autos sport

This year’s Geneva Show is hosting several unconventional propositions that combine elements from the world of cars and motorcycles. And we’re not talking about prototypes here but actual production versions. First it was the Dutch-made, tilting three-wheeler Carver One. Now it’s the 2wheeler Swiss Peraves Monotracer. Well not actually a 2wheeler as the Monotracer has two extra retractable “baby-wheels” on its side that allow it to lean with ease to about 52 degrees. According to Peraves, out of every 100 superbike owners in the GSX-R, Fireblade, Ninja, K1200S, R1 and 999R league maybe 20 have ever leaned their machines beyond 40 degrees.

The Monotracer is powered by a 1.2-liter 4cylinder BMW-K-engine with an output of 130Hp. Weighing in at about 485Kg (1.070 pounds) the Monotracer sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5,7 sec and features a top speed of 250 km/h (155mph). Not bad at all for a motorcycle that not only protects you from the forces of nature but also allows you to carry on a few back packs in its trunk –yes it has a 200-liter trunk in the rear. What’s bad is its (basic) price as Peraves is asking a hefty 52.500 EUR (about 70.000 USD) for it and that doesn’t include tax… -Continued: Click “Read More…” bellow for high-res pics & the official press-release

PRESS RELEASE: MONOTRACER WORLD PREMIERE

The last car on earth

Ferry Porsche once remarked that the last car to be built on earth would surely be a sports car. By that he meant that products of limited usefulness will still be bought even when things are getting tight and that there’s no substitute for real fun – unless it’s more of the same. Driving the MonoTracer is like flying two feet off the ground. And fast, very fast indeed, if need be. But even more important for today’s drivers, “MonoTracing” within legal speed limits also has its pleasures. The world simply looks friendlier from the cockpit.

Small-series shortcomings?

We quote Porsche and talk about the 911 because we are all fans of this iconic sports car. So too are many of our clients. How many prototypes of the 911 were ever built by Porsche? Frankly, we don’t know. What we do know, however, is that we’ve built 90 MonoTracer prototypes called ECOMOBILE. They have notched up more than 12 million kilometers over the last 20 years. With 10 such vehicles we criss-crossed the USA in 1996 from Atlanta to Montana and back, 11,000 kms in 3 weeks, from the burning heat of the Arizona desert to the icy heights of the Rocky Mountains, and all without a single technical problem.

Bugs in the teeth and the Porsche 911 syndrome

We’re well aware that words alone are unlikely to convince a true biker of the advantages of cabin motorcycles; nor will they convert a dyed-in-the-wool 911 driver. Sports cars and motorcycles both have their fans, and rightly so. The only way to win them over is to belt them into the back seat of our machine and take them for a spin, taunting the cars and superbikes at every bend in the road. They will soon see the MonoTracer for what it is – the perfect combination of a sporty touring motorcycle and a real “lean machine” sports car. In short, it’s the ideal vehicle for year-round fun.

The Angle of Dangle

The best motorcycle tires for highway use on the market today allow a lean angle of about 55 degrees. Out of every 100 superbike owners in the GSX-R, Fireblade, Ninja, K1200S, R1 and 999R league maybe 20 have ever leaned their machines beyond 40 degrees. A maximum of 5 will regularly tip more than 45 degrees. And most of those sporty riders will limit their angle of lean by excessive “hanging off”, thus also limiting their speed in the curve. The MonoTracer with its “knee” (the retracted stabilizer tire) skimming the road, can lean to about 52 degrees and it has a turning circle and corner speed otherwise only achievable on a top-of-the-range sports bike. Of course, dry and clean roads are an essential requirement for such antics. If the surface is right there is no danger. And the drive is spectacular.

Expanding the concept of driving – for whom?

The MonoTracer is aimed at an international clientele and customers will obviously have to be fairly well-heeled. For their 52,500 Euros (basic price without VAT) they could also buy a Cayman, SLK or Z4, but those machines all lack the exclusivity guaranteed by an annual production of only 100 vehicles. And with the MonoTracer you also get the performance of a 911 combined with the unrivalled exhilaration of a superbike’s angles of lean thrown in for free! Many of our clients have an academic education, 911-experience, a pilot’s license and have driven or ridden the original 21 kilometre Nurburgring race track for real, not just on the Playstation. All of them are past or current motorcycle enthusiasts. Many are over 40, the age when rheumatism can start to set in. Most have to be at work on Monday, without suffering from the aches and pains of a weekend’s racing. With the MonoTracer they use the same vehicle for commuting to the office as they do for getting their kicks at the weekend.

Switzerland – Land of the MonoTracer

Nowhere will you find more radar speed traps than in the MonoTracer’s home country, here in Switzerland. The number of high-tech firms with mutually useful skills also seems to be higher than anywhere else. A mere 3000 years since the invention of the wheel and after 120 years of conventional cars and motorcycles, this environment has helped to create a third and truly different class of vehicle: the cabin motorcycle. There have been some 50 such vehicles on Switzerland’s roads for 20 years now in the form of the Ecomobile and they have become a familiar sight here. With the advent of the MonoTracer, a truly modern design of cabin two wheeler has now been added to the mix.

Design & More

For decades the first rule for excellent design has been “form follows function“. The cabin motorcycle was born with this maxim as part of its genetic make-up. For the MonoTracer rather more emphasis was placed on things like surface finish, detail workmanship, selection of materials, joint tolerances etc. so that it can bear comparison with the best models from major manufacturers of both two and four wheeled vehicles. To achieve that goal the MonoTracer has been developed with the help of suppliers to the very biggest players in the vehicle market.

VEHICLE & BODY STRUCTURE

Self-supporting composite-monocoque made from glass-, kevlar- and carbon tissues bonded by epoxy-resin reinforced with crash and roll bars. Engine frame, steering head and stabilizer axles made from aircraft grade alloy steel. Front suspension Marzocchi 50mm USD-fork, rear Monolever shaft swingarm. Gull-wing-door with integrated sunroof, opening to the left. Glazing made from tinted PMMA in aviation quality. Baggage compartment of 200 Litres in the rear.

MECHANICS

4 cylinder-in-line-BMW-K-engine 1171 ccm, 16 valves, liquid cooling. Dry reinforced monodisc clutch. Sequential PG-gearbox with 4 forward speeds and electrically unlockable reverse, shifted by push-button-selector on left handlebar. Automatic clutch optional. Reinforced BMW-shaft drive. 3 brake discs 320 mm Ø with 4-piston-hydraulic callipers, fully integrated electronic ABS. Ceramic brake discs and brake pads, ASP anti spin control optional. Electrical stabilizer servo system, computer-supervised with cycle-time.

EQUIPMENT & ACCESSORIES

RECARO-contour-seats with 3-point-automatic-safety belts. Interior covers in high-tech-tissues and sound proofing padding. Airconditioned + heated ventilation system of ample flow with intake air filter. GPS-RDS-4LSP-audio-system. Tempomat cruise control, frontal airbag, Bi-Xenon-lights, CD-players optional.

OPERATION

Motorcycle-type handlebars with extended functions. Clutch pedal left, gear- and stabilizer-ops-switches left, integrated brake ops by pedal, aux-brake-lever and twist-throttle right.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Empty weight: 460-485 kgs. depending on options
Max. weight: 685 kgs.
Tank capacity: 50 ltrs. / 14 USG
Dimensions: L = 3,65 m B = 1,25 m
(Stabilizers up) 1,40 m (down) H = 1,52 m
Service: 25.000 km / 15‘000 miles or annually – whichever is first
Engine: 96 kW / 130 HP at 8750/min, max. torque 117 Nm at 6750/min
Motronic-controlled injection
3-way-catalytic converter.
Acceleration: 0-100 kph = 5,7 sec.
Top speed: > 250 kph.
Brake distance: 100-0 = 43 m
Turning circle between walls: 8.5 m
Consumption(ISO 7118): 4,15 l/100km at constant 90 kph
5,05 l/100km at constant 120 kph

Basic price ex factory € 52.500.- (+ local VAT) 2 years warranty / 25 years use guaranteed for composite + metal structures

Technorati: Peraves+Monotracer, gadgets, motorcycle, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

The car of our childhood dreams, or to be exact one of them, the sixth Batmobile of an unspecified number built for the 120-episode 60's ABC series was sold yesterday night for 233.000 USD or 119.000 BP at an auction commissioned by Coys in London. The Batmobile No6, which is actually fully functionable was bought by a private museum based in the Cayman Islands. Along with another handful of buyers, the Batmopbile’s price was driven more than 50 percent above the upper estimates of Coys Auction house. What else can we say but "Kow, Bam, Wam"! Via: Jalopnik

Technorati: Batman, Robin, Batmobile, Auctions, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Flowing yesterday’s premature unveiling Jaguar released the full press pack on its slightly redesigned XJ saloon which basically features a new front end, side air-vents and new interior trim. Since we’ve already told you our opinion on it yesterday, we’ll just leave the images to speak for themselves this time. –Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery and the press release

NEW LOOK XJ FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR

The 2008 Model Year XJ revealed today at the Geneva Motor Show has again raised the standard for luxury cars offering customers a range of visual changes, technological advances and additional features on all models.

The flagship of the Jaguar range, the XJ continues to be respected and admired by customers throughout the world. Already renowned for its all-aluminium body construction, state-of-the-art technologies, outstanding craftsmanship and build quality, the new XJ is now even more desirable. Since its launch, the model line-up has been extended to include the XJ long wheelbase, the special edition XJR Portfolio, the XJ armoured vehicle and the recently introduced XJ long wheelbase diesel.

A range of four engines – from the highly acclaimed 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine that offers outstanding performance and economy, through to the mighty 4.2-litre supercharged V8, gives customers a choice of rewarding powertrains. Every XJ has automatic transmission and includes many of Jaguar's latest technical features, and of course craftsmanship and quality are high on the list of attributes.

An all-new, distinctive design for the XJ’s front includes a new bumper with revised upper and lower mesh grilles and a new Jaguar Growler badge, giving the 2008 model an unmistakably purposeful appearance. This look is complemented by new side power vents to match those introduced on the beautiful XK, lower body sills and a subtle rear aero spoiler. Over the vents new door mirrors carry integrated indicator lights while upgraded alloy wheels add to the sporting appearance of the 2008 Model Year cars. A 19-inch Carelia wheel is now standard on the Executive models, while all Sovereign models now feature the new 19-inch Polaris wheel. The top-of-the-range XJR now comes with aluminium finish power vents and black painted brake callipers. Additionally, customers will benefit from six new exterior paint colours to choose from for all models – Emerald Fire, Pearl Grey, Crystal Blue, Botanical Green, Vapour Grey and Azure Blue.

The 2008 Model Year XJ also enjoys significant improvements to its interior thanks to new heated front seats standard across the range which have been extensively redesigned to offer even more comfort and support. All Executive models now come with a heated front screen as standard while the XJR features an ‘R’ gearknob as well as heated front seats with air-cooling, an optional choice for the Executive, Sovereign and Sport Premium models. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate greater leg and foot room following revisions to the backs and lower cushions of the front seats. All 2008 Model Year cars feature an upgraded BluetoothTM Connectivity system that allows users to connect up to five approved mobile phones to the car’s own in-car telephone system.

UK Managing Director, Geoff Cousins, said: “XJ sales results in 2006 showed a 25% increase versus 2005 and with these specification enhancements, our customers can benefit from an even better value-for-money proposition. The long wheelbase XJ is now available with a 2.7-litre diesel engine making it an even stronger competitor in the ever-growing chauffeur market and even though an all-new Mercedes S-Class has been launched this year, Business Car readers voted the XJ ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ for the second year running.”

Excellent value-for-money across the range

Enhancements to the XJ product range in the UK simplify the line-up to four trim levels, all offering customers improved value-for-money: Executive, Sovereign, Sport Premium and XJR.

XJ Executive (2.7-litre diesel and 3.0-litre petrol) – The entry level to the range will be the 2.7 diesel and 3.0 petrol Executive models. In addition to the other changes being made to the whole range, these cars now feature a heated front screen as standard, body-coloured power vents and 19” Carelia wheels – a ten-spoke alloy first seen on the XK. Importantly the XJ 08MY Executive models remain competitively priced with the 3.0 petrol starting from £43,540 and the 2.7 diesel from £45,520.

XJ Sovereign (3.0-litre V6 petrol and 2.7-litre diesel, 4.2-litre V8) – The Sovereign adds to the Executive specification with 16-way electric heated front seats, soft-grain leather, satellite navigation system and Bi-Xenon headlights. Additions to the 08MY Sovereign models are body-coloured power vents and an all-new five spoke 19” Polaris wheel. The 3.0 Sovereign XJ will be priced from £49,540 – the 2.7 diesel will be £51,520 while the 4.2-litre naturally aspirated XJ will be priced from £58,040.

XJ Sport Premium (2.7-litre diesel) – The Sport Premium benefits from the styling changes across the range with the addition of body-coloured power vents. Adding to the Executive specification, the Sport Premium features ‘R’ seats with leather seat facings as standard, aluminium veneer, black side window surrounds, Cremona 20” alloy wheels and satellite navigation. The 2.7-litre diesel will be priced from £51,520.

XJR (4.2 Supercharged V8) – Adding to the styling changes across the range, the XJR offers increased value through aluminium finish power vents, a new ‘R’ logo gearknob, black painted brake callipers and heated front seats featuring a cooling option as standard. The XJR will be priced from £60,150.

Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity commented: “Like the new XK, the XJ is engineered to provide relaxing and refined ride quality, yet can deliver highly capable dynamic qualities when required. The stiff lightweight aluminium structure allows for increased performance and great agility, particularly in our XJR which is a true performance car, yet is inherently quiet, refined and comfortable.”

In summary, XJ 08MY provides a series of stylish specification enhancements across the range that deliver an excellent value-for-money proposition for customers. The 2008 Model Year XJ range is available to order from spring this year.

NEW 2008 MODEL YEAR XJ AT A GLANCE

New contemporary exterior styling for more assertive and sporting appearance – including revised front-end design, new side power vents, rear aero spoiler, full width chrome ‘signature blade’ and new rear bumper.

Revised interior with all-new seat design for improved comfort and support. Heated front seats standard across the range with optional air-cooling also available. Increased rear leg and foot room thanks to redesigned front seat backs, which also allow easier access to the back seats. New 19-inch Polaris, Vela and Carelia alloy wheels introduced. Three new exterior paint colours add to customer choice.

XJ range offers a broad choice of V6 and V8 engines including the highly acclaimed 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel and 400bhp (DIN) 4.2-litre supercharged petrol V8.

All-aluminium body construction ensures sports-car handling, supreme comfort and significant fuel savings over equivalent steel-bodied cars. Every XJ comes with sophisticated safety features such as Computer Active Technology Suspension, Advanced Restraint Technology System, Automatic Speed Limiter and optional Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Latest Bluetooth connectivity is fitted as standard and allows up to five approved phones to be paired to the in-car telephone system. Optional JaguarWatch anti-theft device uses satellite positioning to track potentially stolen vehicles across Europe.

JAGUAR XJ IN DETAIL: A FINE PEDIGREE

When Jaguar’s ground-breaking all-aluminium XJ luxury saloon range was launched in 2003, its remarkable lightweight body helped the car to set new standards in handling, precision and refinement. The aluminium monocoque design is 60% stiffer and 40% lighter than the model it replaced and these major improvements translate into real customer benefits.

Its advanced construction means that even a long-wheelbase XJ model is lighter than many of its key competitors’ standard wheelbase platforms. Thanks to that reduced weight the car can accelerate faster, stop more quickly and turn more purposefully. And it achieves all this without compromise in other areas, for the new XJ range also benefits from superb fuel economy and range, improved rigidity and safety, as well as exceptional ride and comfort.
Since its 2003 introduction the range has been further improved with a long wheelbase version, major new engines such as the 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel, and advanced technologies such as acoustic laminated glass, active engine mounts and Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS).

CATS is used to ensure outstanding body control, refinement and handling. The system constantly monitors the XJ’s lightweight suspension and air springs to offer complete comfort when cruising and total control and responsiveness when called for by automatically lowering and levelling the suspension. The result is awesome high-speed stability and improved aerodynamic efficiency whenever the XJ is called upon to perform.

A group of technologically advanced petrol and diesel engines power the 2008 XJ range. The highly acclaimed 204bhp (DIN) 2.7-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 offers outstanding performance and economy, the 240bhp (DIN) 3.0-litre V6 petrol an ideal blend of power and refinement, while the mighty 300bhp (DIN) 4.2-litre V8 and its 400bhp (DIN) supercharged equivalent provide the seamless drive and torque you would expect from any top-of-the-range Jaguar capable of reaching 60mph in as short a time as five seconds flat.

A six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and sensationally quick gearchanges, and even helps with further weight loss thanks to its compact design. Its ability to handle the high torque outputs of the XJ engine range also allows the gearbox to use higher gears more effectively, helping to lower fuel consumption further.

Class-leading technological advances such as Integrated Acoustic Dampening (IAD) guarantee exceptional levels of refinement and a blissfully quiet cabin environment. IAD uses special acoustic absorbing materials and airtight seals between the bonnet and engine compartment to dramatically reduce engine noise. Acoustic laminated glass then further minimises noise intrusion, while diesel-powered XJs even enjoy electronically controlled active engine mounts which attenuate 90% of engine idle vibration.

Thanks to ground-breaking technologies such as these, the 2008 XJ range defies the conventional wisdom that says a saloon can be dynamic or luxurious, but never both. It is, in contrast, a highly refined, sporting luxury car for people who love to drive.

LOOKS TO MATCH THE PERFORMANCE

The main evolution for the 2008 Model Year XJ is its new exterior design. Changes to the front, sides and rear of every model give the XJ a sportier, more muscular stance and clearly signal the advanced technology that lies at its core.

A new front bumper with revised mesh grilles is unmistakably assertive, leaving no doubts as to the performance credentials of the new XJ. Jaguar Car’s Director of Design, Ian Callum, explains the inspiration behind the new look:

“Every Jaguar must have a distinctive face, something that you cannot mistake if you catch a glimpse of it in your rear-view mirror as it powers up behind you. The new 2008 XJ range meets that challenge thanks to a new grille and bold new bumper style.”

Set into the front bumper are new upper and lower mesh radiator grilles with chromed detailing that accentuate the car’s major air intakes. Behind the front wheels two power vents (in aluminium finish on the supercharged XJR) match those introduced on the beautiful new XK sports car. Over the vents new door mirrors carry integrated indicator lights.

A fully reworked rear end displays a newly reshaped bumper, subtle aero spoiler, revised tailpipe finishers and new badging.

The 2008 Model Year XJ also enjoys significant improvements to its interior thanks to new heated front seats (with optional air-cooling) which have been extensively redesigned to offer even more comfort and support.

Vehicle cabin air is drawn into the cushion and seat back heat exchanger units. The air is then heated or cooled and pumped to the top surface via channels formed within the seat. The perforated seat covers allow the conditioned air to pass through to the passenger.

Heated front seats will still be fitted as standard with the cooling element being available as an option.

All XJ seats will have a new relaxed leather trim and rear-seat passengers will appreciate greater leg and foot room following revisions to the backs and lower cushions of the front seats.

TECHNOLOGY IN HARMONY

Jaguar’s intuitive technology has been designed to empower, not overpower the driver. Features such as satellite navigation, BluetoothTM and audio entertainment systems are supported and controlled by a 7-inch Touch-screen or JaguarVoice control.

The 2008 Model Year XJ benefits from further user-friendly technology such as the latest BluetoothTM connectivity system that allows users to connect up to five approved mobile phones to the car’s own in-car telephone system. The car will then recognise and store the phonebooks, last number dialled lists and call stacks for every device it is paired with.

The entire XJ range carries further intuitive technologies that enhance the driving experience. Many of the car’s main features can be controlled through JaguarVoice, a simple but highly effective voice command function.

Other driver aids include Adaptive Cruise Control which uses microwave radar technology to detect slower cars ahead and adjusts the cruise control speed to maintain a constant distance from the vehicle in front.

Advanced, state-of the-art safety features, such as Adaptive Restraint Technology System use ultrasonic technology to calculate appropriate airbag deployment and force, based on passenger weight and position. Side-curtain airbags, front seat thorax airbags and energy-absorbent front seat backrests ensure a safe driving experience for all occupants.

Technorati: Jaguar+XJ, 2008, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Making its first appearance at the Geneva Show, EDAG’s LUV stands for “Luxury Utility Vehicle” but, as the company notes, in German “luff” is used by sailors to describe the windward side of a vessel. Take a look at the pictures and it’s not so difficult to see why EDAG made that connection. Although I’m pretty sure most people will also make a connection with Honda’s US pick-up, the Ridgeline, if you take a closer look at the LUV you’ll see that its actually based on the Mercedes-Benz GL (compare the images we added after the jump). Hence the Brabus tuned, Mercedes 6.1-litre V8 that pumps out 462Hp. According to EDAG, the 4WD LUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a little more than six seconds reaching a maximum speed of 250 km/h. -Via: Autoblog.it -Source: EDAG

-Continued: Click “Read More…” bellow for high-res pics & the press-release

PRESS RELEASE

Fulda/Geneva “Cast off!” The new concept car from EDAG Engineering + Design AG will be making its first appearance on March 6, 2007, in Geneva – the “EDAG LUV”. The design concept of the “LUV” is based on an luxury-class SUV and incorporates a maritime look from bow to stern: oiled teakwood on the hood, as the flooring on the interior, and on the elegant cargo area conveys a maritime flair. But the “EDAG LUV” is a real eye-catcher in other respects as well: the cargo area, behind the two rows of seats with plenty of room for 5 passengers, has been outfitted with teakwood and distinctly resembles a quarterdeck – in keeping with the maritime look of the concept car.

The Module Concept of the “EDAG LUV” – An Economical Approach to Vehicle Derivatives
But the maritime design of the “EDAG LUV” is just the covering for a modular concept which makes it possible to turn vehicles into derivatives or niche vehicles at reasonable expenditures of time and money. In coming up with their shell concept, the EDAG team of engineers, headed by project manager Andreas Funk, set themselves the goal of using the greatest possible number of carry-over parts. The group can certainly be proud of the results of the intelligent module concept: 90% of the parts required to perform the metamorphosis of a luxury-class SUV into the “EDAG LUV” come off the parts shelf of the basic vehicle. For example, the extension of the floor pan by 512 mm was realized using original parts. The wheelhouses were also used without any modifications, as were the parts for the rear-end finish, which includes integration of the standard power-lift system from the sedan. “In addition to our efforts to use a maximum number of identical parts, we were especially careful to keep the existing production concept of the basic vehicle in mind during the development of the ‘EDAG LUV’,” explains Andreas Funk. “The self-supporting body can be completely welded using standard tongs. It goes without saying that we used simulation models during the development of the entire body concept to test crash behavior and rigidity so that we could guarantee the highest level of quality and safety.” The advantages of the EDAG module concept are obvious. Thanks to the use of identical parts and taking into account the production concept, a vehicle concept which is visually completely new can be realized under economically interesting conditions. “More and more end customers are asking for niche vehicles, and this type of design turns the production of such cars into a ‘business case’ for the manufacturers,” points out Johannes Barckmann, Head of Design at EDAG, in describing the concept.

The “EDAG LUV” – A New Vehicle Segment
“LUV”, the name of the concept car, is not only a term used by sailors (it is German for “luff”, the windward side of a vessel), but also defines a new vehicle segment – the luxury utility vehicle. “In taking the maritime world as a leitmotif for the design of the ‘EDAG LUV’, we deliberately selected a niche theme. We wanted to demonstrate in exemplary fashion that it is possible to create a distinctive vehicle class and not only to give a vehicle a new look. And to do that with as little technical effort as possible,” is how Johannes Barckmann explains the intentions behind the design concept. So the cargo area of the “EDAG LUV” is elegantly tied in with the passenger cell by the harmonious lines of the body design. The utility vehicle character so often evident in pick-up models is no longer discernible in the “EDAG LUV”. On the contrary, the “EDAG LUV” radiates elegance and autonomy and cannot be classified by any of the vehicle segments existing today. Yet the luxury image which has been created is only one example for the idea of a versatile vehicle concept. Speaking of versatile: the pick-up module can be exchanged for a convertible or coupe module simply by releasing a catch mechanism integrated into the body of the “EDAG LUV”. A clever move by the EDAG developers so that additional derivative variants can be realized flexibly and at low cost.

Innovation in the Interior – The PC Takes Its Place in the Vehicle
The “EDAG LUV” has innovative solutions on the inside as well. The EDAG development team has integrated two UMPCs (UltraMobile PCs) into the headrests, bringing the PC world into the vehicle. The user can use a specially developed mechanism to insert the fully operational PCs easily into the headrests. Passengers in the rear seat can use their Office applications such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word in the vehicle, plus WLAN and UMTS provide them with Internet access, enabling them to download and answer their e-mails during the trip. Furthermore, integrated Webcams even make it possible to hold Net meetings during the trip. Users can also access their music or DVD collection from the car. The trick: The UMPCs are connected to the vehicle’s audio system so that the MP3 files or videos stored on the computer can also be used in the vehicle. The integration of the computer keyboards into the interior of the “EDAG LUV” has also been handled elegantly: modern form-fitting foil keyboards have been embedded in the folding tables available for use by rear-seat passengers. Background lighting makes it possible to work even while traveling at night and is yet another futuristic design element in the interior.

“The integration of so-called consumer devices into the vehicle architecture is a highly interesting topic for the manufacturers. This can result in a genuine additional value for the end customers by making the functionality of the PC world usable in the vehicle as well,” notes Dr. Robert Hentschel, Director of EDAG Electrics/Electronics. “Being a full-range developer of vehicles and an integrator in the field of electrics/electronics, we are determined to develop solutions in this area which are stylish, geometrically and functionally high-quality, and practical." EDAG is currently pursuing two solution approaches:

1. A second integration stage will tie the UMPCs into the vehicle architecture for luxury-class vehicles. The advantage: the driver can use operating elements – e.g., on the steering wheel – to access directly the functions or data of the UMPC.

2. The EDAG developers are planning the UMPC as an after-market product for compact and midsize cars. The aim here is to develop concepts for various models produced by car-makers so that the devices can be integrated ergonomically and geometrically into the interior without a jarring visual effect. What makes this especially enticing is the possibility of utilizing the UMPC as an on-board computer and high-quality display device by connecting it to the vehicle architecture, providing yet another service, as well as making the complete functionality of a PC available in the car. With this as a goal, EDAG is working closely with the Intel Corporation on the development of solutions for the electrical and electronic connection as well as on the integration of “nomadic devices” in the vehicle interior. EDAG will rely on the latest in Intel technology, processors, and chip sets. Especially small dimensions for the chips and low energy consumption are only some of the criteria for their use in cars. The Company is planning to present the “EDAG LUV” at the upcoming IAA in Frankfurt in the second integration stage, i.e., with access to the UMPCs via operating elements of the car.

Innovative Development Competence by EDAG
EDAG will be presenting the “EDAG LUV” in Geneva as proof of its competence, underscoring the capabilities of the world’s largest independent development partner to develop economically sound innovative vehicle concepts optimized for production. The project has been realized in only three months, from definition of the concept and design process to the development to the ready-to-roll prototypes, and is on the verge of being realized as a Premium Edition.

BRABUS is one of the partners in this project. The tuner from Bottrop contributed not only the 462 hp / 340 kW high-performance BRABUS 6.1 displacement engine for the EDAG LUV that allows this all-wheel-drive vehicle to accelerate to 100 km/h in a little more than six seconds for a speed of 250 km/h.

BRABUS also provides the classy 10Jx22 monoblock S wheels fitted with 295/35 ZR 22 YOKOHAMA tires, the air suspension module as well as the high-performance brake system from its product line-up. The 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and ventilated, perforated 380 x 36 millimeter front brake disks and the 6-piston fixed calipers and 355 x 28 mm rear brake disks reach a braking performance typically achieved only by genuine sports cars.

Exclusive all-leather appointments and attractive interior accessories are an additional BRABUSBRABUS saddlery combined the finest white leather with black seams and cords for a superior interior finish of the EDAG LUV that leaves nothing to be desired.

Technorati: EDAG+LUV, Mercedes-Benz+GL, Geneva+Motor+Show, Brabus, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007