2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line

Volkswagen will unveil the R-Line version of the CC at the Auto Mobil International auto show in Leipzig, Germany on June 1st.

Exterior design updates distinguish it from the standard model and include a redesigned and sportier front bumper that boasts a larger air intake as well as projector-style fog lights. A set of unique 18-inch alloy wheels, shaded taillights and R-Line badging completes the look. Inside the cabin, there are stainless-steel R-Line scuff plates and a multifunction steering wheel.

The R-Line variant also makes several options standard, including rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated 12-way power front seats, and those with the six-speed automatic gets paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The CC R-Line does have a manual transmission option and is powered by the standard 2.0-liter turbo-four with 200-hp.

Other standard features include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated 12-way power front seats and a premium sound system with eight speakers.






Press Release

Volkswagen will unveil the R-Line version of the CC at the Auto Mobil International show in Leipzig on June 1st. This CC model will be available in the U.S. at the end of 2012 with the 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged TSI® engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.


With interior and exterior enhancements, the R-Line upgrades make the CC an even sportier vehicle. Compared with the Sport model, the R-Line gains a more aggressive front bumper design that incorporates a large lower air intake and projector-style foglights with a striking chrome motif. Side skirts and the R-Line logo on the grille further differentiate it from the Sport model, along with shaded taillights and unique and dramatic 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, there are stainless-steel R-Line scuff plates and the multifunction steering wheel for the DSG-equipped model has paddle shifters.


The CC 2.0T R-Line will feature standard Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System; LED taillights; LED license-plate illumination; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Climatronic® automatic climate-control; heated 12-way power front seats; the touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD Radio, eight speakers, and a six-disc CD changer; Bluetooth® technology; iPod® connectivity; and V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces.


The CC was refreshed for the 2013 Model Year, featuring new front and rear styling and an extended range of standard equipment. The 2013 CC went on sale in March and now has seating for five (previous models seated four). The new CC makes an even bolder move towards the automotive luxury class, offering a sleek, dramatic look at a highly attainable price.

Official: Ferrari SP12 EC

Ferrari has released official photos and details for the Ferrari SP12 EC. Ferrari Magazine reveals that the car was designed by Ferrari Style Centre in collaboration with Pininfarina. Ferrari engineers then built the car as a homage to Clapton’s career and his long-term dedication to the Ferrari brand.

The powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine with 570-hp (419 kW) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of over 202 mph (325 km/h).

Ferrari will not say how much Clapton paid for his special car, but some reports say it cost $4.75 million. It’s good to be a rock star.





Press Release


New stylistic notes for Ferrari: the SP12 EC is born. EC like Eric Clapton


Exclusively in the Ferrari Magazine the great English musician talks about his passion for Ferrari and his one-off model.


For a Ferrari enthusiast and great musician like Eric Clapton a one-off car just had to be produced. ?Designed by the Centro Stile Ferrari in collaboration with Pininfarina and the engineers from Maranello, the SP12 EC was created as homage to Clapton's career and his long lasting experience as a Ferrari owner.


The world-famous guitar player has been attached to one particular Ferrari model: the 512 BB, of which he has owned three over the years. So his desire was to drive a car inspired by this model, with influences from the multi-award winning 458 Italia. Exclusively in the latest issue of the Ferrari Official Magazine Eric Clapton talks about his passion and how the idea of a one-off car was born.


Meticulous attention in terms of style and technology was paid to the proportions and architecture of the SP12 EC - which is part of Ferrari's One-Off Programme - making this exceptional car even more significant. Just like music is created, applying the right notes in the right places to build a musical score, so was the creative process behind the SP12 EC.


For Eric Clapton, following the project through from what was, essentially, a blank canvas, was ‘one of the most satisfying things I've ever done." Unique and irreproducible like the final car.

2013 Mercedes SL-Class UK pricing

Mercedes-Benz has releases that its sixth generation of the new SL-Class will be available in UK market next month in two SL350 and SL500 guises, According to the German-based luxury car maker, the SL 350 will be sold at a price of £72,495 on-the road while the SL 500 with its V8 engine is priced at £83,445. Both models will arrive in the UK starting June 2012.

The SL 350 is powered by a BlueDirect 3.5 liter V6 engine. This direct injection 3,498cc power plant is 30 per cent more economical than before, yet with 306hp at 6,500rpm and 370Nm of torque at 3,500–5,250rpm it also delivers sharper performance, accelerating the two-seater to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds and onto a 250km/h electronically limited top speed.

The SL 500 is powered by a BlueDIRECT 4.7-liter V8 engine that develops 429 hp at 5,250 rpm and 700 Nm of torque between 1,800-3,500 rpm, enabling the 1.7 ton SL500 to accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

Both models has been equipped with standard safety and cool features such as leather sport seats, bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive brake along with 18″ alloy wheels.




Press Release


All new SL-Class Roadster available OTR from £72,495

• Advanced aluminium construction reduces weight by up to 140 kg

• 3.5-litre V6 and 4.7-litre V8 BlueDIRECT direct-injection petrol engines combine enhanced performance and improved efficiency

• Three roof options available including MAGIC SKY CONTROL

• HANDS-FREE ACCESS allows remote opening and closing of boot

• Innovations include MAGIC VISION CONTROL wipers and Frontbass audio speaker system

• Passive and active safety package makes SL the world's safest roadster

Pricing for the sixth generation of the world's most iconic roadster, the new SL-Class Roadster has now been confirmed. The SL 350 is priced at £72,495 on-the-road and the SL 500 will cost £83,445 and both models will arrive in the UK in June 2012, followed by the SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG later in the year.


Lighter, leaner, sportier and more efficient, the new SL is built almost entirely of aluminium and powered by Mercedes-Benz BlueDIRECT direct-injection engines which have improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions by up to 30 per cent compared with the previous model, while delivering even more performance.


The SL 350 is powered by a BlueDIRECT 3.5-litre V6 engine. This direct injection 3,498 cc power plant is 30 per cent more economical than before, yet with 306 hp at 6,500 rpm and 370 Nm of torque at 3,500 - 5,250 rpm it also delivers sharper performance, accelerating the two-seater to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and onto a 155 mph electronically limited top speed. This thrilling performance is complemented by excellent combined economy of 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 176 g/km.


Performance and economy figures for the SL 500 are equally impressive. The 4,663 cc BlueDIRECT V8 engine - which combines direct injection and twin-turbo technologies - develops 435 hp at 5,250 rpm and an impressive 700 Nm of torque that is available from a low 1,800 rpm to 3,500 rpm. The 1,785 kg SL 500 will sprint to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds, and like the SL 350 is electronically limited to 155 mph.


Even with the increase in power and torque over the outgoing model, the efficiency of the SL 500 has improved by 26 per cent, now returning 30.7 mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 214 g/km of CO2.


The new SL-Class saves water as a result of the MAGIC VISION CONTROL intelligent wash/wipe system which is fitted as standard. This applies the ideal amount of washer fluid to the screen just in front of the wiper blades to ensure the driver's visibility is not impaired during cleaning and occupants are not splashed when the roof is down.


New and unique Frontbass speakers use the space in the aluminium footwells of the new SL-Class as resonance chambers, filling the cabin with concert hall-quality bass sounds and freeing space in the door panels. The new SL-Class also offers buyers HANDS-FREE ACCESS to the boot, as part of the optional Keyless-Go Comfort Package.By waving a foot under the rear bumper, the luggage compartment can be opened or closed - a world first.


The new SL-Class keeps its classic sports-roadster proportions, with a long bonnet and set-back cabin, yet is longer, wider and lower than before. It continues the tradition of innovation that stretches back 60 years to the racing prototype, which led to the legendary 300 SL ‘Gullwing'.


The SL's aluminium construction - a first for a Mercedes-Benz series production car - reduces weight by up to 140 kg, despite significant increases in safety and luxury features. The only non-aluminium body parts are the magnesium sections of the rear floor and the high-strength steel implants in the front windscreen pillars for peerless open-top safety.


The body is also significantly stiffer than that of the previous model. This provides an ideal platform for the chassis - which features semi-active adjustable damping or optional Active Body Control, and Direct Steer speed-sensitive power steering - to deliver more nimble and sporty responses with no sacrifice in comfort.


The new SL-Class can justifiably claim to be the safest roadster in the world as a result of its comprehensive standard protection features, which include PRE-SAFE, NECK-PRO, ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE. The pro-active DISTRONIC PLUS AND PRE-SAFE BRAKE are among the optional safety features. More than ever, the Mercedes-Benz SL lives up to Gottfried Daimler's ethos: ‘The Best or Nothing.'


Standard specification includes the following:

• Pre-safe, Attention Assist and Active Bonnet

• Intelligent Light System with bi-Xenon headlamps

• Magic Vision Control heated adaptive wiper system

• COMAND Online with Media Interface

• Sports seats trimmed in leather upholstery

• 18" five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels