VW NILS Concept

Volkswagen NILS, a single-seat electric concept vehicle that offers a glimpse of a new form of minimalist mobility, has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This concept car - which features an aluminium space frame, wing doors and free-standing wheels - has the dynamic performance of a sports car, yet travels silently, and with zero emissions.The NILS project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development, and is designed to be both technically realistic and economically supportable.'NILS anticipates the future. The goal of the NILS project is to research a technically realistic and economically feasible concept for a minimalist commuter vehicle that makes individual transportation more efficient and eco-friendly thanks to its electric drive,' said Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Head of Volkswagen Group Research.Commenting from the strategic perspective is Dr. Rudolf Krebs, Group Chief Officer for Electric Traction: 'In terms of the Volkswagen Group's roadmap for electric mobility, these forward-thinking vehicle concepts play an especially important role. That is because the breakthrough of electric mobility will lead to new vehicle requirements - many of which are oriented towards very specific target groups. In advancing electric mobility to high-volume production, it is not enough to simply electrify existing vehicle models.'

With a range of 65 kilometres (40 miles) and a top speed of 130 km/h (80 mph) Volkswagen NILS would be the ideal vehicle for the majority of commuters in Germany. According to the German Bureau of Statistics, 73.9 per cent of all commuters residing between Berlin and Munich cover less than 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) on their way to work.Cars have always been mirrors of their times - their design styles and technological standards reflecting a particular era - and NILS is no different. It uses emissions-reducing electric drive technology to fulfil the specific requirements of commuters. In Germany, for example, about 60 per cent of all commuters travel by car, according to the Federal Bureau of Statistics; of these over 90 per cent travel alone. Zero-emissions vehicles like NILS will offer these frequent drivers a new eco-friendly mobility solution.Volkswagen NILS is a very compact car that requires extremely little space in traffic. It is only 3.04 metres long - making it about 50 cm shorter than the new Volkswagen up! - just 0.39 metres wide from wheel to wheel, and a mere 1.2 metres tall.Volkswagen NILS has the same basic layout as a Formula 1 race car, with the driver in the middle, the engine in back, and free-standing outboard wheels. The 17-inch alloy wheels are equipped with 115/80 (front) and 125/80 (rear) tyres optimised for low rolling resistance.Though its inspiration may come from Formula 1, the styling has its origins at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam, Berlin. Designer Thomas Ingenlath, the centre's director, said: 'NILS was designed to make a visual statement and transport a vision of the automotive future to the present. I am especially pleased that we managed to implement the concept of the two glass wing doors. This allowed us to create large transparent surfaces and simultaneously to make entering and exiting the vehicle very comfortable, even in the most cramped of parking spaces.'Because Volkswagen NILS is so compact and lightweight (460 kg), it is a lot of fun to drive. It has a top speed of 130 km/h, and can accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 11 seconds. This is achieved using an electric motor with a reasonably small 15 kW nominal power and short-term peak power of 25 kW. A lithium-ion battery supplies the electric motor with energy. The battery capacity (5.3 kWh) enables driving ranges of up to 65 km, depending on the style of driving. A battery of this size is relatively inexpensive, and can be charged either via a conventional 230-volt electrical outlet (maximum charging time two hours) or at an electric vehicle charging station. The socket is located at the back underneath the rear lighting module.The centrepiece of the electric drive system is the lightweight 19 kg electric motor together with its transmission and battery. Energy management is via a high-voltage pulse inverter, which - together with the 12-Volt DC/DC converter for the vehicle electrical system and the charger - forms an integral drive unit. All drive unit components are located compactly in an aluminium housing at the rear of NILS; drive is to the rear wheels.The motor, battery and all other components are so compact that there is still space for a small but practical bootspace. The body-coloured area above the rear lighting module swings upward, revealing space suitable for items such as a case of drinks and a bag.Optimal weight distribution helps to ensure that Volkswagen NILS allows drivers not only to commute with zero emissions, but also to have fun while doing so. The lightweight NILS drives like a go-kart. The steering is purely mechanical (the low weight means power assistance is unnecessary), while the electric motor produces its maximum torque of 130 Nm from standstill, via a one-speed transmission. Suspension is by double wishbones front and rear; while ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) helps to tame any over-exuberance on the part of the driver.Safety is of course even more important than fun, and NILS is fitted with an automatic distance control system. This uses radar sensors to scan the space in front of the vehicle over a distance of about 200 metres and uses brake interventions to ensure that the distance to vehicles in traffic in front of the car does not drop below a specified minimum value. The system can even automatically brake the car to a stop, depending on the situation. Not only are the four disc brakes used to brake; electric traction by electric motor and battery regeneration can be used to brake as well. Last but not least, Front Assist is integrated in the automatic distance control system. This continually active system warns the driver of a potential collision; at speeds below 30 km/h (18 mph), automatic braking can avoid a collision under some circumstances.The instrument cluster is a seven-inch TFT display. The vehicle's speed is shown digitally in the middle, while energy flow is represented by bars. Another graphic display offers information on the driving range. The second central instrument is a mobile multifunctional device like the one used in the new up!: the Portable Infotainment Device (PID). It is snapped into theA-pillar to the right of the instrument cluster. Via touchscreen, the driver controls functions related to Navigation, Radio, Media, Telephone, Trip computer and - to preconfigure the driving range - 'Eco. The PID computes the expected driving range, then it not only displays the route on the map display, but also the radius and thereby the destinations that can be reached using the current battery charge.To save on weight and costs, certain functional elements and controls do without electrical assistance. The side mirrors, for example, are adjusted manually. The heating and ventilation system has full electronic control, and there is seat heating. Located to the right of the steering column is the motor start-stop switch; this round switch is also used to select D, N or R.The aluminium space frame body was designed to be a highly effective safety cell. The body in white is produced from extruded aluminium, cast aluminium and sheet aluminium. The roof frame together with the door mounts, a roll bar, the bootspace and the front bulkhead consist of high-strength sheet aluminium. Extruded aluminium is used in the side sills, the transverse profiles and the front and rear car sections. The front and rear side body are aluminium. Parts made of high-strength plastic include the bumpers and the trim panels on the side sills.The frames of the wing doors consist of three main elements: an inner section, a crash reinforcement section and an exterior part. When closed, they offer optimal crash safety. The door windows are made of lightweight, scratch-resistant, layered polycarbonate, while the front window is made of laminated safety glass.The headlights are striking bi-xenon modules, while the indicator lights and daytime running lights are white and yellow LEDs. In the acrylic glass of the rear lights - integrated in the rear section like small wings - the light generated by LEDs is routed via transparent semiconductors which (appropriately for an electric vehicle) consume minimal amounts of power.

Maserati GranCabrio Fendi

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi was born from the union of two iconic brands of the made in Italy, which share common values such as craftsmanship and tradition.
A masterpiece of technology and craftsmanship, the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi will be introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt MotorShow.
The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi is crafted at the historical Maserati headquarters in Modena, with exclusive materials bespokely created in various colours for this project.

The three-layered body colour named Grigio Fiamma Fendi is a special dark grey with an iridescent golden finish on the surface. The wood trim Pergamena Fendi runs across the width of the dashboard, on the doors and on the top of the gear lever, all in the iconic FENDI yellow, like the brake callipers and the embroidered yellow trident on the headrests.
Adding a stronger yet elegant character to the GranCabrio is FENDI's unmistakable double F-logo, stitched on the seat, also appearing in the centre of the 19-inch Trident design alloy wheels, and the FENDI logo along the rocker panel.
Cuoio Romano, Fendi's most precious leather of its Selleria line, has been used for such details as the instrument cluster cover, for the gear lever and for the profiles of the floor mats. It also features in the Limited Edition Travel Set of luggage and accessories.
The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi represents a perfect marriage between the art of a handmade product with the ultimate technology and research of its 4.7-litre V8 engine coupled with automatic transmission, which brings out to life a unique roar, music to the ears of car connoisseurs.
Silvia Venturini Fendi's specially crafted logo seals this collaboration. A silver oval plaque with the engraving of the Maserati trident, Fendi logo and the 5-digit series number (five being an iconic number for Fendi) is located on the dashboard, in front of the passenger seat, and on both sides of the black cloth folding roof.
A special black car cover with a ton-sur-ton double F logo dresses the GranCabrio, hiding this marvellous secret from indiscreet eyes until the very last moment.

Maserati Joins Forces with Fendi to Create GranCabrio Special

At the upcoming Frankfurt auto show, Maserati will display a new special edition version of its sleek GranCabrio designed by Italian fashion house Fendi, which is best known for its expensive "baguette" handbags.
The Fendi treatment starts with a unique three-layered body color named Grigio Fiamma Fendiand which is described by the automaker as a special dark grey with an iridescent golden finish on the surface. The yellow brake callipers and the Fendi logo on the 20-inch Trident design alloy wheels complete the exterior touches.
There's a lot more going on inside as the special edition of the GranCabrio is all dressed up in bespoke materials and colors.
For starters, there's the Pergamena Fendi wood trim that runs across the width of the dashboard, on the doors and on the top of the gear lever, while the seats, instrument cluster cover, the gear lever and the floor mat surrounds are covered in Fendi's high-quality Cuoio Romano leather.
The Italian design house's logos make their appearance on the headrests, rocker panels, on the dashboard, in front of the passenger seat, and on both sides of the black cloth folding top.
Fendi has also designed a Limited Edition Travel Set of luggage and accessories for the GranCabrio.
Power comes from the standard Maserati's 4.7-liter V8 engine coupled with an automatic transmission.

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CARS | Maserati GranCabrio Sport 2012 | GALLERY

Maserati has taken the spruce convertibles are converted to a new level of performance with the new Maserati Gran Sport convertible. There is more power, faster moving, and a decidedly aggressive look, Sport Maserati GranTurismo has cut the convertible bonds harder to sit next to Maserati Gran Turismo S and Quattroporte Sport GT S flagships of their ranges.

Publicly presented in 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Maserati GranTurismo Sport combines the enhanced 4.7-liter V8 engine with 10 horsepower to 450 hp and lower fuel faster transmission with Auto Shift MC. With a top speed of 285 kmh and 0-100 km / h sprint in just 5.2 seconds, Maserati GranTurismo is rich in sports performance and luxury refinements as well as inside and under the basket winner.

Its six-speed transmission has an Auto mode ™ high-speed movement and was developed for Sport Maserati GranCabrio directly from the transmission in the Quattroporte Sport GT S. The management has been improved by a higher speed, even with updating and revision of the Skyhook active suspension and the adoption of the package more responsive brakes.

Visually, the Sport Maserati GranTurismo is characterized by a stronger-dynamic aspect. This seems to start GranCabrio distinctive nose, and continues to host small, fully integrated with the changes in the body and interior.

Maserati UK Introduces New Sport Pack

A new sport package has been added to the available options for buyers of Maserati's GranTurismo S Automatic in Britain.

This Sport pack is said to enhance the GranTurismo S Automatic's performance by adding the MC Auto Shift software that allows for faster gear changes and a revised exhaust system, which keeps its bypass valves fully open in Sport mode to provide what the company describes as "an even richer sound".
The package also adds a variety of styling features including include body colored side skirts and front winglets, a black grille featuring the Maserati Trident logo with red accents, black mesh side grilles, smoked out headlights, an integrated rear boot lid spoiler and oval exhaust pipes.
The coupe's sportier looks are rounded off with Grigio Mercury Neptune-design alloy wheels.
Maserati says the 4.7-litre V8 continues to develop 440HP at 7000 rpm and a peak torque of 490Nm (361.4 lb-ft) at 4750 rpm offering the automatic coupe a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5 seconds flat and a top speed of 183 mph (295 km/h).
The package is priced at £3,840, lifting the total price of the GranTurismo S Automatic to £92,480 on the road.

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Maserati

Maserati is an Italian luxury car manufacturer established on December 1, 1914, in Bologna.The company's headquarters is now in Modena, and its emblem is a trident. It has been owned by the Italian car giant Fiat S.p.A. since 1993. Inside the Fiat Group, Maserati was initially associated with Ferrari S.p.A., but more recently it has become part of the sports car group including Alfa Romeo.

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Norbert Kiss added Race 2 to his haul from Budapest. The Hungarian topped each session from free practice on at the Hungaroring for the third round of the Trofeo Maserati GranTurismo MC. Kiss is competing in the Team classification and has been head and shoulders above the others this weekend. In Race 1, he beat off Cedric Sbirrazzuoli from AF Corse and Janos Vida, his fellow Hungarian from Auto 2 magazine, racing as a guest. The Team podium was rounded off by Emanuele Smurra, Swiss Team (11th overall). In the second race, Kiss cruised away after a series of quick laps. Behind him, Phil Bastiaans (competing in the Team series) made up for the morning race when he had to pull out with a puncture. Third across the line was Romagna-based driver Piancastelli, who collected another category victory and moves into second spot overall. In doing so he made up precious points on leader David Baldi, fifth across the line behind Venezuelan Ardagna

Investigators Uncover Multi-Million Pound Tax Scam in India; European Exotics And Foreign Diplomats

In what sounds more like the plot of a The Fast and the Furious movie than real life, investigators at India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence office (a.k.a. India’s IRS) have uncovered a massive exotic car smuggling operation in the nation’s capital of New Dehli. It all has to do with India’s notorious 100% import tax on new luxury vehicles.
It began with one New Dehli luxury car dealer, Sumit Walia, importing brand new luxury cars on forged invoices. These invoices listed the cars as second-hand, which saved Walia – and his customers – some 40% on import tax. Some of the cars – which included Porsches, Bentleys and Aston Martins – were found to have been stolen from the streets of Britain, France, Singapore and Japan.
A month later, another scam – involving a London-based British-Indian car dealer and diplomats from New Delhi’s North Korean and Vietnamese embassies was uncovered. The diplomats would act as middle-men for rich buyers; buying the exotics under their names and therefore getting them tax-free. An official Directorate of Revenue Intelligence office had this to say about the investigation:
“Our investigators suspect around 300 to 400 luxury cars have been imported on fake papers and sold in all major cities across India using the same modus-operandi. The cars have been sold to politicians, celebrities, cricketers, Bollywood actors and many businessmen in the last four to five years.”
Some 40 cars have been impounded, including several Porsche Panameras and Aston Martin Rapides valued at £250,000 and £290,000 per unit. A £350,000 Bentley Continental Supersport was also among those vehicles recovered. Other vehicles have simply been abandoned by their owners on the streets of New Dehli. Investigators found that most of these vehicles were either illegally registered or displayed temporary plates.

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Alfa Romeo 4C: Spawn Maserati, Abarth Variants

If Alfa Romeo wanted tο get peοple talking with the debut οf its 4C concept in Geneva, they succeeded. The Internet is abuzz with rumοrs οf its production pοtential. There have already been repοrts that the Alfa will spearhead the marque's full-fledged return tο North America, tο be followed by bοth Spider and Abarth versions. Nοw, wοrd is that Maserati cοuld get a derivative, either.

If the reports prοve accurate and the spinoffs cοme tο fruition, that wοuld mean three brands within the Fiat group will get their οwn versions οf the lightweight, mid-engined, fοur-cylinder sports car.

And that's befοre any οf the Chrysler brands get a crack at it, because a Dodge version tο pick up where the Circuit concept left οff could be mοst tempting. The Maserati version wοuld naturally be positioned and appοinted differently frοm the Alfa οr Abarth models. The questiοn is whether the market can bear mοre than οne Elise rival from Fiat/Chrysler, let alοne multiples.

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Maserati is an Italian luxury car manufacturer established on December 1, 1914, in Bologna. The company's headquarters is now in Modena, and its emblem is a trident. It has been owned by the Italian car giant Fiat S.p.A. since 1993. Inside the Fiat Group, Maserati was initially associated with Ferrari S.p.A., but more recently it has become part of the sports car group including Alfa Romeo.

Maserati Coming Soon In India

Maserati is coming to India. For those of you who don’t know, Maserati is a subsidiary of a very famous Italian car brand. If you are still clueless, may be this will help – most people are fans of this stallion because of the racing legend Michael Schumacher. If you still don’t know which manufacturer I am talking about then it is time for you to open some general knowledge books! Also please note, Ferrari (Yes, Ferrari owns Maserati) is the luxury car division of the group FIAT.

maserati granturismo

Maserati will be launching the Quattroporte range, the GranCabrio and GranTurismo series in India. The price range is expected to be between 1Cr and 1.5Cr. So if your pockets are deep enough, the waiting game may have started for you already - Maserati should be here within the next 6 months.

Maserati Granturismo

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top maserati quattroporte

The Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury four-door saloon made by Maserati in Italy. The name translated from Italian literally means "four doors". There have been five generations of the car, each separated by a period of roughly five years.

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