Aston Martin Cygnet Confirmed for Production

Out of the house of Aston Martin, they're is pleased to confirm that the Cygnet luxury city car – originally shown as a concept car in March - is to go into production in 2011 at the company’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire.

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a city car that sets a new benchmark for compact luxury, building upon nearly a century of experience building high performance sports cars, luxurious long-range grand tourers, and extremely competitive racing machines.



Cygnet demonstrates Aston Martin's commitment to innovation and integrity.
“It is time to think differently. Aston Martin is honest and we don’t make compromises” says Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.

“Whatever we do, we do right. If we do performance, we do performance; we don’t downsize or compromise our sports cars. The Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, just like every other Aston Martin.



“Our customers need a small car for urban and city use, and they want the right tools for the right job, to downsize creatively without compromising intelligence, artistry and personality.”

Cygnet expresses a simple but fundamental idea: in the modern city, scale equates to speed and freedom. At just three metres long, the Cygnet gives the driver a new dimension of freedom, able to slot into gaps in traffic, exploit the smallest parking spaces, consume the least fuel and emit the lowest emissions, all while delivering exceptional levels of quality and comfort.



“Cygnet is small but luxurious, an Aston Martin tailor fit for the city,” says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Director of Design. With an almost unlimited palette of materials, colours and textures, each hand-finished Cygnet will be truly unique, a personalised space within the city. “Luxury is not constrained by scale.”

Cygnet is a product of Aston Martin's unrivalled experience in craft, technology and design. The future city will present a very different luxury brand landscape, as social change and legislation increases the division between urban and anti-urban product categories. With the Cygnet, Aston Martin will be at the forefront of these changes, ensuring the company's enduring brand image will continue to prosper in new market conditions.



Dr Ulrich Bez continues: “The Cygnet is designed to support our sports cars by providing a greater degree of freedom in the urban context; it is a very special car, a premium but compact package with heart, soul and personality.”

The Cygnet, a tailor fit solution for the city, will help drive Aston Martin into the future. “This car is reality; Cygnet is the natural choice for those who want a premium, bespoke commuter car.”



Further details on the Aston Martin Cygnet including pricing and specification will be announced later this year. The Cygnet will be the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at its state-of-the art factory since 2004, offering further evidence of the company’s ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, backed-up by a dedicated local workforce and supplier network.

Is it me, or does this look like a fully customized Smart Car with Aston Martin emblems on it? I want to see the spec sheet... I hope it has more than 71 horsepower. What's the MSRP for this car? Is this what Rick Ross thinking of when he recorded "Aston Martin Music"?

I need to test drive this one, but it's not coming to the states any time soon...

ATI Introduces Super Dampers for the '03-'08 4.0L 1GR-FE Toyota® Engine

ATI Performance Products, Inc. is proud to introduce two new Super Dampers for the 2003 through 2008 Toyota 4.0L engine that is commonly found in the Toyota Tacoma®, Tundra®, FJ, Land Cruiser® and 4Runner®. The 7-groove pulleys are available in an OEM size (918479) and in 10% under drive (918466) for high performance applications. The ATI Super Damper comes with 360º laser-etched timing marks and exceeds SFI 18.1 Safety Certification. The cost of this high performance damper is only slightly more than the cost of a Toyota replacement harmonic balancer making it cost effective to purchase better protection for your Toyota engine.

ATI Performance Products, Inc. is located in Baltimore, MD, and specializes in producing and maintaining high performance products for street and strip applications. Over the years ATI has earned a reputation for its cutting edge technology, attention to detail, and rigorous testing under race conditions

SEMA Challenges Auto Enthusiasts to Predict This Year's Hottest Vehicles at the 2010 SEMA Show

-- SEMA Gives Enthusiasts a Chance to Test Their Auto Savvy Against SEMA Show Exhibitors – the Industry’s Best Trendsetters --

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2010) -- In just a few weeks, the SEMA Show will roll into Las Vegas and exhibitors will introduce their latest innovations including thousands of new products and customized vehicles. But this year, the trade-only event is offering auto enthusiasts an opportunity to test their auto savvy against SEMA Show exhibitors. Consumers are challenged to make their best predictions on which vehicle models will emerge as the industry’s hottest vehicles by winning the inaugural SEMA Award.

The SEMA Challenge is an online contest for consumer and industry enthusiasts to vote on the vehicle models that they think the industry’s innovators will present with this year’s top honor. The SEMA Award will recognize three outstanding vehicle models in three categories – “Hottest Car,” “Hottest Truck,” and “Hottest 4x4-SUV.” Entrants can check out the list of contenders for the first-ever 2010 SEMA Award on SEMA's Facebook page located at http://www.facebook.com/sema.org and on SEMA's website at: http://www.sema.org/challenge then vote for the vehicles they think will win.

For every correct vote entrants cast for the actual SEMA Award winners, the entrant will be given one entry to win a drawing for a five-day VIP trip to Las Vegas to attend the 2011 SEMA Show. Entrants can enter once a week throughout the month-long contest.

While each contender comes with its own unique list of accolades, it will ultimately be the booth vehicle that is most prevalent at the 2010 SEMA Show that receives the inaugural SEMA Award – ultimately making this the “Exhibitor’s Choice” Award. To determine the winners of the SEMA Award, every single booth vehicle at the 2010 SEMA Show will be tallied, and the most prominent models will be recognized as the year’s top trend-setting vehicles in each category. This means that SEMA Show exhibitors, also known as the “industry’s visionaries,” are ultimately the ones determining who the hottest car, truck and SUV will be for 2010. The winning vehicles will be announced on the opening day of the SEMA Show on Nov. 2, 2010.

Contest Details:

The sweepstakes begins at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”) on October 1, 2010 and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on November 1, 2010 (“Sweepstakes Period”). Consumers can vote each week during the following periods:

Week 1: October 1-10

Week 2: October 11-17

Week 3: October 18-24

Week 4: October 25-November 1

During the Sweepstakes Period, visit http://www.facebook.com/SEMA.org and click on the SEMA Challenge tab or visit http://www.sema.org/challenge and follow the directions to complete and submit the entry form. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. PT on November 1, 2010 to be eligible. Limit one (1) entry per week, per award category, per person/email address for the entire Sweepstakes period. Multiple entries per award category received from any person/email address in excess of the stated limitation will be void. Potential winners will be selected in a random drawing held on or about November 8, 2010 from all eligible entries received.

Sweepstakes Grand Prize: A trip for winner and a guest to Las Vegas for 2011 SEMA Show, from November 1-4, 2011. Winner and guest will travel and check into hotel on Monday, October 31, 2010 with the trip concluding and travel home on Friday, November 4, 2011. Trip consists of two roundtrip, coach class air transportation from a major U.S. gateway airport nearest winner’s residence to Las Vegas, four (4) nights standard hotel accommodations (one room, double occupancy) at the Las Vegas Hilton, and two (2) VIP credentials to the 2011 SEMA Show. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of Grand Prize: $2,500.

Guess Who's Going to SEMA????

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) brings together aftermarket manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, media, car dealers, specialty equipment distributors, installers, retailers and restoration specialists in the automotive industry.

Products in this $31.85 billion-a-year industry include performance and racing components, cosmetic and functional accessories, wheels and tires, mobile electronics, safety products, restoration parts, handling equipment, drivetrain parts and more. The industry covers muscle cars, classics, luxury vehicles, sport compacts, street rods, light trucks (off-road and sport trucks) SUVs and recreational vehicles.

The largest of the SEMA events held annually is the SEMA Show held usually in late October or early November in Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week. As part of this event, SEMA and other automotive aftermarket trade groups make-up one of the single largest events on the Las Vegas calendar. This auto show is not open to the public. Registration as media, manufacturer, buyer or exhibitor is required.

So the question is: Guess who's going to SEMA??? And I'll give you one hint??? You're reading her words...

Those 4 days doesn't just belong to SEMA. At the same time, AAPEX, a global source for parts, accessories and service equipment, will be going on as well. Also, tucked inside of SEMA will be the final tour stop of the 2010 DUB Car Show. Plus, there's events happening between 5pm and 9am with companies throwing their own parties.

So between November 2- November 4th (Maybe November 5th, I'm still debating.) Bernie won't be sleeping because I'll be too busy finding out the newest trends and the newest products in the automotive world, hitting up car shows, mixing and mingling at automotive parties, and I'll be honest with the last thing- GAMBLING (If I don't win big, at least I'll break even).

Vegas... Here comes Bernie!!!!

The new CLS: refined sportiness with a European market launch in January 2011

More design: a new design language for the second generation

More efficiency: up to 25 percent lower fuel consumption

More safety: Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist



A generation ahead: with the CLS, Mercedes-Benz created a new vehicle category in 2003 which for the first time combined the elegance and dynamism of a coupé with the comfort and functionality of a saloon. The customers were delighted, the competition taken aback: for many years the CLS remained the only four-door coupé in its class and since October 2004 it has been the car of choice for some 170,000 buyers around the globe. "Customers all over the world have rewarded us for our courage in launching a completely new vehicle concept onto the market," explains a delighted Dr Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz. "And with its exciting design and refined sportiness, the new edition of the CLS also benefits from the fact that we are a whole generation ahead of the competition with our four-door Coupé."

The engines: higher output, yet up to 25 percent lower fuel consumption

Efficiency at the highest level: that is what characterises all four engines deployed in the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The output and torque of each engine is greater than in its predecessor; at the same time, fuel consumption has been drastically reduced, by up to 25 percent. Two 6-cylinder models will be available at first at the European market launch in January 2011: the CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 195 kW (265 hp) and the CLS 350 BlueEFFICIENCY with 225 kW (306 hp) and the ECO start/stop function as standard. Just two months later, the engine range will be expanded to include the CLS 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 150 kW (204 hp). In the ECE fuel consumption test cycle it requires a mere 5.1 litres of diesel/100 km. The CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, with a V8 engine and 300 kW (408 hp), will follow in April. Both drive variants also have the ECO start/stop function as standard.



New driving assistance systems: greater safety (Every car needs this, especially in Atlanta)

More than a dozen driving assistance systems on the new CLS help to prevent traffic accidents and reduce the severity of an accident. The Active Blind Spot Assist and the Active Lane Keeping Assist are new.

Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver if - with the assistance of short-range radar sensors - it detects that there is a danger of collision if the vehicle is about to change lanes. Should the driver ignore the warnings and the vehicle come dangerously close to the next lane, Active Blind Spot Assist will intervene. By applying braking force to the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle via the Electronic Stability Program ESP®, a yaw movement is created which counteracts the collision course.

Active Lane Keeping Assist is now also linked to ESP® for the first time. This system kicks into action if the Mercedes vehicle inadvertently drifts over a solid line to the right or left of a lane. In this case, Active Lane Keeping Assist uses the ESP® to gently brake the wheels on the far side and thereby bring the vehicle back on course. A display on the instrument cluster warns the driver at the same time. If broken lane markings are crossed, the system controls an electric pulse generator in the steering wheel which generates vibrations for a short time – a discreet but highly effective cue to countersteer immediately. Before the braking system intervenes, the steering wheel always vibrates to provide a warning.

The exterior: classic Coupé styling with distinctive front

The new CLS continues with the pioneering role of its predecessor and at the same time shows itself to be a brand-new star on the scene. What immediately strikes the eye is the innovative front design, which is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Visually, the radiator grille is not integrated into the bonnet but is formed separately. This highlights the long, sporty bonnet even further. The grille is dominated by the large central star, which underlines the car's relationship to the other coupés of the brand and strengthens the brand identity.
The typical CLS outline, with its elegantly long proportions, is the dominating attribute of the new model. The effect of the dynamic, athletic form has been enhanced with a new interplay of lines and areas. The front edge of the structure above the wings slopes off towards the rear. This novel design feature, called the dropping line by designers, represents a new interpretation of a formal design element harking back to the uniquely rich wealth of forms present in historic Mercedes sports cars.

A distinctive and muscular sports car-like shoulder line above the rear axle highlights the athletic character of the new CLS. The flared wheel arches resemble the powerful thighs of a feline predator waiting to pounce.



The interior: design brings quality to life

The interior of the CLS is also distinguished by a timeless design which combines straightforward elegance with innovative details and handcrafted perfection. An eye-catching feature is the wrap-around effect of the cockpit: a high line sweeps from the driver's door over the instrument panel support and across to the front passenger door. The central display has also been integrated harmoniously into the upper part of the instrument panel. At the same time, the downward sweeping side line on the doors continues the dynamic dropping line of the exterior.

As a design trendsetter, the CLS sets new standards in interiors with its wide variety of individualisation options. Five interior colours, five trim designs and also three qualities of leather are available to choose from.

The CLS lives up to its role as a design icon through the innovative material finishes used. An example of this is the exciting interplay of satin-finish and shiny metallic surfaces. The CLS also exudes refined sportiness with its lavish and high-class trim elements which can be found on the instrument panel support, the centre console and parts of the door trim. The customers can choose between three exclusive wood types: high-gloss brown burr walnut, high-gloss black ash and satin-finish light-brown poplar. The interior is given an even more progressive look with the addition of piano lacquer or AMG carbon fibre trim elements.

I am a fan of this particular model from Mercedes Benz, simply because of the exterior body. The shape is almost like the Bentley Continental GT, and we know that Bernie loves the Bentley Continental GT.