2012 Husqvarna TC/CR Motocross Models Announced

Husqvarna announced its 2012 motocross lineup including the updated TC250 and TC449 four-stroke models and CR125 two-stroke.
Like the previously announced TE dual sports and TXC and WR off-road models, Husqvarna‘s 2012 motocross line receives new all-black chromoly frames with added structural reinforcement, and silver anodized Excel rims.

2012 Husqvarna TC250

The 2012 Husqvarna TC250 (pictured above) receives a new engine with a lighter piston and updated cylinder head, both borrowing from parent company BMW’s Formula 1 developments. Valve finger followers received a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating Husqvarna claims make them longer lasting and smoother operating.
For 2012, the TC250′s battery-less fuel injection system switches to a Keihin ECU and throttle body from the 2011 model’s Mikuni components. Husqvarna added a CDI ignition system with a coil that uses less voltage than the previous unit, as well as a new airbox and Akrapovic exhaust system. Overall, Husqvarna claims the TC250 receives a substantial power increase from the 2011 model, particularly at higher revs.

The suspension has also been revised, with a new Kayaba 48mm closed-cartridge fork and link-mounted rear shock, both developed specifically for the U.S. market. Brakes remain the same as 2011 with Brembo hydraulics and rotors.
The 2012 Husqvarna TC250 will be available at a price of $6,999.

2012 Husqvarna TC449

The fuel-injected TC449 also receives some engine updates including new valve timing and DLC coating on the connecting rod. The ignition system uses a dual-map configuration, selected from a handlebar-mounted switch. Other engine updates include a larger airbox to improve mid-range power and a new WP radiator to improve cooling.
Like the TC250, the TC449 gets updated Kayaba suspension designed for the U.S. market.
Husqvarna has priced the 2012 TC449 at $7,999.

2012 Husqvarna CR125

As with its WR two-stroke line, Husqvarna’s smallest two-stroke motocrosser is returning to a 125cc displacement, but will come with a 144cc bore kit with cylinder and piston. The CR125′s engine is equipped with a Mikuni TMX38 carburetor with V-Force reed valves and a Ducati Energy digital igntiion.
Like the WR125, the CR125 is equipped with a 48mm Kayaba fork and Sachs monoshock and Brembo brakes.
The 2012 Husqvarna CR125 will be offered at $5,999.

Read more »

All-New 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Revealed Ahead of Frankfurt Show

The most powerful version of Mercedes-Benz's small hardtop roadster, the 2012 SLK 55 AMG, will receive its world premiere at this year's edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, but the first photos of the V8-powered model have already sprung up on the German car site Autobild.
Visually, the AMG treatment adds a new aero kit with bespoke parts up front and at the back along with a smoked out lights and larger set of light alloy wheels finished in black. Inside, you'll find a pair of sports seats and plenty of surfaces covered in stitched leather
And while this is the first time we get to see the new SLK 55 AMG in the flesh and without camouflage, Mercedes-Benz recently shared details on the roadster model's mechanical hardware.
Power for the roadster comes from a new naturally-aspirated AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers 62 more horses and 30Nm more torque than the previous model's eight-cylinder unit, at 422-horses and 540Nm in European-spec, and 415-horses at 6,800 rpm and 398 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm in North American-flavor.
The aluminum V8 engine also features the AMG Cylinder Management system that can shut off four-cylinders from 800 to 3,600 rpm to improve fuel efficiency.
A 7-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission featuring three modes (sport, manual and efficiency) transfers power to the rear wheels.
According to the Mercedes, the new SLK 55 AMG completes the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.6 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).
The roadster returns a combined fuel consumption of 8.5 lt/100 km, which is 3.5lt or 30% less than that of the preceding model with the 360HP V8.

Read more »