Segment/Class I-Segment/ Fullsize Ultra Luxury
The M-Series is designed as a large, no expenses spared, automobile for those who desire comfort and luxury above all else. It has long been a symbol of status and success both within and outside of Forza. Buying an M-Series is an extremely personal matter, and almost every aspect of the car can be adjusted to suit your needs.
The smooth curvacious lines of the new M-Series mark a look to the past for inspiration to design a car which represented the most luxurious and refined personal travel possible. The curves of the rear, the gaping grille and swooping roofline are all centred around and inspired by cars of days gone by, when owning such a vehicle, or even a vehicle at all, spoke volumes of one's monetary worth. However in the modern world, even the exterior design of a car must be keeping up with technology and the clever M-Series proves to all that old traditions and a modern world need not be in violent collision with one another.
The sleek lines of the M-Series were first pinned by small but famous design house Cordoba in 2008. The designers of Cordoba wanted a car which was elegant, yet imposing and subtly sporty to reflect the nature of the M-Series. Rather than aping the slab sided and box shape of many of the M's competitors, Cordoba embarked on a new styling adventure designed to appeal to the young, and young at heart. Thus, the M-Series was conceived as the kind of car where the owner could ride in either the front without feeling like a limousine operator, or ride in the back without feeling like a limousine client.
The M-Series now offeres a choice of five different engines across two different body styles ensuring that the customer will find a product that suits their personal tastes and financial capabilities.
The first option is the standard 5.8 Litre V8 naturally aspirated with Direct Injection and Cylinder De-activation technology. Although the standard engine across the range, the V8 promises a smooth and quiet ride experience with a wealth of torque and power on hand when the demand arises. Although not having the legs to keep up with other more powerful engines offered on the M-Series, the V8 is a quiet achiever; an impeccably refined piece of technology that is well suited to a luxury car.
Of course those who seek a more sportier ride experience may look at the M8 Sport which offers a Supercharged version of the standard 5.8 Litre V8. The Supercharged variant promises a huge surge of torque at virtually any engine speed with a symphonic exhaust note. To reduce the whine of the Supercharger, the engine is fitted with sound deadening technology around the mechanical turbine to reduce the amount of noise from the supercharger entering the cabin and disrupting the environment. At high RPMs, the engine can still be heard in full noise.
The next step up is the diesel V12, a 5.5 Litre twin turbo charged monster capable of producing an incredible 900 newton metres of torque from as low as 1500rpm and to hold that figure until 4000. The diesel V12 promises a luxurious, quiet and refined ride experience for those who would prefer their luxury sedan to be motivated with diesel power. The gruff sounding noise that is associated with diesel engines has been replaced with a soundtrack of more pleasing aural experiences.
The first of the petroleum V12's is the naturally aspirated 6.5 Litre; an enourmous engine with a superb engine note. The strong pulling V12 promises an incredible performance with figures of 350 kilowatts and 650 newton metres of torque. Despite the immense outputs, the naturally aspirated V12 is a refined and easy going piece of engineering that offers a smooth and silky ride experience for the person who deserves it most, you.
The final option of engine, and the most powerful available, is the Twin Turbocharged variant of the 6.5 Litre V12. With staggering outputs of 470 kilowatts and a whopping 1050 newton metres of torque, the Twin Turbocharged V12 can bring the M-Series from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds, faster than many sports cars and lesser sports sedans; something very impressive for a vehicle weighing two tonnes. Every time you depress the accelerator to overtake the vehicle travelling in front of you, feel the engine squeeze you back in your seat and the smile creep across your face as this car rockets forward in a way a two tonne car has no right to. Once the vehicle has disappeared behind you, you can enjoy the peace and quiet once more as the engine quietens down and doesn't disturb the cabin with its roar any longer.
All engines feature cylinder deactivation technology. Cylinder deactivation is used to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of an internal combustion engine during light load operation. In typical light load driving the driver uses only around a quarter to a third of an engine’s maximum power. In these conditions, the throttle valve is nearly closed and the engine needs to work hard to draw air for combustion. This causes an inefficiency known as pumping loss. Some large capacity engines need to be throttled so much at light load that the cylinder pressure at the zenith of the cylinder is approximately half that of a small engine half the size. Low cylinder pressure means low fuel efficiency and fuel consumption begins to sky rocket.
The use of cylinder deactivation at light load means there are fewer cylinders drawing air from the intake manifold which works to increase its fluid (air) pressure. Operation without variable displacement is wasteful because fuel is continuously pumped into each cylinder and combusted even though maximum performance is not required. By shutting down half of an engine's cylinders the amount of fuel being consumed is much less. Between reducing the pumping losses which increases pressure in each operating cylinder and decreasing the amount of fuel being pumped into the cylinders. Fuel consumption for large capacity Forza engines can be reduced by 20 to 35 percent in highway conditions.
Cylinder deactivation is done by keeping the intake and exhaust valves closed for a particular cylinder once the cylinder is filled with fuel and oxygen. By keeping the intake and exhaust valves closed, it creates a spring effect in the combustion chamber – the trapped gases are compressed during the piston’s upstroke and push down on the piston during its downstroke. The compression and decompression of the trapped exhaust gases have an equalising effect; overall, there is virtually no extra load on the engine so the engine does not need to work harder.
In this latest generation of cylinder deactivation systems, the engine management system is also used to cut fuel delivery to the disabled cylinders using Forza's Variable ValveTechnology (VVT). The transition between normal engine operation and cylinder deactivation is also smoothed using changes in ignition timing, cam timing and throttle position thanks to electronic throttle control and VVT.
Transmission on both cars is an Aisin six-speed automatic, with sports shifter. The Aisin was selected over at Double Clutch Gearbox due to its smoothness and cohesiveness, while still retaining fast shift speeds. When Sport Shift mode is engaged, which can be done through Command, changing gears takes 0.05 seconds. When Sport Shift mode is not engaged, the changes are softened so as to not disrupt the M-Series' serene yet dynamic personality.
Suspension makes use of several new technologies such as magnetic dampers and Magic Ride Control (MRC) which can be adapted to harden and soften the suspension at the touch of a button using the Command system. Ride height, Damper Bound & Rebound, Spring stiffness and the anti-roll bar can all be adjusted to provide the best possible setting for the car. Three standard settings are available (Comfort, Dynamic & Sport) along with memory for ten other choices which can be preset by the driver or the passenger to better suit their needs. The passenger themself can stiffen or soften the rear suspension to give them the best possible ride.
In this system, the damper fluid contains metallic particles. Through the onboard computer, the dampers' compliance characteristics are controlled by an electromagnet. Essentially, increasing the current flow into the damper raises the compression/rebound rates, while a decrease softens the effect of the dampers. Information from wheel sensors (about suspension extension), steering, acceleration sensors and some others is used to calculate the optimized stiffness. Very fast reaction of the total system allows, for instance, make softer passing by a single wheel above a bump or a rock on the road.
.
The M-Series is a large car easily capable of seating five adults in its interior, how. From the outset, the M-Series was designed as nothing less than a large car that offered enough interior space for comfort and comfort features, along with a range of other items. Another benefit of a large interior, aside from passenger comfort, is the load carrying ability that the M-Series offers. The M-Series also features items such as luggage belts, collapsible cargo nets and dividing cross bars to keep objects in the boot from rolling around in the cargo compartment.
The interior of the car is designed as a nice place to be for the driver and occupants. Driving should not be regarded as a chore, but in a harsh environment, driving can be regarded as tedious or uncomfortable. The M-Series is elegantly decorated with wood, leather and aluminium finish, giving the car a rather subdued elegance feel, rather than a drab plastic interior or a glitzy stand out cover job featured on some other cars. At the centre of the console, is a large 12" touchscreen monitor which can be used to access the Command function as well as the ALC Calypso navigation system. The M-Series offers a vast range of interior designs and colour options, and almost every detail of the exterior can be altered. Some options you might revel in are: larger television screens can be fitted to the rear seats, wireless internet is provided through your ISP, and the rear seat features several 24V sockets to allow the running of modern appliances such as laptops. Massage chairs can be fitted, as can options like bottle coolers, between the rear seats for corporate entertaining in style. Should you value your work, veneered writing desks and pens are an option, all for no cost at all. Quad zone climate control is standard, so if you and your cheffuer reside poles apart, you can both be comfortable.
When ordering your vehicles, please specify any features you would like added which can be done through our luxury coach builder.
Command is the basic control interface for all the technology in the car, eg Climate Control, Audio, Engine response, gear change settings, suspension settings. Command can be used by the large turning knob and arrow buttons to use, however express buttons to control frequently used features such as climate and radio are also provided in banks below the monitor.
The M-Series comes with the ultimate in audio and entertainment. Featured is a 1500 watt 12 speaker system with zero sound distortion that can play MP3 CD's WMA/AAC files and project MP4/DVD videos onto the screens mounted in the rear of the seats and also onto the windshield throught the ALC Calypso Navigation System. The Ultimate system includes a portable music player dock which is fitted in a matching colour to the leather and a bluetooth system allowing you to connect your telephone to the vehicle in order to access music. Also fitted is standard steering wheel mounted controls so that the driver does not have to take his hands off the wheel whilst driving. All the information required to run the audio system is displayed on the standard fitted 12 inch Command screen. The high end entertainment package features two 15 inch LCD screens mounted in the rear of the front seats which can play BlueRay, HD and DVD movies. A built in HD tuner and sattelite is fitted allowing passengers to watch HD free-to-air TV or sattelite paid TV should they choose. A third LCD screen mounted to the rear of the centre console is also available.
As one could expect, Calypso is more than just a satellite navigation system - indeed, it can be described more as a virtual co-driver, plus a serious in-car entertainment suite. Calypso includes 2 front-mounted, 2 rear-mounted and 4 side-mounted visual/IR cameras, and front and rear active ultrasonic scanners, scanning the surroundings.
For processing all this data, the system includes a powerful (16-pipeline 3,200 MHz RISC) computer system, which compares the 3D data from the satellites to the positional information and camera input. Calypso also functions like a personal computer, offering the user 8 TB of hard drive space for films, games, music, and anything else. With a broadband network connection, it can be used for tasks ranging from browsing and high-speed downloading to stock trading.
While all the same 5" to 16" touchscreens as in Tarvos are available, and a full voice input is integrated, an innovation in Calypso is an optional display system derived from the one installed in ALC fighter jets. It involves installing a high-grade cathode ray projection system into the dashboard into the roof and applying a thin film selective-band reflector to the windscreen. With a resolution of up to 2x3200x2000 in the top model, Calypso is capable of projecting color images directly on the screen. Such images can include navigational markers, warnings, and, at dark time, a night vision view of the road ahead, overlaid with the actual visible image. Of course, the passenger's part of the windscreen (and the driver's part when not in motion) can be also used for entertainment purposes
Parktronic is a system in which the car can park itself with minimum input from the driver. The system is capable of reverse, parallel or straight in parking on any elevation and in any conditions. The parking sensors mounted along the car will attempt to find a gap large enough for the car to fit into, then, with driver approval, will drive into the parking spot. If the driver would rather park his own car, the system can be selected only to find large enough spaces or to provide information of any obstacles in the way.
Clearskies is a system in which the car will act to keep visability at its peak. Clearskies is an automatic system which controls the windshield wipers and defogging system to keep any obstructions to visability from taking effect. If the Clearskies system detects vapour on the inside of the windshield, it will use its own integrated defogging system to clear the vapour without effecting the temperature inside the car. At the same time, the windshield wipers will automatically ajust the period and speed of rotation to keep the winshield free of rain, mud and other obstructions.
Smartlight is the system which controls exterior and interior lighting for the car. Smartlight controls where the headlamps point, how long they remain on for and the subsequent beam they give. When the car is in motion, Smartlight will angle the inner beam of each headlamp (there are two beams per head lamp) to follow the road ahead, allowing the driver to see where he is going as opposed to where he was going. When the car is stopped, Smartlight can keep the lights on for up to two minutes before turning off the lights which can provide light for the driver, something they may need to find their key to get inside the house. At the same time, Smartlight prevents the lights from being turned on for periods of over ten minutes, after which a serious strain on the battery will be placed.
The luxury coach builder Tickford lets you take the process of personalisation even further. The sky's the limit, allowing you to create a unique car that is an expression of your personality.
To enter into the Tickford program, you can discuss your ideas with your Forza dealership or come to our factory in Medion to explore the possibilities of your idea with our team. We'll discuss everything with you, from the smallest details to the biggest statements - whatever you have in mind. It may be something subtle - white dials, a special clock face or a discreet humidor. You could go further and choose an integrated cooler/glass holder to fit in the base of the luggage compartment. Our experts will bring them to life. Whatever you dream up, we will find a way to make it a reality
Interior Lighting can also be controlled by the Smartlight system. The Interior Lighting pack which comes standard with Luxury models comprises of a set of five reading lights and one overhead lamp in the centre of the vehicle. There are no on and off buttons; occupants can turn the lights on simply by touching them. The lights can also be brightened or dimmed simply by moving ones hand from the center to the right of left of the light.
The 'Persona' program allows the M-Series to instantly recognize it's driver or it's VIP passenger from the moment they touch the door handle and will reconfigure itself accordingly. The first part of this process is done by fingerprint sensors placed in the doorhandles, and the remote key fob. When the driver places his hand on the key fob, or the passenger places their hand on the underside of the doorhandle, their fingerprint is detected and the occupant may enter the car via a self unlocking system and even a self-door opening sytem.
The car then goes about reconfiguring its rear seats, front seat or driving configuration to cater for the person who it detected. Memory for up to ten different drivers and passengers can be stored, comprising of everything alterable within the Command function, steering wheel, seat and pedal position, cabin lighting and even dial colour within the interior.
One of the more spectacular and pricey features on the M-Series is the panorama sunroof which runs the entire length of the cabin. The sunroof is constructed from high-strength plexiglass to avoid breakage, even from the most savage of impacts onto the roof. The covering is constructed from two sheets of thin Colorbond Steel with 5cm of insulation between the two sheets, providing superb insulation from the harsh sun above. When the sunroof is retracted, the plexiglass can be dimmed automatically so that less of the light penetrates into the cabin of the car. The front portion of the sunroof can be lifted up on an angle of of 15 degrees and slided forward to allow the open air access to the interior of the car.
Further active safety featues are available. One is LastChance braking system: using the radar employed by the cruise control, if the car detects a stationary or slow moving object infront of the car, an alarm will sound and the steering wheel will vibrate to alert the driver to this hazard. Should the driver not act in time, the car will brake with maximum force to minimize the impact of the collision. Another is Fatigue Warning. The car will monitor the grip on the steering wheel and the eye movements of a driver, if the driver is detected to be fatigued, the car will suggest the driver pulls over for a stop by lighting up a fatigue alert on the dashboard screen. Blind spot monitiors are also available to alert the driver to any cars likely to be hit should the driver choose to change lanes; cars are represented by red lines on either side of the dashboard screen. Lane Departure warnings alert the driver when the car begins to stray outside of the lane, and lastly, a Heads-Up-Display projects speed, gear and RPM's onto the windshield so the driver doesn't have to take his eyes off the road to check his speed.
Add all these factors together and the M-Series makes a compelling statement for an executive sedan. Whether the buyers interests lie in the driver seat, or in the rear passenger seat, they can relax in the luxuriously appointed interior and revel in the comfort and tactility of their car.
Prices
-M8 $350,000
-M8 Sport $370,000
-M8 LWB $395,000
-M12D $413,000
-M12D LWB $423,000
-M12 $413,000
-M12 LWB $423,000
-M12 R $475,000
-M12 LWB Stadhouder (with all safety options) $750,000
Performance
Performance
Features: Full leather interior, power mirrors, power windows, power seats, trip computer, Calypso Sattelite Navigation, Bluetooth integration. Climate control. Rear park assist. Radar Cruise Control, CD/MP3 player, MP3 player/iPod integration, bi-xenon headlamps. Quad zone climate control, Heated front and rear seats, Heads Up Display, Full length Sunroof, Command, swivelling bi-xenon headlamps, Premium Rear entertainment system. Suna traffic channel. Sports mode automatic w/sequential wheel buttons, 19" alloys, WiFi connection, power sockets, Ultimate Audio, ClearSkies, Parktronic, Smartlight
Safety Options: Bullet Proof windows $15000, kevlar/steel/titanium re-inforced body $155000, run-flat tyres $750, GPS tracking device $250, Night Vision System $9500, puncture proof fuel tank $4000, seperate oxygen system $7500, Blood Storage Compartment $25000 (stores prime occupants blood incase of emergency blood transfusion) Weapons Storage Pack $1300, Riot inset bumper Bullbar $16000
Additonal Cost Options: Inbuilt Computer. Sattelite Channels. Veneered Writing Desk, Bottle Cooler, Massage Chairs, Small rear window, Partition, WiFi, Curtains, Cordless fixed line Telephone. Drilled Alloy Pedals. Three/Four Spoke Heated Steering Wheel. Matching Interior Cushions. Snow Chain Tyres. 21" Wheelset.
Additions from Luxury Coachbuilder Tickford will vary greatly in cost. To have your ideas for your car put into practice, visit the factory at Medion or contact your local dealer for more information.
Standard Safety features: 16 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, TC, BA, pre-tensioners, load limiters, crumple zones.
The smooth curvacious lines of the new M-Series mark a look to the past for inspiration to design a car which represented the most luxurious and refined personal travel possible. The curves of the rear, the gaping grille and swooping roofline are all centred around and inspired by cars of days gone by, when owning such a vehicle, or even a vehicle at all, spoke volumes of one's monetary worth. However in the modern world, even the exterior design of a car must be keeping up with technology and the clever M-Series proves to all that old traditions and a modern world need not be in violent collision with one another.
The sleek lines of the M-Series were first pinned by small but famous design house Cordoba in 2008. The designers of Cordoba wanted a car which was elegant, yet imposing and subtly sporty to reflect the nature of the M-Series. Rather than aping the slab sided and box shape of many of the M's competitors, Cordoba embarked on a new styling adventure designed to appeal to the young, and young at heart. Thus, the M-Series was conceived as the kind of car where the owner could ride in either the front without feeling like a limousine operator, or ride in the back without feeling like a limousine client.
The M-Series now offeres a choice of five different engines across two different body styles ensuring that the customer will find a product that suits their personal tastes and financial capabilities.
The first option is the standard 5.8 Litre V8 naturally aspirated with Direct Injection and Cylinder De-activation technology. Although the standard engine across the range, the V8 promises a smooth and quiet ride experience with a wealth of torque and power on hand when the demand arises. Although not having the legs to keep up with other more powerful engines offered on the M-Series, the V8 is a quiet achiever; an impeccably refined piece of technology that is well suited to a luxury car.
Of course those who seek a more sportier ride experience may look at the M8 Sport which offers a Supercharged version of the standard 5.8 Litre V8. The Supercharged variant promises a huge surge of torque at virtually any engine speed with a symphonic exhaust note. To reduce the whine of the Supercharger, the engine is fitted with sound deadening technology around the mechanical turbine to reduce the amount of noise from the supercharger entering the cabin and disrupting the environment. At high RPMs, the engine can still be heard in full noise.
The next step up is the diesel V12, a 5.5 Litre twin turbo charged monster capable of producing an incredible 900 newton metres of torque from as low as 1500rpm and to hold that figure until 4000. The diesel V12 promises a luxurious, quiet and refined ride experience for those who would prefer their luxury sedan to be motivated with diesel power. The gruff sounding noise that is associated with diesel engines has been replaced with a soundtrack of more pleasing aural experiences.
The first of the petroleum V12's is the naturally aspirated 6.5 Litre; an enourmous engine with a superb engine note. The strong pulling V12 promises an incredible performance with figures of 350 kilowatts and 650 newton metres of torque. Despite the immense outputs, the naturally aspirated V12 is a refined and easy going piece of engineering that offers a smooth and silky ride experience for the person who deserves it most, you.
The final option of engine, and the most powerful available, is the Twin Turbocharged variant of the 6.5 Litre V12. With staggering outputs of 470 kilowatts and a whopping 1050 newton metres of torque, the Twin Turbocharged V12 can bring the M-Series from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds, faster than many sports cars and lesser sports sedans; something very impressive for a vehicle weighing two tonnes. Every time you depress the accelerator to overtake the vehicle travelling in front of you, feel the engine squeeze you back in your seat and the smile creep across your face as this car rockets forward in a way a two tonne car has no right to. Once the vehicle has disappeared behind you, you can enjoy the peace and quiet once more as the engine quietens down and doesn't disturb the cabin with its roar any longer.
All engines feature cylinder deactivation technology. Cylinder deactivation is used to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of an internal combustion engine during light load operation. In typical light load driving the driver uses only around a quarter to a third of an engine’s maximum power. In these conditions, the throttle valve is nearly closed and the engine needs to work hard to draw air for combustion. This causes an inefficiency known as pumping loss. Some large capacity engines need to be throttled so much at light load that the cylinder pressure at the zenith of the cylinder is approximately half that of a small engine half the size. Low cylinder pressure means low fuel efficiency and fuel consumption begins to sky rocket.
The use of cylinder deactivation at light load means there are fewer cylinders drawing air from the intake manifold which works to increase its fluid (air) pressure. Operation without variable displacement is wasteful because fuel is continuously pumped into each cylinder and combusted even though maximum performance is not required. By shutting down half of an engine's cylinders the amount of fuel being consumed is much less. Between reducing the pumping losses which increases pressure in each operating cylinder and decreasing the amount of fuel being pumped into the cylinders. Fuel consumption for large capacity Forza engines can be reduced by 20 to 35 percent in highway conditions.
Cylinder deactivation is done by keeping the intake and exhaust valves closed for a particular cylinder once the cylinder is filled with fuel and oxygen. By keeping the intake and exhaust valves closed, it creates a spring effect in the combustion chamber – the trapped gases are compressed during the piston’s upstroke and push down on the piston during its downstroke. The compression and decompression of the trapped exhaust gases have an equalising effect; overall, there is virtually no extra load on the engine so the engine does not need to work harder.
In this latest generation of cylinder deactivation systems, the engine management system is also used to cut fuel delivery to the disabled cylinders using Forza's Variable ValveTechnology (VVT). The transition between normal engine operation and cylinder deactivation is also smoothed using changes in ignition timing, cam timing and throttle position thanks to electronic throttle control and VVT.
Transmission on both cars is an Aisin six-speed automatic, with sports shifter. The Aisin was selected over at Double Clutch Gearbox due to its smoothness and cohesiveness, while still retaining fast shift speeds. When Sport Shift mode is engaged, which can be done through Command, changing gears takes 0.05 seconds. When Sport Shift mode is not engaged, the changes are softened so as to not disrupt the M-Series' serene yet dynamic personality.
Suspension makes use of several new technologies such as magnetic dampers and Magic Ride Control (MRC) which can be adapted to harden and soften the suspension at the touch of a button using the Command system. Ride height, Damper Bound & Rebound, Spring stiffness and the anti-roll bar can all be adjusted to provide the best possible setting for the car. Three standard settings are available (Comfort, Dynamic & Sport) along with memory for ten other choices which can be preset by the driver or the passenger to better suit their needs. The passenger themself can stiffen or soften the rear suspension to give them the best possible ride.
In this system, the damper fluid contains metallic particles. Through the onboard computer, the dampers' compliance characteristics are controlled by an electromagnet. Essentially, increasing the current flow into the damper raises the compression/rebound rates, while a decrease softens the effect of the dampers. Information from wheel sensors (about suspension extension), steering, acceleration sensors and some others is used to calculate the optimized stiffness. Very fast reaction of the total system allows, for instance, make softer passing by a single wheel above a bump or a rock on the road.
.
The M-Series is a large car easily capable of seating five adults in its interior, how. From the outset, the M-Series was designed as nothing less than a large car that offered enough interior space for comfort and comfort features, along with a range of other items. Another benefit of a large interior, aside from passenger comfort, is the load carrying ability that the M-Series offers. The M-Series also features items such as luggage belts, collapsible cargo nets and dividing cross bars to keep objects in the boot from rolling around in the cargo compartment.
The interior of the car is designed as a nice place to be for the driver and occupants. Driving should not be regarded as a chore, but in a harsh environment, driving can be regarded as tedious or uncomfortable. The M-Series is elegantly decorated with wood, leather and aluminium finish, giving the car a rather subdued elegance feel, rather than a drab plastic interior or a glitzy stand out cover job featured on some other cars. At the centre of the console, is a large 12" touchscreen monitor which can be used to access the Command function as well as the ALC Calypso navigation system. The M-Series offers a vast range of interior designs and colour options, and almost every detail of the exterior can be altered. Some options you might revel in are: larger television screens can be fitted to the rear seats, wireless internet is provided through your ISP, and the rear seat features several 24V sockets to allow the running of modern appliances such as laptops. Massage chairs can be fitted, as can options like bottle coolers, between the rear seats for corporate entertaining in style. Should you value your work, veneered writing desks and pens are an option, all for no cost at all. Quad zone climate control is standard, so if you and your cheffuer reside poles apart, you can both be comfortable.
When ordering your vehicles, please specify any features you would like added which can be done through our luxury coach builder.
Command is the basic control interface for all the technology in the car, eg Climate Control, Audio, Engine response, gear change settings, suspension settings. Command can be used by the large turning knob and arrow buttons to use, however express buttons to control frequently used features such as climate and radio are also provided in banks below the monitor.
The M-Series comes with the ultimate in audio and entertainment. Featured is a 1500 watt 12 speaker system with zero sound distortion that can play MP3 CD's WMA/AAC files and project MP4/DVD videos onto the screens mounted in the rear of the seats and also onto the windshield throught the ALC Calypso Navigation System. The Ultimate system includes a portable music player dock which is fitted in a matching colour to the leather and a bluetooth system allowing you to connect your telephone to the vehicle in order to access music. Also fitted is standard steering wheel mounted controls so that the driver does not have to take his hands off the wheel whilst driving. All the information required to run the audio system is displayed on the standard fitted 12 inch Command screen. The high end entertainment package features two 15 inch LCD screens mounted in the rear of the front seats which can play BlueRay, HD and DVD movies. A built in HD tuner and sattelite is fitted allowing passengers to watch HD free-to-air TV or sattelite paid TV should they choose. A third LCD screen mounted to the rear of the centre console is also available.
As one could expect, Calypso is more than just a satellite navigation system - indeed, it can be described more as a virtual co-driver, plus a serious in-car entertainment suite. Calypso includes 2 front-mounted, 2 rear-mounted and 4 side-mounted visual/IR cameras, and front and rear active ultrasonic scanners, scanning the surroundings.
For processing all this data, the system includes a powerful (16-pipeline 3,200 MHz RISC) computer system, which compares the 3D data from the satellites to the positional information and camera input. Calypso also functions like a personal computer, offering the user 8 TB of hard drive space for films, games, music, and anything else. With a broadband network connection, it can be used for tasks ranging from browsing and high-speed downloading to stock trading.
While all the same 5" to 16" touchscreens as in Tarvos are available, and a full voice input is integrated, an innovation in Calypso is an optional display system derived from the one installed in ALC fighter jets. It involves installing a high-grade cathode ray projection system into the dashboard into the roof and applying a thin film selective-band reflector to the windscreen. With a resolution of up to 2x3200x2000 in the top model, Calypso is capable of projecting color images directly on the screen. Such images can include navigational markers, warnings, and, at dark time, a night vision view of the road ahead, overlaid with the actual visible image. Of course, the passenger's part of the windscreen (and the driver's part when not in motion) can be also used for entertainment purposes
Parktronic is a system in which the car can park itself with minimum input from the driver. The system is capable of reverse, parallel or straight in parking on any elevation and in any conditions. The parking sensors mounted along the car will attempt to find a gap large enough for the car to fit into, then, with driver approval, will drive into the parking spot. If the driver would rather park his own car, the system can be selected only to find large enough spaces or to provide information of any obstacles in the way.
Clearskies is a system in which the car will act to keep visability at its peak. Clearskies is an automatic system which controls the windshield wipers and defogging system to keep any obstructions to visability from taking effect. If the Clearskies system detects vapour on the inside of the windshield, it will use its own integrated defogging system to clear the vapour without effecting the temperature inside the car. At the same time, the windshield wipers will automatically ajust the period and speed of rotation to keep the winshield free of rain, mud and other obstructions.
Smartlight is the system which controls exterior and interior lighting for the car. Smartlight controls where the headlamps point, how long they remain on for and the subsequent beam they give. When the car is in motion, Smartlight will angle the inner beam of each headlamp (there are two beams per head lamp) to follow the road ahead, allowing the driver to see where he is going as opposed to where he was going. When the car is stopped, Smartlight can keep the lights on for up to two minutes before turning off the lights which can provide light for the driver, something they may need to find their key to get inside the house. At the same time, Smartlight prevents the lights from being turned on for periods of over ten minutes, after which a serious strain on the battery will be placed.
The luxury coach builder Tickford lets you take the process of personalisation even further. The sky's the limit, allowing you to create a unique car that is an expression of your personality.
To enter into the Tickford program, you can discuss your ideas with your Forza dealership or come to our factory in Medion to explore the possibilities of your idea with our team. We'll discuss everything with you, from the smallest details to the biggest statements - whatever you have in mind. It may be something subtle - white dials, a special clock face or a discreet humidor. You could go further and choose an integrated cooler/glass holder to fit in the base of the luggage compartment. Our experts will bring them to life. Whatever you dream up, we will find a way to make it a reality
Interior Lighting can also be controlled by the Smartlight system. The Interior Lighting pack which comes standard with Luxury models comprises of a set of five reading lights and one overhead lamp in the centre of the vehicle. There are no on and off buttons; occupants can turn the lights on simply by touching them. The lights can also be brightened or dimmed simply by moving ones hand from the center to the right of left of the light.
The 'Persona' program allows the M-Series to instantly recognize it's driver or it's VIP passenger from the moment they touch the door handle and will reconfigure itself accordingly. The first part of this process is done by fingerprint sensors placed in the doorhandles, and the remote key fob. When the driver places his hand on the key fob, or the passenger places their hand on the underside of the doorhandle, their fingerprint is detected and the occupant may enter the car via a self unlocking system and even a self-door opening sytem.
The car then goes about reconfiguring its rear seats, front seat or driving configuration to cater for the person who it detected. Memory for up to ten different drivers and passengers can be stored, comprising of everything alterable within the Command function, steering wheel, seat and pedal position, cabin lighting and even dial colour within the interior.
One of the more spectacular and pricey features on the M-Series is the panorama sunroof which runs the entire length of the cabin. The sunroof is constructed from high-strength plexiglass to avoid breakage, even from the most savage of impacts onto the roof. The covering is constructed from two sheets of thin Colorbond Steel with 5cm of insulation between the two sheets, providing superb insulation from the harsh sun above. When the sunroof is retracted, the plexiglass can be dimmed automatically so that less of the light penetrates into the cabin of the car. The front portion of the sunroof can be lifted up on an angle of of 15 degrees and slided forward to allow the open air access to the interior of the car.
Further active safety featues are available. One is LastChance braking system: using the radar employed by the cruise control, if the car detects a stationary or slow moving object infront of the car, an alarm will sound and the steering wheel will vibrate to alert the driver to this hazard. Should the driver not act in time, the car will brake with maximum force to minimize the impact of the collision. Another is Fatigue Warning. The car will monitor the grip on the steering wheel and the eye movements of a driver, if the driver is detected to be fatigued, the car will suggest the driver pulls over for a stop by lighting up a fatigue alert on the dashboard screen. Blind spot monitiors are also available to alert the driver to any cars likely to be hit should the driver choose to change lanes; cars are represented by red lines on either side of the dashboard screen. Lane Departure warnings alert the driver when the car begins to stray outside of the lane, and lastly, a Heads-Up-Display projects speed, gear and RPM's onto the windshield so the driver doesn't have to take his eyes off the road to check his speed.
Add all these factors together and the M-Series makes a compelling statement for an executive sedan. Whether the buyers interests lie in the driver seat, or in the rear passenger seat, they can relax in the luxuriously appointed interior and revel in the comfort and tactility of their car.
Prices
-M8 $350,000
-M8 Sport $370,000
-M8 LWB $395,000
-M12D $413,000
-M12D LWB $423,000
-M12 $413,000
-M12 LWB $423,000
-M12 R $475,000
-M12 LWB Stadhouder (with all safety options) $750,000
| Model | M8 | M8 Sport | M8 LWB |
| L/W/H | 5302/1810/1725 | 5302/1810/1725 | 5502/1810/1725 |
| Wheelbase | 3320 | 3320 | 3520 |
| Body | Aluminium/Steel 4 doors 4 seats | ||
| Boot capacity | 560L | ||
| Weight | 1860kg | 1890kg | 1950kg |
| Brakes Front/Rear | Discs Ventilated 310mm/300mm | Discs Ventilated 370mm/340mm | Discs Ventilated 310mm/300mm |
| Suspension Front | Multi-links, coil springs, anti roll bar | ||
| Suspension Rear | Multi-links, coil springs, anti roll bar | ||
| Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza | ||
| Drivetrain | Front Engine Rear Drive | ||
| Engine | 5.4L V8 | 5.4L V8 Supercharged | 5.4L V8 |
| Output power/torque | 300/580 | 350/700 | 300/580 |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 145kw/Tonne | 186kw/Tonne | 138kw/Tonne |
| Transmission: | Aisin 6-speed automatic | ||
| Redline: | 7000rpm | 7500rpm | 7000rpm |
| Fuel | :91 RON/ | 98 RON/ | 91 RON/ |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8L/100km | 14.5L/100km | 12.5L/100km |
Performance
| Model | M8 | M8 R | M8 LWB |
| 0-100kmh | 5.5 | 4.9 | 5.5 |
| 100-160kmh | 14.2 | 13.2 | 14.4 |
| 0-400m | 13.64 | 12.85 | 14.17 |
| Speed in gears | |||
| 1st | 65 | 75 | 65 |
| 2nd | 110 | 120 | 110 |
| 3rd | 140 | 183 | 140 |
| 4th | 180 | 220 | 180 |
| 5th | 220 | 275 | 220 |
| 6th | 250 | 282 | 250 |
| Model | M12 | M12 R | M12 D LWB |
| L/W/H | 5302/1810/1725 | 5302/1810/1725 | 5502/1810/1725 |
| Wheelbase | 3320 | 3320 | 3520 |
| Body | Aluminium/Steel 4 doors 4 seats | ||
| Boot capacity | 560L | ||
| Weight | 1960kg | 1990kg | 2250kg |
| Brakes Front/Rear | Discs Ventilated 310mm/300mm | Discs Ventilated 370mm/340mm | Discs Ventilated 310mm/300mm |
| Suspension Front | Multi-links, coil springs, anti roll bar | ||
| Suspension Rear | Multi-links, coil springs, anti roll bar | ||
| Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza | ||
| Drivetrain | Front Engine Rear Drive | ||
| Engine | 6.5L V12 | 6.5L V12 Twin Turbo | 5.5L V12 Turbo Diesel |
| Output power/torque | 350/650 | 470/1050 | 250/900 |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 178kw/Tonne | 236kw/Tonne | 111kw/Tonne |
| Transmission: | Aisin 6-speed automatic | ||
| Redline: | 7000rpm | 7000rpm | 5600rpm |
| Fuel | :91 RON | 98 RON | Diesel |
| Fuel Consumption | 14.8L/100km | 17.5L/100km | 10.5L/100km |
Performance
| Model | M12 | M12 R | M12 D |
| 0-100kmh | 4.9 | 4.2 | 5.5 |
| 100-160kmh | 14.2 | 13.2 | 14.4 |
| 0-400m | 13.64 | 12.85 | 14.17 |
| Speed in gears | |||
| 1st | 65 | 75 | 65 |
| 2nd | 110 | 120 | 110 |
| 3rd | 140 | 183 | 140 |
| 4th | 180 | 220 | 180 |
| 5th | 220 | 275 | 220 |
| 6th | 250 | 310 | 250 |
Features: Full leather interior, power mirrors, power windows, power seats, trip computer, Calypso Sattelite Navigation, Bluetooth integration. Climate control. Rear park assist. Radar Cruise Control, CD/MP3 player, MP3 player/iPod integration, bi-xenon headlamps. Quad zone climate control, Heated front and rear seats, Heads Up Display, Full length Sunroof, Command, swivelling bi-xenon headlamps, Premium Rear entertainment system. Suna traffic channel. Sports mode automatic w/sequential wheel buttons, 19" alloys, WiFi connection, power sockets, Ultimate Audio, ClearSkies, Parktronic, Smartlight
Safety Options: Bullet Proof windows $15000, kevlar/steel/titanium re-inforced body $155000, run-flat tyres $750, GPS tracking device $250, Night Vision System $9500, puncture proof fuel tank $4000, seperate oxygen system $7500, Blood Storage Compartment $25000 (stores prime occupants blood incase of emergency blood transfusion) Weapons Storage Pack $1300, Riot inset bumper Bullbar $16000
Additonal Cost Options: Inbuilt Computer. Sattelite Channels. Veneered Writing Desk, Bottle Cooler, Massage Chairs, Small rear window, Partition, WiFi, Curtains, Cordless fixed line Telephone. Drilled Alloy Pedals. Three/Four Spoke Heated Steering Wheel. Matching Interior Cushions. Snow Chain Tyres. 21" Wheelset.
Additions from Luxury Coachbuilder Tickford will vary greatly in cost. To have your ideas for your car put into practice, visit the factory at Medion or contact your local dealer for more information.
Standard Safety features: 16 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, TC, BA, pre-tensioners, load limiters, crumple zones.
