Jaguar XKR-S convertible : 2012

The XKR-S Convertible is the most powerful and fastest convertible Jaguar has ever built.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S convertible.

The pinnacle of the Jaguar sporting range – the XKR-S Coupe – is now joined by a convertible body style which offers the same enticing blend of abilities, while offering driver and passenger a heightened connection with their surroundings.

The XKR-S Convertible embodies all the characteristics that have always defined legendary Jaguar GTs – explosive performance, precise handling, relaxed comfort and discreet luxury – while taking Jaguar into a new performance level. The new XKR-S Convertible sits at the pinnacle of the XK range, which now consists of XK, XKR and XKR-S derivatives in coupe and convertible body styles.

The XKR-S Convertible receives the performance, dynamics, design, and interior upgrades originally introduced on its coupe sibling to create the fastest ever open-top Jaguar GT.

“The new XKR-S Convertible represents the pinnacle of performance and glamour in motoring, there is nothing as liberating as experiencing life from behind the wheel of an open-topped Jaguar and the new XKR-S Convertible takes the Jaguar GT experience to new heights.” - Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Cars Global Brand Director

Design.
Externally the XKR-S Convertible is differentiated from other XK models with carefully calibrated aerodynamic aids that allow it to perform at very high speeds. Extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics, wind tunnel and track work has resulted in the aerodynamic design changes applied to the XKR-S Convertible. These perform an essential function in maintaining stability in an open-topped car capable of speeds as high as 186 mph.

These aerodynamic design changes give the front of the car a dramatic and bold appearance. Vertical feature lines run down from the edges of the oval air intake into a new bumper design which incorporates a wider, lower air intake, a carbon fiber splitter and twin side nacelles. At the edges of the bumper, vertical panels channel air down the side of the car along new sills, which serve to both smooth the horizontal airflow and emphasize the 0.4-inch reduction in ride height.

A unique rear wing with a carbon fiber inlay works in conjunction with a rear apron featuring a carbon fiber diffuser. The result is a reduction in overall lift of 26 percent and balanced aerodynamics front and rear to keep the car connected to the road.

The exterior changes are highlighted by the application of gloss black to the exterior bright work, complemented by the dark technical finish of the lightweight, forged 20” Vulcan design alloy wheels through which can be seen the Jaguar High Performance Brake calipers finished in either eye-catching red or discreet gunmetal. The XKR-S Convertible is available in a range of six colors, including Polaris White and British Racing Green, a tribute to Jaguar’s competition heritage. The acoustically treated convertible top opens and stows in just 18 seconds. It comes in black as standard with a further six optional fabric colors available.

“Taking the track-oriented ethos of the XKR-S Coupe and applying it to a convertible is very exciting. There is a real spirit and thrill to driving with the roof down and in a car capable of these speeds that is going to be exaggerated to create a very dramatic and special experience.” - Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar Cars

Performance.
The building block for the car’s explosive performance is an updated version of the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, which produces 550 hp and 502lb-ft of torque. These figures represent a power increase of 40 hp (8 percent) and torque increase of 41lb-ft (9 percent) over the Jaguar XKR. Driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox and an Active Differential, this propels the XKR-S Convertible to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (0-100 kmh in 4.4 seconds) and up to an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.

The inherent engineering integrity of the acclaimed Jaguar AJ-V8 engine, now in its third generation, meant that Jaguar engineers could derive the extra power and torque needed for the XKR-S. The advanced design of the quad-cam, all-aluminum V8 incorporates spray-guided direct injection and variable valve timing for great efficiency as well as prodigious power. The Roots-type twin-vortex supercharger nestling in the ‘V’ of the engine has twin intercoolers and is 20 percent more thermodynamically efficient than its predecessor.

Liberating an extra 40 hp over and above the XKR entailed remapping the fueling characteristics and increasing exhaust gas flow through the use of an active exhaust system.

With the convertible top lowered, the Performance Active exhaust system delivers an authentic, motorsports inspired soundtrack that has been tuned to provide the driver with a thoroughly exhilarating driving experience.

Chassis Dynamics.
Jaguar pioneered the use of aluminum in series production cars. The low mass and high tensile strength of aluminum helps give the XKR-S torsional rigidity of 16,500 Newton meters per degree. With the XK model designed as a convertible from the outset, Jaguar engineers were able to apply the changes that created the XKR-S Coupe into the open-top GT without compromising performance, agility or refinement. Supporting this potent engine performance is a comprehensive package of suspension upgrades which refine the XK model’s dynamic abilities further, creating an intimate connection between the car, the driver and the road.

Both front and rear suspension systems have been revised. A new aluminum steering knuckle in the front double wishbone suspension increases camber stiffness by 23 percent to provide even greater levels of steering accuracy and feedback. To increase stability and control, the Active Differential has been uprated to reduce steering sensitivity at high speeds.

Rear damper top mounts have been stiffened, while the rear wheel steer effect has been optimized for agility. Spring rates front and rear have been increased by 28 percent while a bespoke Adaptive Damping program for the XKR-S maximizes body control, traction and grip.

Unsprung mass has been reduced by nearly five percent through the fitment of lightweight, forged alloy wheels, which also offer greater traction and grip levels thanks to wider rear tires that were specifically developed for use on the XKR-S and serve to increase the size of the tire contact patch. The XKR-S convertible rides on Pirelli® PZero® tires (255/35 ZR20 at the front and 295/30 ZR20 at the rear).

In order to allow the enthusiastic driver to explore the performance envelope, the Dynamic Stability Control system has undergone customized changes. In TracDSC mode, specific traction, stability and Active Differential settings reduce intervention levels and enhance mid-corner adjustability, allowing the exhilarating handling to be exploited to the fullest.

The Jaguar High Performance Braking System fitted as standard is matched to the car’s seductive performance. Huge brake discs – 15 inch front and 14 inch rear – in combination with aluminum calipers and pad area increases of 44 percent front and 31 percent rear in comparison to the XK provide inspiring levels of power, stability and feel.

“Because the XK was designed as a convertible it has great structural integrity. This allowed us to carry over the coupe settings entirely to create a convertible with no compromises. Its blend of great speed, precision and dynamism is given an extra dimension with the roof down and that thrilling exhaust soundtrack.” - Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar Cars

Interior.
With the convertible top down, the interior of the XKR-S will be subject to as many envious glances as the exterior, with both highlighting the car’s high performance intent.

Exclusive to the XKR-S models are carbon-leather trimmed versions of Jaguar Performance seats which feature integrated head rests, racing harness cut-outs and increased side bolster support to hold driver and passenger securely during high speed cornering. The 16-way adjustable, heated seats feature highlights of carbon leather and contrast micro piping unique to the model, while carbon leather is also used to accent the cabin and emphasize the car’s assertive nature.

Superb tactile interfaces are provided by the multifunction three-spoke leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and Jaguar-embossed bright stainless steel pedals.

Other premium surfaces include soft-feel paint for the switches and a gloss black center console. An exclusive dark aluminum finish is available as standard with an optional Piano Black finish also available.

Porsche Panamera GTS : 2012

Porsche unveiled the Porsche Panamera GTS at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Panamera GTS is the purest expression of a sports sedan in the Porsche family with a clear focus on performance.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

The new Panamera GTS is based on the Panamera 4S and includes more power, upgraded brakes and a body lowered by ten millimeters with new, sportier chassis tuning coupled to air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). These technical modifications make the Panamera model even more capable of cutting it on the race track without sacrificing practicality. The sportiest of all Panamera models also conveys this to occupants and the outside world by its striking sound. In terms of looks, the new Panamera GTS includes distinctive design features at the front, side and rear as well as black highlights. The interior is also tailored to its sporty personality with adaptive sports seats, SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and exclusive GTS leather interior with Alcantara surfaces.

The Panamera GTS is powered by a modified 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering 430 hp at 6,700 rpm, increasing the output over the Panamera S/4S by 30 hp. The maximum torque also increases by comparison, from 369 to 384 lb. ft. At the push of a button, thanks to the standard Sport Chrono package, the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission transmits the engine output to the all-wheel drive system during gear changes without interruption to the power flow. This collaboration enables the Panamera GTS to sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, accelerating on to its top track speed of 178 mph.

The 0-60 figures and top speed only scratch the surface of the new Panamera GTS’s sporty character. Its chassis in particular makes it fit for the race track: the adaptive air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) connect the chassis and body, constantly adapting to the driving challenges by regulating leveling settings, adjusting height, modifying the spring rate and electrically modulating the damping system. The body has been lowered by ten millimeters and the damping designed to be tauter, which helps agility and further reinforces the sporty personality of the Panamera GTS. Five millimeter wheel spacers between the wheel and the wheel hubs increase the rear axle track width, giving the Panamera even more stability. The required grip is provided by standard 255/45 size 19-inch tires on the front axle and 285/40 on the rear axle. Optional 20-inch wheels are available with 255/40 tires on the front and 295/35 on the rear.

Deceleration on the sporty Panamera is provided by the braking system from the Panamera Turbo, which includes larger diameter front brake rotors than Panamera S/4S. Like all other Porsche models, the Panamera is available with the optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), featuring brake calipers finished in yellow.

The sports car among Sports Sedans.
The Panamera GTS is the purest member of the Porsche Panamera family. The heart of the new Panamera GTS is its upgraded 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine benefiting from numerous modifications to give it even better performance. Compared with the Panamera S/4S, these modifications result in a 30 hp increase in engine output and an increase in torque of 15 lb. ft. to 384 lb. ft. at 3,500 rpm.

To achieve these enhancements, the engineers increased the speed at which the engine reaches peak power by 200 rpm; the GTS’s eight-cylinder engine achieves maximum output at 6,700 rpm. Redline was extended by 400 rpm to 7,100 rpm. The higher engine speed capabilities are enabled by modified valve springs, ensuring that the valves open and shut precisely in all circumstances.

In addition to the increase in redline; the engine in the Panamera GTS employs a higher-flow air intake system. At low speeds, flaps close each of the two air intake openings. At engine speeds above 3,500 rpm, both flaps open and allow additional air flow into the inlet duct. In order to be able to handle the increased flow of combustion air, two new camshafts with a one millimeter increase in lift control the intake valves. As a result, especially at higher revs, the engine draws in more air and, with it, the engine makes more power.

Hearing performance: Sound Symposer transmits intake noises.
At the push of the Sport button, driver and passengers can hear the GTS engine “breathing” even more than usual as a ‘Sound Symposer’ directs the intake sounds into the interior. This is accomplished with the addition of an acoustic channel, which picks up the intake vibrations between the throttle valve and air filter. The acoustic channel incorporates a membrane that transmits the vibrations as an engine sound into the A-pillar. A controllable valve located in front of the membrane enables the Sound Symposer to be activated or deactivated by means of the Sport button.

Exhaust gases exit the Panamera GTS through a standard sport exhaust system. This exhaust comes with larger diameter pipes to reduce back pressure and black exhaust tips. This too, is another building block toward increased power output, and one which adds additional aural excitement: the sport exhaust system features two tuning flaps, which expose additional exhaust openings, thereby emitting an even more powerful sound. The flaps are controlled by a switch in the center console, which features a “last mode” function that remembers the last setting when the engine is restarted.

The control of the GTS engine is handled by modified and upgraded engine controls. The new system has been tuned for improved torque and responsiveness. The modified engine management system also enables a brief shutoff of individual cylinders when changing gears, allowing the engine speed to adjust even faster to the transmission speed. This further reduces gear change times and is accompanied a short, sharp report from the exhaust system, particularly audible when downshifting in Sport mode.

Sport Chrono Plus Package for individual sportiness.
The Panamera GTS comes standard with the Sport Chrono package, which in addition to Normal and Sport modes offers a Sport Plus program as well. Specific characteristics of the Panamera GTS are further accentuated depending on which mode is selected: for example, activating Sport Plus mode enhances gear-shift parameters and throttle response and includes Launch Control for faster off-the-line acceleration.

Moreover, in Sport Plus mode the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) stabilization system intervenes later. The Sport Plus mode offers even greater agility with the PSM deactivated. For safety’s sake however it remains on permanent standby in the background, intervening automatically if both front wheels are in the ABS control range. In addition, the adaptive air suspension lowers the vehicle to the low setting and switches to a harder spring rate. The rear spoiler angle of attack also changes to the performance-oriented setting.

Options for even greater driving dynamics: PDCC and PTV Plus.
Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is the final level of development of the Panamera GTS chassis, paired with an electronically controlled rear axle differential lock and PTV Plus. PDCC prevents the body from rolling by using active stabilizers on the front and rear axle to apply a counteracting force.

PDCC is further enhanced by Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). The system works by varying the torque distribution to the rear wheels and by employing an electronically regulated rear differential lock, optimizing steering behavior. Braking interventions applied to the inside rear wheel generate an additional rotational pulse in the direction in which the steering wheel has been turned. This results in a direct and dynamic steering action as the car enters the curve.

PTV Plus improves steering behavior and precision by modulating braking interventions to the rear wheels when the car is being driven in a highly dynamic way. When entering a corner, braking force is applied to the inside rear wheel as the steering maneuver begins. This imparts greater drive torque to the outside rear wheel and improves the car’s agility.

Panamera GTS aerodynamics package.
The aerodynamics of the Panamera GTS are on par with the Panamera Turbo: with its large air intake openings, the standard front fascia from the Panamera’s SportDesign package emphasizes the vehicle’s sporty dynamics and ensures an optimal air supply for the larger air filters unique to the GTS. This is matched in the rear section by fitting the adaptively deploying four-way rear spoiler from the Panamera Turbo. At speeds of 125 mph and above, it positions itself to generate downforce on the rear axle, thereby ensuring stable driving safety at high speeds.

Exterior: Sporty at first glance.
The exterior features a high-gloss black exterior package as standard, comprised of side window trim, decorative trim on the rear lid, the headlight washer unit cover, the rear diffuser and the side air outlet panels. Together with the black front fascia grills, black side skirts, black lower rear fascia the sport exhaust system’s matte black tailpipes, the resulting appearance is striking.

A further point of differentiation: Bi-Xenon headlights with black inner bezels. They feature four LED daytime running lights. Optional paintwork in Carmine Red, available exclusively for the Panamera GTS, emphasizes the vehicle’s sportiness and provides an ideal contrast with the black exterior accessories.

Interior: Acceleration display, unique appointments.
The Panamera GTS includes a lateral and longitudinal acceleration display. The multi-function display in the instrument cluster and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system informs the driver about the instantaneous acceleration.

The Panamera GTS’s interior includes leather and Alcantara trimmed seats in a choice of five colors. The standard adaptive 18-way adjustable sport seats feature Alcantara center panels. Alcantara trim is also used on the upper sections of the door armrests and front center console armrest, as well as the roofliner. The SportDesign steering wheel with shift paddles and a twelve hour marking on the steering wheel combines dynamic looks with sporty functionality. This steering wheel can also be clad with black Alcantara if so desired. To ensure clear differentiation, the front brushed aluminum door entry guards are adorned with “Panamera GTS” lettering. “GTS” lettering is also found in the instrument cluster and on the embroidered headrests.

Porsche has put together two special optional interior equipment packages for the Panamera GTS. These packages marry a black interior with decorative stitching on the seats, foot mats, dashboard, door panels, center console armrest and doors, executed in Carmine Red or GT silver. Embroidered “GTS” lettering on the headrests and safety belts is also in the corresponding color.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS interior.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS interior.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS interior.

2012 Porsche Panamera GTS interior.

Audi S8 : 2012

The Audi S8, which will be launched on the market in spring 2012, is the new head of the Audi S model family – a large, luxurious sedan of supreme power.

2012 Audi S8.

The new 4.0 TFSI in the S8 generates no less than 382 kW (520 hp) and delivers a constant 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm. The result is outstanding performance: The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes just 4.2 seconds, and top speed is electronically capped at 250 km/h (155.34 mph).

This makes the fuel consumption of the sonorous and smooth twin-turbo V8 all the more amazing: It averages just 10.2 liters per 100 km (23.06 US mpg), much less than its competitors. The free-breathing, 5.2-liter V10 in the previous model consumed an average of 13.2 liters per 100 km (17.82 US mpg). Fuel consumption decreased by nearly 23 percent despite a 51 kW (70 hp) increase in output.

Behind the top value for the new Audi S8 are the combined technologies of the Audi modular efficiency platform, including the recuperation and start-stop systems. The newly developed “cylinder on demand” technology plays a particularly large role. Under part load, it deactivates four of the eight cylinders for an efficiency gain that is particularly pronounced at moderate highway speeds. A package of acoustic measures including the Active Noise Cancellation system suppresses possible intrusive noise and vibrations.

The eight-speed tiptronic in the S8 also unites sportiness and efficiency. It uses tall gears at low revs whenever possible, but downshifts quickly and comfortably when requested by the driver. The tiptronic delivers the power to a quattro drivetrain combining a self-locking center differential with the sport differential at the rear axle. During dynamic driving, the lion’s share of the power flows to the outside wheel to literally push the large sedan into the corner.

Chassis.
The new Audi S8 also pulls out all the stops when it comes to the chassis. One of its features is a specially tuned adaptive air suspension with variable damping, which can vary the ride height of the body between three levels and thus ensures a wide-ranging driving experience. It harmonizes perfectly with the dynamic steering, also standard, that adapts its steering ratio and boost to the vehicle’s speed. It uses slight, nearly imperceptible steering corrections to stabilize handling at the cornering limit.

The Audi drive select dynamics system encompasses these two systems as well as engine management, the eight-speed tiptronic and the sport differential. The driver can determine the function of these components by choosing between the five modes comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency.

The standard, S-specific wheels measure 9 J x 20 and are shod with 265/40-series tires. Audi offers five additional wheels as options, four of which have a 21-inch diagonal. The four internally ventilated disc brakes measure 400 millimeters (15.75 in) in diameter up front and 365 millimeters (14.37 in) at the rear. The matt black calipers up front bear S8 logos. Each of the optional carbon fiber-ceramic discs saves over five kilograms (11 lb) of weight. Their calipers are anthracite gray. The ESP stabilization program includes a sport mode, in which engine output is determined solely by the position of the pedals.

Body and design.
A decisive advantage of the S8 is the comparatively low weight of 1,975 kilograms (4,354.13 lb). The luxury sedan’s ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made almost entirely of aluminum. Only the B-pillars are made of ultra high-strength steel. The body weighs just 231 kilograms (509.27 lb); a conventional steel construction would be around 100 kilograms (220.46 lb) heavier. The Audi ultra-lightweight construction allows weight to be reduced in other areas as well, such as the chassis.

Fine design details signal the special position that the 5.15 meter-long (16.90 ft) S8 occupies in the Audi range. The single-frame grille is platinum gray and its eight double bars are covered in chrome. An aluminum-look blade makes the bumper appear sharper, and there are high-gloss black slats and aluminum-look ribs in the side air intakes.

On the sides, body color trim strips on the sills, door handles with strips of aluminum and polished aluminum-look mirror housings catch the eye. The diffuser insert at the back of the car includes a blade with a two-layer aluminum-look finish offset with parts in platinum gray. The exhaust system ends in two oval dual tailpipes in a chrome-look finish.

S8 or V8 T badges can be found in the front, on the back and on the sides. The color range includes 13 shades, two of which – Daytona Gray and Prism Silver – are reserved for the S8.

Interior.
The interior shines with craftsman-like fit and finish and small yet effective accents. The multi-way, power-adjustable comfort sport seats have been designed exclusively for the S8. They are optionally available with exclusive seat upholstery in quilted lunar silver. The stitching and piping are in contrasting steel gray, while the upper inlays on the instrument panel and tiptronic selector lever present the material Carbon Atlas.

The leather multifunction sport steering wheel has color-contrasting stitching and an S8 emblem, which can also be found on the instruments. Typical of the Audi S models, these have gray dials with white needles – a design which is repeated in the classic analogue clock. The illuminated door sill trims with the S8 logo are a further eye-catcher. The display of the driver information system and the MMI monitor greet the driver with special S8 screens. The shift paddles and pedals are in an aluminum-look finish; a red ring frames the start button.

The S8 offers a wide selection of interior colors, inlays and seat upholstery. These include particularly soft Valcona leather and seats with ventilation and massage functions. The leather package, a DVD changer, the convenience key with sensor-controlled lock for the trunk and the ambient lighting package round out the list of standard interior equipment. The Audi S8 is also equipped with the innovative LED headlights and double glazing.

Equipment.
Beyond the generous standard equipment, Audi makes all of the high-end options from the A8 series available in the new S8. The driver assistance systems, which are closely networked with one another and the navigation system, are particularly innovative.

The core of these is the adaptive cruise control system with stop & go function; others include Audi side assist, Audi lane assist, the speed limit display and the night vision assistant with highlighting of detected pedestrians.
Supplementing these technologies is the safety system Audi pre sense, which is available in a number of versions. A new break recommendation function uses steering motions and additional parameters to detect if the driver is getting tired and issues an appropriate warning.

New to the A8 family is the parking system with 360° camera. Four small cameras record images of the sedan’s immediate surroundings and a computer splices them together. The driver can call up a variety of views on the MMI monitor, including a virtual top-down view. The system enhances safety while maneuvering and in narrow driveways. Special views allow the driver to see cross-traffic.

The MMI navigation plus, which comes standard, represents the state-of-the-art in infotainment systems. It includes the groundbreaking MMI touch input system, a large hard drive and a high-resolution 8-inch display. The high-end system can be combined with the likewise standard Bluetooth online car phone, which brings special Internet services to the car and provides WLAN connectivity for mobile devices.

The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with its 1,400 watt amplifiers and 19 speakers impresses with its amazing sound.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8.

2012 Audi S8 mirror.

2012 Audi S8 interior.

2012 Audi S8 interior.

2012 Audi S8 interior.

2012 Audi S8 interior.

2012 Audi S8 interior.

2012 Audi S8 interior.

2012 Audi S8 gauge cluster.

4.0 litre V8 TFSI engine.

2012 Audi S8 dimensions.