2010 MTM Volkswagen Golf GTI & GTD

The sixth generation of Golf - optional with the 3 magic letters GTI or GTD - is like his predecessors an object of desire for the tuners. Either up to 310 hp (228 kW) for the GTI or 205 hp (151 kW) for the GTD, the VW and Audi refiner from Wettstetten offers for both cars different power and configuration stages, which improve significantly the characteristics and have a positive effect on the car.

The results: faster lap times, optimum value and lots of recommendations. And that not only in the MTM domains - best vehicle dynamics, thanks to a perfect complete package of power enhancement, exhaust system, suspensions and sport rims - but also for fuel consumption. In a comparative test, the MTM Golf GTD had a fuel consumption less than 8 litres per 100 km, which relegated its competitors to the fringe.


With the GTI for a new takeoff

The GTI drivers of the sixth generation will be spoiled with MTM products, which stand more for technique rather than optics. Four power enhancement stages, beginning with 270 hp (199 kW) through the optimization of the ECU and it even goes further. In its upper stage, MTM reaches more than 300 hp through the modification of the ECU, MTM turbocharger with exhaust manifold and complete 4 pipes exhaust system. The exact characteristics are 310 hp (228 kW) and a torque of 410 Nm, with a time of 1.16 min realized on the small track of Hockenheim, top speed of about 270 km/h and 5,7 seconds from 0 to 100.

MTM provides the new GTI with 19" sport rims in new BIMOTO 9-spoke-design which offer enough space for the MTM brake system with 380 mm discs. Last but not least, MTM advises the in-house suspension kit, which lowers the front about 30 mm.


For the ones who are only searching 'a little bit' more, they are in good hands at MTM. The 60 hp upgrade compared to the series car and also the 18" sport rims in the Bimoto Design - available since the beginning of 2010 - enable a first entry into MTM high quality tuning already available from 2.698 Euros incl. taxes.

Mighty Diesel power. The Golf GTD by MTM.

With a power upgrade - through ECU modifications - of 205 hp (151 kW) and a torque of 380 Nm, the MTM Golf GTD is clearly ahead of the series GTD, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h of 7,1 s instead of 7,8 s and a particularly higher flexibility.

For those who are looking for more than a power upgrade, it's also possible to revert to MTM's full range of tuning products. Starting with the well-known MTM exhaust system in 4-pipe-optic and 80 mm diameter, over MTM suspensions, MTM sport rims in the BIMOTO design and MTM brake system, the Golf GTD can perfectly provided with.

Nobody has to be afraid of the prices: 800 Euro (incl. taxes, excl. installation) for the power upgrade, 1.499 Euro for the 18" rim set and for the ones who pay an additional charge of 400 Euro even gets a 19" rim set.

MTM put the VW Golf GTI and GTD under mighty pressure

• Up to 100 hp more and fantastic characteristics for the Golf GTI
• 205 hp for the diesel Golf GTD

2010 NOVITEC ROSSO Ferrari California Compressor V8

Engine tuning using a supercharger is NOVITEC ROSSO’s recipe for making the Ferrari California even more powerful and even sportier. The new supercharged engine represents an increase in power output for the 4.3-liter V8 from standard 460 hp to 606 hp / 446 kW. Powered by this engine the 2+2-seater car sprints from 0 - 100 km/h in under 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 325 km/h. Custom-tailored NOVITEC ROSSO wheels with diameters of 21 and 22 inches, a sporty aerodynamic-enhancement kit and exclusive interior options add further striking highlights.

The NOVITEC ROSSO specialists fit the eight-cylinder four-valve engine of the California with a mechanical charger driven by the crankshaft via a cogged belt. Boost pressure is limited to 0.4 bars.

The system also includes a water-to-air intercooler, a custom intake manifold and larger injectors. On the exhaust side the car is equipped with a NOVITEC ROSSO stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with sport catalysts. An integrated flap mechanism activated by a small switch on the steering wheel called the ‘manettino’ controls the intensity of the exhaust note.

Precision-calibrated mapping for the engine electronics ensure optimal power yield, perfect reliability and compliance with strict Euro IV exhaust emission limits.

The NOVITEC ROSSO compressor conversion bumps power output of the ragtop GT from standard 460 hp / 338 kW to 606 hp / 446 kW at 7,900 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 485 Nm to 603 Nm at 5,500 rpm.

The car’s performance speaks volumes: Acceleration from rest to 100 km/h takes less than 3.8 seconds; top speed increases to 325 km/h.

In addition to more power NOVITEC ROSSO also offers exclusive upgrades for body, suspension and the interior. The body of the California is dressed up in a sporty yet elegant designer suit which is also available in a version made from Carbon.

The shape of the NOVITEC ROSSO front spoiler was developed in the wind tunnel and it lends the front-engine sports car an even more dynamic profile. And with its sophisticated shape the spoiler reduces lift on the front axle for further improved directional stability at high speeds.

New rocker panels with integrated airfoils and black side markers add striking new highlights to the sides of the two-door car. The aerodynamic concept is rounded out with a rear diffuser and rear spoiler lip that both further minimize unwanted lift on the rear axle. A carbon-fiber rear molding adds the finishing touches to the NOVITEC ROSSO look for the Ferrari California.

Gorgeous three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 wheels help further improve driving dynamics. The combination of size 9Jx21 wheels in front and size 11.5Jx22 on the rear axle further emphasizes the wedge shape of the sports car. Technology partner Pirelli supplies high-performance tires custom-tailored to this vehicle. The tires are mounted in size 255/30 ZR 21 on the front axle. In the rear tires in size 315/25 ZR 22 provide optimal traction.

The NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs are calibrated specifically to this tire/wheel combination. They also lower the ride height of the Ferrari by some 35 millimeters. The suspension engineers have further developed a custom feature that makes the California even better suited for everyday use. A hydraulic lift system for the front axle can raise the front of the car by 40 millimeters at the push of a button. This makes it easier to navigate obstacles such as speed bumps or parking garage ramps. The front reverts to its original position at a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 80 km/h.

NOVITEC ROSSO can also fulfill Ferrari California owners’ requests for interior customization. Captivating NOVITEC ROSSO exclusive interiors are masterfully crafted to perfection from leather and Alcantara, and are available in a multitude of colors and upholstery designs.

2010 Pagani Zonda Tricolore

On the occasion of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the “Frecce Tricolori”, Pagani Automobili created the Zonda Tricolore as a tribute to the National Aerobatic Team.

In 2010 the aerobatic season of the Frecce Tricolori comes to its 50th anniversary, wich will be celebrated on 11th and 12th September at Rivolto Airport (info: www.aeronautica.difesa.it).


The Frecce Tricolori (Italian, literally Tricolour Arrows), officially known as the 313th Aerobatic Training Squadron is the demonstration team of the Italian Air Force, based at Rivolto Air Force Base, in the north-eastern Italian region of Friuli Venezia-Giulia, province of Udine. They were formed in 1961 as an Air Force team, replacing previous teams that had been sponsored by various commands by the end of the 1920s.


The team flies the Aermacchi MB-339-A/PAN, a two-seat aircraft capable of 898 km/h at sea level, with nine aircraft and a solo (the highest number of aircraft of any aerobatic team in the world).

2010 Renault Laguna Coupe Monaco GP Limited Edition

The Laguna Coupé has always been one of the most striking two-door coupés. Now Renault’s designers have enhanced the two door’s svelte lines with a striking new Monaco GP limited edition.

Given that white is still the new black, the new addition’s arresting look comes courtesy of its sole body and roof colour combination – Pearlescent White metallic paint with contrasting Pearl Black roof. Completing the transformation from stylish grand tourer to aggressive sport coupé, are a set of black 18" 'Interlagos' alloy wheels and matching folding door mirrors.

Allied to the car’s alluring exterior appeal is a well-appointed cabin, featuring a wealth of luxuries perfectly in keeping with the ambience and culture of the Principality from which it takes its name.

Based on the Coupé GT and powered by the 2.0 dCi 180 FAP engine, the limited edition Monaco GP recalls Renault F1 Team’s most recent wins there in 2004 and 2006. The newcomer boasts four-wheel steering, eye-catching dark grey leather upholstery with Monaco GP logo and gloss white inserts for the dash, centre console and door panels.

Rounding off the new version’s impressive range of features are Bluetooth®, BOSE sound system, electric and heated front seats, multi-functional TunePoint (for portable music players), front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitor and fully integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation.

Ordering for the latest addition to the Laguna Coupé range is open now, ahead of deliveries in July. Production for the white hot limited edition ends in September.

Renault launches striking Laguna Coupe Monaco GP limited edition

• Striking Monaco GP limited edition version of Laguna Coupé in pearlescent white metallic with black roof available to order now for deliveries in July
• Wealth of equipment includes gloss black 18” alloy wheels, four-wheel-steering, bespoke Monaco GP leather upholstery and BOSE sound system
• £24,995 OTR - saving of £5,200 compared to Coupé GT trim level with individual options added

2010 Saab 9-5 Sedan

The All-New Saab 9-5 Sedan, making its U.S. premiere at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami, takes center stage on the Saab stand as the Swedish premium brand celebrates the start of new era.

• Progressive Scandinavian design inspired by Aero X and Saab heritage
• Engineered with the driver in focus for segment leading sporty driving experience
• High levels of responsible performance, both environmental and safety
• Most technically advanced Saab with an array of 'high-tech' features

Making its North American public debut at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami, the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan signals the start of a new era for the Saab brand. Sleek, sophisticated and unmistakably Saab, it combines fashion-forward Svenska design with advanced technologies and will bring a fresh alternative choice to the premium sedan segment when sales start later in 2010.

The clean, sculpted shape embraces the purity of Scandinavian design and its dramatic wraparound window graphic echoes Saab's aviation heritage. With frontal styling inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and a muscular, low-slung stance, the new 9-5 heralds the introduction of a bolder, more expressive design direction for Saab.

The array of high-tech features available includes: an aircraft-like head-up information display (Pilot HUD); adaptive lighting (Bi-Xenon Smart Beam); Saab DriveSense adaptive chassis with real-time suspension damping control; keyless entry and starting; tri-zone air conditioning; and Saab XWD with a rear eLSD (electronic limited-slip differential), which provides optimal traction on slippery surfaces, an industry-leading all-wheel-drive system.

"This car is the start of a new era for our brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab."

Scandinavian Design

Forward-looking design that doesn't ignore where it's coming from - that sums up the visual appeal of the all-new Saab 9-5 sedan. "We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues," says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. "We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brand's aircraft heritage."

The face of the new 9-5 is defined by a deep grille flanked with curving, ice-block headlamp units. The entire glasshouse is presented as a 'wraparound' mono graphic, the disguised windshield and side pillars giving the cabin Saab's signature cockpit look. Squint slightly, and the proportions of the windshield and roof become reminiscent of the classic 900 model.

Viewed from any angle, the all-new 9-5 cuts a strong and powerful stance. The 'organic sculpture' of the low-slung body blends clean, uncluttered lines with natural, curvaceous shapes. Brand design cues are evident in the 'hockey stick' belt-line, the strong rear C-pillars and the fuselage-smooth surfacing of the bodywork. The large Saab logo embossed in the center of the grille characterizes the more assertive, self-confident design language.

The car's dynamic character is emphasized by a falling roof-line that culminates in sweeping rear pillars which buttress a slightly recessed rear screen. Latent energy is conveyed by fenders that are subtly pulled out to melt into the wheels. Below that smooth, flat rear deck, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar wraps into signature lighting.

The new 9-5's overall proportions stretch the traditional three-box sedan silhouette, while avoiding the fastback cliché of a four-door coupé look.


Driver-focused cabin

Inside the spacious cabin, simple forms define its architecture and echo the design purity of the exterior. Compared to its predecessor, legroom and shoulder width are increased both front and rear. The choice of materials, the fit and finish and the tactile quality of the controls all reflect the new 9-5's premium appeal.

The driver-focused cockpit is traditional Saab, while its execution is all-new. The deep center console sweeps up at a shallow angle around the driver into the main instrument display, which is topped by a neat ventilation zone. Deeply recessed main dials include a rolling 'altimeter' speed read-out, a reference to Saab's aviation heritage from the Aero X concept. Driver displays, including the optional head-up display (Pilot HUD) in the windshield, are predominantly illuminated in signature Saab green and have a crisp, floating appearance. The car's ignition, now a start/stop button, remains between the front seats, next to the gear shift.

Infotainment choices include a top-of-the-line harman/kardon surround sound audio system and an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen navigation system with hard disk storage for map data and 10 GB of jukebox-style music files. A large center console provides stowage and connections for several portable devices through USB and Aux ports alongside a 12V power outlet.

Rear passengers can access their own audio or watch a DVD. The rear seat entertainment unit in the back of the center console accommodates audio controls and fold-out viewing screens are installed in the front seat-backs. Wired and wireless headphones are provided for listening and viewing. The rear seat entertainment unit also includes twin air vents and an independent temperature control for the rear cabin, in addition to the dual zone air conditioning up front.

On the road

An array of chassis technologies is focused on delivering a sporty, rewarding driving experience that belies the 9-5's size. Saab XWD, an industry-leading all-wheel-drive system already available on the Saab 9-3, will be availed in the 9-5 as well. Also available is adaptive chassis control with driver settings selection through Saab DriveSense and Bi-Xenon Smart Beam adaptive lighting.


New era

Defined and equipped by Saab as its top-of-the-line contender in the premium midsize sedan segment, the new 9-5 is the most technically advanced car ever produced by the company. It will be built at Saab's home plant in Trollhättan, where it has been engineered and chiefly developed.

General Motors LLC. and Koenigsegg Group AB, a consortium led by Koenigsegg Automotive AB, is currently in a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of Saab Automobile AB that secures Saab's future.

The sale, expected to close by the end of the year, includes a $600 million funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) guaranteed by the Swedish government. Saab is in the final stages of negotiations with Sweden's National Debt Office and expects confirmation from the EU Commission that Sweden's state guarantee conforms with EU rules on state aid. Additional support is to be provided by GM and Koenigsegg Group AB to fund Saab's operations and product program investments.

Saab plans to launch four new products within the next 16 months: The 9-3X, a versatile all-round XWD vehicle; the 9-4X, a compact luxury crossover vehicle; the 9-5 Sedan; and the 9-5 SportCombi.

Koenigsegg Group AB is a consortium of private investors led by Koenigsegg Automotive AB. Koenigsegg Automotive AB manufactures supercars. It has representatives in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Oceania. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Ängelholm, Sweden.

2010 Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept

Advanced Battery R&D and Manufacturing Capacity will Rise with Scheduled Roll-out of Plug-in Hybrids, Fuel Cells and Battery Electric Vehicles

Toyota unveiled the FT-CH dedicated hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The FT-CH is a concept that would address Toyota’s stated strategy to offer a wider variety of conventional hybrid choices to its customers, as it begins to introduce plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (BEVs) in model year 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets.

“Within the next 10 to 20 years, we will not only reach peak oil we will enter a period where demand for all liquid fuels will exceed supply,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president. “A century after the invention of the automobile, we must re-invent it with powertrains that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of conventional petroleum fuels. One of many alternatives is through what is commonly called the electrification of the automobile. By far, the single most successful example of this has been the gas-electric hybrid.”

The CH stands for compact hybrid as in compact class and it’s a concept that can best be defined by comparing it with the mid-size class Prius. The FT-CH captures the spirit and functionality of a car that thrives in the inner-city environment; sized right to be nimble, responsive and maneuverable. “It’s a package Toyota dealers and customers have been asking for,” added Lentz.


The FT-CH was styled at Toyota’s European Design and Development (ED²) center in Nice, France. Compared to Prius, it is 22 inches shorter in overall length, yet loses less than an inch in overall width. In spite of its compact external dimensions, FT-CH was designed for maximum passenger comfort and interior roominess, with an imaginative sense of style.

ED² designers looked to capture the vivid, high-energy appeal of what has come to be called the 8-bit generation. Popularized in the early 80’s, 8-bit microprocessor technology dominated the budding home video game industry. Today, 8-bit is considered a specific retro-style that is embraced by such things as 8-bit genre music and 8-bit inspired art.

The direct reference to the 8-bit generation is meant to be fun and innovative, colorful and stylish, with strong appeal to young buyers. Lighter in weight and even more fuel efficient than Prius, the concept specifically targets a lower price point than Prius, thus appealing to a younger, less-affluent buyer demographic.

Pointing to how Prius has become a universal icon for hybrid technology, Lentz confirmed that TMS is developing a Prius family “marketing strategy” for North America that will take full advantage of the Prius brand equity.

“The strategy is still taking shape and obviously it will require additional models to qualify as a family,” said Lentz. “Among others, the FT-CH is a concept that we are considering.”

In the early 2010s, Toyota plans to sell a million hybrids per year globally, a majority of those in North America. To accomplish this, Toyota will launch eight all new hybrid models over the next few years. These will not include next generation versions of current hybrids; instead, they will be all new dedicated hybrid vehicles, or all new hybrid versions of existing gas engine models.

The heart of hybrid technology is its battery. Since the early 90’s, during the early stages of first-generation Prius development, Toyota has been committed to in-house R&D of advanced nickel-metal hydride batteries. Through three generations
of Prius and a total of seven full-hybrid models, it has systematically reduced size, weight and cost while improving energy density, quality and reliability.

Toyota’s joint venture partnership with Panasonic has been a key element of its success in the advancement of hybrid technology. Later this year, Panasonic EV Energy (PEVE) will have three separate, fully operational production facilities with a combined capacity of more than one million units per year.

Moving the promise of electrification one step further, Toyota recently kicked off its global demonstration program involving approximately 600 Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Beginning early this year, 150 PHVs will begin to arrive in the U.S. where they will be placed in regional clusters with select partners for market/consumer analysis and technical demonstration.

The Prius PHV introduces Toyota's first generation lithium-ion drive battery. When fully charged, the vehicle is targeted to achieve a maximum electric-only range of about 13 miles and capable of achieving highway speeds of more than 60 mph in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the Prius PHV reverts to “hybrid mode” and operates like a regular Prius. This ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure-electric vehicles.

All program vehicles will be equipped with data retrieval/communication devices which will monitor activities such as: how often the vehicle is charged and when, whether the batteries are depleted or being topped-off during charging, trip duration and all-electric driving range, combined mpg and so on.

As it becomes available, data from the program vehicles will be posted to a dedicated Web site. This in use, readily available data will help consumers understand how the vehicles are being used and how they're performing.

Toyota believes this demonstration program is a necessary next step in societal preparation in that it allows Toyota the unique opportunity to inform, educate and prepare customers for the electrification of the automobile in general and the introduction of plug-in hybrid technology.

Toyota is moving quickly with the development of PHV technology well beyond this demonstration program. Advanced battery R&D programs with nickel-metal, lithium-ion and “beyond lithium” are underway for a wide variety of applications in conventional hybrids, PHVs, BEVs and FCHVs.

In the early 1990s, Toyota began R&D on building a practical and affordable hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. FCHV technical advancements have moved at a rapid pace. Engineers have made great strides in cost reduction targets in both materials and manufacturing and Toyota is committed to bringing hydrogen fuel cells to global markets in 2015.

Toyota’s latest model, the Toyota FCHV-advanced began its own national demonstration program late last year. Over the course of the three year program, more than 100 vehicles will be placed in an effort to demonstrate the technology’s performance, reliability and practicality in everyday use.

Recently field tested in southern California by two national laboratories at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy, the FCHV-advanced confirmed an estimated single-tank fuel range of 431 miles. In combined city and highway driving from Santa Monica to San Diego the FCHV-adv logged an estimated 68 miles per kilogram of hydrogen, the rough equivalent of 68 miles per gallon. That range is equivalent to a Highlander hybrid at more than double the MPG with zero emissions other than water vapor.

In 1997, Toyota introduced the RAV4 EV battery electric vehicle in California. 1,484 of these 100 mile range large-battery electric vehicles were either sold or leased over the course of the program. Nearly half are still on the road.

Shortly thereafter, Toyota started a modest demonstration program with a small- battery electric urban commuter vehicle, called the e-com. This concept addressed the idea of the “on-demand” city station car similar to the Zip-car business model that is becoming popular in large urban areas. Although shorter in range, the e-com program addressed a specific mobility niche at a much more affordable price than the RAV4 EV.

The RAV4 EV and e-com programs were short lived due to lack of commitment from the market; the consumer and the consumer’s environmental mind set were not ready to commit to battery electric vehicles at that time. Recent increased awareness of environmental issues and the benefits of advanced technology vehicles have reinvigorated an interest in the electric vehicle market. As a result, Toyota will bring a small, urban commuter lithium-ion BEV to market in model year 2012.

Battery technology has progressed significantly in the time since the RAV4 EV and e-com programs. But major challenges still remain. The cost of lithium-ion batteries needs to be reduced significantly, or a more affordable alternative developed.

Like hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, battery electrics will require the creation of infrastructure for recharging on the go. This issue of range is also a challenge to overcome. Even at 100 miles, BEVs as a primary mode of transportation do not yet offer what most consumers see as true mobility.

Toyota believes these are hurdles that will be cleared. For the last decade its focus has been to concentrate on a comprehensive advanced technology strategy including BEVs, PHVs, and FCHVs. Common to all three is the move to electrification, the full commitment to advanced battery technology and how lessons learned from conventional hybrid R&D have given Toyota a leg-up on all three.

2010 Nissan Leaf EV

	Nissan LEAF is the first in the company's forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realization of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's vision for zero-emission mobility. The first of Nissan's EVs will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA