Kamis, 27 November 2008

PPI Razor GTR: Supercharged Audi R8 with 580HP to Debut in Essen

PPI Razor GTR: Supercharged Audi R8 with 580HP to Debut in Essen


If you’re searching for one of the most extreme Audi R8s around, then look no further than to PPI Automotive. The German tuner has announced that it will unveil the production version of last year’s wild R8 RAZOR concept at the upcoming Essen Motorshow (29 November to 7 December). The Audi specialist turned its focus on increasing performance, improving handling dynamics, and reducing the weight of the R8. The result is the Razor GTR that will be produced in a limited number of units.
Under-the-hood changes involve the addition of a specially engineered supercharger to the Audi R8’s stock 4.2-liter V8 engine. In addition, a ram-charged sport air filter system and a high performance exhaust system made of stainless steel have been designed and added specifically to work in conjunction with the supercharger system. The result, after these modifications, is an output of 580HP at 7,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 600 Nm at 6,200 rpm.... << Read More >>

Speed Vs Luxurious Cars

Euro NCAP Crash Test Results: MiTo, Fiesta, Ka, Insingia, Accord, 308CC and More

Euro NCAP Crash Test Results: MiTo, Fiesta, Ka, Insingia, Accord, 308CC and More




Unsurprisingly, of the twelve vehicles whose crash test results were released today by Euro NCAP, eight of them were awarded with a maximum of five stars. Euro NCAP's top scorers for adult occupant protection in this release were the Alfa Romeo Mito, Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 308CC, Volkswagen Golf VI, Renault Megane, Honda Accord, Opel Insignia and the Volvo XC60. Oddly enough, and even though the new Ford Ka shares the same platform and mechanics with the Fiat 500 which has obtained a five-star rating, Ford's mini was awarded with four stars.



Even worse for Ford, the Ranger pickup received a two star rating for adult occupant protection, with Euro NCAP stating that the result "underlines the lack of emphasis given by most manufacturers to the safety of cars in this category". However, we must note that Ford's new Fiesta hatchback managed to pull out a three-star rating from a maximum of four stars in pedestrian protection which is one of the highest scores in this test.

As for the Renault group's Dacia Sandero, fitted with the basic level of equipment it scored a mediocre three stars in adult occupant protection whilst the car with the optional safety pack, scored the equivalent of four stars - apparently the Renault Group's focus in safety begins and ends with the Renault and Nissan vehicles.

Euro NCAP believes that this is probably the last time we see so many manufacturers achieving five-star scores as it will introduce a revised rating system in February next year that will include a single overall star rating rather than the current system of three categories.

Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General of Euro NCAP says: "It is clear that Euro NCAP's new rating scheme in 2009 will offer a more discriminating view of the overall safety performance of today's best-selling vehicles and give customers the opportunity to prioritize and maximize the safety options on their vehicles."

2010 Ford Mustang Coupe and Convertible: Early Reveal with 73 High-Res Photos & Brochure

2010 Ford Mustang Coupe and Convertible: Early Reveal with 73 High-Res Photos & Brochure



Even though the 2010 Mustang was supposed to be revealed on Tuesday, November 18, Ford itself seems to have semi-broken the embargo by letting out the first official photos on its dedicated micro-site. Half an hour later, 50 or so high-resolution images as well as the press release found their way into the net. Apparently FoMoCo has some sort of "democratic" system where it selectively chooses media outlets, magazines and blogs to hand out official info and photos well before it publishes them on its media site...

But anyway, time to see what the new Mustang is all about. First of all, the American automaker has revamped the Mustang's exterior design in an evolutionary style. FoMoCo claims that the exterior sheet metal, except for the fast-back roofline, is all new for 2010 model. Overall, the new 'Stang looks more aggressive (in an Aston Martin Vantage sort of way) and more contemporary than its predecessor. And yes, we do like what we see in the pictures.

"We understand Mustang's heritage and iconic status it has in the world and as a symbol of Americana," said Peter Horbury, Ford's North American executive director of Design. "We wanted to create a face that is more muscular but unquestionably, unequivocally Mustang and carry that spirit through to the entire car."

Like the exterior, the interior has been redesigned from the ground up with Ford promising that the 2010 Mustang features "world-class materials and execution". In other words, Ford that it has replaced the cheap and hard plastics of the current generation model with upgraded, soft touch materials.

"That's the difference between good enough and exceptional," said Gary Morales, Interior Design manager. "We wouldn't accept anything less than leadership design and world-class craftsmanship."

Judging from the photographs, Ford seems to have done a nice job overall in modernizing the dashboard though the center console does appear somewhat empty and out of place design-wise. However, tech-fans will be pleased to know that the center stack adds the latest version of Ford's SYNC while they can also customize their ambient and instrument lighting through the "My Color system", which features no less than 125 color options.

Underneath the skin, Ford's engineers have retuned the 2009 Mustang's suspension and reworked the GT's 4.6-liter V8 engine which benefits from the changes first seen on the Bullitt delivering 315HP and 325 lb-ft of torque. For the 2010 model, the entry-level 4.0-liter V6 engine remains unchanged producing a pathetic -for a 21st century car- 210HP and 240 lb-ft of torque.

"All of the Bullitt elements are the base foundation of the GT," said Randle, noting engine and chassis improvements. "We also applied some improvements gained from Mustang racing. We're learning constantly and always giving that to the customer on the base car."

"We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience," adds Mustang Vehicle Engineering manager Tom Barnes. "The 2010 Mustangs feel more controlled for steering and handling, yet retain a good ride balance."

The new 'Stang is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2009 where it will be available in three body styles, coupe, convertible and with a glass roof option.


Senin, 24 November 2008

Only in Dubai: 24k Gold Plated Toyota Camry

Only in Dubai: 24k Gold Plated Toyota Camry


With all that money floating around it’s no wonder that Dubai is turning into the capital of bling-bling in the automotive sector. While not as excessive as the gold-plated Porsche 911 Cabriolet in Russia, this 2007 Toyota Camry that’s adorned in 24k gold accessories deserves a place on our list with the worst crimes committed against cars. If by any twisted chance you’re interested, the gold Camry is up for sale in Dubai for 135,000 AED which is about $36,800 or €23,700.







Jumat, 21 November 2008

2008 Honda S2000 CR 6-Spd MT

2008 Honda S2000 CR 6-Spd MT


Standard Features: Mechanical Features

Transmission
  • 6-Speed Manual Transmission With Overdrive
Steering
  • Electric Power Vehicle Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
Suspension
  • Independent Double Wishbone Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Shock Absorbers
  • Independent Double Wishbone Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Shock Absorbers
  • 27-mm Rear Stabilizer Bar
Electrical
  • Front Power Outlet
  • Battery
  • Drive-By-Wire(TM) Drive-By-Wire Control For Throttle

2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Convertible

2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Convertible



Standard Features: Mechanical Features

Transmission
  • 5-Speed Manual Transmission With Overdrive
Steering
  • Power Rack and Pinion Steering
  • Tilt Steering Column
Suspension
  • Independent Double Wishbone Front Suspension With Springs, Bilstein(R) Mono Tubed Shock Absorbers and Performance Ride Type
  • Independent Double Wishbone Rear Suspension With Springs, Bilstein(R) Mono Tubed Shock Absorbers and Performance Ride Type
  • 25-mm Rear Stabilizer Bar
Electrical
  • Front Power Outlet
  • Battery Saver
  • 12-Volt Battery
  • Drive-By-Wire Control For Throttle

Honda to Shut Down U.K. Plant for Two Months, Reduce Production in Japan

Honda to Shut Down U.K. Plant for Two Months, Reduce Production in Japan



Sliding sales have prompted Honda to idle its British plant in Swindon for two months in February and March as part of a global production cutback that it has announced 'in response to a dramatic change in the global automobile market'. The Swindon shutdown will mean that Honda will produce 21,000 fewer vehicles at the Wiltshire plant that builds CR-V models alongside European Civics. The plant's 4,800 employees will be laid off for the two month duration of the closure, although the company said that they will continue to receive basic pay. Honda also announced on Friday that it will reduce output at one of its Japanese factories by a further 40,000 vehicles.

Kamis, 20 November 2008

Nissan Maxima Modded Into a BMW 7-Series!

Nissan Maxima Modded Into a BMW 7-Series!



As much as we would like to believe that we always know why people do the things they do, fact is that sometimes we don't have even the slightest idea. Take this monstrously modified Nissan Maxima for example. It's as if the owner of the Kuwaiti licensed plate vehicle went into an automotive supermarket randomly picking out accessories and parts for the mix. Here's a shortlist of his "groceries": BMW 7-Series fascia, BMW M3-like front bumper, Lamborghini style front scissor doors, two-part hood, gullwing rear doors and a Supra-like rear wing are just a few of the countless items that he added to the poor Maxima. What can we say...