The Audi R8 Sports Car

Saturday, December 27, 2008




For those who loves beautiful and very fast car, here your 1st choice of super car:

  • What makes this one of the best Audi sports cars is the design of the engine. The engine is a 4.2L V8 engine. A 4.2L engine refers to the cylinder capacity in the engine. A 4.2 litre engine is the same as 4200cc. The V8 refers to the shape of the cylinders. Essentially there are two types; straight cylinders where they are all in all line or a V shape where you have 4 cylinders on one side and 4 on another.
  • The engine features FSI technology which allows the car to accelerate at a faster rate. It can go from zero to sixty miles per hour in about four and a half seconds. It can be used in either a manual or automatic transmission. The manual transmission is a six speed one and the automatic transmission uses R tronic technology for automatic gear reading. The R8 can work at up to 420 horsepower at about 7800RPM. It also uses aluminium alloy cylinder heads that are more durable and powerful. Aluminium is also lighter than steel which means you get fuel economy out of the engine.


  • The navigation system used here is DVD based and features a 6.25 inch LCD screen to help with not only navigating the sound system but also for researching locations and directions. Cars are becoming more technology innovative and Audi is no exception. At the time of writing this article, Audi is owned by Volkswagen, who is one of the few car manufacturers that is not suffering as much as some car makers during the credit crunch. As a result, money can be spent on the development of good, quality engines.
  • Many notable features are included in the R8. The R8 includes unique Bi-Xenon headlights that use gas discharge lamps that can be controlled electronically in terms of intensity. LED lighting is used in other parts of the car. Other exterior features include a retractable rear spoiler and carbon sigma accents.
  • The R8 has been used in some Le Mans endurance races and is noted for having a presence on other race competitions. Today Audi continues to advance on its heritage with the R8.
  • Many technological features are also notable. The sound system uses Audio Concert Radio technology with a seven speaker output and a six CD changer. It also offers Sirius satellite radio with subscription and Bluetooth capability.


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new honda city is arrived!!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

The front is definitely inspired by the likes of the European Honda Civic and the Honda FCX Clarity. The headlamps feature reflector lense instead of the more expensive projector type, which is expected at this price range. The unique new design of new honda city put high attraction on it. So, whoever love the new design instead of the old and ugly design of honda city before, if you want to buy it now, better wait for the launch of this new honda city 2009





The front grill look very weird and like a combination of a concept design. Maybe looks better in white colour instead of dark blue.







This image shows a rather high roofline, making it much more similiar to the current generation City. It is more proportionate though. The front end is inspired by the design of some more recent Hondas such as the Honda FCX Clarity.






Our current City i-DSI and VTEC come with either a dark interior for the VTEC or a light interior for the i-DSI.



The design of the new CITY is based on the total pursuit of a compact, yet dynamic form with road presence. In addition, class-leading*1 interior space was achieved to create a cabin that surrounds the occupants with an open and secure feeling. The new CITY is equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, which is further advanced in every way, including greater output and fuel consumption. Furthermore, with Honda’s unique commitment to provide both advanced safety and environmental performance, the new CITY achieves the highest levels in every area in the effort to become the new bench mark for subcompact sedans.

The first generation Honda CITY was introduced in 1996, quickly responding to the growing needs for automobiles in Asian markets associated with economic growth in the region. Today, CITY is produced in seven countries*2 and enjoyed by customers in 39 nations around the world. CITY also is becoming one of Honda’s core models, along with Civic, Accord, CR-V and Jazz (Fit), with cumulative sales passing the 1 million unit mark in late May 2008.

Regarding production of the new CITY, HATC will support the startup of production in developing countries including ASEAN markets, India and China. Honda’s automobile production capabilities in Thailand have grown continuously for more than 20 years, which is helping accelerate the advancement of automobile production in the region as a whole by providing technical support for other production operations in neighboring countries. Honda has been strongly promoting local autonomy by transferring more production and procurement functions from Japan to Thailand with the goal of strengthening Honda’s production strategy and to increase local parts sourcing. In addition, increased coordination with local R&D and production engineering functions (production equipment and tooling) is supporting the advancement of Honda production operations in Thailand as the leader plant in the region. As a result, the local content of the new CITY has now reached 93% from 83% of current model.

The second HATC plant will begin operation in late October of this year, expanding the total annual production capacity to 240,000 units. HATC will also expand auto exports and technical support to other operations to enhance its role as the leader plant, and strengthen it’s competitiveness in the world.

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Bugatti EB 18-3 Chiron - Only One Ever Made

Wednesday, December 3, 2008




The 1999 Bugatti EB 18-3 Chiron is a prototype car that was designed by Giorgetto Giuaro and was designed on a platform from the Lamborghini Diablo VT. The name of the car, Chiron, is from a famous Bugatti race driver named Louis Chiron. Being a prototype car the Chiron was the only one ever made.
The Chiron is a very aerodynamic car as it has curves from bumper to bumper and has a very low to the ground type of body. The Chiron features a rear engine and the storage trunk is in the front of the car. The Chiron is a 2-seater coupe and the interior of the Chiron is pure class as Bugatti used the finest materials like the best leather and wood. Inside the cabin of the Chiron there are two types of leather, which are Blu Pacifico (blue) and Sabbia (yellow.) The Chiron's instrument panel is constructed of aluminum alloy. The trunk in the front of the Chiron has an individual luggage set that fits perfectly in it.
The Chiron concept car is constructed of carbon fiber, which makes the car very lightweight. The color of the paint is Blue Cote d'Azur as it gives the car a very sporty sleek look. The traction capabilities on the Chiron are excellent featuring a permanent 4-wheel drive and 20 inch wheels. The tires in the front are 265/30 and 335/30 in the rear. The Chiron has a 3 stage automatically raised rear spoiler that reduces the lift on the rear axle giving the car maximum traction. Since the Chiron is a low to the ground body design and made up of lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum it allows the for ultimate quickness off the line while still having excellent handling capabilities.
The powerful engine on the Chiron is an 18 cylinder 6.3 liter that cranks out 555 horsepower and accelerates from 0-60 in 5 seconds, hitting a maximum speed of 186 mph. The direct injection engine has a displacement of 6.3 liters, an output of power of 408 kW, and a maximum torque of 650 Newton meters. The engine in the Chiron is the same engine that was used in the EB118 and EB218 concept cars.
The steering wheel in the Chiron is a small spoke model, which is placed in front of two large dials and two smaller dials on the central tunnel, where there is a lever for the open gate coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. There are four valves for every cylinder in the 18 cylinder Chiron so there is a total of 72 valves. The compression ratio is 11.5:1, the bore is 3.00 inches and the stroke is 2.98 inches.

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Concept Vehicles From Honda At 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon

Saturday, November 29, 2008

The 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has already come to an end but it should not a cause for concern for most car lovers and aficionados. You see, the year is just starting and the list of upcoming auto shows are slowly unveiling and it means a lot more chances for people to be with the newest vehicles in the market.

In line with this, there is going yet to be another auto show. However, this one is going to be held in the Chiba Prefecture in the Asian country of Japan. The name of the show? The 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon. The show opens on the 12th this January and ends on the 14th.

During the mentioned show, Asian auto manufacturer Honda would be also showing off some of its best vehicles. In fact, the company has announced that they would be putting on display four of its newest concept vehicles – the Forza Smart 2-seater scooter, the Fit Daily Active, the Stream Exclusive, and the Stream Hyper Sport. These four were created and developed by the Honda Access Corporation, one of Honda’s subsidiary manufacturers known much for creating the best Honda aftermarket products and ignition parts.

Honda’s theme for this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon exhibit is “Be Cool, Be Chic.” According to the company, this new theme of theirs would be mainly directed at showing people just how to get around town with a touch of class. After all, the vehicles that the company would be showing off are some of the newest ideas created and developed underneath the company’s roofs.

The Honda Fit Daily Active concept vehicle is a small vehicle and it has been developed with the thought of mobile and portable gadgets that has been making its rounds in society. This vehicle comes with cameras and sensors and is mainly targeted towards the young ones who are more inclined to online games and easy means of communication.

The sole and only scooter in the line up is the Honda Forza Smart 2-seater concept. This one bears 250cc and promises to give its user high quality comfort. As per the driving experience, Honda says that the driver of this scooter would find it pleasant to use and would be quite best for easy driving in the city.

As per the Honda Stream Hyper Sport concept, this one has been created to be a medium-sized minivan. When you do take a look at its interior, you would most certainly find tons of features to give you entertainment.

Last on Honda’s concept vehicle list is the Honda Stream Exclusive concept which is also another minivan. As compared to the previous minivan, this one gives its users more features on luxury and comfort. Honda claims that this one may be one of those vehicles to join the ranks of uptown cruisers when it comes to luxury.

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Chevy ZR1 - The Fastest Ever Production Car

Monday, November 24, 2008


The most powerful production car made is the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Moreover, it is American-made and is able to beat Ferrari's and Lamborghinis. This $105,000, 2009 Corvette has a 638-horsepower motor which gives off an aura to those around it. The zero-to-60 time achieved in 3.4 seconds beats the $1 million Ferrari Enzo. The Vette's rear brakes are similar to those on a $1.6 million Bugatti Veyron. Many onlookers do not often know the performance because it resembles its' humbler regular coupe version. However, once you drive it, you will know the difference right away. It is a super exotic car that masks itself with Chevy's bodywork. Besides it being very recognizable, not much is shared with its basic cousin unless it is the interior, engine block and springs. Most noticeably, is the supercharger on the hood. On the outside, the ZR1 utilizes the 2006 Z06 body casing with even more light weight aluminum and high-tech body construction. The Z06 has a standard steel and fiberglass body. To compensate for the added weight from the supercharger, larger wheels and upgraded brakes, the roof is made of carbon-fiber material. Although, the weight distribution is better than that of the Lamborghini Murclielago and the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.






Though the whole ZR1 concept seems to drive infinite without stopping, it is surely does stop from the huge Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes decrease speed as if they were rewinding a tape.
So is the ZR1 the best thing besides apple pie? Well, of course not. It really deserves an interior design compatible with a $100,000 car, mainly one without a cheap chevy model's steering wheel. By having 638 horsepower most who drive it need to try and let it run freely. The all new herculean ZR1 is considered the more beguiling because it is so refined - a quality few people associate with Corvettes. Though not perfect, the ZR1 is the most perfect 'Vette yet, and everyone can get behind that.

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BMW the True Luxury Vehicle

Sunday, November 2, 2008



Now that the notion has been dispatched of Mercedes Benz as a luxury vehicle we shouldn't even have to go into the same argument as far as BMW is concerned. I own a BMW M6 and by no means would I consider it in the luxury class. It doesn't have the weight as far as it's price is concerned. On top of that, the BMW M6 lacks many refinements that are contained within a Bentley or a Rolls or a Lambo. It's an exotic car, but it isn't exclusive





. You could trade any one of the previously considered cars for several copies of an M6. Also the M6 cuts corners in different areas. For instance the 2007 BMW M6 doesn't have a front loading CD changer. Soft close doors are an option you have to buy. Satellite Radio is an option you have to buy. Heated steering wheels, keyless go and a number of other option which are standard on a "true" luxury car are extra options that you have to pay for on a BMW. M6's don't have back up cameras on their vehicles.

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The 2009 Chevy Camaro

Monday, October 20, 2008



Chevrolet has officially announced that they will reintroduce the Camaro for 2009. The car is a stunning beauty with bold lines. The design is heavily influenced by the 1969 Camaro including its unique interior. The Camaro will join the Mustang and the new Dodge Challenger in the recently revived hot pony car market.

The Camaro was introduced in 1967 to compete with Ford's highly successful Mustang and was slightly redesigned in 1969. The updated car was "squared off" to give it a more aggressive appearance. The results were well liked by the automotive press and the motoring public. Today many consider it the best looking Camaro of all time. Performance was outstanding. The well rounded Z/28 was the road racing version of the pony car and was powered by a 302 cubic inch small block. This car was designed to compete in the Trans-Am race series and it was very successful. For those wanting straight line performance, the Super Sport with a 396 cubic inch large block was available. The 396 was so powerful that most racers had to modify the rear suspension to keep the cars on the track. The car was an instant classic.

General Motors abandoned the pony car segment in 2002 after sales of its pony cars dried up. The Mustang was the last survivor of the pony cars. At that time, SUVs and Trucks were the best sellers and sports car sales were in decline. General Motors had further hurt sales by pricing these cars out of the price range of its target market. The car had grown from an affordable performance car aimed at the youth market to a bloated and expensive car that was unattainable by those same youth.

Forty years after the classic 1969 Camaro was introduced, Chevy has decided to reintroduce the model to compete with the highly successful retro Ford Mustang. Ford proved that there was still a large market for pony cars and General Motors wants a piece of the action.

As stated earlier, the new Camaro was heavily influenced by the '69 version and the designers got it right. The car looks aggressive and bold all at the same time. Performance should be more than adequate with the base model receiving a 250 horse power V-6 and the performance models receiving up to 400 horsepower from the small block V-8. The only weakness of the new car is the interior. It resembles the '69 Camaro too closely and looks a bit dated. The good news is the Chevy has indicated that the interior is one of the focal points with the transition from concept car to production car. General Motors has also indicated that the base price for the standard 2009 Camaro should be around $25,000. The performance models should range between $28,000 and $40,000. This is a good call as anything more would cause Chevy to lose sales to Ford.

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Mitsubishi Lancer Concept To Make Detroit Debut

Tuesday, October 7, 2008


Mitsubishi has long been in the shadow of Japan’s larger automakers, but the company has managed to produce a few hit models over the years including the sporty Eclipse, the compact Lancer, the sexy Miata roadster, and the venerable rotary powered RX-8. At the moment, there is plenty of buzz over a concept vehicle that will debut at the January 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and it is a car based on the high performance version of the Lancer called the Lancer Evolution or Evo.


The Evo to be featured, according to the Kicking Tires website, is the company’s “Prototype X” model replete with multiple hood scoops and a lower road stance. At present, only a few sketches of the concept have been shown to the public, but a preview press day will likely bring actual photos of the concept to the general public.

While the standard Lancer has been a decent seller in its own right, the Lancer Evolution has caught the attention of tuners everywhere. The Prototype X, when it finally comes off of the assembly line within the next year or two, will likely do its part to raise Mitsubishi’s visibility one more notch. This is good news for a division that once could not get out of the shadow of the Chrysler Corporation, its original U.S. partner.

With the Evo, tuners are likely to find a car that will match or surpass their Accords and Rios in style as well as in substance. Just what Mitsubishi needs to help the brand get noticed!

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new proton MPV!!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Proton will produce new model of multipurpose van(MPV) next year. Below is some of the features that may be introduced by proton.

Exterior

  • Overall shape is like the Toyota Wish but the rear section of the roof does not slope down slightly like the Wish to improve headroom for the third row.
  • Tail lamps use LEDs and have a vertical design extending from the top to down, unlike the Wish’s which do not extend into the D pillar. The tail lamps are slimmer at the top but curve out a little at the bottom, similiar to the Volvo XC90’s design. The signal lamps in the light cluster are positioned towards the top for better visibility. You can actually see this in the previously revealed sketch and the teaser video above.
  • There is a swage line on the side profile of the MPV.
  • Regular swing doors instead of sliding doors.
  • The spare tyre is installed outside under the chassis instead of kept in the car so that you can get access to it easily when the luggage space is occupied.

Interior

  • The peekaboo box revealed a two-tone beige interior, but sources in Proton say the colour of the interior has not been finalised. It may be either beige or grey.
  • Luggage space is not that great with the third row of seats in place, but can fit one large golf bag. This means balik kampung with 7 people loaded and luggage for 7 will be a challenge.
  • Second row splits 60:40 while the third row is a 50:50 split. The seats fold flat.
  • Interior roof height is designed to be quite decent to accomodate people who want to ride with songkoks and turbans.
  • The shifter uses a gated shift and is dashboard-mounted rather than mounted between the front two seats, a common modern trend with MPV-like vehicles.
  • The in-car entertainment is a 2-DIN unit. There are options for a DVD player with an LCD display for the movie mounted at the second row roof area. There is also an option in the future for GPS navigation.
  • The 2-DIN head unit is at the top of the center dash area below the aircond vents, and below it comes the air conditioning controls which are three knobs arranged in a triangle shape. Below that is the shifter.
  • There are aircond blowers for the second and third row situation at the top left and right of the cabin roof (near the grip handles). Proton source says after testing this produced the best airflow.
  • There is no armrest between the front two seats but the armrest is instead a fold-down type integrated into the seat itself.

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Tips on Car Maintenance

Thursday, September 18, 2008



We all take our cars for granted and do not think much about them as long as they start when we turn the key and get us from point a to point b, but sooner or later, we all have car troubles. A lot of these car problems can be prevented if we have regular maintenance checks and service. These services can save you lots of money in the long run and keep your car running smooth.

There are several maintenance tips that you can perform yourself, even if you do not have a whole lot of knowledge on cars. This can save you a lot of money considering most garages charge between $65 and $80 an hour for their labor. This rate may vary depending on which state you live in.

One tip that you can perform is to fill up your windshield washer fluid. To do this all you have to do is to unscrew the cap off the fluid reservoir and pour the fluid in. Most reservoirs are labeled "washer fluid only" so make sure that you put the fluid in the right spot. There is nothing any more irritating then trying to turn on your wipers to clean your windshield and finding out that you are out of washer fluid. Make sure to check this on a regular basis.

Also, make sure to clean your wiper blades frequently. They get built up with road grime and dead bugs and this affects their cleaning ability. You need a clear field of vision to drive properly and safely. Make sure that you get new wiper blades every year.

Another maintenance tip that you can do yourself is to check your tire pressure and overall condition of your tires. This can save you lots of money as slack tires affect your gas mileage and the overall life expectancy of your tires. With gasoline over $4 a gallon, you cannot afford to waste gas. You should check your tires every month.

Make sure that all of your lights on your car are clean and working. If other motorists cannot see your turn signals because they are dirty or broken, then this could cause you to get into an accident and get injured badly.

It is very important to maintain your vehicle in order to ensure proper running condition and to maximize the life of your vehicle. Below is a list of auto maintenance services and explanations of what each service entails and why it is necessary for your vehicle. For more information about the auto maintenance services required for your specific vehicle, consult your owner's manual.

Perhaps one of the most important car maintenance tips is to keep an eye on your engine oil level. This is very important as low oil levels can damage your car's engine and cost you big money. All you need to do is open up the hood of your car and find the dipstick. Pull it out and wipe it off with a clean rag and then reinsert it and remove it to check the level. There will be a full mark on the stick, so make sure that the oil is on this mark. If not, add oil until you reach the full mark and be careful not to overfill it. You need to have your oil and filter changed every 5,000 miles if you use conventional oil.

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Mercedes AMG for 2009

Tuesday, September 16, 2008



Just three years ago, Mercedes Benz CLS had amazed the market by its fashion runway of the world's first four-door coupe. And now, Mercedes has officially unveiled the changes to the 2009 CLS four-door coupe. Without a doubt, the CLS coupe had created an automotive industry trend toward more attention-grabbing, eye-catching four-door cars - vehicles that blur the line between sedan and coupe.

Lately, there has been so much talk in the internet chatrooms about whether the new AMG 6.2-liter naturally aspired V-8 engine is an innovation over the supercharged 5.4-liter that was an AMG staple - particularly, if the new model is slower or quicker off the mark. At least for now, the new CLS63 AMG, we can say that the answer is both yes and no. The 6.2-liter V-8 releases 507 horsepower in the CLS which is easily surpasses the 469 hp in the old CLS55 AMG. On the other hand, torque has decreased from 516 pound-feet to 465 lb-ft. Actually, more torque means faster mid-range and off-the-line acceleration, while more power results in better top-end performance.

Similar to what's mentioned above, the Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG is powered by V-8, which is the most powerful naturally aspirated production as well as the first engine developed completely by AMG. This powerful feature is built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy which makes AMG racing success spur high-power production.

One of the cosmetic changes is the sleek new nose of the CLS complemented by a more dramatic two-bar grill. Originally, the CLS had a four-bar grill and to add a little flavor, they have crafted it with a two-bar grill. What else is fairly noticeable is the new CLS features a built-in arrow-shaped turn signal on its large outside mirror. In addition, the new dual five-spoke 18-inch wheels make the car appear even more striking. A new rear bumper with trapezoidal dual exhaust pipes and arrow-shaped LED tailings gives the car a unique and fresh new look.

Amazingly, the CLS63 romps to 60 miles per hour from its initial point in a blistering 4.1 seconds which is a tenth quicker than the CLS55. And to make sure that it will stop as fast as it goes, it comes equipped with new, giant vented and perforated disc brakes with all around feature such as 14-inch discs and six piston calipers up front and 13-inch discs with four piston calipers at the rear attached. The AMG suspension is a recalibrated version of Mercedes' Airmatic air-spring setup, which works in conjunction with the so-called Adaptive Damping System. It has driver selectable settings just like the system in the E-class, none of which are perfect.

So what are the other benefits of the new engine of the CLS63? Besides the fact that it teases the 7200-rpm redline, it really does go past 180 miles per hour. Also, not to say that the old five-speeder was not good, its seven-speed automatic transmission is as smooth as a glass of fine aged wine from the cellar. The seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission can be shifted manually by either a conventional lever or by the Formula-1 style shift paddles on the back of the steering wheel - right for upshifts, left for down.

Other features included 19-inch alloy wheels, larger front discs, limited slip differential as well a leather and Alcantara-wrapped AMG sport steering wheel. From what you hear, you may want to see a Mercedes video if the dealer isn't close by. Take a peek at Insidefastlane.com for more information on this and other cars.

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History of the Limousines

Monday, September 15, 2008



The concept of having chauffeur driven vehicles dates back to the era of horse drawn carriages in the 1700s. The carriages were overstated with gold and they were drawn by the best looking animals. This service was anticipated for the wealthy. In the 1900, some of the engine powered carriages were designed with 2 compartments. The chauffeur had a covered compartment outside and the other compartment, also covered, was for the fare. The first stretch limousine was built in Arkansas in the late 1920.

These deluxe machines used to be limited to the rich and the famous. Now, many industries that provide luxury means of transportation use them as a valuable marketing tool to generate more business for their business. A client, depending on the occasion, can choose from a variety of interiors for the occasion, exterior for looks and length for accommodation. There are business only interiors, business-social interiors, wedding interiors and entertainment only interiors.

Limousines are now accessible to all including teenagers. They are choosing to travel in style to their numerous scholastic, athletic, social events and summer camps but, what is the origin of the word LIMOUSINE? The Lemovices were a Gallic tribe who established themselves in the Massif Central area including Haute-vienne, Ceuse, Corrèze and Charente territories in France.

Their capital was Durotincum (Villejoubert). Lemovices means "conquerors with the elm". The Lemovices gave their name to Limoge and to the province of Limousin. Famous products of the province of Limousin such as the Aubusson tapestries and enamels and porcelains are made in the capital city of Haute-Vienne, Limoges.

A part from these products, Limousin beef cattle have been raised here for many years and, the shepherds who began the tradition of raising this leading breed of cattle in Europe wore a long cloak associated with today's lavish means of transport called LIMOUSINE.

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New Subaru Impreza WRX

Friday, September 12, 2008




Subaru’s new Impreza WRX goes on sale in Japan this week as a late 2007 model, and with it come greater anticipation for the high-performance STI version, which won't be officially revealed until the Tokyo auto show in October later this year.

The Subaru Impreza WRX five-door hatchback (known as the Impreza S-GT in Japan) features a turbocharged 2.0-liter version of the Subaru boxer-4, and it produces 248 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. When this car hits U.S. shores this fall as a 2008 model, it will have a 2.5-liter iteration of this engine that produces about 225 hp and 226 pound-feet of torque. In the UK, tight European emissions laws mean buyers won't be offered the WRX model when the hatch arrives there later this year.

Meanwhile, the “wilder”, high-performance 2008 Subaru WRX STI expected to remain under cover until the Tokyo auto show already has a few key facts leaked.

The WRX STI draws motorsports technology directly from Subaru expertise in World Rally Championship (WRC) competition and is designed to appeal to the most serious driving enthusiasts. STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International -- the high-performance and motorsports subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

The highly anticipated STI is set to be powered by a tuned version of the 2.5-litre boxer engine turbocharged to produce more than 300hp and around 400Nm of torque, be mated to Subaru's existing six-speed manual box. A new automated manual, sourced from specialist firm Aisin, is expected to join the line-up when the latest Impreza is facelifted in 2009.

Subaru is making sure that the new Impreza can and will give its archrival, the 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X - which will feature an optional twin-clutch sequential-manual gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles – a run for its money.

The top Impreza will offer a range of unique styling additions, including a specially developed bonnet, grille and a wide front bumper with big air intakes.

Flared wheelarches house smart 18-inch alloys, which will hide the existing STI's Brembo brake system. Buyers can expect to see minor tweaks to the all-wheel-drive system, and engineers have also taken the opportunity to tune the handling, thanks to a more compact double wishbone rear suspension set-up.

Inside, the new Impreza range boasts higher-quality trim, with the STI getting a pair of supportive bucket seats up front to boost its sporty appeal.

Subaru (maker of top of the line Subaru oxygen sensor), has also told Inside Line that a turbocharged boxer-4 diesel for the WRX is in the works and should be out by early 2009. The company is reportedly eager to drop a high-mpg diesel into the Forester and Impreza soon after the Legacy gets Subaru's first diesel next summer, so the WRX is part of the program. Sources from Subaru have also reportedly confirmed that the company is working on a five-speed automatic and a continuously variable transmission, and both these options could be offered as early as mid-2009.

Subaru is a Japanese car company and is the automotive division of Fuji Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (FHI). It is currently an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corporation, with it owning 8.7% of FHI. They acquired that stake from General Motors, who bought 20% of FHI in 1999 to have an extended presence in international markets, and collaborate technologically with FHI.

FHI has recently set a new theme for Subaru cars that emphasizes Subaru’s goal: Subaru offers a comfortable, pleasant drive for the driver and passengers; provides peace of mind and reliability; and extends convenience, utility and functionality.

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Honda Civic 2.0i VTEC Type R Hatch Review

Saturday, September 6, 2008



The Japanese version of the Civic was sold as a 4-door Sedan which generates 222bhp at 8400RPM. This is more powerful than the European version, which generates 198bhp at 7,800RPM. The external features of the 3-Door hatchback have changed some what since 2001, with a slightly less 'sporty' look and more of a 'Honda space age' look. However - under the bonnet the 2litre VTEC engine is the same (tweaked) engine as was in the previous generation, which isn't a bad thing..

Although the new version is heavier its still lightning quick for its class, with a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds. The top speed hasn't changed and remains at 146MPH. Honda have changed the double wishbone set-up in the rear suspension to a torsion bar suspension, they claim it makes the new civic type R more rigid than before.

The Vehicle Stability Assist on the Civic has been tweaked a little extra, which gives the driver more control.. and ultimately more fun! Fuel economies will undoubtedly be high for those of you who push it until the pistons fly through the bonnet. Expect around 30-40mpg.

As mentioned before, the weight of the car has increased. This is due to the fact that Honda have added more features, making it more of a drivers car. The features include dual climate control, drilled aluminum pedals & footrest, an alloy gear knob for the new 6 speed gearbox, leather steering wheel, auto wipers & lights and optional sat nav.

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2007 Lamborghini Murcielago

Monday, August 18, 2008




A century-old tradition in bullfighting is to spare the life of a bull which shows outstanding courage in the arena. Such a bull was Murcielago, The Bat, spared by a famous matador after a breathtaking fight in the arena of Cordoba, some 130 years ago.

Much like the bull that gave it its name, the Lamborghini Murcielago belongs to a special breed of cars. With its 6,5 liter V12 engine, 640 BHP, an amazing 665 Nm torque and permanent 4-wheel drive, nothing can stand in it's way. 3,4 seconds is all it needs to get to 100 km/h, and if you keep your foot on the gas pedal, it will not stop until you reach a mind-blowing 340 km/h.

But this power comes at a price. The massive 12-cylinder engine requires an average of 21,3 l/100 km, and the car's fuel tank can carry (only!) 100 liters.

This 2-door, 2 seats coupe with a mid-mounted engine follows the traditional design successfully applied by Lamborghini for more than three decades. The gear box placed in front of the engine, the permanent four-wheel drive, along with the integration into the engine unit of the rear differential, are but a few of the advantages of such a displacement which result in an optimal weight distribution, 58% rear and 42% front, with positive effects on the car's handling, braking and traction.

The security of the car is ensured by the carbon fiber body, with steel doors and roof, and a tubular frame made from high-strength steel alloy with carbon fiber structural parts. The stopping power is ensured by power vacuum, aluminum alloy calipers (8 pistons front calipers and 4-pistons rear calipers), ventilated discs, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, with 6 pistons break calipers (front-rear).

The interior aims for functionality, and lacks any useless or distracting elements. The optional equipment includes an "Interior Carbon Package", where the cover for the driver side display, dashboard cover, handbrake lever, armrest frame, gear lever cover, the air conditioning and radio covers are made entirely from carbon fibre, offering those really demanding customers an extra air of class.

-Autocar-zone-

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2008 Honda Accord

Saturday, August 16, 2008



The final product takes on a sports oriented look that is better overall than its predecessor. Although the car comes with some flaws and weak points, overall the vehicles positive features far outweigh the negative ones.

The all new 2008 Honda Accord is one of America's best selling cars. In fact, it is rated second in its class. The Accord, which is one of Honda's best selling vehicles, gets an all new redesign for 2008 that has both spacious seating, as well as a stylish look, both inside and out. The new Accord also has a variety of different safety features, as well as a more powerful engine, with an optional V-6.

The new 2008 Honda Accord comes in either a sedan or a coupe body style. The two styles are both very distinctive and share no glass or body panels. The coupe has a unique look with a narrow mesh grill and front fenders that bulge. Unlike previous years, the 2008 has a front end that is more upright.

The 2008 Honda Accord LX base model comes with steel wheels and hubcaps. However, if you move up to the LX-P, it comes with 16 inch alloy wheels. The entire line of EX models comes standard with 17 inch alloy wheels.

The 2008 model has a better ride over the previous year's model. The new car has a softer turning which appeals to the family oriented buyers. All the while, the car still offers a sporty feel drive that Honda is known for.

If you choose the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder, you can expect to get around 21 miles per gallon in the city and approximately 31 miles per gallon on the interstate. The 3.5 liter, V-6 averages around 19 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the interstate.

There are a variety of different models of the 2008 Honda Accord. With the LX base model you can expect to pay around $20,000. As you work your way up to the EX-L, V-6 with Navigation you can expect to pay upwards of $30,000.

The Accord comes with a variety of different safety features. The 2008 comes with ventilated front disk brakes and solid rear brakes and 4-Wheel ABS. As well, the Accord has traction and stability control. Airbags are throughout the vehicle, such as dual front side mounted airbags and front and rear head airbags. A unique feature that the 2008 model has is occupant sensing deactivation front airbags. This simply means that if a passenger in the front seat does not weigh enough, then the airbag will not deploy should a crash occur. The rear doors are equipped with child safety locks and child seat anchors.

There are a wide variety of conveniences on the new Honda Accord. The car comes equipped with cruise control located on the steering wheel, speed-proportional power steering, and tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The car is equipped with storage in the front seatback as well as the front console.

The entertainment is the car is top notch. The Accord comes with AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo, 160 watts stereo output, 6 total speakers, auxiliary MP3 audio input and speed sensitive volume control.

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Your Ferrari

Sunday, August 10, 2008


Ferrari was founded in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari and first produced cars in 1947. Today, the parent company for Ferrari is Fiat. The Ferraris engines are famous for their engine displacement technology. The V6 and the V8 are built in total displacement, while the V12 used a displacement of one cylinder. Some of the latest Ferrari models include the Ferrari 550, the 575 M Maranello, 599 GTB Fiorano, the 612 Scaglietti, the F355, the Ferrari 360, the F430, the Enzo Ferrari and the Ferrari FXX.

The 599 GTB Fiorano was started to be produced in 2007, and it is a Gran Turismo two seat berlinetta with a FR layout. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is a follower of the Ferrari 456 and it is a 2+2 coupe Gran Turismo. It was first launched in 2004 and is still being manufactured. Another car also launched in 2004 is the Ferrari F430. It is a sports car and it is available as a two seat Berlinetta and as a two seat Spider. The F430 has a MR layout and can be purchased with a 6 manual or semi automatic speed.


The Enzo Ferrari is a super car/ ultra car manufactured between 2002 and 2004 and was launched in the memory of the founder of the Ferrari company. The Enzo was manufactured in only 400 copies so it was a highly expensive item. It had a Berlinetta body style and a MR layout. The follower model of the Enzo Ferrari was the FXX, which is also a super car. The FXX was released in 2005, and is said to be an improved Enzo Ferrari with the same MR layout and Berlinetta body style. The FXX keeps many of the Enzo’s features but has also new cool features that are singular to the FXX. The car is highly expensive and it may be driven on special tracks only. The last FXX, the 30th was given to Michael Schumacher. A similar super car is the Maserati MC12 Corsa.

Ferrari si also responsilble for some concept models, which include among others the Ferrari P5, the Ferrari Pininfarina 512S Berlinetta Speciale, the Pininfarina Modulo, the Ferrari Mythos, the Ferrari GG50, the Ferrari P4/5 and the Ferrari Zagato 575 GTZ.

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Audi S5 Luxury Sports Car

Sunday, July 27, 2008



Likes of Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and even Jaguar, Audi has become the forgotten stepchild of the luxury automobile world. Now before Audi loyalist jump out of their seats in defense of their sacred brand, let is be of note that you can find a Lexus, Beamer, or Benz on just about any street corner in America. Meanwhile, with few exceptions, a person would have to be in a major metropolitan area to spot an Audi.

1 in 1050 people bought a Lexus in the United States in 2007. 1 in 1000 people bought a Benz or a BMW. 1 in 3200 people bought an Audi. Audi's are less exclusive than any of those brands and they sell fewer models world-wide then any of the previously mentioned brands. But why is this? Fear not Audi fans. Unlike Brutus, I come to praise Caesar, not to bury him.

The luxury coupe market hasn't always been Audi's bag. Most associate the German brand with solid, reliable sedans. Yet as competitors expand their model lineups to fit what seems like every possible niche, Audi has increasingly started to keep pace by launching more two-door models -- not the least of which is the Audi S5.

True to Audi nomenclature, the S5 is the performance version of the A5 coupe. That means a bigger engine, more horses and a stiffer suspension. The exterior is set apart from its more mild-mannered sibling by a chrome-trimmed grille, quad tailpipes and more muscular bumpers. The resulting package is refined yet athletic, with luxury appointments that ensure comfort matched with a powertrain that won't disappoint.

Until the R8 it almost seemed like Audi was incapable of making a sexy car. Please, sedans and coupes that can double as beach balls do not constitute sexy. After Audi introduced the R8, it's as if the company had an epiphany: sports cars sell! And now along came the S5. The S5 is downright sexy. This is a magnificent coupe with beautiful lines and over 350 raging horses. Inside the cabin is what you would expect from a mid priced sports car. There is the Audi Multimedia Interface similar to BMW's I-drive. The entire cabin is very ergonomic to say the least. Audi gets an A+ in every category when it come to the S5.

-Autocar-zone-

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World's Top Police Cars

Saturday, May 31, 2008



It was an amazing, beautiful fast cars. There is news about police cars. How can imagine how nice the police cars are now from different countries. look at this:
• Lamborghini Police Cars in London The boys in blue no longer use BMW 535d patrol cars but instead they will be driving a four-wheel-drive and an Italian 6.5-litre V12 which is good for 211 mph and 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds. • Germany: Brabus CLS Rocket This handsome car has 730hp from a twin turbo V12 and a top-speed of 225.19 mph. Currently, it is said to be the world's fastest legal sedan. • Germany: Porsche 911 Carrera The extensively modified Porsche 911 Carrera S by TechArt as a police car has 6 cylinder engine and 500 hp. It has over 186 mph and sprinting to 60 mph capability in just 4.6 seconds. • Austria: Porsche 911 Austrian police gets to drive this £65,000 supercar that can do up to 177 mph. • Italy: Lamborghini Gallardo This beauty was donated by Lamborghini to the Italian Police last 2004. Its top speed is 190 mph and is powered by a 5 liter V10 with 500 hp. Italian Police actually purchased another one costing $166,000 after a year. • USA: Dodge Viper Vipers are not made for comfort and technology but it is a combination of classic sports car, hot rods and muscle cars as well making it brutal and rude cars. • USA: Corvette C6 The sixth and most current generation of Chevrolet Corvette introduced last 2005. Has 6 liter LS2 V8 producing 400 hp. • USA: Hummer H2 A 700 hp Hummer is powered by 7 liter supercharged V8 just for the Sheriff of Texas. • UK: Lotus Exige A high performance and very lightweight car accelerates from 0 to 60 faster than V8 cars. This only uses around 5 liters every 100 km. • Holland: Spyker C8 Spyder A 406 hp V8 with a maximum speed of 186 mph has Lamborghini doors. An aluminum hand built, mid-engined sports car. It has aerodynamic effect and an electrically operated single hinge titling doors. • Lotus Esprit S4 of England A 3.5 liter V8 car with engine in the middle and drive channeled to the rear wheels that provides the forward momentum. Esprit Lotus Police car is too good to overlook making it look like a publicity stunt to promote sales. • Mitsubishi Evo VIII This is the deadliest and sharpest driving tool used by Police in UK. It has a 2 liter turbo engine with 275 bhp and bizarre system called the Super Active Yaw Control from Japan technology keeping it stable, grippy and balanced through the corners. • Holden VE Commodore Released last 2007 and became the Wheels Car of the Year. It has 3.6 liter with V6 engine. It is also called the Chevrolet Lumina.

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2008 Mercedes B Class: American Introduction Delayed?

Monday, May 26, 2008



Mercedes car very famous at U.S auto market as fair game, meaning it is not just a place where it can sell luxury vehicles, but a place to market “low budget” vehicles too. Unknown to some American motorists, the Mercedes name is much broader than simply being a luxury make. Like its German rival, Volkswagen, Mercedes sells cars in Europe that compete directly against the Golf as well as against the luxurious VW Phaeton. Still, introducing a “budget Benz” to America is a psychological hurdle that parent DaimlerChrysler is delaying making a commitment to. Let’s take a look at the proposed B Class and the reasons why the model not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.

For starters, the proposed B Class is based upon Mercedes A Class line of cars. Okay, that tells you a lot! In short, the A Class is a true line of compact cars that are popular in Europe. If you were to give serious consideration to purchasing a Volkswagen Golf you would consider the A Class to be its logical competitor. A slightly larger model, the B Class, makes better use of engine placement and design to produce a car that isn’t much larger than the A Class on the outside, but is almost as roomy as the S Class is on the inside [when configured as a wagon].

Beyond all of that, the B Class will be built with Mercedes’ electronic stability program and come equipped with more standard features of any car in its class. Basically, the B Class would be about the size of a Rabbit with all the typical Mercedes gadgets and trim that Mercedes owners prefer. So, if the B Class were to sell in the U.S., most models would likely retail for around $25,000, which is well above the price of a fully loaded Golf.

Published reports via automotive sites and blogs are indicating that the car may not make it to the U.S. due to several concerns. These include:

Cost factor. Mercedes lost plenty of money in 2005 and the company is doing all it can to return to profitability as soon as possible. Preparing any car for the U.S. market takes time and costs money; DaimlerChrysler is loathe to expend money on a project that may not be profitable at the start.

Consumer perception. A very strong psychological aspect must be overcome first and that is consumer perception. While the Mercedes name adorns a variety of vehicle levels in Europe the name is perceived as “pure luxury” in the U.S. Mercedes remembers Cadillac’s attempt in the past to produce a budget Caddy [remember the Cimarron?] and how those attempts failed miserably.

BMW. BMW is also considering importing a budget model, the “1 Series.” Expect Mercedes to get serious about the B Class if BMW imports the 1 Series.

Presently, only the sedan and wagon would be imported to the U.S. and any hatch versions would stay in Europe. With available diesel power, the B Class might thrive as customers gravitate to a car capable of cracking 40 miles to the gallon. Introducing the B Class to the American market is a risky proposition, but what is there about selling cars that isn’t?mattew


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Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500

Sunday, May 18, 2008



Get your new extraordinary Mustang car with all performance you want in your favorite car

It has been produced in unison by both Carrol Shelby and the SVT team (what the hell else does SVT have to do?), this car will most likely push the already insanely popular Mustang to never before seen popularity.

Head of SVT, Hau Thai-Tang, along with Carrol Shelby have stuffed the extraordinary 5.4-liter, DOHC, 32-valve supercharged V8 from the Ford GT super car under the Mustang's hood. Final horsepower numbers have not yet been announced, but Thai-Tang hints it will be “Well over 450 hp, closer to 500.” Look for 450-plus lb-ft of torque too. Whatever the final numbers, it will be insane. Engineer Thai-Tang, who did a stint at Newman-Haas Racing, sums up the powertrain by saying: “It's gonna be a monster.”

Taking it's looks from the 1968 GT500, and adapting much of the 2005 Ford mustang GT-R prototype, this is one intimidating snake. Sure to give Corvette and Viper owners a run for their money, these looks are not deceiving. The agressive nose and hood not only look good, their functional. The front splitter creates downforce, holding this beast to the road as it corners aggressivly at high speeds. You'll find the hood has built-in heat extractors, helping to dissapate warm air away from the supercharged four cammer engine. A pair of racing stripes are optional, and make their way agressivly through the center of the car. I do believe stripes add horsepower too, although I don't think Ford engineers accounted for them (you know I'm joking right? Nevertheless, stripes are all too cool).

In the rear a low-profile decklid spoiler provides alittle helpful downforce at high speeds, and includes an integrated third brake light. Alittle further down you'll find that “SHELBY” is spelled out in large badges, and the gas cap medallion features a Shelby Cobra GT500 logo. I'd say thats worth at least 5 horsepower too.

The interior is totally decked out in jet black and deep red leather. Top of the dash, on the door panels, center arm rest, shift boot, and even parking-brake handle is black leather. SVT Red leather seating surfaces and door panel inserts provide a marked contrast to the rest of the leather-trimmed cabin, surrounding the performance enthusiast with luxury and comfort. Snake logos embroidered into the seat backs finish off the new edge interior.

The rest of the interior takes it's cues from the 2005 Mustang, pretty much it's an upgraded version of the new Mustang's interior and even has titanium faced MyColor gauges (yep, Ford's still installing the neat little color changing thingy). One subtle, but unique difference will be the tachometer located on the right side of the instrument panel, as opposed to the left side like you would find in the GT and V6. The chrome accessories inside the cockpit have been replaced with a satin aluminum finish, including the aluminum shift lever knob that is nicely positioned for quick, positive shifts of the six-speed T-56 Tremec transmission.

But wait folks, theirs more! Improvements such as revised shocks, spring rates and upgraded stabilizer bars help the GT500 stop and turn with the same authority as it goes. GT500 features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension with "Reverse L" lower control arms, and a solid-axle, three-link rear suspension with coil springs and a Panhard rod for precise control of the rear axle. To match the awsome handling ability, SVT fitted some of the biggest brakes in the business to the GT500. Fourteen-inch cross-drilled Brembo rotors up front and 13-inch discs in the rear continue SVT's legacy of great-braking Mustangs. Secure footing is provided by 19-inch wheels (what, no dubs! Ahh, they'll do I suppose) wrapped in a set of high-performance tires.

-Autocar-zone-

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Jeep Wrangler Suspension Lift vs Body Lift

Tuesday, May 6, 2008






There are essentially two ways to lift your 1987-95 Jeep Wrangler YJ: suspension lift or body lift. Each has its pros and cons in terms of price, performance, and ease of installation, but let's first distinguish between the two.

A suspension lift raises the vehicle's frame (chassis) away from the axles by replacing the springs with taller (or more arched) springs. A body lift raises the vehicle by lifting the body away from the frame with spacers. This keeps the frame at its existing distance from the ground. A suspension lift is recommended for anyone planning to use their vehicle off-road while a body lift is recommended for anyone that wants to make their vehicle look lifted with no true intentions of going off-road. This doesn't mean that a body lifted vehicle can't go off-road. It just won't perform as well as a suspension lifted vehicle because it hasn't gained any ground clearance. Suspension lifts for the Jeep Wrangler YJ typically range between 2-inches to 4-inches (though there are some companies that produce "extreme" kits in excess of this), while body lifts range between 1-inch to 3-inches.

A suspension lift is more complicated than a body lift because it alters all of the suspension components that give the vehicle its factory ride characteristics. Taller leaf springs are typically stiffer than factory leaf springs so the vehicle will have a harsher ride quality than with soft factory springs. Longer shock absorbers will be needed. The vehicle will also have a higher center of gravity because the entire weight of the vehicle (everything except the axles) will now be raised further from the ground. In some cases, the transfer case will need to be lowered and the rear differential repositioned to minimize driveline vibrations as the Jeep Wrangler is notorious for having a short rear driveline that isn't readily accepting to increased u-joint angles.Pros: Increases ground clearance, increased approach and departure angles, allows fitment of larger tires.Cons: Expensive, longer installation time, drive line angles are increased (more susceptible to vibrations), brake lines need to be re-routed or lengthened, new shocks needed, increased center of gravity.A body lift is relatively simple in that it primarily consists of a set of spacers that are inserted at the mounting points between the frame and body of the vehicle. This leaves all the heavy parts of the vehicle (frame, engine, transmission, transfer case, etc) at their factory locations so the vehicle's center of gravity (though increased) will not be increased as much as a suspension lift.

Pros: Cheap, can be installed quickly with basic hand tools, allows fitment of larger tires, simple (all components come in a small box).Cons: Appearance (there will be a noticeable gap between the body tub and the frame), extra leverage is placed on the mounting points, no increase in ground clearance.Ultimately, a body lift provides no benefits other than allowing the installation of larger tires whereas a suspension lift is designed for improved performance off-road (while also allowing the installation of larger tires). If you're on a budget and want to make your Jeep Wrangler look like a big off-road rig with no real intentions of ever going off-road, then a body lift would be adequate for you. However, if cost isn't a factor and you're looking to make your Wrangler more off-road capable and trail ready, then a suspension lift is the only way to go. writer: dorian jepsen


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Fiat Nuova 500

Sunday, April 27, 2008



On July 4, 1957, in Turin, FIAT presented Nuova FIAT 500, a true icon of our periods, with which FIAT concluded a rebirth which had started directly after the Second World War. On July 4, 2007, exactly 50 years afterwards, still at Turin, FIAT new FIAT 500 will present which will be launched on the market right after launching. And the new car will conclude an also important cycle from rebirth for the thermal spa of cars of FIAT.

Developed by the center of model of FIAT and built with the factory in Tychy (Poland), new the 500 is a model of 3 doors with very compact measurements: it is 355 centimeters length, 165 centimeters broad, of 149 centimeters large and has a footing of 230 centimeters. The car amuses extremely to lead, because of its three engines: 75 a unit of turbodiesel of BHP 1.3 16v Multijet and two gasoline engines, 69 BHP 1.2 8v and 100 BHP 1.4 16v, which are available with five or six dispatch the mechanical gear boxes.

The model confirms the uncontested control of the thermal spa of cars of FIAT in this category - a result of its extraordinary heritage of technique, design and human experience accumulated in above one century - and it takes a jump of quality ahead in terms of comfort and safety, technology and the equipment for this segment. New the 500 is the most up to date solution for the motorist that it “appreciates” its car in the complete freedom, appreciates it for the use of day in day, but also wishes to drive a car which is amusing and practical, environmental-friendly and accessible, but to also call some and full with the recreation.original writer: papakeren

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A Saab That Seems Too Familiar

Thursday, April 10, 2008


Is it real? No, it’s a concept with a four-seat coupe meant to preview Saab’s future powertrain and design directions.

What they said: “This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format,” said Anthony Lo, director for advanced design of General Motors Europe. “It has a number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car.”

What they didn’t say: It seems like every year Saab trots out a rakish concept car that’ll never see a dealership, and if this one feels familiar, that’s because its basic shape made its debut with the Saab 9X concept . If Saab ever did produce a two-door (aside from its 9-3 convertibles), we guess we know what it would look like.

What makes it tick? A 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque when running on E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline). There’s also a mild hybrid system that can shut down the internal-combustion motor at rest, and a solar panel on the roof does its (small) part to recharge the batteries.

How much, how soon? It’s not for sale, and never.

How’s it look? Sleek, clean and very Scandinavian. Saab calls the 9-X BioHybrid’s silhouette a “shooting brake,” and no doubt G.M. is keeping an eye on Volvo C30 sales to see if the market has room for a second Swedish two-door.

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LRX Land Rover magnificiant!

Saturday, March 29, 2008



The Land Rover LRX is set for a big Detroit debut next month, but you can see it now thanks to German enthusiast mag Auto Motor und Sport. They have thoughtfully posted a full photo gallery of the shortened, lowered Freelander-based Land Rover coupe concept, and thanks to the broken English provided by Google Translate, we can report some of the highlights, as well. The compact SUV boasts long doors and an athletic stance accentuated by a sloping roof, 20" wheels, and a somewhat sinister looking front fascia. The cabin takes on a 2+2 configuration, decorated in typical never-see-production concept trim. The shifter is mounted at the top part of the center console, with a fancy metal central controller for the four-wheel-drive positioned further down.

The LRX shows some very strong lines with the long doors, steeply rising waistline and sloping roof line. Passengers will have quite a view from the SUV Coupe with a glass roof.

Inside the concept you will find plenty of two-tone leather and polished aluminium, four individual seats, an extended center console and a fridge. The cockpit features two touch-screens and only few switches, of which the 4wd drive control is most prominent.

Should the LRX make it into production than it would be no earlier than 2009. Interesting detail here is that the Land Rover LRX will be based on the Ford Focus platform, with the possiblity of a hybrid version.

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Range Rover Unveils Brand New Twin-turbo V8

Monday, March 24, 2008




The 4x4 world is said to be dominated by Land Rover. With its off-road performance and the reputation for reliability, Rover is expected to stress the off-road auto industry. Aside from the off-road prowess, fabulous aura, and opulent amenities, Range Rover also boasts its all-new twin-turbo V8 diesel engine.

Enthusiasts are saying that they like Range Rover’s unrivaled image, domineering off-road ability, luxurious cabin, and its brand new engine. Range Rover’s new engine is Ford’s new 3.6 L AJD-V8. Said engine can generate up to 272 horsepower and 184 lb ft torque, far better than its previous engine. EPA has given the Range Rover a gas mileage rating of 13/18 mpg in city/highway. Other adaptations and enhancements of the latest model include enhanced Range Rover parts and accessories.

The interior of the new model is made more elegant and sophisticated. Rover’s pool of designers incorporated an efficient, pollen-filtered air conditioning to detach occupants from surrounding odors. Sound deadening technology and innovations such as active engine mounts are also integrated to the vehicle to make it quieter than its older versions. Supercharged Rovers will use electronic rear differential. Further, optional cooled front seats and extra loading capabilities were also considered by the automaker to come up with said high-performance vehicle.

2007 model is also equipped with better Range Rover brakes and suspension. A stiffer suspension is designed to cope with the extra performance of the vehicle. Moreover, it is also fitted to the petrol V8 model. Said vehicle also uses Rover’s Terrain Response system from the Discovery 3. The latter is responsible for making the bulky and rugged exterior of the vehicle intact. The system allows the driver to control everything from throttle response to ride height. This can be done by choosing one from the 5 settings through a single rotary control.

The automaker is expecting that Range Rover will compete well with the renowned vehicles in the segment like Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes ML and Volkswagen Touareg. article source: Carol Mitchel

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2009 VW Passat to Undergo Face Lift

Tuesday, March 18, 2008



Launched two years ago at the 2005 Geneva Show, the 2009 VW Passat is believed to undergo face lifting.

According to the German magazine Autozeitung, VW will proceed to a facelift in 2009. And it will be seen most probably at the 2009 Geneva Show, with aesthetic changes including a redesigned front end inspired from the upcoming Tiguan. The German magazine reports that VW will also substitute the present 1.6FSI and 2.0FSI engines with the Groups new 122Hp 1.4TSI and 160Hp 1.8TFSI motors, which will also include 1.6, 2.0 and 3.2 V6 engines.

Some analysts say this speculation of the German magazine arises because of Volkswagens aim to continually increase the company’s sales and also to attract the US market. The engine substitution, however, is expected to occur quite earlier, maybe even in this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Volkswagen will add a low-roofed wagon model in 2009 to accompany next year's sleek, Passat-based, four-door "coupe". The wagon has the packaging and the design theme of the Dodge Magnum, which is said to be a reflection of former VW product expert Wolfgang Bernhard's time at the Chrysler Group.

As compared to the standard Passat wagon, the premium model has a lower roofline, a wider stance, and a less upright tailgate. Added to this, the seating height is lowered and the buckets will give heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Along with this are inflatable g-force-compensating cushions. Extending all the way through the cabin is the center console. However, despite a low roofline, the wagon's cargo bay accommodates 21 cubic feet of stuff.

A 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four and a high-performance version of the 3.6-liter VR6, which will develop nearly 300 hp are included in the engine options. These are paired either with a six-speed manual or an improved, seven-speed twin-clutch DSG.

Analysts say prices have not yet been determined, but one insider claims that the Magnum-esque VW will cost only about $2000. That is more than a comparable Passat wagon.

Looking at the older version of Passat, the 2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan is offered as a four-door sedan or five-door wagon. It is available with a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6. Four-cylinder sedans can be ordered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Wagons and V6s, however, come with the automatic only. Spied earlier this year, the new Passat Coupe is set for a Geneva Motor Show debut and will boast an initial two-engine line-up, a 160 hp 1.8-litre turbocharged TSI unit and a 300 hp R36 model featuring four-wheel-drive. Further engine options are expected Autumn next year.

With innovated VW Passat parts, all Passat models are expected to raise VW sales during their respective season of lunch in the market.

Volkswagen of Germany have opened up a new website showcasing a teaser in film format that reveals the few shots of the new Passat Coupe VW presently wish to broadcast, the camera panning around the new four-door from front grille to roofline and bootlid. source: Benjamin_Hudson

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