Kicherer Unveils Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG Supersport with 610HP

In Jeremy Clarkson's latest special, The Italian Job, the Top Gear host said that his new favorite car in the world is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. While we’re not sure if he would like a souped up version of the German supercar, fact is more and more tuners are turning their attention towards the Stuttgart's Gullwing model. Less than a week after Brabus unveiled the SLS Widestar, another German tuner, Kicherer, took the wraps off its take on the SLS.

Exterior appointments on Kicherer's SLS 63 Supersport are relatively discrete and comprise of carbon fiber front spoiler lip and rear diffuser, stainless steel pipe covers and a set of Kicherer RS-1 multi-part forged wheels. There’s no information about the size of the alloys – though they do appear to be at least 19-inch in diameter. Kicherer only mentions that the rims are “hand-made”. Interior modifications have also been kept to a minimum with a few carbon fiber decorative parts.

The SLS AMG's suspension has received an upgrade as Kicherer partnered up with suspension specialist KW Automotive to create a lift up system, which raises ride height by 30 millimeters at the push of a button. This means that high curbs or poorly designed parking garages don’t represent a threat anymore. According to the Germans, the new suspension also improves handling, without making the car uncomfortable.

Last but not least, the V8 engine went through a performance optimization and now delivers 610 hp and 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque. Full specs and pricing haven’t been released yet.

By Csaba Daradics

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Chevrolet Prices New Orlando MPV from £16,395 in the UK [Plus New Photo Gallery]

The new Chevrolet Orlando compact minivan won't arrive in UK dealerships before Spring of 2011, but the company has already released detailed pricing and specifications. Available in three trim levels and with three engines including two diesel options, the 7-seater MPV will carry a base price of £16,395 (about US$25,400).

The range kicks off with the entry level Orlando LS, which comes equipped with ESC, air conditioning, follow-me-home headlights, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking, six airbags, three 12v power sockets, tinted windows and an adjustable steering wheel as standard.

The LS is offered with the choice of two engines, the 141PS 1.8-liter petrol engine, or a new 130PS 2.0-litre diesel unit, the latter of which also comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

The better equipped LT models add several features including rear parking distance sensors, a USB port, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a chrome-effect tailgate handle, driver’s armrest, leather-covered steering wheel, front fog lights, electric rear windows and an upgraded sound system with steering wheel audio controls.

Furthermore, the LT can be specified with the most powerful Orlando engine, a 163PS 2.0-litre diesel with six-speed manual gearbox, or a six-speed auto as an option.

At the top of the range we meet the LTZ models, which are offered with all three engine options and add unique 17-inch alloys, automatic cruise control, an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, blue ambient panel lighting, a glossy black centre console, power-folding door mirrors, a rear cargo net and chrome-effect body detailing.

For detailed pricing and performance / fuel economy figures, check out the list below.

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Volkswagen Service Personnel make use of Virtual X-Ray Vision Tech

At some point, every child would like to be a superhero with X-ray vision. Adults too, though they would use the ability for very different purposes... Until now, only a select few, like TSA personnel, have had the opportunity to see what’s it like to have superhuman vision.

Volkswagen is changing this by introducing the “Augmented Reality” technology designed to offer its service personnel a virtual X-ray-like view of the car. According to the automaker, employees will make use of this technology to improve their training and knowledge of the cars.

“Augmented Reality” utilizes a video-based positioning software to determine the position of the image projector and viewer in relation to the studied vehicle. That means that computer-generated details can be projected with extreme precision onto the car’s body, thus giving the onlooker the opportunity to study what’s under the sheetmetal without ever opening the bonnet.

“Three-dimensional design data is projected onto the surfaces of a production vehicle, in the correct position and in perspective even from different viewing angles. This creates a kind of 'virtual x-ray vision' for the viewer, which enables them to see otherwise hidden components and structures inside the vehicle” explained Prof. Jürgen Leohold, Head of Volkswagen Group Research.

The system also allows for individual components or component designations to be placed over or, if necessary, to project other prepared animations onto the vehicle.

This technology was first used on the Touareg Hybrid, shown in the gallery below, during training sessions for importer instructors and for service training on the new Sharan as well.

The new tgechnology was developed in-house by Volkswagen Group Research and Volkswagen Service Academy and its use is going to be extended in the near future for international training, vehicle development, production planning and even marketing.

By Csaba Daradics

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