Friday, November 30, 2007
BMW Hydrogen 7 - practical or political?
BMW has gone to great lengths to publicize the “Hydrogen 7,” the hydrogen powered 7 Series loaned to stars with great publicity.
But is there any reality to what BMW is doing, or is the Hydrogen 7 really just a very effective publicity stunt?
Though hydrogen powered vehicles are generally thought of when fuel cells are the actual source of power creation, the Hydrogen 7 is not a fuel cell car. And, therein, lies the real story.
The Hydrogen 7 burns hydrogen in modified BMW V-12 engine. In that respect, it’s a lot like cars that are converted to burn propane. A different fuel is being substituted for gasoline, but it creates power the same way as any other internal combustion engine: moving pistons in cylinders. In fact, the Hydrogen 7 can also burn regular gasoline. Selecting the fuel is simply a matter of moving a switch on the dashboard.
But, in order to burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine, it must be stored in liquid form. That requires the ability to keep the hydrogen very, very cold. The hydrogen fuel tank in the Hydrogen 7 is insulated, using an insulating material which BMW says has the equivalent properties of 17 meters of Styrofoam in the one inch thick tank insulation. Even though the tank is so well insulated that, according to BMW, it could keep coffee hot for three months, it can’t keep hydrogen inside it for more than a day. The fuel builds pressure in the tank, to the point that it must be vented when the pressure reaches 87 psi. That happens automatically, but it can also vent out half the hydrogen fuel supply into the atmosphere. The car is equipped with a catalytic converter to add oxygen to the venting hydrogen to turn the escaping gas into water vapor.
Then, there is cost: hydrogen is more expensive than gasoline. Even though it creates water vapor as its exhaust, there has been virtually nothing done to assess either the environmental impact of the energy used to manufacture hydrogen or maintain it in liquid form in storage tanks around the country. Similarly, there has been no apparent consideration given to the effect of increasing the atmospheric water content, particularly in areas with concentrated automotive populations.
BMW claims that it is hoping the Hydrogen 7 will encourage more stations selling liquid hydrogen. But, it’s not willing to take the gasoline tank out of the car before loaning it to the stars. That’s probably just as well, for both stars and company. On hydrogen, the range of the Hydrogen 7 is a mere 100 miles with a full tank.
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BMW,
cars,
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Thursday, November 29, 2007
SUPRA X 125 RR
Xpress your young spirit!
Honda Supra X 125R, the sensation racing that matching to satisfy your young tumult.
The touch racing in each one of his details terinspirasi from the Honda CBR race motor and F1 Honda.
Feel the tumult racing Honda Supra X 125R
Spesifikasi :
Panjang X lebar X tinggi 1.889 x 702 x 1.074 mm
Jarak sumbu roda 1.242 mm
Jarak terendah ke tanah 136 mm
Berat kosong 102 kg
Tipe rangka Tulang punggung
Tipe suspensi depan Teleskopik
Tipe suspensi belakang Lengan ayun dan peredam kejut ganda
Ukuran ban depan 70/90 – 17 38P
Ukuran ban belakang 80/90 – 17 44P
Rem depan Cakram hidrolik dengan piston ganda
Rem belakang Tromol
Kapasitas tangki bahan bakar 3,7 liter
Tipe mesin 4 langkah, SOHC, pendinginan udara
Diameter x langkah 52,4 x 57,9 mm
Volume langkah 124,9 cc
Perbandingan kompresi 9,0 : 1
Daya maksimum 9,3 PS/7.500 rpm
Torsi maksimum 1,03 kgf.m /4000 rpm
Kapasitas minyak pelumas mesin 0,7 liter pada penggantian periodik
Kopling Ganda, otomatis, sentrifugal, tipe basah
Gigi transmsi 4 kecepatan rotari / bertautan tetap
Pola pengoperan gigi N-1-2-3-4-N
Starter Pedal dan elektrik
Aki MF 12 V – 3,5 Ah
Busi ND U20EPR9 / NGK CPR6EA-9
Sistem pengapian DC - CDI
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spesifikasi,
SUPRA X 125 RR
modifikasi contest
Accelera Auto Contest 2007
The biggest activity of the modification contest in Indonesia during 2007 that was held by PT.Elang Perdana Tyres Industries the producer of the tyre with the ACCELERA make and Cody Enterprises as event organizer in the agenda of "ACCELERA AUTO CONTEST 2007 series to 9" of the series 10 implementation cities in Indonesia
The Honda Air Blade is the latest addition to the fleet of Honda motor bikes available in Thailand at the moment. The Honda Air Blade designed by Kaoru Hayashi and his team is one of the sleekest of the scooter style motor bikes available on the market.
The Honda Air Blade with its sharp wide beam twin headlights has numerous features that make it one of the best value and most reliable motor bike, the Honda Air Blade is a strong competitor on a highly competitive motorcycle market.
The Honda Air Blade's 110cc four-stroke engine with built-in liquid cooling is compact but packs more horsepower than a standard 125cc air-cooled automatic motorcycle engine. Ride comfortably, confidently and smoothly at all speeds with the efficient new V-Matic belt-drive transmission that uses a long-lasting reinforced steel belt
.
Samarinda on November 17-18 2007 in Lembuswana Mall will be present more than 75 car-modification exclusive of the Samarinda city, Balikpapan and surrounding area.
The modification contest that involved dozens of modifiers, the modification workshop and was followed by various communities/the modification club of the upper plank in Indonesia, will contest more than 118 categories of the modification and the contest audio in the site that was spread out while 2 days were full this.
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honda,
modifikasi contest
Ferrari : New Two cars show in January
Could be, the race season F1 2008 will go more advanced.
His article, teams F1 has released the launching schedule of their car.
The team that now dipunggawai Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock this was ascertained slid exact on January 10.
The new Toyota car, that was named TF108 will be introduced to the public in their post in Cologne, not in Japan.
The car of Toyota TF107, that this year appeared disappointing, then
Launched in the same place, that is in Cologne.
The difference is, that time was introduced in Expo XXI, not in the Toyota post.
It was clear, the car anyar Toyota this will appear the difference.
The "car 2008 we will be different."
Not revolutionary, but the evolution that berkelanjut him.
Because we began the car 2008 was early enough, that is in January, said Pascal Vasselon, the manager of the chassis of Toyota F1.
One team of the other big manufacturer also would meluncukan the car in the same month, namely BMW Sauber.
This team was planned melaunching BMW F1.08 exact on January 15, also in the BMW post in Munich.
With launching early, so BMW has had preparations was better.
Moreover, they have appointed the target to gain the victory in the season 2008.
That was certain, the car F1.08 this immediately was dropped off in the session test Jerez, a day after launching official.
SCHUMACHER MASIH DIPERCAYA
Sementara, the appearance of Michael Schumacher that still was superfast in Catalunya then made the Ferrari team not wanted to lose moment.
Michael Schumacher didaulat descended again, mengetest the Ferrari car next month in the Jerez
circuit
YAMAHA VIXION '07 Vixion In Action
Still adhered to our memory during gelaran the Jakarta Fair (PRJ , tenant the tuning-fork was so solid of the reason visitor like with display Yamaha V-ixion the version street fighter
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Vixion In Action,
YAMAHA VIXION '07
Lamborghini Murcielago SV
Lamborghini is working on a lightweight version of the Murcielago. At least 220 pounds lighter than the Murciélago LP640, the SV will have even more power than the 641-hp V12 Reventon. Sources also say that Lamborghini is working on a SV version of the Gallardo.
The Murcielago SV will loose the front differential and driveshafts saving this way around 90 lbs. Also the dietary lessons learned from the Gallardo Superleggera will provide the rest of the needed weight reduction. The car body panels will be made out of carbon fiber while th roof and the door panels from aluminum.
The interior will become carbon-fiber central, including the inner door skins, the seat shells and the center tunnel. Leather-lined door panels will be replaced by carbon, with a pull strap for a door handle, saving five pounds per door. Lamborghini also will strip out the audio system, and if it follows Superleggera precedent, it will happily sell it back to you as an option.
Under the hood there will be a 6.5-liter V12 engine that will deliver 680 hp and 516 lbs-ft. Also it will feature new, lighter exhaust internals to serve the dual missions of cutting weight and easing back pressure.
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cars,
Lamborghini,
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sports cars
Audi Abt AS5
Unobtrusive design and powerful appearance - this is what the Abt AS5 stands for. With a discerning eye on the detail Abt enhances the elegant Audi Coupé with its breathtaking, pleasing contours and the stretched flanks. The team from Kempten has managed to upgrade the unique vehicle without changing its character.
With the two coloured paint and the Abt body kit, the AS5 appears like a mannequin in an extravagant designer tailor-made suit.The front skirt, in which a grid element accents the front fog lights and the single-frame grill, the strikingly curved lateral parts, the fender insets and the gill-shaped air inlets form a shapely unit.
The Coupé is a unique and beautiful car, no matter from which perspective. The rear skirt inset with the diffuser excellently harmonizes with the 4-pipe rear muffler, together with the perfectly designed rear spoiler it accentuates the rear of the vehicle. As ideal complement, Abt recommends the new BR wheel in 20 inch. With its superposed spokes, the wheel seems to rapidly move forward although it is standing still.
The Abt AS5 is not only optically a real sports car. In Essen it is presented with the powerful 3.0 TDI engine which, thanks to Abt Power S, now brings 300 HP (221 KW) onto the road instead of the serial 240 HP (176 KW). The torque of 600 Nm is getting free at already 2400 rpm and provide for shear force in all situations. Also impressive is the acceleration of the self-igniting engine. Exactly 5.3 seconds needs the car from standing still to 100 km/h, the top speed is 264 km/h - values which suit to a sporty Coupé like the Abt AS5.
In order that the impressive power remains controllable, Christian Abt, motor sport professional, excellently adjusted the Abt thread sports suspension in detail. And the Abt brake system with discs 380 millimeters diameter powerfully grips.Abt multifunctional sports steering wheel, soft nappa leather grip and carbon look leather adorn the driver’s workplace. Abt aluminium pedals and gear shift knob complete the sporty accent in the interior. A successful masterpiece can be seen at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW, the Abt AS5. The only downside is: It wants to be driven and this, unfortunately, is impossible in the exhibition hall.
Source: Internal
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Ferrari vs. Lamborghini vs. Porsche vs. Mercedes
Ferrari F430 Spider
-V8, 490 hp
-6 spd F1
-RWD
-1599 kg
-311 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,1 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,9 s
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
-V10, 520 hp
-6 spd E-Gear
-AWD
-1748 kg
-314 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,4 s
-0-200 km/h: 15,5 s
Porsche 911 Turbo
-B6, bi-turbo, 480 hp
-5 spd TipTronic
-AWD
-1709 kg
-310 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 3,8 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,0 s
Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG
-V12, bi-turbo, 612 hp
-5 spd Automatic
-RWD
-2051 kg
-250 km/h limited
-338 km/h without the limiter
-0-100 km/h: 3,9 s
-0-200 km/h: 12,6 s
-V8, 490 hp
-6 spd F1
-RWD
-1599 kg
-311 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,1 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,9 s
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
-V10, 520 hp
-6 spd E-Gear
-AWD
-1748 kg
-314 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,4 s
-0-200 km/h: 15,5 s
Porsche 911 Turbo
-B6, bi-turbo, 480 hp
-5 spd TipTronic
-AWD
-1709 kg
-310 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 3,8 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,0 s
Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG
-V12, bi-turbo, 612 hp
-5 spd Automatic
-RWD
-2051 kg
-250 km/h limited
-338 km/h without the limiter
-0-100 km/h: 3,9 s
-0-200 km/h: 12,6 s
Labels:
Comparison,
Ferrari,
Lamborghini,
mercedes,
Porsche
Nissan to take orders for GT-R starting Jan 1, 2008
As Nissan reported at Los Angeles Auto Show, the GT-R will be brought on the North American market in a number of 1500 units a year and will be sold only by selected dealers. And if you want to buy a GT-R you will be happy to know that the company will start taking orders on January 1ts 2008.
And just as a reminder the Nissan GT-R is powered by a 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine that produces 473 HP at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 433 lbs-ft from 3200 to 5200rpm.
The GT-R prices start from$69,850 for the base model and $71,900 for the premium version.
Labels:
2008,
cars,
news,
nissan,
sports cars
2009 Kia Borego
2009 Kia Borego (or Mohave on the Korean market) is set to be unveiled next year at the Detroit Auto Show. But of course it couldn’t stay a secret until then, and the first images started to surface online.
The 2009 Borrego is based on the mesa Concept, unveiled in 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show. Built with body-on-frame construction incorporating the latest in NVH engineering philosophy, Borrego will be Kia’s newest addition to its well-rounded full-line of vehicles that continually provide value, safety and a steadfast 10-year/100,000-mile warranty to consumers.
Borrego will be available with either a V6 engine or the company’s first V8 offering, which will also boast Kia’s largest towing capacity to date.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
BMW X6
A few years ago, the idea of building a 4x4 that thinks it’s a coupé would scarcely have been believed – but BMW has done exactly that with its stunning new X6. According to the German marque, the four-door, four-wheel-drive vehicle will redefine the off-roader as we know it when it goes on sale here next summer.
Dubbed a Sports Activity Coupé, the X6 aims to combine the racy look of a coupé with the luxury and ruggedness of a prestige SUV. Radical? Certainly. And under the skin, it gets even better, with a clever new 4x4 system and hybrid power.
The car is set to rival the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne, and Auto Express gained exclusive access to a prototype at a test track near the BMW production plant in South Carolina, US, to see how it’s shaping up.
Virtually unchanged from the Active-Hybrid concept which the company revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the X6 looks startling. It’s very different to BMW’s other big off-roader, the X5, with every single body panel being unique. The windscreen is more raked, and the lights front and rear are completely new.
But it’s the coupé roofline and vast one-piece hatchback that provide the most dramatic detail. Longer, wider and lower than the X5, the X6 has an aggressive low nose, high tail stance and smaller glass areas, too.
Yet while the X5 is now available as a seven-seater, the X6 accommodates only four people, with two individual seats in the back. Legroom is fine, but headroom is tighter due to that sloping roofline – although the fact that the car is a hatchback does mean there’s an enormous boot.
In the front, the dashboard draws its inspiration from the X5, and even on this prototype, it’s clear that fit and finish will be class-leading.
Under the skin, the coupé is based on the X5 platform, but gets Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) to enhance traction and stability. The all-new system builds on the benefits offered by the xDrive 4x4 drivetrain. Cleverly, it can split torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between individual wheels. So if the system senses the tyres are starting to slide, it can instantaneously send drive to the wheels with the most grip.
There’s also a widened rear track and 20-inch alloys, so you’d expect the X6 to be great around corners. And, on the basis of our track drive, it certainly is. In fact, it’s even more entertaining than the Cayenne.
The steering is sharp and there’s lots of grip, as well as amazing agility, with the DPC system shifting torque seamlessly. This provides the BMW with neutral handling, even under extreme provocation. Body control is superb, and at high speeds, the X6 feels really stable.
Further innovation is found under the bonnet. The X6 has a slick-shifting new eight-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles. This is mated to a 290bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel, which gives sublime pace, refinement and economy.
In addition, buyers will be offered a 400bhp version of the 4.8-litre V8 from the X5. A hybrid will appear at a later date, too, complete with twin electric motors – one for town use and the other for motorways. All this comes at a price, though. Entry-level versions of the X6 will start from around £45,000. Yes, this may seem a little on the expensive side – but drivers with that much to spend will be getting the best-handling and best-looking luxury SUV on the market. We can’t wait to put the stylish new BMW through its paces in a more thorough test early next year.
Rival: Porsche Cayenne GTS
The GTS is the Cayenne that Porsche buyers have always wanted. Featuring tweaked suspension and an uprated 4.5-litre V8, it’s an off-roader that performs like a supercar. As such, it will provide the new X6 with strong competition.
2009 Lincoln MKS
The all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan debuts today, providing customers understated style, first-of-a-kind convenience features, advanced safety and one of the best values in the luxury market. Unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, the new Lincoln flagship is designed to help fuel Lincoln’s growth by attracting new customers.
“Lincoln has reestablished itself as a quality and design leader with award-winning products like the Lincoln MKZ, MKX and Navigator,” says Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company’s president of The Americas. “With the Lincoln MKS, we are raising the bar even higher with unparalleled amenities and performance, and a price that should be irresistible to luxury customers.”
The New Lincoln Flagship: A Strong Contender in the Luxury Sedan Segment
The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan aimed at bringing new and younger buyers into the Lincoln fold. Not traditional luxury buyers who shop based on name and price tag alone, Lincoln MKS customers are under 50 and value beautiful modern design, more fuel efficiency and good value.
Pricing for Lincoln MKS starts at less than $38,000, a strategic move aimed at attracting new customers to the brand. Many will be first-time luxury buyers, with a significant number expected to migrate from imports. In fact, up to 60 percent of those buying the luxury sedan are expected to be new to Lincoln.
“We’re playing to win with the Lincoln MKS, especially in California, where more luxury vehicles are sold than anywhere else. We will do so by offering confident, understated, respectful luxury – not something that will go out of fashion in a year or two,” said Mike Richards, Lincoln General Marketing Manager. “We’re also making an extra effort to reach out to African American and Hispanic buyers who want and deserve luxury in their lives, in part, through new marketing relationships with artists Common and Juanes.”
Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award winning artist, will help introduce SYNC, which is standard on Lincolns and widely available on Ford and Mercury products, to the Hispanic market. Juanes was recognized by Time magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” for his belief in the possibility of social change through music.
Common, an accomplished musician, children’s author and actor, will represent Lincoln beginning in 2008. The partnership will feature multiple levels of advertising, marketing and promotional activities between Lincoln and Common’s wide-ranging businesses and his community service program. Common is currently appearing with Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in the Ridley Scott-produced film American Gangster.
To be built at Ford Motor Company’s Chicago Assembly Plant, the Lincoln MKS will begin arriving in Lincoln showrooms next summer.
Loaded with Convenience and Technology: Lincoln MKS offers unprecedented amenities
The Lincoln MKS offers a suite of technologies and features not found on other luxury sedans. They include:
SYNC, a hands-free, voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities.
THX®-certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and Voice-Activated Navigation, which provides superior sound quality – plus real time traffic updates, movie listings, radar weather forecasts and even directions to the closest local gas stations with the best prices.
Lincoln’s Next-Generation Keypad, which uses heat-sensing technology to bring alive the keypad of LED backlit numerals embedded in the driver side B-pillar. The driver enters a five-digit code to unlock the vehicle.
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, a customer convenience that helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed, and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which allows the driver to set the car’s speed and maintain that speed without using the accelerator pedal. The radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust the speed of the Lincoln MKS to keep it a safe distance behind the lead vehicle. Four settings accommodate different driving styles.
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which is a first for Lincoln and allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKS and start the engine without using a key. Drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry pad on the B-Pillar, open the door and with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button.
Adaptive Headlamps with Automatic High Beams and Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road and reducing glare from oncoming traffic. Sensors monitor vehicle speed and steering wheel input engaging electric motors that pivot the left headlamp up to five degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver’s field of vision. Plus, automatic high beams switch to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected.
Rain-Sensing Wipers, which are moisture-activated and programmable.
Forward Sensing System, which determines how close front objects are while parking.
Rearview Camera System, which is mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid and activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a view of what’s behind the vehicle. The system works in conjunction with the vehicle’s reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.
Understated Design: Lincoln MKS debuts new design DNA
The Lincoln MKS is the first vehicle to embrace Lincoln’s new design DNA.
“Every element of this luxury sedan reflects the culture of Lincoln – from its well-proportioned athleticism to the design cues we have painstakingly developed, modernizing the best elements over time,” says Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas.
Its most striking exterior design feature is its double-wing grille, which sweeps up into the jewel-like headlamps, wrapping around the front fascia and forming a sharp crease that defines the high beltline. A subtle kick-up over the rear wheel calls back cues found on many classic Lincolns. Strong shoulders, dramatic C-pillars, clean body sides, a tall rear deck and large wheels and tires lend the Lincoln MKS a confident stance.
Modern luxury carries through inside, as well. Space is abundant, with a class-leading interior package. In fact, the MKS has the largest rear cabin in its class in every important dimension, including head, leg and shoulder room. And Lincoln tends to passengers’ comfort with standard heated rear seats, an overhead skylight and a sun shade for the backlight.
Its interior is sleek. For instance, the Lincoln MKS’s symmetrical instrument panel has fewer break lines than other luxury vehicles. The flow-through center stack is clean and uncluttered, with an information screen integrated at the top. The large center console has a split, two-piece, padded upper section. Each section slides forward individually to form an armrest.
“Luxury buyers still expect rare beauty, but today, they also seek authenticity,” Horbury said.
“This is space Lincoln can rightfully reclaim, given the design of our vehicles and the way we’ve chosen to adorn the MKS with the finest real leathers, rare woods, real aluminum and chrome accents – in a more environmentally responsible way.”
For example, the leather used for the seats is perfected with vegetable dyes and a chromium-free tanning process to create the softest leather ever used in a Lincoln.
It is supplied by Bridge of Weir Leather, the same company that provided hides for the Ford Model T and the iconic Continental Mark II, as well as the Concorde, the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Burj Al Arab, the world’s first 7-star hotel.
Ebony wood used for some models is reclaimed from furniture makers and others sources, offering a rare wood with minimal environmental impact. Also offered is Olive Ash, a wood with a distinctive grain pattern created when the roots of two trees grow together.
Smooth Power: Fuel-efficient V-6 today; V-8 power with V-6 efficiency tomorrow
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a Lincoln exclusive new 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX, which was voted one of Ward’s 10-Best Engines for 2007.
Both engines share the same strong, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve heads for smooth operation at high RPMs. The 3.7-liter’s larger cylinders contribute to the increase in horsepower and torque. This engine delivers 270 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy, acceleration and the option to manually select gears.
“This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where it’s needed most – standing acceleration and passing,” says Michael Celentino, chief engineer.
Less than a year after launch, the Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford’s new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology.
The premium engine – which offers the power and torque of a V-8 with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 – will make the Lincoln MKS the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel drive luxury sedan in the market.
Lincoln MKS also is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that provides a confident driving experience in all weather. It uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels – up to 100 percent in either direction – to avoid wheel slip. The AWD system works with the standard Advance Trac® stability control system to provide additional stability, transferring torque from side-to-side.
An all-new independent rear suspension design features vertically mounted shock absorbers mounted at the outboard end of the suspension arms near the wheels, maximizing suspension travel and allowing for more precise suspension tuning.
The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension also was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension. As an added benefit, the new suspension design can accommodate larger, 20-inch wheels and tires without compromising ride comfort.
The Lincoln MKS comes standard with 18-inch bright, machined, cast aluminum painted 10-spoke wheels. Nineteen-inch 10-spoke painted, polished or machined aluminum or a class-exclusive 20-inch, 11-spoke, highly polished, cast aluminum wheel are available options.
Building on a Heritage of Safety Leadership
The Lincoln MKS is equipped with a comprehensive package of the latest in active and passive safety features to provide the highest level of protection for all occupants.
Standard safety features include: dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, driver seat positioning sensor, side air bags and Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags with roll-fold technology and four-wheel ABS brakes.
Additional standard safety features include an anti-theft perimeter alarm, Battery Saver, Belt-Minder®, Child Safety Locks, glow-in-the-dark trunk release, illuminated entry, LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) and a tire pressure monitoring system.
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Monday, November 26, 2007
Rossi wins - on four wheels.
MotoGP ace defends Monza Rally title.
Valentino Rossimay not have won a MotoGPrace since September's Portuguese Grand Prix, but the Italian was back on the top step of the podium on Sunday - at the Monza Rally Show (pictured).
The former five-times MotoGP world champion, who fractured his hand earlier this month, drove a Pirelli-shod Ford Focus WRCcar to his second successive victory in the end-of-season asphalt event.
Alex Perico had set the early pace for Peugeot, but Rossi took the lead halfway through the first leg and was able to build a 33-second advantage over Subaru's Piero Longhi by the finish - despite treacherous weather conditions producing standing water on many parts of the track.
Pirelli rally manager, Mario Isola was delighted with the result: "Our consecutive wins at the Monza Rally Show should be seen in the light of the fact that we operate two separate lines of development for our rally tyres: those to be used on the WRC – of which we will be the exclusive supplier next year – and those used on non-WRC events, which are no less important to us.
"Thanks to our know-how and the experience we have developed from every event, we are able to supply competitive tyres to all our drivers using Pirelli PZero rubber on rallies.
"We have also proved our ability to hand-cut these tyres precisely, as we did for many drivers at Monza including Rossi and [Luca] Cantamessa [who took the Group N win], in order to suit variables such as the car, road surface and weather conditions."
For the record, Rossi had been in talks to do this coming weekend's Wales Rally GB, the final round in the 2007 FIAWorld Rally Championship, which runs from November 30 to December 2, however in the end the Italian opted not to take part.
To date, Rossi has done two WRC events, and last year he impressed on the Rally New Zealand, finishing eleventh overall, just 18.8 seconds off a place in the top ten in a SubaruImpreza WRC car.
The result was in stark contrast to how he did on his first WRCouting in 2002, when he crashed out on the Rally GB in his Michelin-backed Peugeot 206 WRC just 17 kilometres into the event.
Rossi meanwhile will be back on two wheels this week, during testing at Jerez, when he is due to ride with Bridgestonetyres for the first time
Valentino Rossimay not have won a MotoGPrace since September's Portuguese Grand Prix, but the Italian was back on the top step of the podium on Sunday - at the Monza Rally Show (pictured).
The former five-times MotoGP world champion, who fractured his hand earlier this month, drove a Pirelli-shod Ford Focus WRCcar to his second successive victory in the end-of-season asphalt event.
Alex Perico had set the early pace for Peugeot, but Rossi took the lead halfway through the first leg and was able to build a 33-second advantage over Subaru's Piero Longhi by the finish - despite treacherous weather conditions producing standing water on many parts of the track.
Pirelli rally manager, Mario Isola was delighted with the result: "Our consecutive wins at the Monza Rally Show should be seen in the light of the fact that we operate two separate lines of development for our rally tyres: those to be used on the WRC – of which we will be the exclusive supplier next year – and those used on non-WRC events, which are no less important to us.
"Thanks to our know-how and the experience we have developed from every event, we are able to supply competitive tyres to all our drivers using Pirelli PZero rubber on rallies.
"We have also proved our ability to hand-cut these tyres precisely, as we did for many drivers at Monza including Rossi and [Luca] Cantamessa [who took the Group N win], in order to suit variables such as the car, road surface and weather conditions."
For the record, Rossi had been in talks to do this coming weekend's Wales Rally GB, the final round in the 2007 FIAWorld Rally Championship, which runs from November 30 to December 2, however in the end the Italian opted not to take part.
To date, Rossi has done two WRC events, and last year he impressed on the Rally New Zealand, finishing eleventh overall, just 18.8 seconds off a place in the top ten in a SubaruImpreza WRC car.
The result was in stark contrast to how he did on his first WRCouting in 2002, when he crashed out on the Rally GB in his Michelin-backed Peugeot 206 WRC just 17 kilometres into the event.
Rossi meanwhile will be back on two wheels this week, during testing at Jerez, when he is due to ride with Bridgestonetyres for the first time
Labels:
Moto GP,
motorsports,
news,
Rally
2010 Audi A6
Audi A6 will unveil the next generation A6 as a prototype in 2009 and a production version will follow in 2010. More modern and sporty, the new A6 will use the same design cues as the latest A5 and A4. It will compete with the next generation BMW 5-Series, the Infiniti M and Mercedes E-Class.
The 2010 A6 will feature for the first time the LED day headlights, which were used only in the S6. Also the interior will feature a significant change. It will have the same bumpers used in the A5, new air intakes and totally redesigned lights.
In the same way as the newly A4, the future A6 will have the front body overhang drastically shortened and the bonnet and wheelbase will be both longer than before.
Most of the component will be made from weight-saving aluminum. The results are expected to be impressive: supremely dynamic road behavior and effortlessly precise handling.
Audi A6 will be based on Audi’s MLP platform also used in many vehicles from the Audi’s line-up: the A5/S5, Q5, next generation A4, A7 and A8.
Under the hood we will see a two-litre FSI turbo engine and also a four-cylinder Diesel engine. There will be 3.2-litre V6 engine with an output of 260 hp and 4.2-litre V8 FSI direct injection petrol’s with a maximum power of 350 hp. The S-line version will feature standard Bi-xenon-lights and will be powered by the Lamborghini’s V10 engine, with an output of 450 hp.
The 2010 A6 will have a top speed limited to 155 mph and will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 6 seconds.
Competitors
2010 BMW 5-Series
BMW has already “in works” the next instalment of their successful executive saloon. Several test mules have been spotted, pointing that a production ready 5 Series is to be released in the next three or four years. The current BMW 5 Series is around for more than 4 years, meaning that it is well in its middle age, and needing a successor around the year 2010.
It is expected that the next generation executive BMW will grow in pretty much every direction, including wheelbase and wheel-track. In order to keep up, the wheels will follow the same trend, and standard equipment will feature 17” rims. Sports versions (like the M5), are expected to use 20” wheels or bigger.
Technologically, the future 5 Series will be as surprising and uncompromising as ever. The only difference will be that, in the overall tendency of the market, there will be an increased attention to the ecological and fuel consumption issues. Performance will be even better than before, helped by those components that give the BMW name, the power units. Starting from a 2.5 litre straight 6 with 220 bhp, the petrol engine range will extend up to the brand new 410 bhp V8 biturbo. Four diesel engines will also be made available, ranging between 2.0 and 3.0 litres, with single and biturbo systems and offering over 300 bhp.
Also in the works is a more powerful version of the M5’s 5.0-liter V10. The 5-series will have a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
2009 Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes is going to unveil a completely new E-Class in 2009 code-named W212. The design will be inspired from the new C-Class, S-Class and a few cues from the CLS-Class. It will come as a main competitor for BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6. The car will be unveiled at 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The 2009 E-Class will have a more aggressive look as a result of the design cues taken from the CLS-Class. The glass surfaces will get smaller and the flank of the car will suffers from the usual creeping up of sheet metal. The wheels will be at least 18". An important change will be the shape of the 4 headlights: no more will they be round, they will be shaped like squarish teardrops.
The basic power plant will consist of four-cylinder engines with the horsepower rating starting at 175 bhp. The V6 and V8 engine will also be available delivering from 136 hp to 514 hp. The W212 will be electronically limited to 155 mph and will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 6.5 seconds. An E63 AMG model will be also unveiled powered by a normally aspirated, 500-plus-bhp 6.3-litre V8 eng
Rolls-Royce diminishes the brand: Tungsten
Rolls-Royce has announced a special edition of the Phantom, to be called the Tungsten. At least six of the model are headed to the lands of Arabian oil wealth, complete with dark paint similar to that of the 101EX concept car and new seven-spoke wheels, just like the concept car.
It’s the same way that they’ve sold Chevy’s for years. Take a model that’s been on the market for a while, doll it up with a few cosmetic extras, call it a special edition and wait for the suckers to walk in the showroom door.
The suckers, in this case, will get “Smoke Grey” leather with navy accents, Rosewood veneer, and metallic trim to accent the instrument panel. But the real specialty of this special is roof that uses fiber-optic lights to create a simulated star-filled sky on the headliner above the back seat – sorta like those lights they put in the Escalade stretch limos.
You also get silver key fobs.
Of course, tarting up a car was never beneath the Rolls-Royce brand. Rolls-Royce used to do it regularly for Indian maharajas’ and created some of the most garish concoctions on four wheels (and, in at least one instance, six). And, in reality, the Tungsten Rolls-Royce isn’t particularly garish. A car in multiple shades of grey can’t be garish. Actually, it looks rather good.
But there’s something demeaning about selling a brand so lofty as Rolls-Royce, so lofty that it’s usually called a “marquee,” in the same fashion that pedestrian carmakers use to move “the iron.” The whole essence of Rolls-Royce is class, at least in appearance if not reality.
But, no. BMW has adopted for Rolls-Royce the marketing tactic of the Town Car: signature editions.
No class, there.
Labels:
cars,
news,
Rolls-Royce,
sports cars
Jaguar XF production starts
Today marked the beginning of an exciting new era for Jaguar Cars as the first Jaguar XF rolled off the production line at the company’s Castle Bromwich plant.
The XF, which is available to order now, has already been heralded by some of the UK’s most influential motoring publications for its stunning new design language, winning Autocar magazine’s ’Design of the Year’ award and the ’Interior of the Year Award 2007’ from CAR magazine.
The first production car, a Vapour Grey 4.2 litre SV8 has been donated to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust collection and will go on display alongside some of Jaguar’s most prestigious and memorable vehicles ranging from the oldest surviving Daimler, the 1897 Grafton Phaeton to the stunning 1974 E-Type – the last ever built.
More than 500 employees from the plant gathered to watch Sir William Lyons’ grandson, Michael Quinn, drive the car off the end of the Trim and Final production line. He said: "My Grandfather would have been immensely proud today. The new XF is a car that truly represents the core values which have lain at the heart of this great brand since its foundation in 1922 and I am thrilled to have been asked here today to witness this historic event from the best seat in the house!"
Jaguar has invested significantly in the new facility at the Castle Bromwich plant to ensure that the new XF is built to even higher standards than the S-TYPE – a car that was widely recognised for its excellent build quality and performance. Commenting on the introduction of this new model, Richard Else, Operations Director at Castle Bromwich, said: "Today is a significant milestone for Jaguar and a very proud moment for the Castle Bromwich team who have worked tirelessly to ensure this car delivers the highest levels of quality and refinement customers have come to expect from Jaguar."
The Jaguar XF will be exported from Castle Bromwich to 66 markets worldwide with the first UK customers taking delivery of their cars in March next year. The range starts with the Luxury 2.7 litre diesel at £33,900 rising to £54,900 for the 4.2 litre Supercharged ’SV8’.
Labels:
2008,
cars,
Jaguar,
news,
sports cars
2008 Land Rover Defender SVX
Land Rover will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a new special edition of the iconic Defender – the SVX.
The Land Rover Defender SVX was unveiled for the first time by Zara Phillips at the British Red Cross Ball in London earlier this evening. The world's first SVX has been donated by Land Rover UK to the British Red Cross to auction at the ball.
"The Red Cross association with Land Rover goes back to 1954, when Land Rover supplied a vehicle to the British Red Cross for use in Dubai as a mobile dispensary," said James Johnstone, chairman for the British Red Cross Ball. "We are thrilled that Land Rover continues to support our vital humanitarian work today. Funds raised from auctioning this vehicle will go towards the work of the Red Cross in the UK and overseas, which this year has included the UK floods, Darfur Crisis and ongoing HIV work in Africa."
While most of the 25,000 Defenders produced each year are working tools for everyone from farmers and foresters to aid agencies, the SVX is the most stylish and feature-packed version that Land Rover has ever produced.
Special Edition Features
With metallic black paintwork and subtle satin black graphic decals, the Defender SVX will be available in both 90 soft-top and 90 station wagon versions. Distinctive exterior features have a contrasting silver finish, such as the unique 'Defender' and 'SVX' badges, tubular side-steps, and the bold surround for the front grille and new, clear-lens headlamps. All vehicles will also feature new, 'diamond turned' five-spoke alloy wheels, a reinforced aluminium front undershield and clear LED rear lights.
To bring the SVX interiors right up to date, they are equipped with custom-designed Recaro front seats, distinctive alloy gear knobs, a new audio system (with subwoofer and USB socket), iPod cradle and Garmin satellite navigation. The soft-top models are especially eye-catching, with a metallic silver tubular cage that supports a tailor-made, removable black fabric hood. This encloses a flat load-space and a spare wheel stowed behind the front seats, reminiscent of the very first open-top Land Rovers. Each SVX model for the UK will also come fitted with an individually numbered plaque, e.g. 001.
"The Defender SVX looks very different to a spartan 1948 Land Rover, but it's still an essentially practical vehicle that will enable you to go almost anywhere," says Phil Popham, Land Rover's managing director. "The new and much more refined diesel engine introduced earlier this year has been a great success with customers, and for those who want the ultimate Defender, we thought that the SVX special edition would be an ideal way to mark Land Rover's 60th birthday."
A total of 200 SVX vehicles will be made available in the UK – 140 two-seat Defender 90 soft-tops and 60 four-seat 90 station wagons. Production of the Defender SVX will start in spring 2008, with deliveries to customers starting from early summer for soft-tops and later in the summer for station wagons. Prices will be announced later in the year.
Labels:
2008,
Land Rover,
news,
SUV
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Hyundai i30 - Australian Car of the Year
Hyundai has scored a major coup, beating a field of the world’s best cars to win the 2007 CARSguide Car of the Year award with its diesel-powered i30 hatchback. Praised by the judging panel for its style, handling and performance features, the i30 was also voted CARSguide Green Car of the Year in recognition of its small turbodiesel’s frugal and eco-friendly performance.
Underscoring the i30 CRDi’s eco-ability was its win last month in the Panasonic Solar Challenge Greenfleet category where it travelled from Darwin to Adelaide using an average of 3.2 litres per 100km.
It is the first time a Korean-made car has won a national car of the year award in Australia. The i30 CRDi secured its place in motoring history against a stellar field of finalists ranging from a $19,000 hatch to a $110,000 luxury sedan.
Finishing second in the voting was VW’s Golf GT TSi ``twin charger´’ just ahead of the second-generation Mazda2 Maxx.
Judged on criteria ranging from styling, safety, innovation, value, functionality, build quality and performance, the finalists were studied, dissected and scored in a variety of situations.
The cars were driven through a range of environments and road conditions, such as city, freeway, highway and country towns, to evaluate how competent they were in critical driving situations. Steering, handling, braking, and acceleration were also rigorously evaluated*.
Finalists were also put through their paces on Goulburn’s Wakefield Park race circuit, enabling the judges to assess grip thresholds, tyre balance, chassis performance and suspension.
The winning i30 CRDi SX chosen by CARSguide judges featured Hyundai´s Protectz pack option, comprising electronic stability control (ESP) plus side and curtain airbags.
The Hyundai i30 CRDi was determined the winner on an overall points basis, receiving 94 out of a possible 99 points. The judges assessed the cars against 10 criteria, before ranking the finalists from 1-11 (1 being the best) to determine the winning Car of the Year 2007.
Final Rankings
Hyundai i30 CRDi (94pts)
VW Golf GT TSi (86pts)
Mazda2 Maxx (75pts)
Mitsubishi Lancer VR (71pts)
Mercedes-Benz C280 (66pts)
Holden Ute SV6 (56pts)
Ford Mondeo Zetec (37pts)
Subaru Impreza RS (32pts)
BMW X5 3.0d (31pts)
BMW 335i sedan (25pts)
Volvo C30 T5 (21pts).
Labels:
cars,
Hyndai,
news,
sports cars
Lexus LF-A hybrid,
Audi R8 Supercar, Audi R8 Supercar,Koenigsegg CCX supercar
We got to see the Lexus LF-A concept at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. And catch a few eyes it definitely did. The new design philosophy visible in the LF-A was called L-Finesse by Lexus.
Labels:
Koenigsegg CCX supercar,
Lexus LF-A hybrid
Audi working on cutting CO2 emission
For Audi engineers from the "Electronic Research Laboratory" (ERL) in California, vehicle-to-vehicle networks are a major step towards reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
At the LA Auto Show, Ralph Weyler, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG, explained to California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger how Audi will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions over the coming years. At the Governor’s press conference he presented products including an Audi A5 that runs on E85 – a fuel consisting of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent conventional petrol. Governor Schwarzenegger visited the Audi stand and also took a seat in the concept car Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro, which is powered by the cleanest diesel engine in the world, a 3-litre TDI with the ultra low emission system.
Audi also has an active interest in traffic optimisation. As Mr Weyler commented, "In this field we are cooperating with three Californian universities on six research projects." The prestigious institutes California at Berkeley, California at Riverside and Stanford are involved in these projects.
The objective is to achieve additional reductions in CO2 emissions through intelligent interactions between the driver and the vehicle, between vehicles on the road, and throughout the entire traffic in circulation. The name of the project is "Clean Air, a Viable Planet".
Daniel Rosario, Head of the "Connectivity and Computing" Department in Palo Alto, stresses that the shortest route does not necessary offer the lowest fuel consumption. "The path between two points can be measured in terms of its distance, but also in terms of the quantity of carbon dioxide emitted by our cars. Information transmitted between vehicles in a network allows the driver to choose the route that indicates the lowest CO2 emissions."
The technology to create vehicle-to-vehicle networks already exists. Now it is up to researchers and engineers to integrate this technology into what Rosario calls an "intelligent vehicle network". As he goes on to explain, "Driver behaviour can increase fuel efficiency by up to 20 percent. Our approach could achieve 20 percent on top of that."
Labels:
Audi,
cars,
news,
sports cars
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