 hp, 650 Newton metres of torque and dry sump lubrication, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in transaxle configuration, sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones, and a DIN kerb weight of 1620 kilograms - this combination guarantees driving dynamics on the highest level.
The Gullwing accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically governed 317 km/h. The fuel consumption of 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres (combined) ranks it at the top of the competitive field (all figures provisional).
The Mercedes-Benz Museum can be quickly and conveniently reached by public conveyance. Apart from the No. 56 bus line, which plies between the Bad Cannstatt train station and the �Mercedes-Benz Welt� bus stop, it is also possible to use the �Neckarpark (Mercedes-Benz)� suburban railway station. The multi-storey car park of the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the P4 car park are open to guests of the Mercedes-Benz Museum arriving by private car. The address of the Mercedes-Benz Museum:
- Mercedesstrasse 100, 70372 Stuttgart. Visitors can reach the Classic Customer Center by calling +49 (0)7 11 / 17 - 30 000. Further information is available at www.mercedes-benz.com/museum
Copyright � 2009, car-evolutioncars. All rights reserved.
Fiat 500 transmissions: 5 or 6 speed, Dualogic or MTA...
The Fiat 500 comes with a wide range of reliable, robust, sophisticated gearboxes: one is a mechanical unit (with 5 speeds for the 1.2 and 1.3, and with 6 speeds for the 1.4), the other is of the sequential robotized type named the Dualogic. The 500 Abarth comes with a heavy duty 5 speed and the 500 Abarth Assetto Corse a 6 speed extreme duty transmission. The 695 Abarth "Tributo Ferrari" has a robotized version of the normal 500 Abarth transmission dubbed the MTA.
Below is a list of the model numbers and technical specifications of the various transmissions fitted to the Fiat 500 and Abarth versions:
C514: Fiat 500 5 speed (1.2L motor)/6 speed (1.4L motor)
Max Input Torque: 150 Nm
Center Distance: 170, 182 mm
Length: 362 mm (5-sp), 410 mm (6-sp)
Mass: 33 Kg (5-sp), 35 Kg (6-sp)
Fiat 500 with Dualogic transmission
C514 MTA (Manual Transmission Automated): Fiat 500 with Dualogic
Max Input Torque: 145 Nm
Center Distance: 170 mm
Length: 362 mm (5-sp)
Mass: 42,5 Kg
FPT Electro hydraulic add-on, S-Cam
Fiat 500 Abarth with heavy duty 5 speed manual
C510: Fiat 500 Abarth, Fiat 500 Abarth esse esse
Max Input Torque: 206 Nm
Center Distance: 181 mm
Length: 380 - 395 mm
Mass: 36 Kg
695 Abarth "Tributo Ferrari" with paddle shifted 5 speed MTA
C510 MTA (Manual Transmission Automated): 695 Abarth "Tributo Ferrari"
Max Input Torque: 206 Nm
Center Distance: 181 mm
Length: 380 - 395 mm
Mass: 45 Kg
FPT Electro hydraulic add-on, X-Y
Abarth Assetto Corse with extreme duty 6 speed transmission*
M32 6 speed: Abarth Assetto Corse
Max Input Torque: 320 Nm
Center Distance: 197 mm (M32)
Length: 332 mm
Mass: 47 Kg (M32)
Reverse synchronized
The mechanical gearbox is very compact with a lot of attention paid to its shifter feel. This was made possible by the reduced inertia of the driven clutch plate and the introduction of new seals. The gearbox configuration is transverse with two cascade shafts, while the speed control is internal, with four selection levels.
The external drive is dual hose type, which filters out engine running roughness and vibration transmitted by the engine to the gear lever. The gears have teeth with extra covering, as well as fifth speed and final drive pairs that are given an extra finish after heat treatment (this improves quiet operation). The gearbox housing is light and absorbs noise efficiently, and has been fine tuned using the Finite Element Method.
The mechanical gearbox of the Fiat 500 has a �syringe� mechanism that prevents the involuntary engagement of reverse.
Dualogic
Magneti Marelli Powertrain produces robotized transmission gear or MTA(Manual Transmission Automated), that consist of the transformation of a regular gear box where the manual transmission is replaced by an Actuation kit (plug-in) electronically controlled by a Transmission Control Unit (TCU)
This system allows:
�Automatic gear shift
�Automatic clutch
In this way the driver has the following options:
�Possibility to choose between manual or automatic transmission
�Manual transmission by joystick or at the wheel
�No more clutch pedal
In addition all the information can be displayed on the dash board for a deeper awareness of the driver.
The Dualogic transmission is available on the 1.2 8v and 1.4 16v versions of the Fiat 500. The 695 Abarth "Tributo Ferrari" is equipped with a similar system but is called MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) and is controlled by a race-inspired paddle gearshift.
The Dualogic and the MTA automates the clutch and gear lever controls by means of an electro hydraulic servo, but maintains all the advantages of a dry clutch and a mechanical gearbox (weight, sturdiness and reliability, low energy consumption).
This sophisticated system improves the performance of the manual mechanical transmission components and increases driving safety because it avoids errors by the driver and prevents faulty manoeuvers of the transmission system.
There are two operating modes: semiautomatic and automatic.
The first adopts the most advanced control strategies to guarantee the best performance. Gears are engaged using the lever on the facia. Because there is no clutch pedal, the device is controlled simply by moving the lever: forward to change up (toward the �+� symbol), back to change down (toward the �-� symbol). A simple push is sufficient to ensure the transmission makes a fast, accurate gear change.
This is how the Dualogic transmission functions in semiautomatic mode. Most of the electric signals reach the control unit by CAN (Controller Area Network) and can be grouped in two large subgroups. In one, the data from the gearbox area, which make it possible to identify the engagement position, the selection, the clutch, and the operating pressure of the hydraulic kit, as well as the rotating speed of the clutch.
In the other, all the signals coming in from the control lever on the tunnel or the levers on the steering wheel (which are optional), that let the driver decide when he wants to change gear, and those from the other systems on the Fiat 500 (for example, the engine and braking system), which help to define the gear change precisely and repeatably. For example, coordination with the engine control unit makes it possible to change up without having to release the accelerator pedal or to automatically increase engine speed when changing down (double de-clutch).
Using these two groups of signals, the Dualogic gearbox can manage gear changes in a comfortable or sporty way, in the manual or automatic mode, interpreting the driver�s needs by analyzing the pedal position and the engine speed.
Once the engine on the Fiat 500 is started, any pressure on the brake pedal confirms that the driver is at the wheel, and enables first or reverse to be engaged (on a slippery surface it is also possible to set off in second). And to guarantee safety and prevent incorrect gear engagement, the system engages neutral automatically when a door is open with the engine running. The Dualogic device also prevents errors that might damage the engine or gearbox, by notifying the driver of emergency situations or incorrect maneuvers with warning lights and beeps.
The automatic mode of the Dualogic system offers two settings on the 1.2 version: Normal and Economy.
The Normal setting provides outstanding driving comfort, with brilliant acceleration and gear changes in all conditions. The Economy setting, on the other hand, is used to reduce fuel consumption, while still maintaining outstanding handling and comfort.
On the version for the 1.4 16v engine, the two settings are Normal and Sport (with the Sport button on the facia). The Sport setting activates a faster gear change logic that minimizes the torque gap and thus makes the car more �fun to drive� for the driver.
In automatic mode, the system recognizes the road gradient (by means of a software algorithm) and modifies the gear shift point to ensure the best possible compromise between the driver�s needs, ground conditions and vehicle situation (speed and engine rpm).
Another feature peculiar to the Dualogic gearbox is its ability to measure the vehicle deceleration and adapt gear changes accordingly. For example, in semiautomatic mode, and particularly with a sporty driving style, the system changes down when the driver asks for a lower speed to take a corner with more gusto. In automatic mode, the system anticipates the change down so that the driver has the best speed to maintain the level of comfort or fuel economy.
The Dualogic system is the best compromise for drivers who prefer the enjoyment and entertainment of a manual shift, but like to know they can count on the convenience of an automatic.
With help from Fiat Group Press/Magnetti Marelli
*photo courtesy of Archivio Perini
Alfa Romeo Milano Prototype Spied During Police Stop
Essentially a replacement for the aging 147, the Milano features modern MiTo-inspired
styling underneath all that camouflage. Since the car was already unmasked by
several cell phone pictures, taken at an Alfa Romeo factory, the new images
don't provide a lot of additional details.
As we have previously reported, the Milano will feature a wide variety of petrol
and diesel engines. While nothing is official, engine options are expected to
include a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol (with 120-160 hp) and a range-topping
1.75-liter four-cylinder petrol with around 200 hp.
Judging by the pace of development, look for a possible unveiling at Geneva
Motor Show in March 2010. According to documents released as part of Chrysler's
bankruptcy, the Milano also seems destined for North America.
more detail. ...
Hyundai Launches Stretch Edition of Its Luxury Flagship, EQUUS
The stretch edition offers several upgraded features from the normal sedan version, including differentiated exterior designs and longer overall length. The engine and other functions have been reinforced to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.
With the comfort of passengers at the forefront of its design principle, the Hyundai EQUUS Limousine, as it is named in Korea, offers passengers unparalleled levels of interior volume. The vehicle's length is longer than major competitors by as much as 310 mm, with backseat legroom as much as 376 mm longer, as well.
To differentiate it from the EQUUS sedan, the stretch version is equipped with an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center. Thus, the exterior image exudes an impression of strength and confidence, in line with the vehicle's elegant image.
With a maximum output of 400ps and a peak torque rating of 51.0kg, the Hyundai EQUUS Limousine outperforms its competitors, such as the Lexus LS460L and Mercedes S500L by 20ps and 12ps, respectively.
The power-driven footrest, the world's first, along with Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System function, allows passengers the most comfortable driving experience found today.
The price for the long wheelbase edition EQUUS ranges from 135 million won to 146 million won (approximately US$113,000 to US$122,180, based on today's currency exchange rates).
Additionally, Hyundai has successfully developed a bulletproof version of the long wheelbase EQUUS and has donated three units to the Blue House (the Korean Presidential Residence). Hyundai is the first Korean company ? and one of a handful worldwide - to develop a bulletproof car with its own technology.
Tokyo Motor Show: Mazda Shows Off Updated Kiyora Concept
The 41st Tokyo Motor Show runs October 23-November 4, 2009, with press days starting October 21.
via:motorauthority
SPY - First-ever dashboard photo of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Klasse
Here you have it, under layers of camouflage, measuring instruments, notebooks and juice bottles:the dashboard of the future Mercedes-Benz M-Klasse.
As seen from the images, the styling of the dash will be far more driver-oriented and sportier than that of the current M-Klasse model. Contrary to the new, angular design philosophy adopted by Mercedes-Benz, the dashboard will display beautifully sculpted curvy lines and an attractive center console with new air vents. The future COMAND system, with its LED display and new operating controller, is also on the list. The instrument cluster will go on with the current arrangement idea, that of the completely separated turometer and speedometer, each located in its own alveolus.
Moving our attention to the front armrest, we see that there are definitely more controls than usual. Apart from the COMAND controller which can be easily recognized, we could only wonder what those other buttons are useful for:probably a new 4x4 management system, with specific settings for specific running surfaces. There will also be plenty of fine materials for customizing the dashboard, such as wood and metal trims.
Source of the photos:Motor Authority
Copyright � 2009, car-evolutioncars. All rights reserved.
SPY - 2010 Mercedes-Benz R-Klasse FL - New photos surface
The giant crossover from Stuttgart, known to be, more or less, the most unsuccessful model of the German luxury carmaker, is due for a major makeover for 2010.
The R-Klasse has been on sell since the end of 2004, but never reached the desired selling target. That is why Mercedes-Benz decided to revamp the GST for the forthcoming year. The new crossover will feature a completely revised front fascia, displaying new headlights(probably featuring LED technology), radiator grille, bumper and air intakes. The rear end will also suffer some modifications concerning the tail lights and the exhausts, and last but not least, the current exterior mirrors will be replaced by the new, rectangular ones which made their debut on the E- & GLK-Klasse ranges. The overall dimensions of the car will not suffer any changes;in the interior, the 2010 R-Klasse will boast the same roomy architecture, with comfortable seats, lots of practical pockets for storing personal objects, and classy & premium quality materials for the dashboard. A new steering wheel and minor changes to the arrangement of the buttons are expected, as well as an updated COMAND system. The entire range of powerplants will be updated so as to meet the latest emission standards and be more efficient in terms of fuel consumption. So, BlueEFFICIENCY units all the way!
Source of the photos:Autowereld
Copyright � 2009, car-evolutioncars. All rights reserved.
SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT
Subaru has condensed its DNA, developed over many years around the Subaru's core technology of "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)" and "Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine", into the integration of a luxurious and high-quality cabin atmosphere and an eye-catching sculpted body. The concept car features Subaru's latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance. It proposes Subaru's vision of a future grand touring car that excels in environmental friendliness thanks to Subaru's unique hybrid system.
(1) Exterior
Subaru imagined wings with a feeling of freedom and confidence for driving far and wide in any environment. A luxurious and comfortable cabin, and advanced driving performance are contained within a sculpted aerodynamic form. The design features a combination of bright, open glass areas with a solid, reliable body.
(2) Interior
The original point of the ideal grand touring car is its interior design, featuring four independent and comfortably positioned seats. Passengers are enclosed within an atmosphere that provides a surpassing feeling of openness and stress-free reassurance, through the further pursuit of a human-centered philosophy, the essence of Subaru car design, and the incorporation of functions that are friendly to passengers.
The top of the dashboard is movable up and down to provide an optimal driving environment for the driver according to driving conditions.
A flat floor in the rear seat was achieved even with the implementation of AWD, for improved use and movement inside the cabin.
Specialized shielding is incorporated in the windshield to reduce eyestrain on the driver.
New leather covering developed with superior breathability and a ventilation function is used in the seats for improved comfort and texture.
In addition to refinements to Subaru's core technology such as Symmetrical AWD and Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine, further enhancements were made for improved environmental friendliness, driving performance and high safety performance by offering a next-generation power unit system and advanced safety technologies.
(1) Next-generation power unit system
2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine
The Horizontally-Opposed turbo gasoline engine, with a reputation for powerful acceleration, is combined with a direct fuel-injection system for improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and improved torque and response in practical range. This evolution in Subaru turbo technology excels in both environmental friendliness and engine performance.
Lineartronic, Subaru's new generation automatic transmission, achieves further improvements in both fuel efficiency and driving performance by reinforcing parts for use with the high-power output of a turbo engine.
Hybrid system
To further enhance the appeal of the Symmetrical AWD system, this unique hybrid two-motor system features a power/drive motor in the front and a drive motor in the rear.
* At start-up and extremely low speeds when fuel efficiency is low, such as when driving the car into a garage, the rear motor is used primarily to allow driving without utilizing the power of the engine.
* During normal driving, the front engine is primarily used. The direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline mated with the Symmetrical AWD offers a whole new, Subaru driving experience.
* During acceleration, the rear motor assists the driving power of the engine to achieve advanced driving performance.
* Further, when accelerating uphill, the front motor, which is normally used as a power generator, assists to drive the front axle for improved performance.
* The implementation of a non-idling function that stops the engine when the car comes to a halt reduces unnecessary fuel consumption.
* The use of a high-performance lithium battery is based on experience and know-how achieved with the Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle, launched this summer. This includes the use of a precise energy management system and regenerative brake controls, for improvements in excellent fuel efficiency.
<Major specifications>
Length x Width x Height: 4,630 x 1,890 x 1,420mm
Engine type: 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo
gasoline engine
Max output of Motor: 10kW (Front) / 20kW (Rear)
Transmission type: Lineartronic
Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 2 motors assist
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery
STARTECH Expands Its Customization Program to Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover Automobiles
Until now the STARTECH brand stood globally as a synonym for exclusive tuning for the automobiles from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. With the world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 STARTECH expands its portfolio with a sophisticated customization program for Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover automobiles.
All STARTECH products are designed and manufactured in accordance with the strict quality guidelines of the ISO 9001 norm, and all are tested and approved by the German Technical Inspection Agency (T�V).
The STARTECH product lineup for all makes of vehicles comprises the entire palette of professional tuning: Elegant and efficient aerodynamic-enhancement components as well as custom-tailored one-piece or multi-piece STARTECH Monostar light-alloy wheels characterize the outfit of a Jaguar, Land Rover, Range Rover, Jeep, Dodge or Chrysler refined by STARTECH.
To further improve active safety the STARTECH engineers have developed markedly comfortable sport suspensions and lowering kits. They offer more agile handling and easier controllability of the vehicle in extreme situations.
Special emphasis of the STARTECH activities lies on customizing and upgrading the interior. Exclusive accessories such as ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels, polished stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated STARTECH logo or classy interior completion sets are part of the product lineup as are custom fully leather interiors crafted from especially soft, breathable and yet highly durable leather and Alcantara. Another specialty are exclusive wood inlays that can be manufactured in any desired color using special bleaching and staining techniques. Genuine carbon-fiber trim sets are also available in numerous variations for all models.
STARTECH also offers custom-tailored multimedia systems for all models.
Owners of Range Rover vehicles are highly discriminating automotive connoisseurs. They can now find the perfect solutions for customizing their vehicles at STARTECH.
With stylishly integrated LED daytime running lights STARTECH lends the Range Rover an even more striking appearance and further improved active safety. The light inserts come in the same color as the door handles and the front grille, eliminating the need for costly painting.
The new STARTECH Monostar IV light-alloy wheels are another eye catcher. The five-spoke wheels feature a beautiful combination of grey and polished surfaces with a matte lacquer finish. The size 10Jx22 wheels are mounted with high-performance tires in size 295/35 R 22 front and back.
Immediately noticeable in the rear are the dual trapezoidal stainless-steel exhaust tips, which were developed to add some more visual pizzazz to the stock exhaust system.
The STARTECH designers demonstrated their ingenuity in the interior as well. Leather door panels on all four doors in the same color as the production leather complete the leather interior. Special contrast-colored cords create a particularly customized look.
The company upholstery shop fulfills requests for even more customization with entire interiors crafted in any color, upholstery design and from any material imaginable, including exclusive precious wood. Innovative bleaching and staining techniques allow the creation of perfectly matched or stunningly contrasted wood colors with various surface finishes.
The choices are virtually unlimited: The product lineup ranges from an upgrade for the stock wood trim in the form of a precious-wood molding for the center console to complete trim sets made from any desired wood grain or from genuine carbon fiber.
Upon customer request STARTECH transforms the Range Rover into an exclusive office on wheels or into a mobile multimedia lounge with state-of-the-art communication technology.
The development of the STARTECH program for the updated Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles of model year 2010 is already running at full steam. It will include a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement kit, custom-tailored 22-inch wheels, suspension modifications and exclusive interiors with fully leather and Alcantara upholsteries and precious-wood inlays in any color and grain, all made exactly to customer's specifications.
Following the development and implementation of a globally successful customization program for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep automobiles STARTECH now also refines British Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. At the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 the Land Rover Freelander 2 with STARTECH design celebrates its world debut.
The face of the English SUV receives more character with the sporty yet elegant STARTECH front element with integrated LED daytime running lights. The new front element was designed to attach to the lower part of the production bumper.
The STARTECH attachment for the liftgate continues the contour of the rear bumper across its entire width. The result is an even more balanced rear appearance of the Freelander 2 compared with the production car.
The fully stainless-steel STARTECH sport exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipes left and right adds yet another visual and acoustic highlight. Custom-tailored versions of the exhaust system are available for all Freelander 2 models.
STARTECH Monostar IV light-alloy wheels give the Freelander 2 an even more refined appearance and increase both driving fun and safety reserves. The one-piece five-spoke wheels in size 9Jx20 are mounted with size 265/45 R 20 tires front and back and make full use of the available space under the wheel arches.
The STARTECH program also offers a multitude of customization options for the interior of the smallest Land Rover model: The company upholstery shop can answer the exclusive requests of any Freelander 2 owner, perfect down to the last detail. The upholsterers masterfully handcraft interiors in any color and upholstery design imaginable. The materials of choice for the exclusive STARTECH interiors are especially soft and breathable leathers and Alcantara.