Aside from a unique blend of European-inspired design, dynamic performance and high levels of refinement, Kia’s newest flagship offers class-leading interior room and standard features like keyless entry, advanced navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and UVO eServices, Bluetooth wireless technology,an eight-inch touch screen, 550-watt Infinity 12-speaker audio system, Rear Camera Display and leather-trimmed seats with heat and power adjustment in the front.

In addition to the long list of standard amenities, the Cadenza offers two option packages – Luxury and Technology – both of which advance value to new levels of sophistication. Priced at $38,100 MSRP1, a Luxury Package-equipped Cadenza adds more upscale character with a full-length panoramic sunroof and power retractable sunshade, opulent Nappa leather trim with heated rear outboard seats and ventilated 12-way adjustable driver seat, HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting system (AFLS), a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster for superb clarity and customization, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping capabilities, and two-position memory setting for driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering column. Adding the range-topping Technology Package builds on the Cadenza’s Luxury Package with 19-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), a Blind Spot Detection System (BSD) and Kia’s first-ever Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), all for $41,100. In addition, the front side windows feature hydrophobic technology, which repels water for enhanced visibility during rainy weather conditions.

The Cadenza’s smooth-revving, all-aluminum 3.3L V6 generates 293 bhp and utilizes gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology that improves performance while maintaining fuel-efficiency. Power is seamlessly transferred via a 6-speed, sport-tuned automatic transmission, and a sophisticated, fully independent suspension provides the perfect balance between comfort and sportiness.

BIC track shots display plans for the McLaren P1 to be the ultimate driver’s performance car on road and track
Images released to celebrate opening of McLaren Manama at the Bahrain World Trade Center: McLaren Automotive, Mumtalakat, and Al Ghassan Motors join forces to open a unique and dynamic showroom for range of McLaren sports cars
(Manama, Bahrain, 15th April) McLaren Automotive has released a selection of further stunning images of its next generation ultimate supercar, the McLaren P1, as part of the build up to the opening of the new McLaren Manama showroom over the 2013 Formula 1™ Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix programme.

In keeping with the passion for Formula 1 that Bahrain brought to the Middle East nearly 10 years ago, the McLaren P1 paid an exclusive visit to the Bahrain International Circuit during its Middle East regional debut in Bahrain. This series of dynamic images makes clear the links between McLaren’s Formula 1 expertise and its road car development program, and the McLaren P1 is the latest demonstration of that integration.

Set to re-write the rules for the dynamic performance of road-going sports cars through the delivery of an unparalleled Formula 1-derived driving experience, the goal of the McLaren P1 is to be the world’s most dynamically capable and exciting performance car. The new images taken at the BIC clearly display this ability in action, with the McLaren P1 displaying levels of active aerodynamics, downforce and performance delivery never previously experienced on the road….or on track by a road car!

The release of the new McLaren P1 images in the lead-up to the opening of McLaren Manama and the 2013 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix comes at an exciting time for McLaren customers and fans in Bahrain. Adding to the excitement is the planned arrival of another McLaren ‘supercar’, the McLaren MP4-25. This was the first McLaren raced by the 2009 FIA Formula 1 World Champion, Jenson Button in his debut season for the team in 2010.

This iconic racing car will be on display in the new showroom, ensuring that McLaren Manama, at the Bahrain World Trade Center, is set to become a new landmark for motor racing and car fans alike in Bahrain. Located as part of Moda Mall, it is the first time a car showroom has been seen in such a prestigious location in Bahrain and, sitting alongside some of the world’s most famous and desirable fashion brands, fits McLaren’s aspirations for its car brand to present levels of exclusivity and quality unmatched amongst its rivals. More details on the showroom opening will be announced through the Grand Prix weekend.

Supported by Mumtalakat – the company’s principal shareholder – in its dream to launch a range of technically advanced, world-beating, high performance sports cars, McLaren Automotive launched the 12C in 2011, the 12C Spider in 2012, and, last month at the Geneva Auto Show, the McLaren P1. This high profile launch programme of award-winning cars delivers on the company’s plans to present a new model or derivative every year. The 12C is the reigning Middle East Motor Awards 2012 ‘Car of the Year’, indicating the immediate impact McLaren, with Mumtalakat’s support, has made on the world’s sports car market.

Just 375 examples of the McLaren P1 will be made ensuring a level of exclusivity and desirability to match the car’s unique performance, and interest in the Middle East is already outstripping supply following the car’s successful debut in Bahrain. These new images show just why the McLaren P1 is due to rival the iconic McLaren F1 as a true automotive enthusiast’s dream supercar.

Guinness World Records had stripped Bugatti’s record they discovered the Veyron Super Sport had the speed limiter deactivated. This gave Shelby SuperCars production, the Ultimate Aero the title for the quickest production car in the world.

However Guinness World Records later said “a change to the speed limiter does not alter the fundamental design of the car or its engine”, giving back the mantle to Veyron Super Sport as the fastest production car ever built.

The top speed achieved by the Veyron Super Sport without the limiter was 267.8 mph, while with the limiter-on the car can can reach 258 mph.

With the launch of this newest fuel-efficient engine, Ford now has capacity to build 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually. By the end of 2013, six plants across Europe, Asia and North America will be producing EcoBoost engines, triple the number that were doing so in 2010.

Production of the 4-cylinder 1.5-L EcoBoost – the fifth member of the EcoBoost family – will commence initially at Ford’s world-class facility in Craiova, Romania, later this month. Other manufacturing locations will be announced in the future. The new engine will be first introduced in China in the all-new Ford Mondeo, making its public debut later this month at Auto Shanghai 2013, with applications following in the Fusion sedan in North America this year, and later the new Mondeo in Europe.

As a key contributor to Ford’s aggressive fuel economy and emissions strategy, EcoBoost technologies enable improvements to both fuel efficiency of 20 percent and emissions of up to 15 percent. The 1.5L engine benefits from signature EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, and has been designed to be even more fuel efficient and offer high levels of refinement, quietness and performance.

Additionally, the newest EcoBoost engine will be a strategic entry for Ford in global markets that offer tax relief to consumers who purchase vehicles powered by engines of 1.5L capacity or less.

The new aluminum-block, twin-cam 1.5L EcoBoost engine will include some of the innovative features introduced on the award-winning 1.0L EcoBoost such as an integrated exhaust manifold. The new engine is expected to provide similar horsepower and torque performance to Ford’s current 1.6L EcoBoost, while delivering improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

The 1.5L EcoBoost is the first engine from Ford to incorporate a computer-controlled clutch on the belt-drive water pump, which further improves efficiencies by reducing warm-up time. A water-cooled charge air cooler is added to offer a more efficient feed of air into the engine.

By the end of this year, nearly 80 percent of the company’s global nameplates will be available with fuel-saving EcoBoost technology.

To celebrate Scion’s 10th anniversary, Scion will launch a limited-production version of each vehicle in its lineup called Scion 10 Series. Every Scion 10 Series car will be painted a premium color: Silver Ignition. The anniversary message continues when the driver enters the car to see the Scion name illuminated on the dash before fading to reveal the number 10. The unique models will number a total of 10,000 vehicles, which will begin arriving in dealerships in June.

Other stand-out features include silver seat belts, a solar-powered illuminated shift knob and an LED Scion locator badge that lights up when the car is unlocked. Each vehicle also carries a sequentially numbered interior badge. The xB, iQ, and xD will feature unique alloy wheels in a graphite finish.

The Scion 10 Series FR-S also comes equipped with HID headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps, dual automatic climate controls and a smart key with push-button start ignition.

It is based on the KTM X-BOW R. While the X-BOW R was strictly made for the track, the X-BOW GT is road-legal, which has a removable soft-top and 50-litre storage space.

Power is provided by a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It produces 285 bhp and 310 lb-ft of torque, making the X-BOW GT capable of reaching 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds and hitting a top speed of 144 mph. Fuel consumption is rated at 28.3 mpg.

The FT-86 Open concept is designed to combine all the lively, accessible performance and highly engaging, readily exploitable dynamic abilities of the GT86 with the even greater levels of driving pleasure derived from open-topped motoring.

167 inches long, 70 inches wide, 50 inches high and with a wheelbase of 101 inches, the FT-86 Open concept features a multi-layered fabric roof construction with a glass rear screen.

The concept vehicle retains the GT86’s 2+2 seating format, the roof being stowed behind fixed rear seats with minimal impact on luggage capacity.

Using an intense contrast between pure bright white and the modern navy blue, the colour combination has been designed to express the sense of elegant performance, fully reflecting the spirit and the atmosphere of Milan, one of the world leaders in fashion design.

The concept’s elegant, white exterior, navy blue fabric roof and pure bright white interior upholstery and trim create a luxurious yet sporting image. Appropriately reflecting the ultimate symbol of sporting success, the carpets are finished in a golden yellow hue.

The FT-86 Open concept’s unique colour scheme is further coordinated through the use of a navy blue backing to the upholstery perforation holes and golden yellow accent stitching to the seat leather.

The FT-86 Open concept shares the platform and powertrain of the GT86; the world’s first horizontally opposed engine with D-4S injection technology –a 2.0L, low centre of gravity, naturally aspirated, high-revving sports engine capable of developing 100 DIN bhp per litre- driving the rear wheels via a short throw, ‘flick of the wrist’ manual gear shift or a 6-speed automatic transmission with the world’s fastest paddle shifting speed of only 0.2 seconds.

MacPherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension systems offer direct handling feel, instant response and superb controllability; electric power steering offers a quick, 13.1 gear ratio on a par with that of racing cars; and large all-round ventilated disc brakes offer unique pedal feel for car control finesse.

Toyota has identified numerous areas within which further engineering evaluation must be undertaken. Detailed assessment will be required to establish the impact on performance of any changes in vehicle rigidity, balance, weight and aerodynamics.

Because, through the adoption of such features as frameless doors, the GT86 was designed ‘package protected’ with a cabriolet in mind, the impact on structural rigidity of conversion to an open-topped bodyshell is not expected to be great. Furthermore, various efficient solutions to preserve rigidity are being analysed, such as the use of door lock reinforcements.

The GT86 boasts a near perfect, 53:47 weight distribution for ideal response to even subtle steering, throttle and brake inputs, and an ultra-low centre of gravity of just 18.1 inches. Whilst the adoption of a fabric roof is likely to have a positive effect on the centre of gravity, lowering it even further, detailed engineering analysis will be required to match the balance of the coupe.

Comprehensive weight saving measures give the GT86 a total vehicle weight of only 2,771 lbs, and a resultant power-to-weight ratio of some 160 DIN bhp per tonne. The best possible power-to-weight ratio being fundamental to performance in a vehicle with a relatively small capacity engine, engineering a cabriolet as ‘weight-neutral’ relative to the coupe represents a key area of study in the event of the project progressing to fruition.

The GT3 distinguishes itself from the standard 911 with a more aggressive front bumper and optional LED headlamps. Looking at the rear, the rear fenders are wider and the GT3 gets a new rear bumper featuring a centre-mounted dual exhaust system. The GT3 rides on 20-inch forged alloy wheels. The interior has the option of leather or Alcantara seats and an Alcantara wrapped steering wheel with red stitching.

Powering the GT3 is 3.8L 6-cylinder boxer engine which produces 475 bhp and 324 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This is enough to take it from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 195 mph.

For the first time in a Porsche, the GT3 will feature a rear-wheel steering system, where the rear wheels move in the same direction or opposite direction to improve its handling agility.

For Ferrari the development of a limited-series special like the LaFerrari represents an opportunity to experiment with all the technological solutions that will later filter down onto the production cars. Of particular significance in this context is the introduction of the hybrid system which, making full use of the Scuderia Ferrari’s F1 KERS know-how, has resulted in a solution that exalts Ferrari’s fundamental values – performance and driving thrills. The hybrid technology used, known as HY-KERS, represents the perfect combination of maximum performance and lower emissions. LaFerrari in fact emits just 330 g/km of CO2 but without resorting to electric-only drive which would not fit the mission of this model. The HY-KERS system is, however, designed so that in future applications a car can be driven using exclusively electric power for a few kilometres and, during development testing, a full-electric version of LaFerrari achieved just 220 g/km of C02 emissions on the combined cycle.

The LaFerrari is equipped with dynamic controls that are integrated for the first time ever on a Ferrari road car with active aerodynamics and the HY-KERS system. Thanks to Ferrari’s proprietary logic which govern all the systems, the car can achieve absolute levels of performance, aerodynamic efficiency and handling without any form of compromise in any area. A very advanced and uncompromising approach was also taken with the interior design which features an HMI inspired by F1 single-seaters.

The LaFerrari’s architecture posed the first challenge for the Prancing Horse team at the planning stage of the design. The aim was to achieve ideal weight distribution (59% at the rear) and a compact wheelbase despite the extra bulk of the hybrid system. The result is that all of the masses are situated between the car’s two axles and as close as possible to the floor to lower its centre of gravity (by 35 mm) and thereby guarantee dynamic handling and compact dimensions.

The layout of the cabin made a significant contribution in this regard. The seat is fixed and tailored to the driver while both the pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable. The driving position is similar to that of a single-seater and was designed after consultation with the Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, who played an active role throughout the entire development process.

The LaFerrari’s chassis features no less than four different types of carbon-fibre, all hand-laminated and autoclave-cured in the racing department using the same design and production methods as the Formula 1 car. This helped optimise the design: various functions were integrated (e.g. seats and battery compartment) into the chassis to improve torsional rigidity (+27%) and beam stiffness (+22%) whilst cutting weight.

The LaFerrari is the first car in Ferrari history to be powered by the HY-KERS system. The ICE represents the pinnacle of engine development and research, with a 6.3L V12 that punches out 789 bhp and revs to a maximum of 9,250 rpm, a record for an engine of this displacement. It also features a very high 13.5:1 compression ratio and a high specific output equal to 128 CV per litre. The engine is coupled with a 120 Kw (163 CV) electric motor, giving it a combined power output of 949 bhp.

The high torque levels available at low revs from the electric motor allowed the engineers to optimise the internal combustion engine’s performance at higher revs, thus providing a constant supply of exceptional power throughout the rev range. Total torque generated is in excess of 663 lb-ft. The hybrid system is composed of two electric motors developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli – one powering the driven wheels and the second the ancillaries – and a battery pack attached to the floor of the chassis consisting of cells that are assembled in the Scuderia Ferrari department where the KERS for the F138 is also made. The Scuderia’s expertise allowed considerable savings in weight and size of the individual components and the batteries weigh just 60 kg while providing the highest energy density possible for this kind of application.

The batteries are charged in different ways: under braking (even hard braking with the ABS active) and every time the V12 produces more torque than required, such as in cornering. In the latter instance, rather than the being sent to the wheels, the excess torque is converted to energy and stored in the batteries.

The electric motor is coupled with the F1 dual-clutch gearbox to the benefit of optimal weight distribution, but also to boosting energy efficiency as torque is instantly available to the wheels and, vice versa, from the wheels to the electric motor in recharging.

Active aerodynamics play an essential role, as they allow a complete adjustability of the car’s configuration to attain LaFerrari’s exceptional performance.

The engineers’ aim was to deliver the highest degree of aerodynamic efficiency ever achieved with any road car, with a coefficient of nearly 3, thanks to technical solutions honed with CFD analysis and fine-tuned in the F1 Wind Tunnel.
To boost efficiency, the LaFerrari sports active aerodynamic devices front (diffusers and guide vane on the underbody) and rear (diffusers and rear spoiler) which generate downforce when needed without compromising the car’s overall drag coefficient. These devices deploy automatically on the basis of a number of different performance parameters which are monitored in real time by the car’s dynamic vehicle controls, thus guaranteeing the ideal configuration on the basis of the driving conditions.

One further innovative aspect of the LaFerrari is the integration of its active aerodynamics and hybrid system with the other dynamic control systems aboard. This means the car responds intelligently to driver inputs, making for a seamless blend of unprecedented performance and unparalleled driving emotions.

Proprietary Ferrari algorithms deliver optimal integration of the electric motor and V12 for instantaneous response. In cornering, for instance, the HY-KERS keeps the V12′s revs high to guarantee better acceleration on exit.
The LaFerrari’s Brembo braking system is also integrated with the hybrid system, and incorporates several new features, including new lightweight callipers designed to guarantee correct cooling and carbon-ceramic material (CCM) discs featuring a new composition.

The car’s extreme performance potential called for a different tyre set-up, with 265/30 R 19 Pirelli P-Zeros on the front and 345/30 R 20s on the rear.

All in all the car guarantees maximum driving thrills in every situation and performance levels are top level: 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in under 7 seconds, a lap time at Fiorano of under 1’20″ – 5 seconds faster than the Enzo and over 3 seconds faster than the F12berlinetta. LaFerrari is thus the fastest road car in Maranello’s long history.

Styling The Ferrari design team led by Flavio Manzoni developed the LaFerrari’s styling working in close synergy with the engineers to emphasise the exacting link between form and function. The result is an extreme, innovative design which retains close links to the marque’s tradition. This is most evident in its side profile: the car has a sharp, downward-sloping nose and a very low bonnet which emphasises its muscular wheelarches, a clear nod to the gloriously exuberant forms of late-1960s Ferrari sports prototypes.

The LaFerrari’s body has been given a sculptural treatment heavily influenced by its clearly F1-inspired aerodynamics and a tail section that exudes uncompromising sportiness.

Inside there’s a newly-designed steering wheel sporting all the major commands, and the gear-shift paddles are now longer and more ergonomic. The signature bridge on which the F1 gearbox functions are clustered has taken on a sleek, suspended wing-like shape. The whole interior, in fact, has a fiercely track-inspired, pared-back allure.

Aside from the new limited-series special, the Ferrari stand also features the complete range which is the most wide-ranging and critically acclaimed in its entire history. The five models all share the same Ferrari DNA in terms of performance, driving pleasure and technology, yet each one has its own strongly unique identity, in line with the company’s philosophy of “different Ferraris for different Ferraristi”.

Ferrari’s 12-cylinder GT sports car prowess is represented at Geneva by the FF, the very first four-seater and four-wheel drive in Prancing Horse history. It will be sporting a Grigio Ingrid livery with an elegant glass roof and Iroko interior. The FF is also now seamlessly integrated with Apple technologies, thanks to direct access to the infotainment system via SIRI voice commands and the adoption of two iPad Minis as the entertainment system of choice for the rear seat passengers.

Blistering performance and sublime driving pleasure even at low speeds are assured behind the wheel of the multi-award-winning F12berlinetta, which is powered by a mid-front V12. Unique handling characteristics, extreme aerodynamics and an innovative yet classic design are its signatures. The car on show at Geneva has a Grigio Silverstone livery and a Sella di Cavallo interior.

Moving on to the 8-cylinders, the California 30, in sophisticated Nero Stellato with a Crema interior, is a convertible GT that uncompromisingly marries sportiness and versatility. The California’s already-massive popularity with both press and public alike grew still further after its V8′s output was upped by 30 hp to 490 hp, and 30 kg was slashed off its overall weight.

The blistering 458 Italia is a sublime, thoroughbred sports car. It and its drop-top sibling, the 458 Spider, are equipped with the same extraordinary mid-rear-mounted V8 engine which was named International Engine of the Year in both 2011 and 2012. These two models continue Ferrari’s glorious tradition with this particular layout. The coupé seen at Geneva sports an aggressive Bianco Avus livery and sleek black interior with carbon-fibre trim, while the Spider, which dominates the Tailor-Made extreme personalisation area, takes its inspiration from the legendary 1957 250 Testa Rossa that sold for a record 16 million dollars at auction at Pebble Beach in 2011. It has the same red and blue livery and a host of competition car details in its cabin, not least of which are suede-upholstered seats and Alutex trim.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

HY-KERS system
Total maximum power 949 bhp
Total maximum torque >663 lb-ft Nm
V12 maximum power* 749 bhp @9000 rpm
Maximum revs 9250 rpm
V12 maximum torque 516 lb-ft @6750 rpm
Electric motor output 120 Kw (118 bhp)
CO2 emissions** 330 g/km

Performance
Maximum speed over 220 mph
0-62 mph <3 sec
0-124 mph <7 sec
0 – 186 mph 15 sec

ICE
Type 65-deg. V12
Bore and stroke 94 x 752 mm
Total displacement 6262 cc
Compression ratio 13.5:1
Specific power 126 bhp/l

Dimensions
Length 4702 mm
Width 1992 mm
Height 1116 mm
Wheelbase 2650 mm
Weight distribution 41% fr, 59% r

Gearbox
7-speed DCT

Suspensions
Front double wishbones
Rear multi-link

Tyres(Pirelli P-Zero)
Front 265/30 – 19
Rear 345/30 – 20

Carbon ceramic brakes (Brembo)
Front 398 x 223 x 36 mm
Rear 380 x 253 x 34 mm

Electronic controls
ESC stability control
High performance ABS/EBD Sistema frenata anti bloccaggio prestazionale /electronic brake balance
EF1-Trac F1 electronic traction control integrated with the hybrid system
E-Diff 3 third generation electronic differential
SCM-E Frs magnetorheological damping with twin solenoids (Al-Ni tube)

Aerodynamics
active

* with dynamic ram effect
**Undergoing homologation

Lamborghini certainly didn’t hold back with the design, with carbon fiber reinforced polymer forming the base, while the aluminum sub-frames for the front and rear is just like the Aventador on which the Veneno is based on. Large air channels direct air up and away from the car, while a ventilated engine cover with a large central “shark” fin, altogether help improve stability and downforce. The Veneno will only be offered in three colours, each representing a colour from the Italian flag. The one at the show is the Veneno 0, a prototype and the only one to have a combination of the three colours.

The engine is the same as the Aventador, which is the 6.5L V12 engine mated to 7-speed automatic transmission, but pumped up to produce an output of 750 bhp. This enables it to propel the Venono from 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 mph.

If you have an extra $3.9 million lying around and want to get your hands on one, hold on to your money as the three cars that will be produced have apparently already been sold.