This is possibly one of the very few automobiles where manufacturer actually understated its capability. During official launch, Porsche claimed the car could manage 0 to 60 mph or 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Though Carrera GT was in fact capable of doing that in 3.5 seconds; that’s an outstanding 0.4 seconds’ better performance. The car came out in 2004 and production stopped in 2007. The idea behind the car dates back to late 1990s when Porsche conceived its V10 engine. It was designed for British F1 racing team Arrow. Later the project was shelved.

Porsche Carrera GT sported 5.7L V10 power house.With top power output of 450 kW, its performance could seriously look physics defying. Top power came out around 8000 rpm. Peak torque from the V10 was about 435 lb-ft. Lower floor housing along with 68° V angle gave the engine very secure center of gravity. Despite gigantic power capacity, it weighed only 214 kg. This was partly because of light alloy metal built. Forged construction gave it maximum torsional stiffness even at highest rpm.

It’s a pureblood racing machine with carbon fiber monocoque and sub-frame for agility and strength, even at monstrous acceleration. Beyond 110 km/h speed, rear spoiler comes into effect to offer better stability. The car was available in 5 color options – Seal Grey, Fayence Yellow, GT Silver, Basalt Black and Guards Red. For rough, you also get removable cover, which can be tucked into front boot. Besides, low floor design gave it distinct benefit in terms of better aerodynamics and very low centralized center of gravity.

Engine Typerear, longitudinal 65° V12 Bore/stroke94 x 75.2 mm Unitary displacement521.87 cc Total displacement6262.45 cc Compression ratio13,4:1 Maximum power588 kW (800 hp) at 8500 rpm Power per litre128 hp/l Maximum torque686 Nm (70 kgm) at 5750 rpm Valve actuationtwin overhead camshafts per bank, four valves per cylinder Fuel feedBosch electronic injection Ignitionelectronic, single spark plug per cylinder Lubricationdry sump Clutchmulti-plate Chassis Framecarbon-fibre and Nomex honeycomb with front and rear aluminium structures Front suspensionindependent, push-rod, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over manually adjustable telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar Rear suspensionindependent, push-rod, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over manually adjustable telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar Brakescarbon-ceramic discs Transmissionelectro-hydraulic F1 6-speed + reverse Steeringrack-and-pinion Fuel tankcapacity 112 litres Front tyres245/35 ZR 19 Rear tyres345/35 ZR 19 Bodywork Typetwo-seater berlinetta Length4832 mm Width2040 mm Height1127 mm Wheelbase2650 mm Front track1660 mm Rear track1650 mm Weight1155 kg (dry) Performance Top speed345 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h- 0-400 m- 0-1000 m-

The A-Class is an entry-level hatchback in the Mercedes-Benz’s range. It is the most affordable of the three-pointed-stars, offering buyers exquisite looks and lots of bragging rights. The all-new third generation A-Class is front-wheel-drive car based on the Merc’s new MFA (Modular Front-Wheel Architecture). In India the A-Class is available in two variants – one petrol and one diesel. Contrary to the norms, the A180 Sport petrol variant is more expensive that the diesel version with panoramic sunroof and few extra features. It is powered by 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit developing 122bhp and 200Nm of torque, all the power is transmitted to the wheels via seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The ARAI efficiency of this variant is pegged at 15.5kpl. The diesel version of the other hand gets 2.2-litre mill churning out 109bhp and meaty 250Nm of torque. The ARAI efficiency of this variant is 20.06kpl. The A-Class is really comfortable in the front-row, but the seating in the second row might be a bit of an issue for full grown adults. The boot on the other hand is big enough for a vehicle of its size. The A-Class is currently imported to India as CBU, but the CKD operations are expected to commence by August. The new model competes with the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo V40. The Swedish car is already launched in India for a much higher price tag, while the launch of BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 is not too far away.

MERCEDES BENZ A CLASS

*) Gearbox: 7 Gear DSG, fuel consumption combined: 24.9l/100km, fuel consumption in town: 41.9l/100km, fuel consumption out of town: 15.6l/100km, CO2 emission combined: 596g/km, Efficiency Class: G Annual tax for this vehicle €1132 Energy costs at a mileage of 20,000 km: Fuel costs (Super Plus) at a fuel price of 1.624 EUR/billing unit €8087.52 Created on: 11/30/2011 The values were calculated using the prescribed measurement method (§ 2, numbers 5, 6, 6 per car energy labeling ordinance in its current version).CO2 emissions, which result from the production and provision of fuel or other energy sources are not taken into account in the determination of CO2 emissions pursuant to Directive 1999/94/EC. The figures do not refer to a specific vehicle and are not part of the offer, but only serve the purpose of comparing different vehicle types. The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of a vehicle not only depend on the efficient utilization of the fuel by the vehicle, but also on driving style and other non-technical factors. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Notice pursuant to Directive 1999/94/EC of each current valid version: For more information on official fuel consumption and the specific official CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be acquired from the "Guide for Fuel Economy, CO2 Emissions and Power Consumption of New Passenger Cars" available at all sales outlets and at DAT German Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Strasse 1, D-73760 Ostfildern – available free of charge or at www.dat.de. Efficiency classes of vehicles are evaluated in terms of CO2 emissions by means of the vehicle's empty weight. Vehicles that correspond to the average are classified as D. Vehicles that are better are graded with A+, A, B or C. Vehicles that are worse than the average are given an E, F or G.

BUGATI VEYRON