Paris Auto Show: McLaren Talks About its New P1 Hypercar Concept [Video]

Paris Auto Show: McLaren Talks About its New P1 Hypercar Concept

The 2012 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris was the event chosen by McLaren Automotive to present the world debut of the brand-new P1 hypercar in pre-production trim, about a year before it goes on sale. McLaren claims that the P1 draws inspiration from its racing division and its target is to produce the world’s best driving car both on the road and on the track.
"The McLaren P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage", says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. "Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with the McLaren P1 is to redefine it once again."
As you can see in the video that follows, McLaren managing director Anthony Sheriff claims that top speed wasn’t a top priority – which, given that the 20-year old F1 made its name primarily on its record-breaking top speed, is kind of ironic.
This doesn’t mean that the production version of the P1, which in Paris was displayed in concept form, will be lacking in the speed department. According to program director Paul Mackenzie, its power to weight ratio will be more than 600PS (592HP) per tonne, which, should be enough to give the Ferrari F70 and Porsche 918 Spyder a run for their money.
The P1’s also excels in terms of its aerodynamic performance. Even below the car's top speed, which will exceed 200 mph (320 km/h), the P1 generates 600 kg (1,323 lbs) of downforce, which results in improved mechanical grip and agility.
McLaren’s huge racing experience is evident in the Formula 1-like Drag Reduction System (DRS), which adjusts the rear wing’s pitch in a straight line to reduce drag and improve performance.
The P1 utilizes a mid-engine layout and a carbon fiber “Monocage” monocoque and roof structure, which is a further development of the “Monocell” chassis used by the MP4-12C.
McLaren said that further details, including the powertrain, will be announced in early 2013, and deliveries will begin late next year on McLaren’s 50th anniversary.
You can view the image gallery and a video of Anthony Sheriff explaining the thinking behind the P1’s creation right after the break.

By Andrew Tsaousis

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VIDEO: Antony Sheriff on the McLaren P1

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Posted in: About,Concept,Hypercar,McLaren,Paris,Talks,Video

Volvo Expands V40 Family with Sportier R-Design and Tougher Cross Country Models [Video]

Volvo Expands V40 Family with Sportier R-Design and Tougher Cross Country Models

The all-new Volvo V40 R-Design and V40 Cross Country received their world premiere today at the 2012 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris. Both models are more about style than essence with the R-Design placing the emphasis on sporty looks and the Cross Country on its off-road appearance.
Beginning with the R-Design version, the Swedish carmaker's premium hatchback obtains a slightly more aggressive exterior thanks to a re-profiled front bumper, a silk-metal finish for the front grille, the new rear diffuser and the exterior mirrors, chrome exhaust pipes and 17-inch or optionally, 18-inch alloy wheels.
The interior of the car is upgraded with features such as embossed R-Design leather/T-Tec upholstery, TFT instrument display, sports steering wheel, sports pedals and aluminium inlays.
Volvo made no mechanical changes to the car with the R-Design trim offered for all engine options of the V40 series.
The new V40 Cross Country attempts to justify its off-road moniker and tougher looks with a 173mm ride height (a 40mm increase over the standard V40), but doesn't even offer all-wheel drive on any engine variant sans the flagship 251hp (254PS) 2.5-liter T5 five-cylinder petrol.
The cosmetic changes over the regular versions of the V40 include a new set of bumpers with black cladding and skid plates, and sculpted contrasting side sills, with the interior remaining the same. European sales of both models will begin later this year.

Via: carscoop

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VIDEO: Volvo at the Paris Motor Show 2012

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Posted in: Country,Cross,Expands,family,models,RDesign,Sportier,Tougher,Video,Volvo

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo in Detail with Live

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo in Detail with Live

Porsche is giving us a strong hint at the future of the Panamera series with its new Sport Turismo Concept that was unveiled during a press event on the eve of the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

With the Panamera Sport Turismo concept, Porsche's intention is to kill three birds with one stone, in the sense that it is previewing both a new design language for the next Panamera saloon and a plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, while also testing the waters for an expansion of the series with a more practical and roomy, estate-like model.

"The body concept of the Panamera Sport Turismo is an outlook on a possible Porsche sports car of tomorrow," said the company in a press statement.
The Sport Turismo is 1,990 mm wide, 1,401 mm tall and 4,950 mm long, which makes it 61mm wider, 17mm lower and 20mm shorter than the current Panamera.

At least in concept form, the Sport Turismo has a slightly more aggressive and simultaneously sleeker appearance than today's Panamera, but this could all change once it enters the realm of production.
Inside, Porsche's designers went all futuristic with the styling, color options and tech gadgets with the Sport Turismo offering individual seating for four passengers.

For its motivation, the study uses an experimental plug-in hybrid powertrain developed from the parallel full hybrid system implemented today in the Panamera S Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid models.

The drive system links Porsche's production 3.0-liter V6 engine with 329hp (245kW / 333PS) to a new electric motor that generates about 94hp (70 kW / 95PS), or twice as much as in today’s Porsche hybrid drive. The system's total output is 410hp (306kW / 416PS).

The car's lithium-ion battery is located within the boot floor and can be externally charged within 2.5 hours (depending on the power supply). Porsche says that the Panamera Sport Turismo can be driven in pure electric mode up to a speed of 130 km/h (81mph) and can cover distances of over 30 km (19 miles).

With the use of the battery, the concept's combined fuel consumption is less than 3.5 liters per 100 km (67.2mpg US or 80.7mpg UK), while CO2 emissions are under 82 g/km.

Via: carscoop

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VIDEO: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Presentation

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Posted in: Detail,Panamera,Porsche,Sport,Turismo