2012 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 drops ‘Ring time to 7:19.63 [Video]

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 already lays claim to an impressive 7 minute 22.4 second Nurburgring lap time, but, thanks to a pair of improvements, the 2012 model has clipped a few seconds off that already scorching lap time.

Chevrolet recently returned to the Germany to send its updated 2012 Corvette ZR1 around the 12.9 mile Nordschleife, emerging with an improved lap time of 7 minutes 19.63 seconds. That mark is one of the fastest ever for a production car, besting even the Dodge Viper ACR.

As was the case with the ZR1’s previous Nurburgring run, the latest lap time was set with a bone stock car with no performance modification. Corvette engineer Jim Mero was behind the wheel for the 7 minute 19.63 second run.

Chevrolet attributes the faster lap time to the 2012 ZR1’s new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires. Optional on both Z06 and ZR1 models, Chevrolet says the competition-oriented tires enhance cornering and handling abilities, while also aiding in braking.

When paired with the Corvette’s Performance Traction Management, the ZR1 can pull more than 1.1g’s of lateral acceleration, representing an eight percent improvement over the standard car.

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Finally: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster officially drops its top

Mercedes-Benz’s 563-horsepower SLS AMG has gone topless to create the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

Boasting an AMG-designed chassis, body and powertrain, the SLS Roadster is officially considered the “second” car to be independently developed by AMG. The SLS Roadster is, obviously, based very heavily on its gullwing sibling.

Under both hoods
The SLS AMG’s compact cloth fabric top was chosen for three reasons: Its light weight compared to a folding metal roof, its trim folded dimensions and its unique style. Capable of stowing away in just 11 seconds, it can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph.

Unlike the gullwing, the Roadster’s doors open traditionally with little pomp and circumstance. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t impressive inside.

Under the roof, things are mostly standard SLS AMG. That’s to say that the car draws inspiration from the original 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s, a legendary racing and road car that is highly valued by collectors today. The dashboard is retro-modern, with all the latest Mercedes-Benz luxuries and high-grade materials and trim that can be tailored to an individual buyer’s tastes.

Its dashboard is aircraft-inspired, as well, thanks to the jet engine-resemblilng vent nozzles and the aircraft thrust control-shaped E-Select gear lever.

That lever helps fire up the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed automatic. With four modes – comfort, sport, sport+ and manual – the automatic can fire off shifts faster than any driver could. A Race Start function optimizes the car’s sophisticated traction control system and mechanical differential lock for optimal launches.

Motivating the SLS AMG is the division’s 6.3-liter V8, which puts out 563 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft. of torque at 4,750 rpm. This thrust propels the SLS AMG to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and the car is electronically limited to an impressive 197 mph. As a result, both roadster and gullwing boast similar performance figures.

Designed to handle
Like the coupe, the SLS AMG Roadster is more than just an acceleration machine. A low-mounted engine with a dry sump system helps ensure optimal weight distribution and a nearly ground-level center of gravity.

The engine is front-mid mounted, meaning it lies as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, which helps AMG achieve a 47/53 weight distribution. A broad track – 66.2 inches up front and 65.1 inches out back – improves grip and control.

All four wheels hit the ground thanks to double wishbone suspensions with a track road, a Formula 1-derived technology.

Buyers can select either the standard sport-oriented suspension or a new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with three modes (comfort, sport and sport+). Each mode features its own shock tuning to alter the ride quality based on the type of driving desired.

The rear-wheel-drive roadster also offers optional ceramic brakes for optimal fade-free braking under extreme conditions.

Look for the SLS AMG Roadster to make its auto show debut later this year the Frankfurt Motor Show before it goes on sale worldwide.

View the original article here

Finally: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster officially drops its top

Mercedes-Benz’s 563-horsepower SLS AMG has gone topless to create the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

Boasting an AMG-designed chassis, body and powertrain, the SLS Roadster is officially considered the “second” car to be independently developed by AMG. The SLS Roadster is, obviously, based very heavily on its gullwing sibling.

Under both hoods
The SLS AMG’s compact cloth fabric top was chosen for three reasons: Its light weight compared to a folding metal roof, its trim folded dimensions and its unique style. Capable of stowing away in just 11 seconds, it can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph.

Unlike the gullwing, the Roadster’s doors open traditionally with little pomp and circumstance. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t impressive inside.

Under the roof, things are mostly standard SLS AMG. That’s to say that the car draws inspiration from the original 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s, a legendary racing and road car that is highly valued by collectors today. The dashboard is retro-modern, with all the latest Mercedes-Benz luxuries and high-grade materials and trim that can be tailored to an individual buyer’s tastes.

Its dashboard is aircraft-inspired, as well, thanks to the jet engine-resemblilng vent nozzles and the aircraft thrust control-shaped E-Select gear lever.

That lever helps fire up the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed automatic. With four modes – comfort, sport, sport+ and manual – the automatic can fire off shifts faster than any driver could. A Race Start function optimizes the car’s sophisticated traction control system and mechanical differential lock for optimal launches.

Motivating the SLS AMG is the division’s 6.3-liter V8, which puts out 563 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft. of torque at 4,750 rpm. This thrust propels the SLS AMG to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and the car is electronically limited to an impressive 197 mph. As a result, both roadster and gullwing boast similar performance figures.

Designed to handle
Like the coupe, the SLS AMG Roadster is more than just an acceleration machine. A low-mounted engine with a dry sump system helps ensure optimal weight distribution and a nearly ground-level center of gravity.

The engine is front-mid mounted, meaning it lies as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, which helps AMG achieve a 47/53 weight distribution. A broad track – 66.2 inches up front and 65.1 inches out back – improves grip and control.

All four wheels hit the ground thanks to double wishbone suspensions with a track road, a Formula 1-derived technology.

Buyers can select either the standard sport-oriented suspension or a new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with three modes (comfort, sport and sport+). Each mode features its own shock tuning to alter the ride quality based on the type of driving desired.

The rear-wheel-drive roadster also offers optional ceramic brakes for optimal fade-free braking under extreme conditions.

Look for the SLS AMG Roadster to make its auto show debut later this year the Frankfurt Motor Show before it goes on sale worldwide.

View the original article here

Finally: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster officially drops its top

Mercedes-Benz’s 563-horsepower SLS AMG has gone topless to create the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

Boasting an AMG-designed chassis, body and powertrain, the SLS Roadster is officially considered the “second” car to be independently developed by AMG. The SLS Roadster is, obviously, based very heavily on its gullwing sibling.

Under both hoods
The SLS AMG’s compact cloth fabric top was chosen for three reasons: Its light weight compared to a folding metal roof, its trim folded dimensions and its unique style. Capable of stowing away in just 11 seconds, it can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph.

Unlike the gullwing, the Roadster’s doors open traditionally with little pomp and circumstance. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t impressive inside.

Under the roof, things are mostly standard SLS AMG. That’s to say that the car draws inspiration from the original 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s, a legendary racing and road car that is highly valued by collectors today. The dashboard is retro-modern, with all the latest Mercedes-Benz luxuries and high-grade materials and trim that can be tailored to an individual buyer’s tastes.

Its dashboard is aircraft-inspired, as well, thanks to the jet engine-resemblilng vent nozzles and the aircraft thrust control-shaped E-Select gear lever.

That lever helps fire up the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed automatic. With four modes – comfort, sport, sport+ and manual – the automatic can fire off shifts faster than any driver could. A Race Start function optimizes the car’s sophisticated traction control system and mechanical differential lock for optimal launches.

Motivating the SLS AMG is the division’s 6.3-liter V8, which puts out 563 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft. of torque at 4,750 rpm. This thrust propels the SLS AMG to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and the car is electronically limited to an impressive 197 mph. As a result, both roadster and gullwing boast similar performance figures.

Designed to handle
Like the coupe, the SLS AMG Roadster is more than just an acceleration machine. A low-mounted engine with a dry sump system helps ensure optimal weight distribution and a nearly ground-level center of gravity.

The engine is front-mid mounted, meaning it lies as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, which helps AMG achieve a 47/53 weight distribution. A broad track – 66.2 inches up front and 65.1 inches out back – improves grip and control.

All four wheels hit the ground thanks to double wishbone suspensions with a track road, a Formula 1-derived technology.

Buyers can select either the standard sport-oriented suspension or a new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with three modes (comfort, sport and sport+). Each mode features its own shock tuning to alter the ride quality based on the type of driving desired.

The rear-wheel-drive roadster also offers optional ceramic brakes for optimal fade-free braking under extreme conditions.

Look for the SLS AMG Roadster to make its auto show debut later this year the Frankfurt Motor Show before it goes on sale worldwide.

View the original article here

Finally: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster officially drops its top

Mercedes-Benz’s 563-horsepower SLS AMG has gone topless to create the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

Boasting an AMG-designed chassis, body and powertrain, the SLS Roadster is officially considered the “second” car to be independently developed by AMG. The SLS Roadster is, obviously, based very heavily on its gullwing sibling.

Under both hoods
The SLS AMG’s compact cloth fabric top was chosen for three reasons: Its light weight compared to a folding metal roof, its trim folded dimensions and its unique style. Capable of stowing away in just 11 seconds, it can be operated at speeds up to 31 mph.

Unlike the gullwing, the Roadster’s doors open traditionally with little pomp and circumstance. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t impressive inside.

Under the roof, things are mostly standard SLS AMG. That’s to say that the car draws inspiration from the original 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s, a legendary racing and road car that is highly valued by collectors today. The dashboard is retro-modern, with all the latest Mercedes-Benz luxuries and high-grade materials and trim that can be tailored to an individual buyer’s tastes.

Its dashboard is aircraft-inspired, as well, thanks to the jet engine-resemblilng vent nozzles and the aircraft thrust control-shaped E-Select gear lever.

That lever helps fire up the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed automatic. With four modes – comfort, sport, sport+ and manual – the automatic can fire off shifts faster than any driver could. A Race Start function optimizes the car’s sophisticated traction control system and mechanical differential lock for optimal launches.

Motivating the SLS AMG is the division’s 6.3-liter V8, which puts out 563 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft. of torque at 4,750 rpm. This thrust propels the SLS AMG to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and the car is electronically limited to an impressive 197 mph. As a result, both roadster and gullwing boast similar performance figures.

Designed to handle
Like the coupe, the SLS AMG Roadster is more than just an acceleration machine. A low-mounted engine with a dry sump system helps ensure optimal weight distribution and a nearly ground-level center of gravity.

The engine is front-mid mounted, meaning it lies as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, which helps AMG achieve a 47/53 weight distribution. A broad track – 66.2 inches up front and 65.1 inches out back – improves grip and control.

All four wheels hit the ground thanks to double wishbone suspensions with a track road, a Formula 1-derived technology.

Buyers can select either the standard sport-oriented suspension or a new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with three modes (comfort, sport and sport+). Each mode features its own shock tuning to alter the ride quality based on the type of driving desired.

The rear-wheel-drive roadster also offers optional ceramic brakes for optimal fade-free braking under extreme conditions.

Look for the SLS AMG Roadster to make its auto show debut later this year the Frankfurt Motor Show before it goes on sale worldwide.

View the original article here

Hyundai drops job-loss protection from Assurance program

Tuesday, Mar 29th, 2011 @ 6:16 p.m.

After the U.S. economy and the automotive industry took a beating throughout 2008, Hyundai grabbed attention by announcing a job-loss guarantee program that aimed to give consumers confidence to buy a new Hyundai, despite the risk that they might lose their jobs after the fact.

The program was heralded as a success, and was a key part of the overall Hyundai Assurance program that was created in January 2009. But as the U.S. economy begins to stabilize, the Korean automaker has decided to remove the job-loss guarantee aspect of the Hyundai Assurance program after the close of this month, according to Automotive News.

Hyundai says that the program was never intended to be a permanent fixture of the Hyundai Assurance equation, only a temporary tool aimed at addressing the growing doubts in the economy during a downturn. Still continued will be the 10-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, as well as the five-year roadside assistance program.

To date, Hyundai says only about 350 vehicles were ever returned to the automaker through the program, which was more than offset by bolstered sales due to improved consumer confidence – with over one million vehicles sold since the program’s inception.

The company that administered the job-loss guarantee program for Hyundai, EFG, says that it already has similar deals in place with individual dealers, and hopes to offer similar programs with other automakers now that the one-year exclusivity aspect of the original contract has expired.

References
1.’Hyundai to cut…’ view

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