McLaren Releases Testing Videos For The McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C XP Prototype

McLaren Automotive has launched the first in a series of broadcast-quality short videos, which present a rare insight into a performance car testing programme from the development team behind the new McLaren MP4-12C.

As a brand new car company, McLaren Automotive has a unique and engaging story to tell prior to its first model going on sale in Spring 2011. Meanwhile, 2009's intense testing and development programme is clearly demonstrating the McLaren MP4-12C's potential and McLaren Automotive is presenting rare company footage and insight that reveals its plans, processes and challenges.
In a short film entitled 'Inside McLaren: developing the MP4-12C', viewers take the first steps to understanding how McLaren Automotive will fulfil its ambition to launch the McLaren MP4-12C as a genuine challenger to the world's best high performance sports cars. Highlights include:

• An introduction to the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) and the McLaren MP4-12C test programme by McLaren Automotive Technical Director, Dick Glover
• Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin on how the 12C performs in extreme test conditions
• An overview by senior engineers of the integrated approach to development on roads and tracks around the world and, virtually, back at MTC
• 12C development (XP) prototypes on road and track in England and Germany, and extreme hot weather testing in Bahrain

The challenging and comprehensive development programme has taken in some of the world's most famous race circuits and most inhospitable driving environments; from the dry and cold, ice and snow of the Arctic, to the hot and humid, sand-soaked air of the Middle-East.
Combined with cutting-edge simulation programmes, Formula 1 techniques, personnel and processes, and thousands of miles of 'real world' on-road driving on the UK's notoriously poor tarmac surfaces, the tight-knit testing team has taken giant strides through 2009 in the McLaren MP4-12C's development. The result is 'pure' McLaren: a revolutionary high performance sports car that features unique engineering solutions to deliver new standards in comfort, driving dynamics, economy and performance in the 'core' sports car market.
Dick Glover, Technical Director at McLaren Automotive is responsible for the 50-strong Testing and Development team and the eight development (XP) cars that have featured in the 2009 programme: "I am really proud of what the team has achieved this year," he said.
"Having to develop a brand new range of cars from scratch to the standards expected of McLaren, featuring ground-breaking new structures and powertrain is the ultimate challenge and one we are relishing. Sure, we have challenges - that is why we go to these places that absolutely push the cars to their limits and beyond - but now we know just what the 12C is capable of, we are able to push on into 2010 and deliver cars of which McLaren will be rightly proud."
The 2009 testing programme has focused heavily on two of the most famous tracks in the world - the notorious Nordschleife Nurburgring and the circuit seen by millions on-screen, the BBC Top Gear test track at Dunsfold Aerodrome. Both tracks push cars to their limits. But the success of the programme will also rest on McLaren's technological innovation and experience.
The results of a testing session's road and track performance are rapidly assessed within MTC. Simulation and rapid engineering practices - two core aspects of a successful Formula 1 team - are then employed to re-calibrate the XP test cars in-situ ready for the following day, or night's, development targets.

Volvo The Game

Volvo The Game

The racing game announced in April by Volvo Cars and game development company SimBin can be played with five racing legends in addition to the new Volvo S60 Concept. They are Volvo models that many people will remember from the STCC and BTCC racing series.

Players will be able to choose between the Volvo C30 which is competing in this year's STCC ( Swedish Touring Car Championship), the STCC Volvo S60 that participated a few years ago, the Volvo S40 that participated with notable success in the BTCC (the British Touring Car Championship) the Volvo 850, the estate car that became a legend in the BTCC, and finally a true racing classic, the iconic Volvo 240 Turbo Group A.

There is a choice of two tracks: Gothenburg Eco Drive Arena in Göteborg, Sweden, and Chayaka outside Kiev in the Ukraine. Volvo - The Game is the only virtual racing game in the world to include this Ukrainian track.

The game offers a choice of skill levels: "novice with all the driver assistance technology activated such as ABS brakes, "semi-pro", and finally "pro" where there is no assistance whatsoever.

Footnote: Volvo - The Game can be downloaded free of charge to your own PC starting on May 26. Go to the Volvo Cars website, www.volvocars.com/intl The game is available in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.

Source from: Car

Volvo C70

The Volvo XC70 is an all-weather version of the V70 midsize wagon that boasts all-wheel drive as well as increased ground clearance and SUV-like styling cues. The latter two features are mostly for show, however, as the XC70 has never had much in the way of serious off-road hardware. What the XC70 has consistently offered is the sure-footedness of all-wheel drive, and it has become progressively more stylish and luxurious through the years, while maintaining its SUV-grade cargo space and superior reputation for safety.

The current generation Volvo XC70 is downright stylish all over, and it continues to offer many of the same virtues as previous versions: confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive, top-notch safety, a luxurious cockpit and enough cabin volume to satisfy all but the most haul-happy families. With the base inline six-cylinder engine, however, performance is lackluster -- other midsize wagons and a handful of crossover SUVs are both more satisfying to drive and comparably or more frugal at the pump. The turbocharged T6 model addresses the speed issue at least. The XC70 is a solid family vehicle, especially for those living in colder climates. Still, there are competing models that have similarly appealing traits, as well as superior power and/or efficiency.

Under the hood of the base model is a 3.2-liter inline-6 that sends 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Those numbers may look good on paper, but the XC70's actual acceleration performance and fuel economy are decidedly unimpressive. The T6 shares the six-speed transmission and AWD system, but adds a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that pumps out a more satisfying 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The stylish XC70 should please any family that requires all-weather capability, carlike handling and an upscale cabin with plenty of cargo space. With the proliferation of crossover SUV offerings in recent years, however, there are numerous competing models that boast similar strengths along with better overall performance, particularly compared to the base 3.2-liter engine. We'd recommend taking a good look at what the market has to offer before you ante up for the current XC70, though those who ultimately go with the Volvo likely won't be disappointed.

Current Volvo XC70

The Volvo XC70 technically competes in the midsize wagon segment, although its standard all-wheel drive and SUV-like features make it competitive with crossover SUVs as well. Compared to a regular V70 wagon, the XC70 stands out, thanks to increased ground clearance (2.7 inches higher than the V70) and more rugged styling details that include cladding on the lower body sides and different front and rear fascias.

Offered in base 3.2 or uplevel T6 trim, the XC70 comes standard with plenty of convenience and upscale features, including alloy wheels, skid plates, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system. The T6 adds bigger wheels, dual exhaust outlets and a "watch dial" instrument cluster. Major options include leather upholstery, a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, satellite radio and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.

Used Volvo XC70 Models

The present XC70 debuted in 2008. The most notable change since then has been the arrival of the T6 model with its turbocharged 3.0-liter engine; for 2008, the XC70 was available only with the base 3.2-liter inline-6.

The XC70 debuted in 1998 as the "V70 Cross Country" (XC for short) an upgraded trim level for the V70 wagon. With its advanced safety features (including side airbags from its inception), capacious interior, all-wheel-drive utility and trendy SUV looks, this endearingly boxy people mover quickly became a strong seller. Powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine, the first-generation V70 XC was rated at 190 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque -- adequate in its day, but not exactly scintillating. Many buyers probably weren't even aware that the V70 XC came standard with skid plates, one of the few examples of genuine off-road equipment on this "SUW."

In 2001, the second-generation V70 XC was introduced. Like its V70 sibling, the new V70 XC sported a sleeker shape and a new platform shared with the first-generation S80 sedan, as well as a striking interior layout largely borrowed from the S60 sedan. In 2002, Volvo changed business tactics, dropping the "V70" from the car's title and marketing it separately from the V70 line as the Volvo XC. In 2003, the "70" designation returned, giving us the first official Volvo XC70.

Second-generation cars could be equipped with a navigation system for the first time. The 2.4-liter engine was tweaked to produce 197 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, yielding satisfactory if not thrilling performance. In 2003, the 2.4-liter mill was replaced by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that pumped out 208 hp and a healthy 236 lb-ft of torque, which made the XC70 feel rather quick. Rear-seat room was improved over the rather cramped first-generation car, though we still weren't overly impressed, and a third-row seat was available in every model year except 2007. Other available features included adjustable rear seats, four-zone climate control and a DVD entertainment system with front headrest-mounted TV screens.

Well-optioned second-generation XC70s were pricey in their day, but depreciation has helped matters somewhat. Still, the European and premium status of Volvos frequently translates to an expensive repair bill, should you run into problems. Those looking for a used Volvo XC70 should consider a certified pre-owned car or one that still has the factory warranty. If you care about performance, 2003 and later XC70s are the logical choice, as they offer a useful 26 extra lb-ft of torque as well as 11 more hp. Otherwise, you won't be missing much if you go with the 2001 or 2002 model.

Source from: Car