The new BMW F 700 GS, F 800 GS and F 800 GS Adventure.

The new BMW F 700 GS, F 800 GS and F 800 GS Adventure – authentic characters featuring optimised functionality.
For years the GS models of the F series have embodied carefree motorcycling pleasure and sporty dynamics on the road, combined with a high level of travel suitability and robust off-road competence. For the model year 2017, BMW Motorrad has now taken the quality of this successful mid-range enduro motorbike a stage further.

As before, the new F 700 GS is mainly aimed at motorcyclists who like the ride feel of an enduro but do not require quite so much off-road competence. Its strengths are a lower seat height, all-round capabilities and more than sufficient power, along with excellent fuel efficiency and everyday qualities.

The new F 800 GS combines road and travel suitability with distinct off-road talents, combining these abilities at a level that is unique within its class.

Based on the F 800 GS, the F 800 GS Adventure particularly offers enhanced travel suitability even in the most remote corners of the planet. For touring motorcyclists with a bent for off-road riding, globetrotters and travel enduro riders it provides a genuine BMW GS Adventure concept in the mid-range segment.

EU4 adaptation and newly designed tailpipe.
The 798 cc engines have been adapted to the EU4 regulations for model year 2017. The visual hallmark here is the newly designed end piece of the stainless steel tailpipe. The HP sports exhaust by Akrapovič has also been redesigned and is available as an Original BMW Motorrad accessory.

Electromotive throttle controller for further improved response and the modes “ Rain ” , “Road ” , “ Enduro ” and “ Enduro Pro ” to cater for individual rider preferences.
An electromotive throttle controller now passes on the rider’s commands directly from a sensor on the twist grip to the engine control system and therefore to the throttle valve. The result is even finer controllability and an improved response. At the same time, this also enables the new standard riding modes “Rain” and “Road” to be used for riding on damp or dry surfaces as well as the modes “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro” - available as an ex works option (for the F 800 GS / F 800 GS Adventure only) - which are designed for lighter and more intense off-road use respectively.

Instruments with new dials and even more information.
The new F 700 GS, F 800 GS and F 800 GS Adventure are fitted with newly designed and more easily readable dials. An additional Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) ensures the EU4 norm is met, while the display has been extended to include riding mode information.

Dynamic colours and styles convey the bike's character more distinctly.
Powerful yet distinct character qualities are expressed in three paint finish/style variants for each of the new F 700 GS and F 800 GS, and there are two additional paint finishes for the BMW 800 GS Adventure fitted with new galvanised radiator trim elements, a new intake silencer cover and a new ignition lock casing.

An overview of the highlights:

• Adaptation to EU4 requirements.
• Newly designed end piece of the standard tailpipe and HP sports silencer by Akrapovič available as an Original BMW Motorrad accessory.
• Electromotive throttle controller for improved response and controllability.
• Riding modes “ Rain ” and “ Road ” as standard. Riding modes “ Enduro ” and “Enduro Pro ” (only F 800 GS / F 800 GS Adventure) as an ex works option.
• Instrument panel with new dials, MIL indicator lamp and riding mode display.
• Dynamic paint finish and style concepts.
• Side reflectors on fork slider tubes and fixed fork tubes.

McLAREN 570S SPRINT TO MAKE GLOBAL DEBUT AT THE 2016 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

The recently-announced McLaren 570S Sprint will make both static and dynamic global debuts at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of the largest presence by McLaren to date. The track-only model will thrill crowds on the famous Hill run and be on public display in the Supercar Paddock alongside the McLaren P1™ GTR, 650S Can-Am, 570S Coupé and the 675LT Coupé which only recently set the fastest ever time around the BBC Top Gear track. A second example of the 570S Sprint will be on private view for McLaren guests at its central location, adjacent to Goodwood House.

The 570S Sprint is the most track-focused model in the McLaren Sports Series line-up.  It has been conceived purely for owners to enjoy on the track and without the restrictions of any race series. Power and torque levels have been optimised to ensure the ultimate levels of driver engagement and the best levels of noise, too, as visitors to Goodwood will soon hear. 

Below the skin, the 570S Sprint is built around the carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis shared with all Sports Series models, and also features the familiar mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine and seven speed SSG transmission.

The 570S Sprint features enhanced cooling via a front centre GT3-inspired high temp radiator, along with a more aggressive front splitter and floor assembly as premiered on the 570S GT4. As standard, the 570S Sprint is filled with New Life™ 0W-40 engine oil, developed by McLaren Automotive technology partner Mobil 1.

Based on the aerodynamic ‘shrink-wrapped’ design of the 570S Coupé, the 570S Sprint features an air piercing front bumper which separates the airflow above, below and through the bodywork, while the intricate design of the ‘floating’ door tendons channel air into the side-mounted radiators. The elegant flying buttresses are also retained. An additional aerodynamic upgrade which includes a large carbon fibre fixed rear wing and front dive planes, brings the highest level of downforce yet seen on any model in the Sports Series.

Centre-locking lightweight cast magnesium wheels shod with Pirelli racing slicks are fitted as standard, while the double wishbones and anti-roll bars front and rear are shared with the suspension system seen on the 570S Coupé. An optional motorsport air jacking system to aid wheel changes is also available.

Inside the stripped out, driver-focused cabin, an FIA-approved rollcage adds further protection to the lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis. The FIA-approved flat back driver, and optional passenger, seat are fitted with a six-point racing harness, and a fire extinguisher system is also installed as standard.

While the 570S Sprint is not homologated for any race series, a GT4 compliance pack is available as a further upgrade for the 570S Sprint. Having been developed in parallel to the 570S GT4 – currently completing its final testing phase in the live race environment of the British GT championship – the package includes all items required to meet the FIA standards for GT4 competition.

Finished in McLaren Orange as standard, the 570S Sprint can be optioned with any of the colour palette available on the Sports Series, along with a unique range of liveries through MSO Defined. Deliveries will commence in 2017 and pricing starts from £148,000 ex. works (local market pricing applies).

See a preview of the McLaren 570S Sprint in action at: 

https://youtu.be/hr-QGdQ0aIg.

CITROËN RACING’S DEVELOPMENT OF 2017 WORLD RALLY CAR ACCELERATES IN FINLAND

Citroën Racing chose the roads of Finland for the third development test session of its 2017 World Rally Car. Running at maximum speed on the famous jumps, Kris Meeke and Craig Breen were able to test the car’s aerodynamic performance.

With its large, fast and rolling roads, Finland is among world rallying’s most revered venues. Due to the high speeds and the difficulty to “read” the road, it is one of the toughest terrains to grasp, with the drivers needing to concentrate on the jump approaches that send the cars flying into the air.

It is, therefore, no surprise that this country figures among the priority destinations for the team in charge of developing the Citroën that will compete in the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship. After the rough terrain of southern France and the mud-filled tracks in Portugal, Finland was ideal to continue assessing the car’s reliability and performance.

For this test, the aerodynamics were closely scrutinised by the engineers. “The freedom allowed by the FIA regulations offers us a much larger range of possible solutions than before,” says project manager for the 2017 World Rally Car, Alexis Avril.

“The bodywork of the WRC must entirely cover that of the original model and the maximum width is set at 1875mm. In this framework, we have a lot of freedom to design the wheel arches and bumpers. We can also create air intakes for re-cooling the rear brakes and add on a diffuser. Paradoxically, there are more restrictions for the design of the rear wing than today, but its efficiency will be increased tenfold by its further backed and raised positioning.”

The aerodynamics of a race or rally car must solve the complex equation of attaining maximum down-force, minimum drag and maximum cooling. To achieve this, Citroën Racing’s engineers have adopted what is now a standard methodology.

“We started the work with the CFD calculations, which let us sift through the possible options, continues Alexis Avril. “We collaborated with the Citroën design studio in order for the race car to resemble the characteristics of the production model. From this data, we built a model that was used in the wind tunnel. Between sessions, we carried on with the CFD calculations in enriching the data from the tests, and vice versa.”

With this approach, the expertise gained during the development of the WTCC Citroën Elysée has been widely put to use: “We have made great strides in our understanding of the flow principles and aerodynamic performance since 2013 and the debut of the WTCC programme. We have saved time in utilising the proven solutions. As the disciplines are different not everything was transferable, in circuit racing, there is a form of systematisation that doesn’t exist in rallying. Thus, the compromises are more important.”

While the aerodynamic development itself was done with CFD calculations and wind tunnel tests, the test sessions were used to assess the resilience of various components. “Vulnerability is an essential point in rallying. The dirt, mud, stones and gravel can quickly tear away the element or block the air intakes,” recalls Alexis Avril. “So you have to run in all the conditions to find a compromise between reliability and performance.”

WHEN ONE McLAREN P1™ GTR IS NOT ENOUGH

• 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed to host two different incarnations of the ultra rare McLaren P1™ GTR
• Entrants by both McLaren Automotive and Lanzante Ltd.
• Lanzante Ltd. modified McLaren P1™ GTR to attempt record Hill time for a road car

Not one, but two examples of the extraordinary McLaren P1™ GTR will be in action on the Hill over the Goodwood Festival of Speed weekend, between them producing nearly 2,000 horsepower. The first is entered by McLaren Automotive as part of the Supercar Run and is being fitted with a special livery inspired by James Hunt’s famous race helmet, in honour of the 40th anniversary of his Formula 1™ championship win. The second is entered by Lanzante Ltd. and is an extensively modified version of the original which was initially created by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). The most obvious difference between them is that the Lanzante entrant is street legal, meaning the Lanzante team will attempt to set the fastest time of the weekend for a road car with 1999 Indy 500 winner and McLaren test driver, Kenny Bräck, behind the wheel.

The McLaren P1™ GTR is the car that McLaren never intended to build. But when deliveries began of the road legal McLaren P1™, its first recipients called for an even more extreme version dedicated for track use. The bespoke division of McLaren Automotive, MSO, obliged confirming limited production of the car at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2015. For the near £2 million purchase price, their clients also had automatic entry into the ultimate McLaren ownership experience, the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme, including exclusive events at international Formula 1™ circuits, access to the McLaren Racing driver simulator, and their own team of race technicians. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of James Hunt’s Driver’s Championship, as well as the fourth owners’ gathering for the McLaren P1™ GTR earlier this week at Silverstone, a one-off livery has been created by McLaren for the entry of the car in this year’s Festival. Its base colour of black teamed with red, yellow and blue stripes echo those of James Hunt’s race helmet, colours resembling his school colours. And among those gripping its Formula 1™-inspired steering wheel over the weekend will be McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme Mentor, Bruno Senna. 

Lanzante Ltd. has extensive history with McLaren, not least as the company that ran the semi-works McLaren F1 GTR that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. 21 years later, Lanzante is renewing its link to those evocative letters with a car that it says will bring together the best of the McLaren Ulimate Series, combining the track-focused McLaren P1™ GTR and its road car sibling in one. Lanzante has so far completed an experimental prototype and it is this which will take to Goodwood’s Hill in Class 25 for Modern GT Racers.  

Visually, the Lanzante car resembles a McLaren P1™ GTR but with modifications for road use. These updates have been designed and developed by Lanzante Ltd.

In addition to a presence in both the Supercar and F1 paddocks, McLaren House will once again return to the lawns of the Goodwood Estate with iconic racers displayed alongside the full range of modern-day McLarens from across the Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series. The broad selection of cars, spanning more than 50 years of the McLaren name, will be the most extensive display the company has ever showcased...including the new 570GT.

UK PRICES ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEW ABARTH 124 SPIDER

Pricing and specification for the all-new Abarth 124 spider have been announced by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK, ahead of the stunning new car’s arrival here this summer.

And with a starting price of £29,565 OTR for the 1.4 TJet 170hp Manual, the new two-seater roadster represents outstanding value for money.

The new Abarth 124 spider marks the return of the ‘spider’ badge, and is the natural heir of the original model launched in 1972. The 2016 car incorporates performance, technology and iconic Italian style as the key factors of a very successful line-up.

Equipped with a powerful four-cylinder 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine, the new spider delivers 170 hp and 250 Nm of torque. With a top speed of 143 mph the car can go from 0 to 62mph in 6.8 seconds. Furthermore, as the sound of the engine really matters in an Abarth, the Record Monza exhaust comes as standard, generating a unique growl.

The spider is available with a six-speed manual or the automatic Sequenziale Sportivo gearbox. The manual is characterised by quick and accurate shifting with a short-throw, direct lever, while the Sequenziale Sportivo gearbox, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, exploits all of the engine’s torque.

Each car is tested and certified by an Abarth technician who applies a metal plaque showing the sequential number of each car to certify the exclusiveness of the Abarth 124 spider: it’s a unique number for a unique customer.

Full pricing for the new Abarth 124 spider is as follows:

• 124 spider 1.4 TJet 170hp Manual £29,565
• 124 spider 1.4 TJet 170hp Automatic £31,605

Five body colours are available, emphasising sport and heritage: special solid "Turini 1975 White” and "Costa Brava 1972 Red", metallic "Isola d'Elba 1974 Blue", "Portogallo 1974 Grey" and "San Marino 1972 Black".

The new Abarth 124 spider has a three-gauge instrument binnacle featuring a large central rev counter, a speedometer on the right and a data display on the left allowing the driver to monitor all key driving information at a glance.

Standard equipment includes climate control system, cruise control, adjustable, electrically-folding door mirrors, and an infotainment system with ergonomic, selector dial on the centre console. The system features a 7-inch colour display, DAB digital tuner, MP3 player, two USB ports, AUX input, and Bluetooth connectivity.

There is also a stereo with four speakers while, for superior sound quality, a Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, including dual headrest speakers on both seats and a subwoofer, is available as an option. A satellite navigation system is also optional.

“The 124 spider is a new car and a new chapter in the exciting Abarth story,” says Gerry Southerington, Abarth brand manager. “It’s what many of our existing customers have been waiting for, and I am confident we will now welcome a new group of owners into the Abarth family. Great looks, stunning performance and unique equipment will set the 124 spider apart from other roadsters and I am excited about this car’s UK launch.

READY TO RACE: FORD GT LE MANS RACE CAR NOW AVAILABLE AS FREE DOWNLOAD IN FORZA MOTORSPORT 6 GAME FOR XBOX ONE

• Ford GT race car now available to download free in Forza Motorsport 6 racing game for Xbox One, celebrating Ford’s Le Mans return 50 years after historic 1-2-3 Le Mans victory
• Ford will compete with four Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GTs at the iconic Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race in France on June 18-19

BRENTWOOD, Essex, June 7, 2016 – To celebrate Ford’s return to the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race 50 years after recording an historic 1-2-3 victory in 1966, the #66 Ford GT race car is now available to drive in theForza Motorsport 6 racing game for Xbox One.

Starting today, codes to download the Ford GT Le Mans race car for free will be sent direct to the Xbox Live message inboxes of gamers who play Forza Motorsport 6.*

This year Ford is running two Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GTs in the FIA World Endurance Championship and two in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. All four Ford GTs will compete for GTE Pro class glory at the Le Mans 24 Hours that starts at 15:00 CET on June 18 in France.

“Ford’s 1966 Le Mans victory is the stuff of motorsport legend, and now we’re back to take on the world’s toughest endurance race with our most technologically advanced car ever,” said Henry Ford III, global marketing manager, Ford Performance. “We’ve worked closely with Forza and Xbox so that millions of Forza Motorsport 6 gamers can experience the excitement of our Le Mans return side-by-side with Ford.”

The Ford GT race car is based on the all-new Ford GT supercar, which is the pinnacle product of the Ford Performance division. With state-of-the-art aerodynamics, lightweight carbon fibre construction and a powerful and efficient Ford EcoBoost engine, the Ford GT has been built to go head-to-head with the GT establishment – Ferrari, Corvette, Porsche and Aston Martin – as they fight for victory in the ultimate endurance battle.

The Forza Motorsport 6 cover star Ford GT road car – expected to start arriving in customers’ garages by the end of 2016 –has been available to drive in-game since the launch of the acclaimed title last year.

For the Le Mans 24 Hours the two WEC Ford GTs retain their #66 and #67 race numbers while the IMSA cars become #68 and #69, celebrating Ford’s back-to-back Le Mans victories in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.

# # #

* Due to the large number of codes to be sent, it could take up to seven days for players to receive their code

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles.  At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visitwww.corporate.ford.com.

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.

About Xbox

Xbox is Microsoft’s premier gaming and entertainment brand created by gamers for gamers on Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Windows 10 devices. Xbox delivers the best games and greatest social gaming network with Xbox Live. More information about Xbox can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

More information about the “Forza Motorsport” franchise is available at http://www.forzamotorsport.net.

Spotlighting the new Audi A5 and S5 Coupé

Audi is celebrating the world premiere of the new A5* and S5 Coupé* with a spectacular 3D light show at the company's headquarters in Ingolstadt. Both of these sophisticated cars demonstrate sporty elegance and deliver loads of high-tech features to customers.

Designers have thoroughly revamped the appearance of the Audi A5 Coupé. Now they are showcasing the elegant and athletic two-door car. At 4.67 meters (15.4 ft) long and 1.37 meters(4.5 ft) high, it claims the sportiest proportions in the premium segment. The hood is long; the low roof flows gently to the short rear end. Especially distinctive: the wide, flat Singleframe, the Matrix LED headlights, the wavelike side lines and the flared wheel arches. The exterior mirrors are placed on the door top shoulders, like a racing car – one more indicator of the sporty nature of the A5 Coupé.

Its newly developed steering features a direct ratio, responds spontaneously and provides precise road feedback. The A5 winds its way nimbly through tight curves. The body features even greater torsional rigidity than its predecessor and is among the lightest contenders in its class. It also takes top position in terms of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. As a result, the Coupé glides quietly through the wind and its newly designed suspension offers greater comfort, especially for long-distance driving. The icing on the cake is the suspension with damper control, which switches its focus at the push of a button from comfort to sporty dynamics.

Engineers have boosted the performance of the new gasoline- and diesel-powered engines by 17 percent while also improving their fuel economy by almost a quarter. A six-speed manual transmission sends power to the front axle. Drivers can also choose to leave the selection of gears to the swift seven-speed dual clutch transmission or the equally proficient eight-speed torque-converter transmission, now available in the A5 for the first time. The optional quattro drive system can distribute power to all four wheels.

The ultimate highlight is the new turbocharged V6 engine in the S5. With 354 hp, it delivers 500 newton meters (368.8 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft, sending the speedometer from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 4.7 seconds. And, thanks to its S sport suspension, the top model sits even closer to the road. At higher speeds, the optional sport differential – also available for the TDI with 286 hp – pushes the car resolutely into curves. Understeering? No sign of that here!

The power contained within the trim exterior is emphasized by the S5 logo with a red rhombus on the flanks, grille and tailgate. The logo is also found on the interior – as the welcome screen on the MMI display, on the chrome trim around the gear selector and on the door sill trim.

Cruising the Internet at high speed: Using LTE online, the A5 displays traffic information, interesting locations, fuel prices and news, streams audio files from your smartphone, transfers its calendar to the MMI and automatically summons help in an accident, among other things. Drivers can also use an app to lock and unlock the Coupé as well as to find out where it is parked. Support is provided by a long list of assistance systems that set new standards in the class. In congested traffic the A5 drives in a semiautomated mode, maintains a distance to the car in front, helps avoid rear-end collisions and evades obstacles. It also monitors oncoming traffic when turning left, recognizes traffic signals, warns of cars in the blind spot and if your car leaves its lane, and parks autonomously. Seats with a massage function, three-zone climate control, steering wheel heating, electrically extending and retracting seat belt feeders, 3D sound system and a large, panoramic glass roof round out the premium features of the A5.

The new Audi A5 and S5 Coupé will be available at dealerships in autumn. Both models roll off the assembly line in Ingolstadt.

You can find more information about the Audi A5 and S5 Coupé in the online magazine “Audi A5 illustrated” at www.audi-illustrated.com/en/audi-a5-s5.

Second DTM victory for Miguel Molina, one-two for Audi

Miguel Molina and Jamie Green presented Audi with a one-two finish in the first race on Saturday at the Motorsport Festival at the Lausitzring. Audi was the strongest brand overall with five cars finishing in the points. Miguel Molina had to wait 67 races for his first DTM victory. For his second triumph, the Catalan from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline needed only seven attempts. With a large group of guests looking on from his partner Teufel, Molina prevailed in an Audi internal duel against last year’s victor Jamie Green (Audi Sport Team Rosberg). For the innumerable DTM fans at the Lausitzring it was a classic case of déjà vu: Molina’s Teufel Audi RS 5 DTM and Green’s Hoffmann Group Audi RS 5 DTM occupied exactly the same places on the front row as they did a year ago. At that time, Molina held the lead for 24 laps before dropping down to fourth place. “This time I’m not going to let victory slip through my fingers,” remarked Molina before backing up his words. He dropped behind Jamie Green at the start, before the Audi driver made a clean overtaking maneuver entering Turn 1 to retake the lead on lap eight. Afterwards, he increased his lead to around 2.5 seconds before crossing the finish line in convincing style as winner. “We are very competitive here at the Lausitzring, my car was just as quick in the race as it was in qualifying,” said Molina. “My second victory in the DTM feels just as good as my first at the Nürburgring. It’s absolutely fantastic to win in such a close championship as the DTM. I hope that I can score a lot of points again tomorrow.” Jamie Green could not quite match the speed of Miguel Molina in the race, but kept the Mercedes-Benz from Robert Wickens in check throughout the race. With his second consecutive podium finish, last year’s Lausitzring double winner scored important points.

With Mattias Ekström in the Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM in sixth place, Edoardo Mortara in the Castrol EDGE Audi RS 5 DTM in eighth and Nico Müller in the Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM in tenth position, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline brought all four cars home in the points as it had in the season opener at Hockenheim. Ekström started from seventh on the grid and overtook Lucas Auer’s Mercedes-Benz eight laps before the checkered flag. Despite brushing the wall lightly, Edoardo Mortara fought from 14th on the grid to eighth and thus maintains second position in the standings. In the manufacturers’ classification, Audi scored the most points on Saturday and in doing so made huge inroads into BMW’s lead. “This is a great result for Audi,” said Dieter Gass, Head of DTM at Audi Sport. “After the first two events didn’t go quite so well for us, we can well use this one-two and the points. Five cars in the points is an excellent performance.” Timo Scheider (AUTO BILD MOTORSPORT Audi RS 5 DTM), Mike Rockenfeller (Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM) and Adrien Tambay (Speedweek.com Audi RS 5 DTM) finished 17th, 19th and 20th and did not score points.

BMW i8 wins Engine of the Year Award 2016

Munich / Stuttgart. Following its overall victory and two class wins in last year’s International Engine of the Year Awards, the drive system powering the BMW i8 has once again triumphed in its class – the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre displacement category – in this year’s competition. The BMW Group’s success in the International Engine of the Year Awards 2016 provides further evidence of the performance potential of the Efficient Dynamics technology package, which since 2007 has enabled a continuous enhancement of driving pleasure while at the same time cutting fuel consumption and emissions.

The International Engine of the Year Awards were launched in 1999, since when a total of 67 class and overall wins have gone to power units developed for BMW models. Each year an expert panel of judges, this time comprising 63 motoring journalists from 31 countries, selects the best examples in numerous categories. The prize-winners were presented with their awards on Wednesday, 1 June 2016 against the backdrop of the Engine Expo trade fair in Stuttgart.

The plug-in hybrid drive system powering the BMW i8 combines the performance of a sports car with the fuel economy of a far smaller model. The three-cylinder combustion engine in the BMW i8 develops 170 kW/231 hp and drives the rear wheels, while the 96 kW/131 hp electric motor draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket and sends its power to the front axle. This bespoke plug-in hybrid system, developed and produced by the BMW Group, enables a range of up to 37 kilometres (23 miles) in the EU test cycle and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) on electric power alone, coupled with a “glued-to-the-road” all-wheel driving experience headlined by powerful acceleration and a dynamically-biased distribution of power through keenly taken corners.

The higher-output of the two power sources drives the rear wheels and uses the electric boost from the hybrid system to deliver hallmark BMW driving pleasure while at the same time offering groundbreaking levels of efficiency. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 4.4 seconds, yet combined fuel consumption – as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles – stands at 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres (134.5 mpg imp) plus 11.9 kWh of electricity. This equates to CO2 emissions of 49 grams per kilometre.

SPEED & STYLE: RACING PERFORMANCE MEETS MODERN LUXURY IN MONACO

One Star – Two Worlds with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton

Monaco/Stuttgart. The two drivers from the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, met during the run-up to the Monaco Grand Prix on 29 May 2016 for a sensational event off the racetrack. Hamilton put his driving ability to the test on the water with a Cigarette Racing speedboat. Rosberg showed what a relaxed lifestyle cruising off the coast of Monaco looks like on the Mercedes-Benz Style luxury motor yacht. The stunning pictures of the spectacle can be viewed at http://mb4.me/speed_and_style.

With the motto "Speed & Style" the two demonstrated that the worlds of modern luxury and racing performance blend perfectly under the Mercedes-Star – both on water and on land. Hamilton showed the world of performance with the "Cigarette Racing 50 Marauder AMG Monaco Concept”, inspired by the current MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 car, which he also brought to the event. Meanwhile, Rosberg demonstrated the world of modern luxury with the S-Class Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz Style luxury motor yacht "ARROW460-Granturismo".

"The Cigarette Racing speedboat and our Mercedes-Benz Style luxury yacht ‘ARROW460-Granturismo’ represent a coming together of two design icons. Each of them is hot & cool as their design is both attractive and surprisingly new, making both boats perfect embodiments of emotion and intelligence," states Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler. He adds: "The ‘ARROW460-Granturismo’ carries our Mercedes genes throughout. We have transferred an automotive design idiom to a yacht – and this design statement far outside the usual mainstream in the boat industry allows us to create a totally original aesthetic."

Ever since the brand exists, motorsport has been part of the DNA of Mercedes-Benz and is one of the core activities creating performance and power. This is framed by modern luxury that embodies the brands design philosophy of sensual purity by the highest measure of emotionality and technical perfection. This perfectly illustrates the standards of the founding fathers Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, always to strive for the best and thus to delight both heart and mind in equal measure. This results in products with a timeless attractiveness that fascinate people around the globe.

Pure performance and power

The high-performance boat “Cigarette Racing 50 Marauder AMG Monaco Concept” is equipped with the most powerful series-production twin engines in the Cigarette portfolio. Two Mercury Racing V8 racing engines each with 1140 kW (1550 hp) take the 50 foot-long (approx. 15 metres) and eight foot-wide (approx. 2.40 metres)powerboat to an estimated top speed of more than 228 km/h (more than 142 mph). The characteristic design and the thoroughbred motorsport technology are inspired by the performance brand Mercedes-AMG and the current MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 car.The boat is made in a new type of layup process which has been specially developed for racing and reduces weight but also ensures better handling under high loads.

The Mercedes-Benz designers were responsible for the exterior design featuring black and silver tones contrasted by sporty turquoise green highlights as well as for the interior design which is inspired by the classic Cigarette Racing cockpit. Furthermore, the user interface offers state-of-the-art technologies: computer-based control, four high-resolution displays, Garmin navigation, and a Pure audio system. The price of this unique boat is approx. 1.6 million US dollars (when purchased FOB Monaco).

Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have been working in partnership since 2007. Both share racing roots and the uncompromising passion for performance plus the aim to always deliver optimum achievements.

Modern luxury on the water

Designed by Mercedes-Benz Style and developed together with Silver Arrow Marine, the luxury "ARROW460-Granturismo" motor yacht celebrated its world premiere in April 2016. With this model, Mercedes-Benz is developing a completely new boat concept. The 14-metre-long 706 kW (960 hp) "Silver Arrow of the Seas" combines the performance of the famous Mercedes-Benz sports cars with unique innovations from the boat industry. The yacht has classic automobile proportions that bring the hallmark Mercedes design idiom of sensual purity onto the water in a highly emotional and dynamic form. The yacht also combines the advantages of an open boat with those of a hull cabin cruiser in unique fashion. Its crossover design offers the ultimate in variability, resulting in a boat that is equally suitable for day trips and overnight stays on board. The yacht offers room for up to ten people and is available in the fully equipped Edition 1at a price of 2.5 million euros.

With the world premiere of the "ARROW460-Granturismo" the Mercedes-Benz Style designers have made Gottlieb Daimler's dream come true. 130 years after the invention of the automobile, individual mobility is now possible on land, on water and in the air. In 2011 the “Airbus Helicopters H145 Mercedes-Benz Style" lifted off as the first mobility product beyond the automobile.

Mercedes-Speedboat "Wiener Neustadt"

Speedboats of the house of Mercedes own a long tradition. Already in 1906, the Mercedes-Speedboat “Wiener Neustadt” caused sensation. Designed by the engineer Fritz Maier, it was driven by a 147 kW (200 hp) strong Daimler-eight-cylinder engine, which was built by the first Daimler-engine-company in the Neustadt of Vienna. Due to the high waves the boat threw at races in front of the Côte d’Azur, it was called by the nickname “whale”.

Further information about Mercedes-Benz is available online: www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com

Further information about Cigarette Racing Team and Silver Arrows Marine is available online at:www.cigaretteracing.com and www.silverarrowsmarine.com

CLIO R.S.16: A NEW CONCEPT CAR TO SHOWCASE RENAULT SPORT’S EXPERTISE

• Concept car celebrates Renault Sport’s 40th anniversary and return to Formula 1
• Clio R.S. 16 grafts the Renault range’s highest-performing engine into a Renault Clio and features the colours of the 2016 R.S. 16 F1 single-seater
• Clio R.S. 16 to be unveiled at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix

Renault Sport have unveiled a new concept car on the streets of Monaco’s famous Grand Prix circuit today driven by Renault Sport Formula One Team’s Kevin Magnussen.  The Clio R.S.16 is the highest performance Renault Sport road-going vehicle ever and its reveal in 2016 celebrates both 40 years of Renault Sport and Renault’s return to Formula One as a constructor.

Developed in record time

“Our aim was to produce a concept car with genuinely outstanding performance credentials,” notes Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Cars, leader of the project which particularly inspired the development team’s specialists. “On paper, producing a Clio R.S. powered by our most potent engine – namely the 275-horsepower two-litre power unit which delivers peak torque of 360Nm – was an extremely appealing idea, but we had to make sure it was feasible.”

Thanks to new working procedures involving teams from the worlds of motorsport and road cars, the development of the highest-performance road-going Renault Sport car ever took just five months from start to finish.

A variety of technical challenges

Finding the ideal way to house the engine, transmission and cooling system of the Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R was a significant challenge. The exhaust system was also revised as a function of the engine’s potential, while the suspension was engineered to match the car’s outstanding performance characteristics. Careful attention was paid to the sound produced by the car, too, and an Akrapovič twin exhaust system was selected.

Performance-led design

The design and development team dealt successfully with the constraints inherent in the Clio R.S. 16 project (body widened by 60mm, 19-inch wheels and optimisation of the engine cooling system) to produce an expressive, sporty stance. The result is enhanced by an LED R.S. VISION chequered-pattern lighting signature featuring exclusive multi-faceted reflector technology.

Renault Sport’s trademark Liquid Yellow has been combined with gloss black details to mirror the livery of Renault Sport Formula One Team’s R.S.16 F1 single-seaters.

After today’s first public airing in the streets of Monaco, the car’s next official appearance will be the Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 23-26.