Range Rover

Mercedes-Benz is paying tribute to 60 years of Unimog trucks with a mean, green off-roader concept that the company claims stands for future versatility in vehicle design.

The design concept was created as joint cooperation between the MBS development team, the Daimler commercial vehicle designers in Sindelfingen and a model designing partner.

The concept is based on the current Unimog U5000 platform, showcasing a dramatic and almost caricature-like exterior layout. There’s no doors, just a very open cabin or seating platform for a driver and one passenger. Both are surrounded by a chunky central roll bar and ‘hugged’ by equally chunky wrap-around beams.

Highlight features include a chassis made from blocks of aluminium, traditional long-travel coil springs painted in bright red, special focused stage light headlights and the same overall extreme degree of versatility as the road-going Unimog.



Press Release

"60 Years Mercedes-Benz Unimog": A spectacular design concept for the jubilee

• To celebrate their jubilee "60 Years Unimog", Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks (MBS) is presenting a design concept based on the U 5000 with its outstanding off-road mobility

• A formal unveiling and presentation will take place at the ceremony on 3 June in the CustomerCentre at the Mercedes-Benz Plant in Wörth

• The design concept has been created as joint cooperation between the MBS development team, the Daimler commercial vehicle designers in Sindelfingen and a model designing partner

• Yaris Pürsün, Director of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: "Future meets history - the design concept is a further milestone in the Unimog legend"

• As an analogy to the very first Mercedes-Benz Unimog of the product range 2010 which was built in 1951, the design concept from 2011 also has an open cab

Stuttgart / Wörth on Rhein - The unit Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks (MBS), which includes the product ranges Unimog, Econic and Zetros, presented a spectacular design concept on the occasion of the ceremony "60 Years Mercedes-Benz Unimog" on 3 June 2011 at the Daimler plant in Wörth. It has an impressive, dynamic and extremely expressive "face" corresponding to the future form language of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle design. The design concept combines the past and future of the Unimog in an extremely avantgardist way. "We have taken the Unimog-DNA with its unique concept features to 100 percent into consideration when creating this design concept," says Bertrand Janssen from the Daimler department for commercial vehicle design. Furthermore, this design concept gives the observer sufficient room for thought to interpret its technical innovations. To cut a long story short, it is literally an unsually idea to make one think about the Universal-Motor-Gerät (Unimog) of the future. And Yaris Pürsün, Director of the Mercedes-Benz Plant at Wörth and Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, is visibly enthusiastic about this new interpretation of the Unimog idea by the commercial vehicle designers and the project team responsible. "The result is a complete success. At Mercedes Benz Special Trucks we decided to construct a design concept because we are of the opinion that such a vehicle will act as a bridge between the progressive strength of self-renewal that has distinguished the Unimog programme for 60 years and the future design of the coming generations of products."

The concept vehicle shows that even after 60 years - and including the 26 product ranges during this period - the Unimog is still able to renew itself. Just as its innovative power has left its mark on the Mercedes-Benz Unimog and driven it forward until the present day, the "Concept Design 60 Years Unimog" has shown impressively that a great deal of innovation is still possible in the engineering of future Unimog generations. This concept vehicle will no doubt surprise everyone who sees it, experts and enthusiasts, users and customers alike.

The design concept is based on the Unimog U 5000 chassis with its outstanding off-road capabilities. The traditional and well-known unique selling-point of the Unimog, its coil springs, are painted red in the concept vehicle, whereas Bertrand Janssen and his team have let its hulk of a bonnet with its typical Mercedes-Benz line and the mudguards shine out in a fresh green. When selecting the colours used, the designers in Bertrand Janssen's team were inspired by an unusual amphibian, the poison dart frog: Just like the Unimog it is also extremely mobile both in water and on land. And furthermore in this point it is once more the link between past and future as green was the colour of the very first Unimog and numerous follow-up generations of the vehicle. The headlights are like stage lights, which focus the beam of light. The clearly visible, sweeping lines of the frame have been finished with high-grade trims cut from aluminium blocks. The four same-size wheels make a strong optical impression with their five star alu-rim design. Bertrand Janssen emphasises, " On no account did we work in an atmosphere where our ideas were divorced from reality. Here we have a vehicle which is puristic, but still clearly true to concept - with the claim, that some of its details will turn up in coming product ranges in future. We continued to take up the most important Unimog features which have characterised the vehicle for the last 60 years and which will also characterise it in future - features such as portal axles, coil springs or the frame concept." The design concept "60 Years Unimog" is not however a prototype for a new product range. But it becomes quite clear that the Mercedes-Benz Unimog will still continue to have an innovative character in future and will still possess a high degree of versatility in design and type of construction. It is after all a unique vehicle concept.

Michael Dietz, Head of Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks makes it clear. "During the last 60 years our Unimog has made a name for itself worldwide as an ambassador and image-carrier for the brand Mercedes-Benz. Whether working for numerous municipalities and contractors in Europe, under extreme conditions exploring for oil in the Taklamakan desert in China or for example as a motorhome "down under", the design concept is a forward projection of these unique Unimog-DNA and is impressive proof of the innovative power of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks." Because of this, Yaris Pürsün pays the whole team a compliment. "Each of them brought his own competence to the project to the best of his ability. From the very beginning there was a unique spirt of cooperation. It has been a very emotional project which we all became very attached to." And in one very important point the design concept for the jubilee year 2011 and the very first Mercedes-Benz Unimog of the product range 2010 which rolled off the band on 3 Juni 1951 at the Gaggenau plant have something very obvious in common: Both vehicles are open - really genuine cabrios.

Aston Martin revealed the result of its latest collaboration with Italian design house Zagato, a project built on the V12 Vantage platform that will be unveiled at the 2011 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Italy’s premier collector-car event that starts up Saturday.

The new Aston Zagato endurance racer is powered by a 6.0-liter (5935 cc) all alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve engine, developing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. With a front mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive architecture, the Aston Martin V12 Zagato comes equipped with a six-speed automated manual gearbox, a Twin Plate competition clutch and a limited slip diff. The full specification of Aston's new V12 Zagato is available lower down this page.

Like that car, the Zagato V12 is planned to be sold in limited numbers, both in road-going form and as a race car--the latter of which is set to make its debut at the Nürburgring four-hour race where it will feature a more extreme aerodynamic package, including lightly modified bodywork, a stripped-out interior and a towering rear wing.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the Nürburgring on May 28, with a view to racing two of the cars at the 24-hour race on June 25. The driver team will be led for the sixth year by chief executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.




Press Release

Aston Martin unveils new V12 Zagato

• In 50th anniversary year of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin introduces a modern interpretation of the famous Aston Martin and Zagato collaboration

• New V12 Zagato concept to be premiered at the Villa D'Este Concours on 21st May to gauge customer interest

• The V12 Zagato will appear in the form of an endurance race car to compete at the Nürburgring 24 hour race on 25/26 June; following tradition of recent new Aston Martins

Gaydon / Lake Como, 20 May 2011. Aston Martin will unveil the stunning new V12 Zagato endurance racer concept on the shores of Lake Como, Italy at the Villa D'Este Concours tomorrow.

Reviving a collaboration which has produced some of the most beautiful and sought-after cars in the world, the partnership takes inspiration from the past, to create a modern descendent of classics such as the DB4GT Zagato, V8 Vantage Zagato and DB7 Zagato based on Aston Martin's ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range: the V12 Vantage.

Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin said: "The Zagato design language is a perfect complement to our design and engineering expertise. After 50 years of the two companies being associated with each other the partnership has produced some of the world's most iconic cars."

"Of course, fifty years ago Italian design houses were widely seen as leading the way with new designs but now and supported by our independency, Aston Martin has its own in-house design ability so this new venture with Zagato is more collaborative than it perhaps would have been in the past."

"The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos."

Work began in 2010 with initial meetings between Aston Martin and Zagato where sketches incorporating the design DNA of both companies were discussed and a decision was made to proceed with the project.

Director of Design, Marek Reichman added: "The Design team at Gaydon spent time refining the concept using a mixture of the latest computer based modelling techniques along with crafting traditional clay models to give a real world idea of proportion, stance and detail"

"The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style. The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car's racing credentials."

Working alongside the initial design team was a dedicated group of Aston Martin engineers led by Chris Porritt - previously responsible for the engineering of the One-77. With the skills and knowledge gained from such specialised projects this team has worked to bring the unique design of the V12 Zagato to reality in a very short period of time.

Featuring a new handcrafted aluminium body, the V12 Zagato delivers a beautiful and muscular design not possible using pre-formed panel techniques. Using the influences and skill of nearly 100 years of heritage in the craft, every aluminium panel was formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks. Each front wing alone comprises seven separate pieces of aluminium, combined and then hand finished to give one flowing form. Another iconic Zagato design cue is the double bubble roof created in this case from five separate pieces illustrating further the intensity of craftsmanship involved in the construction of the V12 Zagato.

Designed for the focused driver, the V12 Zagato has been honed with pure driving enjoyment in mind. The V12 Zagato combines Aston Martin's most dynamic bonded aluminium platform with the power of the 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

The V12 Vantage which forms the basis of the V12 Zagato has been proven on the race track as early as 2009 with a class win in its debut race at the 24 hour race at Nürburgring whilst being close to production standard with only essential safety modifications, reduced weight and re-tuned suspension but no additional aerodynamic enhancements. In 2011 the car has gone on to form the basis of the new Aston Martin GT3 race car unveiled last month.

The first DB4GT Zagato shown to the public in late 1960 spent much of its life as a racing car after launch. Later perhaps the two most famous DB4GT Zagatos, registered ‘1 VEV' and ‘2 VEV' were raced with success by such names as Jim Clark and Roy Salvadori. The fascinating story of these cars and the nature of high performance and low weight which drove the Zagato projects gave the inspiration for the first two V12 Zagatos to be created as endurance race cars.

The racing debut of the V12 Zagato will be at the four hour VLN race at Nürburgring on 28th May with a view to two cars racing at the 24 hour race on 25/26 June. The cars will be driven by a team with great experience of Aston Martin race cars, led for the sixth year by Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.

Both cars follow Aston Martin's philosophy of racing in close-to-production form but with full FIA safety compliance. V12 Vantage Zagato specification includes a bonded aluminium platform modified with a bespoke steel roll cage, front and rear double wishbone suspension with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV Dampers and a 120ltr endurance racing fuel tank.

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato will be shown for the first time at the Villa D'Este Concours on Saturday 21st May 2011

Aston Martin V12 Zagato Endurance Race Car Specification

Body:
Two door, two seat coupe body
Bonded aluminium structure
Bespoke steel roll cage.
Hand crafted Aluminium body

Engine:
All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12
Compression ratio 10.9:1
Front mid-mounted engine, rear wheel drive

Transmission:
Rear mid-mounted, six-speed automated manual gearbox with auto shift manual/select shift manual (ASM/SSM) electric hydraulic control system
Magnesium alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
Twin Plate competition clutch.
Limited slip differential.

Suspension:
All round independent double wishbone with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV dampers.

Brakes:
Front: Ventilated floating grooved discs with 6 piston callipers
Rear: Ventilated floating grooved discs with 4 piston callipers

Fuel System:
120 litre endurance racing fuel tank

BMW Group DesignworksUSA has collaborated with Intermarine, Brazil's leading shipyard for luxury yachts, to create the elegant, powerful and refined Intermarine 55. Setting sail in July 2011, the Intermarine 55 is the first in a new era yachts for Intermarine, and the latest among DesignworksUSA's growing portfolio of clients to hail from Brazil, an emerging capital of design and industry.

Measuring 57 feet long, the luxury yacht has an "open horizon" design philosophy which strives to provide a spacious interior that is full of natural sunlight. As part of this mission, designers used large windows to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that offers unparalleled views of the water.

The internal areas of the Intermarine 55 were conceived from the theme "open horizons", providing maximum openness and space. Inspired by modern architecture, the spaces are full of natural light and light reflexions, creating a warm and comfortable environment. The big windows in the salon, cabins and even in the bathrooms allow an open view to the sea. The salon door offers perfect integration with the stern area thanks to its wide opening via three door panels. Since Brazil's climate allows for optimal time on deck, the design included open transitions for increased functionality.




Press Release

The Intermarine 55 Luxury Yacht Sets Sail in Summer 2011 as BMW Group DesignworksUSA Continues its Creative Collaborations with Leading Brazilian Firms

March 25, 2011 - Los Angeles, CA. - Setting sail in July 2011, the Intermarine 55 is the first in a new era yachts for Intermarine, and the latest among DesignworksUSA's growing portfolio of clients to hail from Brazil, an emerging capital of design and industry. Today Brazil is the world's 8th largest industrial nation, and many of its leading companies are selecting DesignworksUSA to create products that resonate both with consumers in the region, and with increasing importance, consumers in export markets across the word.

In addition to Intermarine, DesignworksUSA's Brazilian-based clients also include Embraer, which is based in Sao Jose do Campos and is the third largest aviation producer in the world; Schioppa, the leader in medical casters, which is based in Sao Paulo; and Pado, the brass and aluminum provider, which is also based in Sao Paulo. More broadly, DesignworksUSA is finding opportunities for great design throughout South America, and is presently collaborating with Venezuela-based Siragon, the manufacturer and assembler of computer hardware and other technology products including digital cameras, peripherals and plasma television screens. This proven track record of successfully driving innovation for premium brands in South America was among the many factors that drew Intermarine to select the consultancy. DesignworksUSA's thorough experience with a broad range of clients at each tier of the yacht market was another. While Intermarine resides at the upper segment of the luxury yacht market, DesignworksUSA also creates for Germany's Bavaria Yachts, a manufacturer of entry-level yachts. Further, together with its client HF Interiors, DesignworksUSA creates bespoke, one-of-a-kind environments for ultra exclusive mega-yachts.

"BMW Group DesignworksUSA deeply understood our clients' needs and created a really innovative and distinctive design for the new Intermarine 55. The yacht is not only modern and beautiful but its solutions will definitely raise the bar in the category," said Allysson Yamamoto, Intermarine marketing manager. "Intermarine is a famous connoisseur brand with a rich history, and to evolve its design forward with the Intermarine 55 is an honor," says Laurenz Schaffer, President of BMW Group DesignworksUSA. "We're eager to share the Intermarine 55 with the world when examples begin setting sail later this year, and likewise to continuing the evolution of this design story with the unveling of upcoming yachts for Intermarine," continued Schaffer.

Design Details: The Intermarine 55
Measuring 57 feet in total length, the Intermarine 55 is a very luxurious boat, not only because of the exclusivity of the design, but also because of the balance of spaces. It was conceptualized to provide harmony for day and night use, and has an excellent internal arrangement including a salon, galley, three cabins and two bathrooms. It comfortably seats six people and one sailor. The team at DesignworksUSA created an innovative design for the exterior of the boat, translated in powerful, elegant and refined lines. The large windows have a unique and dynamic shape while offering an open view to the sea. Another remarkable innovation is the shape of all the hull side windows. There is no circular or oval porthole as traditionally used in boats. The portholes of the Intermarine 55 are integrated into the large trapezoid shaped windows, which enable more luminosity and visibility in the interiors, besides bringing outstanding beauty and character to the new model. The feature lines in the hull that define the unique personality of the boat are forms known in the automotive industry that now reach the nautical world. Similarly inspired by automotive are details like the the impressive air intakes in stainless steel. The bow characterized by a well defined angle, brings a strong presence to the boat, uniquly identifying Intermarine.

The internal areas of the Intermarine 55 were conceived from the theme "open horizons", providing maximum openness and space. Inspired by modern architecture, the spaces are full of natural light and light reflexions, creating a warm and comfortable environment. The big windows in the salon, cabins and even in the bathrooms allow an open view to the sea. The salon door offers perfect integration with the stern area thanks to its wide opening via three door panels. Since Brazil's climate allows for optimal time on deck, the design included open transitions for increased functionality.

The 1986 Vipervette is exactly what you think it is: part Dodge Viper, part Corvette, all painful. Riding on a 1986 Corvette chassis, the Vipervette is said to have inherited its body (and not much else, apparently) from a 2000 Dodge Viper. Because of this hodge-podge mix of machinery, we have a car with some very awkward proportions.

The engine is the ‘86 Vette’s power train,a 5.7 liter V8 with a four-speed stick shift. The interior comes from the Corvette as well and is color-coded with respect to the Viper exterior.

The interiors have a mix of Dodge viper red and black leather covering the Corvette seats and the optional components include power mirrors, power seats, tilt wheels, power trunk and much more. The car is up for sale in Troy, Michigan, US; so you better have a look at this red hot lady.

All 1986 Chevrolet Corvette convertibles were Indianapolis Pace Car Replicas and came with a decal package which could be affixed by the dealer. Of 35,109 Corvettes sold in 1986, 7,315 were these pace car convertibles.

GM has unveiled the Opel GTC new Photo Gallery and Specs, Including Details on 290HP 2.0L Turbo. which will debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.

The Opel GTC Paris will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder twin scroll turbo engine delivering 290 horsepower (213 kW) to the front wheels via a six speed manual transmission.

The chassis of the Opel GTC Paris has a special design, with an extra wide stance, and features a compound crank with the Watt’s Link in the rear and a newly developed adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension.

The Opel GTC Paris will also feature Start Stop technology and a limited slip differential, plus unique 21 inch alloy wheels that include carbon iber inserts to optimize aerodynamics, 'Wing' and 'Blade' design cues at the exterior and high quality materials inside the cabin.





Press Release

Paris/Rüsselsheim. The GTC Paris concept car embodies the passionate side of Opel: Its role is to show how Opel can “dial up” the brand’s now established design direction by creating a very sporty and emotional interpretation.

The GTC Paris is designed to be artistically sculpted using sweeping dynamic lines. At the same time, it is engineered with German precision and energized with technical innovation, like a 2.0 liter Turbo gasoline engine with direct injection, a new execution of the fully adaptive FlexRide suspension and an limited slip differential in the front.

This three-door sporty hatch is pure but sporty, simple but expressive and at the same time bold and iconic. Keeping in line with Opel’s DNA, it is an achievable dream car, conceived to showcase an energized brand. This energy is also conveyed by the vibrant and expressive Liquid Metal Red exterior color.

Coming close on the heels of the new generation Astra Sports Tourer which will also debut at the Paris motor show, the GTC Paris is how Opel envisions the next logical step of a newly shaped line-up.

Exterior design: Muscular lines like tendons on a sprinter

At 4.46 meters, the GTC Paris is the ideal size for a compact, sporty car, which still offers room for five. In profile, the designers have maximized drama by limiting the amount of lines in the GTC Paris. Three strong lines create tension and provide a sculpted shape. The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia -- a fine, crisp line that sweeps upward from the rocker at the beginning of the front door. A second line encapsulates the door handle and sweeps to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle’s dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum accentuating the window graphic, which guides the eye to the sharply accented integrated spoiler.

The shoulder section is the most dramatic area of the Opel GTC Paris. The broadest point pulls down to a wide athletic “bulldog stance,” giving the car a very purposeful road presence. The line from the C-pillar slides into the tail and curls around into the rear spoiler, which is ingeniously integrated into the continuing roof line.

The clean frontal styling features Opel’s typical centerline crease. It is further accented by intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps acting as parenthesis between the refined chrome emblem bar and the dramatic low trapezoidal grill which hints at its sporty character. Opel typical wing-shaped signature LED daytime running lights get a new twist with finely sculptured chrome jewels that are seen easily behind clear glass. The trapezoidal grille is recognizably Opel, but separate from the chrome bar and placed lower, for a race track feel.

The wide stance is accentuated in the rear, where the proportion of the vehicle is most imposing due to the powerful shoulder design. This is further enhanced with the LED taillights and one long stretched “wing” motif, which make the new Opel vehicles distinguishable at night.

The aerodynamics of the dynamic 21-inch wheels is optimized with carbon-fiber inserts which enclose the center caps.

Purposeful driver’s cockpit

Echoing the flowing, sculpted forms of the bodywork, the hallmarks of the GTC Paris interior are sweeping lines and shapes as well as the bold use of fabric. The interior is driver-focused, with a positive/negative use of color: Whereas the driver’s seat is red with black trim, all other components in the interior are outfitted in a charcoal black with red stitching. The car’s inspiration, a quote from Richard Bach’s novel, Jonathon Livingstone Seagull is laser-etched in calligraphy script into the seat … “and the speed was pure beauty.”

Sporty, bucket front seats have been specially designed for the GTC Paris. Their aggressively shaped contours and graphics perfectly compliment the overall dynamic spirit of the car are outlined in titanium and filled in with black netting, repeating a design cue seen on the carbon fiber inserts on the wheels.

The small black leather racing steering wheel features metal inserts. On the dashboard, the interior continues Opel’s recurring “wing” and “blade” motifs. In this execution, the blade theme is expressed in details like the shape of the polished chrome door grab handles and the trim for gearshift molding. The wing design cue is immediately evident in the warm, inviting wraparound instrument panel that embraces front seat occupants. It arcs across the cabin into the top of the door moldings.

The Opel design team used leather and micro-fibers for the seats, plush carpeting on the flooring, and a textured black instrument panel. These classic materials have a contemporary twist, not only in the choice of hues but also in the positive/negative stitching.

German Engineering Packs Powerful Punch with 213 kW/290 hp 2.0 liter Turbo

In line with Opel’s strategy to turbo-charge for efficient performance, the GTC Paris is powered by a small displacement, twin-scroll turbo-charged four-cylinder with direct injection - a range-topping 2.0-liter Turbo equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. . This punchy engine packs 213 kW/290 hp. Double camshaft phasing and twin balance shafts provide the basis of the engine’s impressive performance data. In addition, an Limited Slip Differential helps control traction without limiting the torque of this state-of-the-art turbo engine.

Yet with all this performance, environmental responsibility is not forgotten: Start/Stop technology keeps emissions and noise down in the urban traffic. This keeps the GTC Paris frugal without diminishing its sporty character.

Innovative technology enhances performance

The best of Opel’s compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on this concept car. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance for best possible performance and handling. In addition to the front limited slip differential, it has a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt’s Link in the rear, and a new execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension..

The compound crank rear axle enhanced with the cleverly positioned Watt’s link enables the crisp handling and high comfort that is being celebrated on the current Astra. Keeping the advantages of size, weight and overall efficiency of the compound crank rear axle layout over a classical multi-link design, the architecture with its additional Watt’s link better supports lateral forces on the suspension while cornering. It also makes the car dynamic and agile without compromising on stability and comfort.

The GTC Paris also features the FlexRide adaptive suspension system, which continuously adapts to changes in driving style and cornering speed. Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, FlexRide also offers safety benefits in emergency situations as it enhances the vehicle stability in all circumstances.

Together features like these allow the sporty compact GTC Paris concept to make best use of the power and energy conveyed by its design.