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ONYX

An audacious use of materials and efficiency

CHROME

Team Salamone’s Aventador

HM3

Poison Dart Frog

BENTLEY RETURNS

Bentley unveils new Continental GT3 concept racer

ELECTRIFYING

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive

uasar, Proxima, Oxia, 907â&#x20AC;Ś Peugeotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supercars have always made the eyes of both children and adults shine. In 2012, the Marque is again creating a dream with the supercar of the 21st century: the Onyx.

A radical silhouette…an intense emotion from the first glance.

17 Sculpted using materials processed as little as possible, this supercar has been created by enthusiasts who have drawn their inspiration from the world of competition. With its V8 engine in a central rear position, the Onyx propels its admirers into a world of high performance, controlled in all circumstances thanks to intuitive instruments and controls. In addition to its stunning aesthetics, it explores new ‘raw’ materials, to take efficiency to another level. A passion for innovation has never ceased to find its expression over the 202 year history of Peugeot, one of the oldest marques in the motor industry. Furthermore, it is the only one to offer a comprehensive range of personal means of transport: bicycles, scooters, cars and light utility vehicles. The Onyx Concept Bike and Onyx Concept Scooter are also expressed with this vision of the future and will preview on Peugeot’s stand at the Paris Motor Show, later this month. “Onyx has the strength of a supercar, with extremely aerodynamic lines. It is made unique by its sculpted, chiselled style and by the innovative materials and structure.” Gilles Vidal, Peugeot Style Director The sharp bodywork calls out with the striking contrast of its materials and colours. Fashioned by hand by a master craftsman, the wings and doors are pure copper sheet. A polished mirror, this metal does not need to resort to tricks to protect itself. So, its appearance will change over time, gaining a patina. The Onyx is alive! As for the other panels of the bodywork, these are carbon fibre, painted matt black. Slicing through the air with finesse, the front face unites the vertical grille and full LED lamps, tapered, their surface area reduced to a minimum. The flow then separates; some penetrates into the heart of the vehicle, flowing inside the bodywork and the structure to supply the engine with air. The remainder of the flow spreads, skimming along the sides and the ‘double-bubble’ roof. Finishing off the Onyx with beauty, the rear lamps adopt a light signature with three claws now characteristic of Peugeot. They also support small spoilers which direct the upper and side flows. These reunite as far as possible from the bodywork to reduce drag. With a Cd of 0.30, the aerodynamic impact of the Onyx is inversely proportional to its visual impact. A link between experience and the future, the Onyx incorporates the present by paying tribute to the RCZ through its ‘double-bubble’ roof and aluminium arches. With complete transparency, revealing the carbon fibre structure and the passenger compartment, the windows and roof are made of PMMA (PolyMethyl MethAcrylate). Enclosing the cocoon, they guarantee the occupants’

optimum protection due to its ultra-resistant structure. “The silhouette of the Onyx is sculpted softly, sensuously, but it is also alive and technological. From the first sketches I wanted to create a showcase for technological excellence and craftsmanship by combining elements demonstrating high aerodynamic performance, Black Diamond lamps and copper bodywork panels fashioned by hand.” Sandeep Bhambra, Onyx Exterior Stylist The chassis of the car is an innovative component, developed with the expertise of Peugeot Sport and the Group’s Research and Development Department. In monolithic carbon, this central structure consists of only 12 parts. It incorporates the front and rear chassis legs, which makes it possible to eliminate the connected plates. The torsional stiffness and weight of the structure is optimised, at barely 100kg. Bolted onto the carbon fibre shell, the 3.7-litre V8 hybrid HDi FAP engine and the suspension bear all the experience of Peugeot Sport, acquired and confirmed on tracks all over the world. Cooled by ducts which begin at the roof via NACA take-offs, the V8 transmits its 600bhp to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox. This power ideally exploits compact proportions: 4.65m long, 2.20m wide, 1.13m high and of only 1100kg. Fitted with tyres specially developed by Michelin, 275/30 at the front and 345/30 at the rear, the 20” wheels see their hub retained on the structure by a double wishbone and an in-board controlled suspension, both at the front and at the rear.

Intelligent, the HYbrid4 technology recovers the kinetic energy which is usually lost during braking. Stored in lithium-ion batteries, this energy is then delivered automatically on acceleration, boosting the power by an additional 80bhp. The management of this function is transparent to the driver, as is that of the engine which has represented a real challenge. In fact, the engine designers had to make suitable for the road, an engine which, in competition, operates in an extreme range. With less than 2kg per horsepower, the Onyx achieves high performance without altering the purity and elegance of its style. To obtain this result, the Onyx is fitted with a flat carbon fibre floor, which creates a powerful ground effect. So, the aerodynamic components could be limited to a strict minimum, by means of extensions of the carbon fibre structure and the moving spoiler which loads the rear suspension during braking. Braking is provided by four carbon discs, 380mm at the front and 355mm at the rear. The doors, the interface between the bodywork and the passenger compartment, offer easy access thanks to their two-movement kinematics. On opening, the outer copper skin separates from the door inner panel and moves laterally by a few centimetres before pivoting around its axis of rotation. The passenger compartment is bathed with natural light, from floor to roof. Like the bodywork, it has the minimum amount of material retaining only that necessary to make the components and retain them. The result is an uncluttered passenger compartment, in close proximity to the occupants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We sought materials fit for a supercar, then they presented themselves of their own accord by their obvious suitability. Carbon for high performance, copper and glass for tradition, felt and paper, natural and used every day.â&#x20AC;? Sophie Gazeau, Peugeot Colour & Materials Stylist Made of felt, compressed and stretched, the passenger compartment is formed as a one-piece pod, with no stitching or joins. It creates a real cocoon around the occupants and fitted into the carbon structure, visible in places, fulfils the functions carried out in the past by several components: soundproofing, floor, upper console, roof, bucket seats. The occupants become one with a uniform part, which also reduces weight. Their sporting comfort has been incorporated with the insertion of foam, under the felt, in the areas of contact with the body.

or disappearing like the keys of a piano. As for the operation of the hybrid engine, this is indicated by digital screens. A panel of aluminium toggle switches is installed in the roof, including the engine starting switch. Immediately behind this, a strip displays the images from the rear view cameras: two located in the mirrors, the third, panoramic, in the rear capping.

Warm and soft, the felt originates from an ancestral tradition. Obtained from boiled wool, with intertwined fibres, this material is fully recyclable and provides excellent thermal insulation. In addition, it improves the quality of the surrounding air by dehumidifying it. “For the interior, I was inspired by an everyday object, the egg box. With remarkable economy of material, it protects very fragile items. I adapted the concept into an intuitive space, with a minimum of connected parts, to become one with the car.” Julien Cueff, Onyx Interior Stylist On board, the driver finds each control without having to take his eyes off the road. The small steering wheel with felt rim falls naturally into the driver’s hands and gives an immediate feeling of agility. On its carbon hub the aluminium controls operate the functions of the Onyx, while paddles control the gearbox.

The dashboard is made of a new type of “wood”, Newspaper Wood. It is produced from used newspapers, assembled and compressed to create new ‘logs’ from which the parts are made. The illusion is perfect, with grains which run across the surface. On closer inspection it reveals the secret with the appearance of printed characters. The dashboard houses the instrument panel in a head up position. On the instrument panel surround, the engine speed and vehicle speed are indicated by metal parts, appearing

Also made from Newspaper Wood, the console features a unique fuel indicator, shaped from blownglass by a master craftsman. This fuel chamber, displays the level of fuel visible against finely chiselled indication marks. Also, diffused in the passenger compartment by its vents, the fragrance reproduces the essence of the materials used. Finally, the console houses the dual-zone air conditioning controls, with an aluminium bar with a milled detail finish. Onyx, like its accomplished Peugeot Concept predecessors, exudes the skills of the talented engineers and designers, introducing new techniques and innovative materials to produce a stylish design with extreme performance that inspires excitement and desirability, while providing a glimpse of the theme of thinking with the future in mind.

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Accessories available for: Acura • Audi • BMW • Buick • Cadillac • Chevrolet • Chrysler • Dodge • Ferrari • Ford • GMC • Honda • Hummer • Hyundai • Infiniti • Isuzu • Jaguar • Jeep • Kia • Land Rover • Lexus • Lincoln • Maserati • Mazda • Mercedes-Benz • Mercury • Mini • Mitsubishi • Nissan • Oldsmobile • Plymouth • Pontiac • Porsche • Saab • Saturn • Scion • Subaru • Suzuki • Toyota • Volkswagen • Volvo • And More! pay regular shipping within the 48 contiguous states, when shipped to the same address on additional sets of floor mats or a cargo liner when purchased in combination with a set of front floor mats; or additional sets of Side Window Deflectors when purchased in combination with a front set of Side Window Deflectors; or an additional ClearCover ; or *an Weadditional PlateFrame . WE GUARANTEE YOUR SATISFACTION. If you are not satisfied with your order, call to return your unused product within 30 days for a complete refund, less shipping & packaging. Prices subject to change without notice. ™

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Introducing, the WeatherTech® No-Drill MudFlap! Featuring the Patent Pending QuickTurn™ hardened Stainless Steel fastening system. The No-Drill MudFlap set literally “mounts-in-minutes™” in most applications without the need for wheel/tire removal. Most importantly - without the need for drilling into the vehicle’s fragile painted metal surface! Contoured specifically for each application and molded from a proprietary thermoplastic resin, the WeatherTech® No-Drill MudFlap will offer undeniable vehicle protection. Check for our latest applications at weathertech.com; there are new applications every month.

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CHROME Team Salamoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Aventador The 2012 Lamborghini LP700 Aventador (â&#x20AC;&#x153;TeamSalamone Aventador) is a 12 cylinder, 700 horsepower car that hits 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. TeamSalamone is owned by Bryan Louis Salamone, a New York divorce attorney and was created in 2008 to run road rallies for charitable causes. In December 2010, TeamSalamone placed one of the first orders for the Lamborghini Aventador, a model which had not been shown to the public. In March 2011, the Lamborghini Aventador was shown to the public in an auto show. It was the first time the public saw the car.

Team Salamone received one of the first Aventadors in the United States on December 8, 2011. This Aventador won the Gold Coast Concourse as an orange (arancio argos) stock factory Aventador in April 2012. The Gold Coast Concourse is held in Manhasset in the Gold Coast of Long Island. This Aventador was dramatically transformed into the world’s first chrome Aventador in May, 2010. This was done by applying over one hundred fifty-five separate hand cut chrome vinyl pieces. These were applied over a clear 3M film which was placed over the original paint. It took hundreds of man hours. The car was then revealed to the public just before the May 25th start of

the Gumball3000 Rally. The car traveled almost 3,600 miles from New York to California with stops in Montreal; The Indianapolis Speedway; Kansas City; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Hollywood, California. The car was the first Aventador to be driven across the United States and across Continental North America. The car was the first to be driven from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. In July 2012, the TeamSalamone Aventador was featured at the “Italian Cars at Poconos” where it received second place. In August 2012, the TeamSalamone Aventador ran the “Italian

Stampedeâ&#x20AC;? across California to Pebble Beach and the Concourso Italiano in Monterey, California. The TeamSalamone Aventador won first place in the modified division of Concourso Italiano (the most respected Italian car concourse in the United States) in Monterey, California. The TeamSalamone Aventador won the first place (choice) award at the Nassau County Cruise to the Show presented by Ed Mangano, County Supervisor. The TeamSalamone Aventador was featured in Times Square on no less than three separate occasions in charity events and has been photographed and featured with numerous celebrities on film and video. The Team Salamone Aventador is scheduled to be flown to Italy for Lamborghiniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th Anniversary commencing May 7, 2013 in Milan. It will return to its home in the Lamborghini factory and then drive cross country in a four day event.

2007 Ferrari F430 F1 Spider Rosso Corsa over Beige Interior. Options include: Red Brake Calipers, Daytona Style Seats, Red Instrument Panel, Scuderia Shields, Black Piping, Roll Bar Upholstery, Daytona Style Seats Stripes in Black and Carbon Fiber Dash Inserts. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www. ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!

2005 Bentley Continental GT Silver over Grey Interior. This is a very nice car that was a recent trade here at the dealership. It is fully equipped with everything that you would expect in a car of this stature. Powered by a 552 HP W12 with all-wheel drive, this car will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www. ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!

2009 Ferrari 599 GTB Nero over Nero Interior. Options include: Leather Upholstery for Seat Backrest, Yellow Brake Calipers, Carboceramic Brake System, Carbon Fiber for Driving Zone, Carbon Fiber for Lower Cabin Zone, Daytona Style Seats, Homelink, Yellow Instument Panel, Ferrari Ipod, Scuderia Shields, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Ball Polished Challenge Rims, Full Recaro Seats, Leather Rear Shelf, BOSE Hi-Fi, All Stitching in Yellow and Pirelli Tires. This is a 1 owner car that is just like new with only 700 miles. Factory warranty until 5/31/2012. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www.ferrarisales. com. Inquire Today!

2009 Ferrari F430 Scuderia 16M Rosso Corsa over Black Cordura Interior. Options include: Red Brake Calipers, Carbon Fiber Exterior Package, Handy Fire Extinguisher, Yellow Instrument Panel, Large Carbon Fiber Racing Seats and All Stitching in Rosso. This car is essentially new with only 326 miles. It is complete with all of its original items such as: Car Cover, Spare Key, Complete Books and Ipod Touch. Factory Warranty until 04/27/2012. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www.ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!

1990 Ferrari 348 ts Rosso Corsa over Black Interior. This is a very well kept 348 has just undergone complete servicing with timing belts in our shop. It is an exceptional car that has complete service history and original books. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www.ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!

2008 Ferrari F430 F1 Spider Rosso Corsa over Beige Interior with Black Carpets. Options include: Red Brake Calipers, Carboceramic Brake System, Power Daytona Seats, Yellow Instrument Panel, Ferrari Ipod, Scuderia Sheilds, Piping in Black, Ball Polished Challenge Rims, Roll Bar Upholstery in Beige, Bose Hi-Fi, Daytona Seat Leather Stripes in Black, Colored Steering Wheel and Carbon Fiber Dash Inserts. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www.ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!

HM3 Poison Dart Frog

HM3 Poison Dart Frog is a limited edition of 10 pieces inspired by the spectacular yellow-banded poison dart frog. The deadly potential of the poison dart frog is camouflaged in the tropical rainforest by this amphibian’s exotically-patterned black and yellow skin. Similarly, the high-tech zirconium case of Poison Dart Frog is disguised by a sleek, black layer of PVD. The black case contrasts spectacularly with the animated rotor – framed by an over-sized date wheel – on top of the Jean-Marc Wiederrecht-designed complication.

The protruding eyes of real-life, amphibious frogs enable them to see in many directions without having to turn their head. The bulbous hour and minute domes of Poison Dart Frog create a similar effect, though in this case it means the wearer can easily read the time from a variety of angles without having to turn his or her wrist. The hour and minute domes had to be meticulously machined from solid aluminium, chosen for its optimal strength to weight ratio â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the domes weigh just over 0.5g. First, they are milled from the outside and then the inside to arrive at a paperthin wall thickness of just 0.28mm, ensuring their energy requirements are kept to an absolute minimum.

Protecting the hour and minute domes are two semi-spherical sapphire crystal domes that had to be shaped and polished with utmost precision as the slightest imperfection in the sapphire could produce a disconcerting magnification effect. HM3 Poison Dart Frog may portray the time and date playfully, but there is nothing but serious attention to detail regarding the fine hand-finishing of the highly-tuned engine that purrs away inside. This limited edition is available exclusively at The Hour Glass.

for mo re info cont a ct BACKDRAFT RACING 321 0 SW 14T H Pl ace • Boynton Beach, FL, 3 3 426 • Tel: 561 -752 3693 • i nfo@b ackd raf traci ng .com

www.backdraftracing.com

BENTLEY

RETURNS

Bentley unveils new Continental GT3 concept racer At the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the unveiling of the Continental GT concept took the world by storm and opened an exciting new chapter in Bentleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Now, ten years on, Bentley is repeating the same feat with a Continental-based GT3 race car currently being developed by a dedicated motorsport team at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s factory in Crewe.

Signalling Bentley’s return to the racetrack for the first time since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003, Continental GT3 remains faithful to the company’s founding motorsport philosophy of developing racing cars from their road-going counterparts. Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, comments: “The clear message from our customers is that Bentley belongs on the racetrack, and the Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream we’ve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT. The new GT Speed is the perfect car for us to develop into a racer, and our work so far has shown huge potential. The Continental GT3 is set to show the world what the Continental GT is capable of in its most extreme form, and establishes a solid foundation for Bentley’s long-term motorsport plans.” The new Continental GT Speed is a refined, luxury grand tourer but which, if the driver demands, has a distinctly hard-edged sporting character. With exceptional levels of instantly accessible performance, the GT Speed, the

fastest road-going Bentley ever, is a supercar that can be used every day, whatever the weather and road conditions. The Continental GT3 concept capitalises on the prodigious performance, outstanding high-speed stability and renowned durability of Bentley’s iconic coupe, while tailoring its specification for the track with the adoption of a rear-wheel drive chassis in accordance with the regulations, state-of-the-art motorsport hardware and a comprehensive aerodynamic package. The dramatic livery of the car enhances the muscular, sculpted form of the Continental GT Speed while remaining proudly patriotic with the inclusion of Union flags.

With the Continental GT3 concept receiving the full support of the FIA, Bentley is returning to the motorsport arena towards the end of 2013 with a GT race car capable of competing with the very best, in the true Bentley tradition. Equipped for endurance as well as outright speed, the new Bentley competitor will be eligible to race in a range of race series and events, up to and including 24-hour marathons. Heading the development of the Continental GT3 is Bentleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Chassis, Powertrain and Motorsport, Brian Gush. Having led the programme that famously saw a brace of Bentley Speed 8 prototype racers take a dominant and dramatic one/two at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003, Brian is well placed to lead Bentleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to competitive racing. Development of the Continental GT3 will continue over the coming months in the build-up to the start of a test programme in 2013. More information and details about Bentleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to motorsport will be released in the near future.

With the new SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive, MercedesAMG is entering a new era: the locally emission-free super sports car featuring advanced technology from the world of Formula 1 is the most exclusive and dynamic way in which to drive an electric car. The most powerful AMG high-performance vehicle of all time has four electric motors producing a total output of 552 kW and a maximum torque of 1000 Nm. As a result, the gullwing model has become the world’s fastest electrically-powered series production vehicle: the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. A new dimension of driving performance – a convincing synonym for the AMG brand promise are the outstanding driving dynamics which come courtesy of AMG Torque Dynamics as well as torque distribution to individual wheels, which is made possible by means of wheelselective all-wheel drive. The most “electrifying” gullwing model ever has been developed in-house by MercedesAMG GmbH. The high-voltage battery for the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is the result of cooperation between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth (GB). This is an area in which the British Formula 1 experts were able to contribute their extensive know-how with KERS hybrid concepts.

48 Pioneering, visionary, electrifying: the powerful and locally emission-free super sports car with electric drive also embodies the development competence of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. With this innovative and unique drive solution, AMG - as the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz - is demonstrating its technological leadership in this segment. The SLS AMG CoupĂŠ Electric Drive is aimed at technology-minded super sports car fans who are open to new ideas and enthusiastic about ambitious high-tech solutions for the future of motoring. The pioneering drive package in the SLS AMG CoupĂŠ Electric Drive is impressive and guarantees a completely innovative and electrifying driving experience: enormous thrust comes courtesy of four synchronous electric motors providing a combined maximum output of 552 kW and maximum torque of 1000 Nm. The very special gullwing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The agile response to accelerator pedal input and the linear power output provide pure excitement: unlike with a combustion engine, the build-up of torque is

instantaneous with electric motors – maximum torque is effectively available from a standstill. The spontaneous build-up of torque and the forceful power delivery without any interruption of tractive power are combined with completely vibration-free engine running characteristics.

The four compact permanentmagnet synchronous electric motors, each weighing 45 kg, achieve a maximum individual speed of 13,000 rpm and in each case drive the 4 wheels selectively via a axially-arranged transmission design. This enables the unique distribution of torque to individual wheels, which would normally only be possible with wheel hub motors which have the disadvantage of generating considerable unsprung masses.

Battery efficiency, performance and weight: in all three areas MercedesAMG is setting new standards. The high-voltage battery in the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive boasts an energy content of 60 kWh, an electric load potential of 600 kW and weighs 548 kg – all of which are absolute best values in the automotive sector. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery features a modular design and a maximum voltage of 400 V.

Ideally the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is charged with the aid of a so-called wall box. Installed in a home garage, this technology provides a 22 kW quickcharge function, which is the same as the charging performance available at a public charging station. A high-voltage power cable is used to connect the vehicle to the wall box, and enables charging to take place in around three hours. Without the wall box, charging takes around 20 hours. The wall box is provided as an optional extra from Mercedes-AMG in cooperation with SPX and KEBA, two suppliers of innovative electric charging infrastructures for the automotive industry.

Four motors, four wheels – the intelligent and permanent all-wheel drive of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive guarantees driving dynamics at the highest level, while at the same time providing the best possible active safety. Optimum traction of the four driven wheels is therefore ensured, whatever the weather conditions. According to the developers, the term “Torque Dynamics” refers to individual control of the electric motors, something which enables completely new levels of freedom to be achieved. The AMG Torque Dynamics feature is permanently active and allows for selective distribution of forces for each individual wheel. The intelligent distribution of drive torque greatly

51 side, the “Electric Drive” lettering stands out on the vehicle side, as do the AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with their specific paint design. When the exterior colour AMG electricbeam magno is chosen, the high-quality, sporty interior makes use of this body colour for the contrasting stitching – the stitching co-ordinates perfectly with benefits driving dynamics, handling, driving safety and ride comfort. Each individual wheel can be both electrically driven and electrically braked, depending on the driving conditions. The trailblazing body shell structure of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is part of the ambitious “AMG Lightweight Performance” design strategy. The battery is located within a carbon-fibre monocoque which forms an integral part of the gullwing model and acts as its “spine”. The monocoque housing is firmly bolted and bonded to the aluminium spaceframe body. The fibre composite materials have their roots in the world of Formula 1, among other areas. The advantages of CFRP (carbon-fibre reinforced plastic) were exploited by the Mercedes-AMG engineers in the design of the monocoque. These include their high strength, which makes it possible to create extremely rigid structures in terms of torsion and bending, excellent crash performance and low weight. Carbon-fibre components are up to 50 percent lighter than comparable steel ones, yet retain the same level of stability. Visually, the multi-award-winning design of the SLS AMG is combined

with a number of specific features which are exclusive to the Electric Drive variant. The front apron has a striking carbon-look CFRP front splitter which generates downforce on the front axle. The radiator grille and adjacent air intakes adorn special areas painted in the vehicle colour and with bionic honeycombshaped openings. They are not only a visual highlight but, thanks to their aerodynamically optimised design, also improve air flow over the cooling modules mounted behind them. Darkened headlamps also impart a sense of independence to the front section. Viewed from the

designo black Exclusive leather appointments. AMG sports seats and numerous carbon-fibre trim elements in the interior underscore the exclusive and dynamic character of what is currently the fastest electric car. Behind the new AMG Performance steering wheel there is a newly designed AMG instrument cluster: instead of a rev counter, there is a power display providing information on the power requirements, recuperation status, transmission modes and battery charge.

BMW

ZAGATO ROADSTER Italian finesse meets Bavarian roadster tradition. Barely three months after the sensational premiere of the BMW Zagato Coupé, BMW and Zagato are turning heads again at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with the fruits of their latest collaboration. Created in just six weeks’ worth of lavish handcraftsmanship, the BMW Zagato Roadster represents another masterful ex-ample of the traditional coachbuilder’s art and an elegant take on the sporty, masculine marker laid down by the BMW Zagato Coupé.

The decision to launch another collaboration between BMW and Italian coachbuilder Zagato was made only a short time after the BMW Zagato Coupé took its first bow. En-couraged by the positive reaction to the Coupé, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice Presi-dent BMW Group Design, and Andrea Zagato soon agreed to take their partnership a step further. On the menu this time would be a Roadster model. “We set ourselves the challenge of preparing the car in time for the renowned Pebble Beach Concours,” ex-plains van Hooydonk. The BMW Zagato Roadster was duly conjured up in record haste, with only six weeks separating the first design idea from the finished model. “It was only with the expertise of both companies in the manufacture of high-end one-off cars and another display of outstanding teamwork that we were able to finish the car on schedule” adds the BMW design supremo. It quickly became clear that the partnership’s next jointly developed model would be a roadster. Indeed, no other concept embodies the pure fascination of motoring quite like this breed of car. With the roof down, two seats and exceptional performance, it allows the driver to experience dynamic thrills and driving pleasure with all

the senses. To this heady blend the BMW Zagato Roadster adds the fineries of the Italian “dolce vita”, its designers succeeding in lending the car its own distinct character without blurring its family ties. BMW and Zagato can both look back on a long and successful tradition of building road-sters, and the BMW Zagato Roadster sees their respective design DNAs melting into one. There is, of course, more to designing a roadster than slicing the roof off a coupé. “This car is not designed only as an elegant convertible, but also as a masculine and ex-tremely dynamic sports car which evokes a powerful driving experience” says Zagato chief designer Norihiko Harada, describing the design philosophy behind the BMW Zaga-to Roadster. Like the BMW Zagato Coupé, the Roadster is ready to drive – and intended to be driven at high speeds.

The car’s proportions make no secret of the special driving experience that awaits the driver. The sweeping hood and long wheelbase pin the driver back close to the driven rear wheels. There, he sits low down in an ultra-sporty position inside the cockpit. The taut, hallmark BMW surface treatment and Zagato’s clearly defined distribution of visual mass lend the BMW Zagato Roadster an athletic appearance – poised and eager, de-manding to be driven. The open-top nature of a roadster means it is often the interior that catches the eye first. Only later does your attention move on to the exterior and the interplay between the exterior and interior. The BMW Zagato Roadster zeroes in on this peculiarity and con-sciously allows the boundaries between inside and outside to blur. To this end, the colours and materials marking the transition from interior to exterior ex-ude a special exclusiveness. A strip of brown leather wraps around the interior like a rail to create a visual connection between the inside of the car and its exterior. The brown leather extends from the instrument panel

over the door sill and around behind the seats, and even incorporates the roll-over bars. Embracing the driver and passenger like a large protective arm, this leather adornment provides an attractive transition into the otherwise predominantly black interior. The warm shade of brown reappears in various areas of the interior, including the contrast stitching of the seats, the steering wheel and doors, and the centre console. The interplay of colours and composition of details bathe the interior of the BMW Zagato Roadster in a sumptuous ambience, while the brown â&#x20AC;&#x153;zâ&#x20AC;? embroi-dered into the seats is a further nod to its origins. Founded by Ugo Zagato in 1919, today Zagato is the only automotive body manufacturer still in independent ownership. From its earliest days, Zagato has taken a minimalist and pared-down approach to its creations, very much in keeping with the Milanese tradition of design. Form takes precedence over details, thanks in part to technical considerations. Body designer Ugo Zagato learned his trade in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; among other industries

59 – aviation, where aerodynamics and lightweight construction play a central role. Zagato duly applied these principles rigorously in the construction of cars and soon celebrated a rash of race victories as a body construction partner to Alfa Romeo. The “necessary beauty” of aero-dynamics and lightweight construction came to represent a maxim of design, one that has defined the form of every Zagato since.

Today, with Andrea Zagato and Marella Rivolta-Zagato, becoming the third generation of his family to take his seat at the helm, the company describes itself as a design studio combining the emotion and handcraftsmanship of body construction with the precision of state-of-the-art technology. Zagato follows coachbuilding tradition in developing only the shell of the car and leaving the mechanics

of the machine untouched. More than 200 Vmax concepts, special editions and micro-series have been created in this way down the years and find appreciation among connoisseurs and collectors the world over. In-deed, all Zagatos are coveted collector’s items today and worth many times what their original owners paid for them.•••

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