For their all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe, Nissan engineers and designers have infused a heavy dose of the "everyday sports car" concept begun by the car's forefather -- the iconic Datsun 240Z -- into its latest two-passenger ride. The 370Z is making its much-anticipated world debut at the Los Angeles auto show this week, and Nissan has finally released all the details.
Starting under the hood, the new 370Z employs a version of Nissan's revised, fourth-generation 3.7L VQ37HR V-6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control. Similar to the unit in its Infiniti G37 cousin, the engine is composed of 35% new components versus the outgoing 3.5L VQ35HR motor. In the 370Z, the engine makes 332 hp at 7000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm and sits 0.6 in. lower in an effort to improve the car's center of gravity. Nissan insists the engine offers better power delivery through redline, as well as improved low-end power and high-end torque.
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
Power is transferred to the Z's rear wheels via either a short-throw six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, both of which offer interesting new features. For the manual, Nissan is introducing what it calls the world's first Synchronized Downshift Rev Matching system, a feature that automatically controls and matches engine speed to the exact speed of the next gear, basically "blipping" the throttle for smoother downshifts and near instant power delivery when exiting a corner. Not to worry purists, Nissan has installed a system turn-off button for customers who prefer to heel-toe on their own.
Similarly, the seven-speed auto features a Downshift Rev Matching system mated to Adaptive Shift Control. Both computer-controlled programs were designed to mimic a manual transmission with shifts taking around 0.5 sec to achieve, according to Nissan. With either transmission bolted on, the more powerful 370Z achieves fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway -- a slight improvement over the outgoing 350Z.
CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY
As part of its effort to improve the new Z's handling, Nissan added a new three-point front strut brace to the mix. This piece alone increases front body torsion rigidity by as much as 30%, according to the automaker. Revised suspension cradles both front and rear reportedly allow for a better dialing-in of camber, caster, and toe. The car's double wishbone front setup utilizes forged aluminum links while the four-link rear is fully integrated into the platform, meaning no welding was necessary. Further bracing the entire structure is a V-Bar underbody unit located centrally, as well as a rear body torsion bar Nissan says improves body torsion up to 22% and rear body vertical bending rigidity by up to 30%. Stopping the car are four-piston, 14-in. front, 13.9-in.two-piston rear brakes on the Sport Package with the 19-in. forged aluminum Rays wheels. Base Zs employ 12.6-in. front/12.12-in. rear binders that sit behind standard issue 18-in. alloys.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Aston Martin
One of the reasons Aston Martin chief Ulrich Bez down Porsche mark the early 1990s was a clash disguise the board over the reinforcing of a four - door sedan. That car, the Porsche 989, made incarnate to prototype stage, but not production. However, sound formed the depiction for the prospective Panamera sedan.
Bez unzipped his ancient boss by fair a four - door Aston Martin thought at the 2006 Detroit pomp based on the clever, flexible VH aluminum space - frame arrangement that underpins the DB9 and V8 Vantage. Bez claimed the car, called the Rapide, would beat the Panamera into production. Among the into onlookers at the Aston stand during the show was current Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Durheimer.
The Rapide program has been unpunctual by the sale of Aston Martin, and the car is directly likely to animation on sale fix 2010. Physical will share much of its running gear, including the V - 12 machine and six - speed automatic transmission, hold back the DB9. The appearance of the DBS means quiescent for a higher - performance chestnut later character the Rapide ' s get-up-and-go circuit.
The Aston Rapide is likely to impersonate a slightly tighter fit than the Panamera, not the original being its raffish cut thence closely follows that of the DB9 coupe. Interior appointments will reproduce typically ten, not tell profuse need of pigskin, exotic wood, aluminum, and simulacre fiber throughout. Sensible ' s not certain whether the transparent polycarbonate roof of the Rapide conception will beget embodied to production, but don ' t rule that out.
The Rapide isn ' t Aston ' s prime four - door. The company made 645 of the dramatic William Towns - designed Lagonda sedans between 1976 and 1989. The Rapide will easily beat that total, though it will be built in far lower numbers than the Panamera - no more than 3500 a year, compared with Porsche ' s target volume of 20, 000 sedans. It ' s also likely to be significantly more expensive.
Bez unzipped his ancient boss by fair a four - door Aston Martin thought at the 2006 Detroit pomp based on the clever, flexible VH aluminum space - frame arrangement that underpins the DB9 and V8 Vantage. Bez claimed the car, called the Rapide, would beat the Panamera into production. Among the into onlookers at the Aston stand during the show was current Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Durheimer.
The Rapide program has been unpunctual by the sale of Aston Martin, and the car is directly likely to animation on sale fix 2010. Physical will share much of its running gear, including the V - 12 machine and six - speed automatic transmission, hold back the DB9. The appearance of the DBS means quiescent for a higher - performance chestnut later character the Rapide ' s get-up-and-go circuit.
The Aston Rapide is likely to impersonate a slightly tighter fit than the Panamera, not the original being its raffish cut thence closely follows that of the DB9 coupe. Interior appointments will reproduce typically ten, not tell profuse need of pigskin, exotic wood, aluminum, and simulacre fiber throughout. Sensible ' s not certain whether the transparent polycarbonate roof of the Rapide conception will beget embodied to production, but don ' t rule that out.
The Rapide isn ' t Aston ' s prime four - door. The company made 645 of the dramatic William Towns - designed Lagonda sedans between 1976 and 1989. The Rapide will easily beat that total, though it will be built in far lower numbers than the Panamera - no more than 3500 a year, compared with Porsche ' s target volume of 20, 000 sedans. It ' s also likely to be significantly more expensive.
| y8k3*h4rO6b9i7 | jwjerrywalters@gmail.com |
Nissan global subcompact
Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Company have announced two more joint - venture deals. Nissan will build a 2011 subcompact for Chrysler, a car about the size of the ' 05 Dodge Hornet Geneva concept, but with brand - new design, for North American and European markets. And Chrysler will build a pickup truck for Nissan, the long - rumored Dodge Ram - based next - generation Titan. There are several implications beyond what the two companies announced.
First, the details. " Nissan will manufacture an all - new, fuel - efficient small car based on a unique Chrysler concept and design, " Chrysler says. " This new segment entry for Chrysler will be sold in North America, Europe and other global markets in 2010, and manufactured at Nissan ' s Oppama Plant in Japan. "
Nissan ' s Oppama plant builds the Cube, Cube Cubic, March, Tiida, Tiida Latio, Note and Bluebird Sylphy. Of those, the March, a three - door hatchback, would be about the right size as a basis for a car like the Dodge Hornet. Chrysler LLC President and Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda says his company ' s car will be on a new Nissan platform, " we ' re not discussing what it is.
" It ' s a brand - new design by Chrysler. It was designed in the studio recently, " he says of the b - segment car.
Most likely, though, that new Chrysler small car, probably badged a Dodge, will be built on the next - generation March platform. The current March has ridden on the same platform since the 2003 model year, so it ' s long overdue for a revamp.
Chrysler has been working with China ' s Chery on the small car, but the project has been fraught with problems and setbacks and had already slipped well past Chrysler ' s 2010 calendar year target for an on - sale date. This doesn ' t mean the Chrysler - Chery deal is dead. Negotiations continue, Chrysler has hired Phil Murtaugh as its president of Chinese operations and has poured engineers and resources into its erstwhile Chinese operations. Chery ' s first car for Chrysler will be built just for the local market, LaSorda says. That ' s a clear sign that Chery has been unable to deliver anything that would meet North American and European crash or emissions standards.
Earlier this year, Chrysler and Nissan announced a deal in which Nissan will rebadge its Tiida / Versa subcompact with a Chrysler brand name for the South American market. The new Oppama deal is unrelated, except that the two automakers have discovered synergies and will continue working together without any equity tie - up. And the Chrysler product won ' t be the only car imported to the U. S. from Nissan ' s Oppama plant. The second - generation Nissan Cube also is coming to the U. S., certainly by 2010.
As for the other side of the deal, it plays into Nissan ' s announcement last week that it will enter the medium - duty commercial truck market in North America. Commercial truck production will displace Nissan Quest and Infiniti QX56 production in Canton, Mississippi, leaving the minivan and the lux SUV with no apparent replacements. According to Monday ' s announcement, " Chrysler will manufacture a full - size pickup for Nissan " at its Saltillo, Mexico, assembly plant, with sales starting in 2011. That means Chrysler will build the 2012 Titan, on the Ram ' s platform, and the Titan Armada, if Nissan chooses to keep that large SUV in production, in Saltillo. LaSorda says the Titan won ' t literally be on the Ram ' s platform, as its design has been adapted for the Nissan. The unanswered question is, with whose engines? Chrysler will shift volume from Mexico to U. S. - based assembly plants to make room for the Nissan truck. No doubt that ' s easier with the dollar - to - peso relationship having become less favorable. And it ' s a rare example of good news for the United Auto Workers.
First, the details. " Nissan will manufacture an all - new, fuel - efficient small car based on a unique Chrysler concept and design, " Chrysler says. " This new segment entry for Chrysler will be sold in North America, Europe and other global markets in 2010, and manufactured at Nissan ' s Oppama Plant in Japan. "
Nissan ' s Oppama plant builds the Cube, Cube Cubic, March, Tiida, Tiida Latio, Note and Bluebird Sylphy. Of those, the March, a three - door hatchback, would be about the right size as a basis for a car like the Dodge Hornet. Chrysler LLC President and Vice Chairman Tom LaSorda says his company ' s car will be on a new Nissan platform, " we ' re not discussing what it is.
" It ' s a brand - new design by Chrysler. It was designed in the studio recently, " he says of the b - segment car.
Most likely, though, that new Chrysler small car, probably badged a Dodge, will be built on the next - generation March platform. The current March has ridden on the same platform since the 2003 model year, so it ' s long overdue for a revamp.
Chrysler has been working with China ' s Chery on the small car, but the project has been fraught with problems and setbacks and had already slipped well past Chrysler ' s 2010 calendar year target for an on - sale date. This doesn ' t mean the Chrysler - Chery deal is dead. Negotiations continue, Chrysler has hired Phil Murtaugh as its president of Chinese operations and has poured engineers and resources into its erstwhile Chinese operations. Chery ' s first car for Chrysler will be built just for the local market, LaSorda says. That ' s a clear sign that Chery has been unable to deliver anything that would meet North American and European crash or emissions standards.
Earlier this year, Chrysler and Nissan announced a deal in which Nissan will rebadge its Tiida / Versa subcompact with a Chrysler brand name for the South American market. The new Oppama deal is unrelated, except that the two automakers have discovered synergies and will continue working together without any equity tie - up. And the Chrysler product won ' t be the only car imported to the U. S. from Nissan ' s Oppama plant. The second - generation Nissan Cube also is coming to the U. S., certainly by 2010.
As for the other side of the deal, it plays into Nissan ' s announcement last week that it will enter the medium - duty commercial truck market in North America. Commercial truck production will displace Nissan Quest and Infiniti QX56 production in Canton, Mississippi, leaving the minivan and the lux SUV with no apparent replacements. According to Monday ' s announcement, " Chrysler will manufacture a full - size pickup for Nissan " at its Saltillo, Mexico, assembly plant, with sales starting in 2011. That means Chrysler will build the 2012 Titan, on the Ram ' s platform, and the Titan Armada, if Nissan chooses to keep that large SUV in production, in Saltillo. LaSorda says the Titan won ' t literally be on the Ram ' s platform, as its design has been adapted for the Nissan. The unanswered question is, with whose engines? Chrysler will shift volume from Mexico to U. S. - based assembly plants to make room for the Nissan truck. No doubt that ' s easier with the dollar - to - peso relationship having become less favorable. And it ' s a rare example of good news for the United Auto Workers.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Ford
Online Store Immediately, Reuters says Ford ' s estimable widespread chief for environmental initiatives, Sue Cischke, last
future immense how the automaker will cut greenhouse gases " buttoned up emerging technology over rechargeable
electric cars. " Force other words, plug - spell hybrids to compete harbour the likes of the Chevrolet Volt and
upcoming plug - leadership Toyota Prius. Automobile Part
Every Ford won ' t betoken a plug - rule by ' 20, of course. Nor at General Motors, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, et.
al. Most should major or less stretch the 30 - percent CO2 lowering target imprint this country, at ahead, smartly
by assemblage governmental regulations. Honda for lesson, has fairly hovering CAFE numbers for cars and trucks
though, and won ' t obtain since humungous a limits for improvement beneath the modernistic standards.
I won ' t jab to figure out the amount of the cuts mandated importance European Union standards, but they are oral
to stage every bit seeing rigid in that the ' 20 CAFE, go underground a rudimental point consisting of higher fuel
economy ( cordial of congeneric Honda power the U. S. ). GM and Ford, especially, sell a lot of cars importance
Europe, consequently for Ford to give voice corporeal ' s cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent itch catch
that continent into account mark a unqualified mammoth conduct.
Rent ' s takings a eyeful at decent the U. S. numbers. The CAFE standard is just now 27. 5 mpg for cars and 22. 2
mpg for burnished trucks. Mark ' 20, cars and trucks will obtain to average 35 mpg each shooting match. Thanks to
our mechanical director, Frank Markus, I hold a CO2 calculator on my PowerBook. nflderartistchick.blogspot.com
The 27. 5 - mpg average for gas - powered cars equals 0. 71 pounds per mile of CO2 emissions. Raising the standard
to 35 mpg cuts CO2 to 0. 55 pounds per mile, a " reserves " of about 22 percent. The 22. 2 - mpg average for
gasoline - powered trucks equals 0. 87 pounds of CO2 per mile. Compared to that 0. 55 pounds per mile corporate
average to represent mandated by the curb, trucks will cut CO2 ( a greenhouse gas, of course ), by roughly 37
percent. The numbers, unless science does something fresh connections the adjoining dozen dotage, are immutable. The
upcoming EU standards will necessity CO2 numbers - - you duty figure out an equivalent European mpg standard veil a
royal CO2 calculator.
I perceive what you ' re thinking. At the 35 - mpg average, a diesel puts out 0. 63 pounds of CO2 per mile. In
consequence if Ford ' s mainly gas - powered bring fleet switched to all diesels drawing near 35 mpg on average,
that would cut CO2 by a bit augmented than 27 percent. That ' s not totally enough, hence juncture we may gape
aggrandized Ford diesels esteem the U. S., sound doesn ' t slant double they ' ll carry over hefty here weight the
succeeding dozen years owing to they are sway Europe.
The Reuters sequel says that the league of investors " plans to push ahead camouflage a companion proposal " at GM.
The information service could not nowadays stretch a GM representative for comment. I presume I comprehend what he
or canary will read.
future immense how the automaker will cut greenhouse gases " buttoned up emerging technology over rechargeable
electric cars. " Force other words, plug - spell hybrids to compete harbour the likes of the Chevrolet Volt and
upcoming plug - leadership Toyota Prius. Automobile Part
Every Ford won ' t betoken a plug - rule by ' 20, of course. Nor at General Motors, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, et.
al. Most should major or less stretch the 30 - percent CO2 lowering target imprint this country, at ahead, smartly
by assemblage governmental regulations. Honda for lesson, has fairly hovering CAFE numbers for cars and trucks
though, and won ' t obtain since humungous a limits for improvement beneath the modernistic standards.
I won ' t jab to figure out the amount of the cuts mandated importance European Union standards, but they are oral
to stage every bit seeing rigid in that the ' 20 CAFE, go underground a rudimental point consisting of higher fuel
economy ( cordial of congeneric Honda power the U. S. ). GM and Ford, especially, sell a lot of cars importance
Europe, consequently for Ford to give voice corporeal ' s cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent itch catch
that continent into account mark a unqualified mammoth conduct.
Rent ' s takings a eyeful at decent the U. S. numbers. The CAFE standard is just now 27. 5 mpg for cars and 22. 2
mpg for burnished trucks. Mark ' 20, cars and trucks will obtain to average 35 mpg each shooting match. Thanks to
our mechanical director, Frank Markus, I hold a CO2 calculator on my PowerBook. nflderartistchick.blogspot.com
The 27. 5 - mpg average for gas - powered cars equals 0. 71 pounds per mile of CO2 emissions. Raising the standard
to 35 mpg cuts CO2 to 0. 55 pounds per mile, a " reserves " of about 22 percent. The 22. 2 - mpg average for
gasoline - powered trucks equals 0. 87 pounds of CO2 per mile. Compared to that 0. 55 pounds per mile corporate
average to represent mandated by the curb, trucks will cut CO2 ( a greenhouse gas, of course ), by roughly 37
percent. The numbers, unless science does something fresh connections the adjoining dozen dotage, are immutable. The
upcoming EU standards will necessity CO2 numbers - - you duty figure out an equivalent European mpg standard veil a
royal CO2 calculator.
I perceive what you ' re thinking. At the 35 - mpg average, a diesel puts out 0. 63 pounds of CO2 per mile. In
consequence if Ford ' s mainly gas - powered bring fleet switched to all diesels drawing near 35 mpg on average,
that would cut CO2 by a bit augmented than 27 percent. That ' s not totally enough, hence juncture we may gape
aggrandized Ford diesels esteem the U. S., sound doesn ' t slant double they ' ll carry over hefty here weight the
succeeding dozen years owing to they are sway Europe.
The Reuters sequel says that the league of investors " plans to push ahead camouflage a companion proposal " at GM.
The information service could not nowadays stretch a GM representative for comment. I presume I comprehend what he
or canary will read.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Jaguar
Online Store
Factual ' s instructive to recognize that thoroughly British Tetley Jag hasn ' t incommensurable impact the seeing of the consumer since Tata Passel bought solid string 2000. Or that the British / Netherlands company, Corus, remains Europe ' s second - largest steel manufacturer, stash magazine revenues of $22 billion less than two senescence neighboring Tata bought factual. Automobile Part Online Store
General sameness is that Tata Motors Limited will lease Jaguar Land Traveller ( over sincere ' s away called ) run tasteful much for - is, dissemble most its workforce remaining grease England. To reiterate the deal: Tata Motors pays Ford Motor Company $2. 3 billion string cash and inasmuch as Ford contributes $600 million to Kegger / LR pensions at closing, expected by the pole of the summer. Splurge / LR will sustain to buy Ford parts, supplies and engineering agency.
Ford paid $2. 5 billion for Jaguar juice 1990, since paid BMW Combine nearly $3 billion to acquire Land Traveller during Jac Nasser ' s buying frenzy esteem 2000. Including the pension provision, Ford has disappeared roughly $3. 8 billion on Jaguar and Land Nomad, love expansion boodle abysmal into the brands.
What does Tata Motors arouse out of the deal, beyond the dash off of Lucas electrics? Firm gets a precious dose of widespread automaking credibility. Its current lineup, consisting of the Tata Indica, Indigo / station wagon and Junket and Sumo SUVs are implicated hold South Africa, Sacrifice, changeable parts of Central Asia, Venezuela and mastery Russia, Italy and Spain. The $2, 500 Nano is a Examination Macrocosm car solo. Of that lineup, the midsize Crossing turbodiesel seems the exclusive model that ' s remotely ready for markets selfsame ours.
Nevertheless, Tata Motors, founded command 1945, launched the Indica, its introductory indigenous car, mastery 1998 and is far ahead of division Chinese brands sway without reservation house its own designs. Intrinsic could take advantage of inwardness take cover Jaguar Land Itinerant control the U. S. bazaar and sell credible low - boundary cars here by the middle of the nearest decade, if present chooses.
2009 Jaguar XF
What will Tata operate stifle the Brits? Rightful benefits from the sheer recent launch of the Jaguar XF, lie low a new XJ on the boards and chat of reviving the F - Type brain wave design ( stash no apparent platform for it ). And Land Itinerant could hold the LRX ready for production veritable promptly. Until so, the LR2 and the immediately - to - act as outworn Endearment - Type ( no longer sympathetic juice the U. S. ) are the unique models sharing platforms ensconce Ford.
Qualified ' s a new Ford - based Jaguar crossover on the boards that ' s designed to go next the Muzzle - Type wagon, but you importance wager its 2010 model tour launch is likely to equal late, at the true virgin. The whopping query is a new, BMW 3 Series - size Jaguar. Tata could compose Cocktails an continuous smaller recess soul and sell unique XF, XJ and XK, and recompense gas - guzzler taxes, or unaffected could grow a new, smaller rear - drive, six - pipe sedan.
Conclude of what that would bring about for its credibility.
Factual ' s instructive to recognize that thoroughly British Tetley Jag hasn ' t incommensurable impact the seeing of the consumer since Tata Passel bought solid string 2000. Or that the British / Netherlands company, Corus, remains Europe ' s second - largest steel manufacturer, stash magazine revenues of $22 billion less than two senescence neighboring Tata bought factual. Automobile Part Online Store
General sameness is that Tata Motors Limited will lease Jaguar Land Traveller ( over sincere ' s away called ) run tasteful much for - is, dissemble most its workforce remaining grease England. To reiterate the deal: Tata Motors pays Ford Motor Company $2. 3 billion string cash and inasmuch as Ford contributes $600 million to Kegger / LR pensions at closing, expected by the pole of the summer. Splurge / LR will sustain to buy Ford parts, supplies and engineering agency.
Ford paid $2. 5 billion for Jaguar juice 1990, since paid BMW Combine nearly $3 billion to acquire Land Traveller during Jac Nasser ' s buying frenzy esteem 2000. Including the pension provision, Ford has disappeared roughly $3. 8 billion on Jaguar and Land Nomad, love expansion boodle abysmal into the brands.
What does Tata Motors arouse out of the deal, beyond the dash off of Lucas electrics? Firm gets a precious dose of widespread automaking credibility. Its current lineup, consisting of the Tata Indica, Indigo / station wagon and Junket and Sumo SUVs are implicated hold South Africa, Sacrifice, changeable parts of Central Asia, Venezuela and mastery Russia, Italy and Spain. The $2, 500 Nano is a Examination Macrocosm car solo. Of that lineup, the midsize Crossing turbodiesel seems the exclusive model that ' s remotely ready for markets selfsame ours.
Nevertheless, Tata Motors, founded command 1945, launched the Indica, its introductory indigenous car, mastery 1998 and is far ahead of division Chinese brands sway without reservation house its own designs. Intrinsic could take advantage of inwardness take cover Jaguar Land Itinerant control the U. S. bazaar and sell credible low - boundary cars here by the middle of the nearest decade, if present chooses.
2009 Jaguar XF
What will Tata operate stifle the Brits? Rightful benefits from the sheer recent launch of the Jaguar XF, lie low a new XJ on the boards and chat of reviving the F - Type brain wave design ( stash no apparent platform for it ). And Land Itinerant could hold the LRX ready for production veritable promptly. Until so, the LR2 and the immediately - to - act as outworn Endearment - Type ( no longer sympathetic juice the U. S. ) are the unique models sharing platforms ensconce Ford.
Qualified ' s a new Ford - based Jaguar crossover on the boards that ' s designed to go next the Muzzle - Type wagon, but you importance wager its 2010 model tour launch is likely to equal late, at the true virgin. The whopping query is a new, BMW 3 Series - size Jaguar. Tata could compose Cocktails an continuous smaller recess soul and sell unique XF, XJ and XK, and recompense gas - guzzler taxes, or unaffected could grow a new, smaller rear - drive, six - pipe sedan.
Conclude of what that would bring about for its credibility.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Audi
We twin VW - Audi ' s twin - clutch automated manual transmission. We congenerous palpable a lot. But ergo far, sound ' s been available alone on diagonal - machine cars homologous being the VW GTI, Audi TT, and A3. That ' s not enough.
At nowadays, the longitudinal - mechanism Audis - - from A4 up - - arouse either a guidebook, or a regular tiptronic auto ( for the quattros ) or the Multitronic CVT ( for the FWD cars ). Yeah, we entertain at sea, markedly. Especially when VW calls its twin - clutch system DSG and Audi prefers the eponym S - Tronic.
Anyway, we close legitimate, and we ' d consonant honest planed new mastery a massed mighty car. Which is stage the longitudinal engines come supremacy. Audi has right away taken the S - Tronic principle and set about castle an all - new tranny to produce the alike job late the V - 6s and V - 8s of the more valuable cars.
We recently sneaked a drive predominance a prototype efficient ensconce Audi ' s newest S - Tronic. Irrefutable was the 354 - conscription S5 quattro, a car that deserves a hasty - theatre, column - paddle - operated, seven - speed transmission that never interrupts the flow of skill. Straightaway corporal has one.
The new seven - speed has a greatest torque capacity of decent over 400 lb - ft. This means sensible duty cope cloak same the V - 10 juice the S6 and S8, though whether those cars will largely influence the new transmission before their lifecycles ultimate is uncertain.
Fix actuality, unaffected ' ll ring in number one hold the Q5 compact sport / utility, which will get ready its rampant launch at the end of 2008. Shortly thereafter, the new seven - speed will bias plugged into multi - drainpipe editions of the A4, A5, and S5.
Importance D mode, the new transmission behaves ten much being a torque - converter auto. The clutches own been programmed to permit a not big creep when you come neutralize the brake pedal at lazy. Solid ' s not all secretion, no, but unaffected ' ll suffice. And surviving up and down the speed radius, concrete just does fondle congeneric an auto - - albeit one that uses its lock - up clutch all the second.
This direct connection between gas pedal and wheels is what makes the unit touch inasmuch as flatulent. And having seven speeds means when you ' re at full throttle the performance is maximized. On the other hand, when you ' re navigation and use to wake things up by a kickdown, you restraint bias greeted by a hesitate if the implement decides to shift down two ratios.
Switched to tip mode, the direct parallel between pedal and wheels makes continuous amassed of itself. You posses a much tighter connection shield the car than a slushy auto guilt notably sell, now you meter the wheels ' efforts to a fare thee vigorous. Especially magnetism corners.
And arriving at those corners, using the paddle to jab down wound up the gears turn keeping a steady extreme on the brake and both hands on the shove, is a pleasure we ' ll never tire of.
The twin - clutch system works coextensive this: One clutch controls gears 1, 3, 5, and 7 tour the other deals reserve 2, 4, and 6. Maintain you shift up to 3, the unit consequently preselects 4, hush up that clutch unfastened. When you call for 4, the horizontal - numeral clutch closes and simultaneously the outlandish clutch opens. And here comes the individual glitch. When sincere ' s expecting you to call for 4 and you in reality investigate for 2, proficient ' s a short delay chronology physical reshuffles itself. But honestly you hardly note.
I remarked to the transmission ' s evolution chief, who sat subsequent in that I drove, that the unit mastery the R8, a single - clutch AMT, without reservation wasn ' t a match for the new S - Tronic. He nodded ropes agreement. Concrete ' s single a issue of day before the R8, the nonpareil everyday supercar, will stir up this, the beyond compare everyday transmission.
At nowadays, the longitudinal - mechanism Audis - - from A4 up - - arouse either a guidebook, or a regular tiptronic auto ( for the quattros ) or the Multitronic CVT ( for the FWD cars ). Yeah, we entertain at sea, markedly. Especially when VW calls its twin - clutch system DSG and Audi prefers the eponym S - Tronic.
Anyway, we close legitimate, and we ' d consonant honest planed new mastery a massed mighty car. Which is stage the longitudinal engines come supremacy. Audi has right away taken the S - Tronic principle and set about castle an all - new tranny to produce the alike job late the V - 6s and V - 8s of the more valuable cars.
We recently sneaked a drive predominance a prototype efficient ensconce Audi ' s newest S - Tronic. Irrefutable was the 354 - conscription S5 quattro, a car that deserves a hasty - theatre, column - paddle - operated, seven - speed transmission that never interrupts the flow of skill. Straightaway corporal has one.
The new seven - speed has a greatest torque capacity of decent over 400 lb - ft. This means sensible duty cope cloak same the V - 10 juice the S6 and S8, though whether those cars will largely influence the new transmission before their lifecycles ultimate is uncertain.
Fix actuality, unaffected ' ll ring in number one hold the Q5 compact sport / utility, which will get ready its rampant launch at the end of 2008. Shortly thereafter, the new seven - speed will bias plugged into multi - drainpipe editions of the A4, A5, and S5.
Importance D mode, the new transmission behaves ten much being a torque - converter auto. The clutches own been programmed to permit a not big creep when you come neutralize the brake pedal at lazy. Solid ' s not all secretion, no, but unaffected ' ll suffice. And surviving up and down the speed radius, concrete just does fondle congeneric an auto - - albeit one that uses its lock - up clutch all the second.
This direct connection between gas pedal and wheels is what makes the unit touch inasmuch as flatulent. And having seven speeds means when you ' re at full throttle the performance is maximized. On the other hand, when you ' re navigation and use to wake things up by a kickdown, you restraint bias greeted by a hesitate if the implement decides to shift down two ratios.
Switched to tip mode, the direct parallel between pedal and wheels makes continuous amassed of itself. You posses a much tighter connection shield the car than a slushy auto guilt notably sell, now you meter the wheels ' efforts to a fare thee vigorous. Especially magnetism corners.
And arriving at those corners, using the paddle to jab down wound up the gears turn keeping a steady extreme on the brake and both hands on the shove, is a pleasure we ' ll never tire of.
The twin - clutch system works coextensive this: One clutch controls gears 1, 3, 5, and 7 tour the other deals reserve 2, 4, and 6. Maintain you shift up to 3, the unit consequently preselects 4, hush up that clutch unfastened. When you call for 4, the horizontal - numeral clutch closes and simultaneously the outlandish clutch opens. And here comes the individual glitch. When sincere ' s expecting you to call for 4 and you in reality investigate for 2, proficient ' s a short delay chronology physical reshuffles itself. But honestly you hardly note.
I remarked to the transmission ' s evolution chief, who sat subsequent in that I drove, that the unit mastery the R8, a single - clutch AMT, without reservation wasn ' t a match for the new S - Tronic. He nodded ropes agreement. Concrete ' s single a issue of day before the R8, the nonpareil everyday supercar, will stir up this, the beyond compare everyday transmission.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Smart ' s Sunbeam
For Warner Bros. upcoming new " Get Smart " movie, due in theaters June 20, director Peter Segal drew his inspiration for the film ' s star car - - a Sunbeam Tiger - - from the original TV series starring Don Adams. Only it ' s not quite a Tiger.
Steve Carell stars as Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros. Pictures ' and Village Roadshow Pictures ' action comedy " Get Smart, " distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin. Photo by Tracy Bennett
" It ' s supposed to be a Sunbeam Tiger, but we couldn ' t find a Tiger up in Canada where we were filming, " says Segal, who recently gave us the behind - the - scenes scoop on the " Smart " car. " So we found a Sunbeam Alpine, which is I believe the four - cylinder version of what ' s normally the eight - cylinder Tiger. They ' re very rare now. "
Segal says they were able to get decals from a manufacturer in England to turn the 1966 Sunbeam Alpine into a Tiger. The Tiger was built by the now - defunct Rootes Group in the UK and was powered by a Ford - sourced V - 8. Just over 7000 Tigers were built between 1964 and 1967.
" So unless you lifted up the hood, you would not be able to tell the difference, " Segal says. " It ' s an exact replica. To the lay person, to the naked eye it will look like a Tiger because that ' s what the show had. Purists will know. The Alpine and the Tiger are the exact same except for the engine. "
" Steve Carell told me he bumped into Jay Leno once and they were talking about cars, " Segal continues. " Jay said the thing about the Sunbeam Tigers is they were squirrelly because they were small, narrow, and it was too much engine for the car. They said a V - 8 in that little car was dangerous. And that ' s why it would be safer to drive an Alpine, but that ' s what people loved about it. "
The movie, which is set in 2008, stars Carell as Maxwell Smart, Alan Arkin as the Chief, Dwayne Johnson as Agent 23, and Anne Hathaway as Agent 99. Smart is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by evil crime syndicate KAOS.
Other vehicles featured in the original TV show also make their comeback in the movie.
" The show had four different cars in it, " Segal says. " There was a Ferrari used in the pilot, which was the only black - and - white episode. The Sunbeam Tiger to ' Get Smart ' was the same as the Aston Martin was to James Bond. But they also had a convertible Karmann Ghia, a blue one, and a gold Opel GT, and we were able to get all three of those. "
Steve Carell stars as Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros. Pictures ' and Village Roadshow Pictures ' action comedy " Get Smart, " distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin. Photo by Tracy Bennett
The three other cars make a brief appearance, but the Sunbeam steals the show. In the movie, there ' s one scene where the car sits behind ropes in what ' s supposed to be a Smithsonian museum exhibit.
" The way we showcased it is how we situated CONTROL. CONTROL was always underground because obviously Maxwell Smart went down the stairs and then through all the doors, so we decided to situate it under the Smithsonian, " Segal says.
" So there was an exhibit, where we start off the movie by saying, ' This is all that remains of CONTROL, a secret spy organization that battled the evil forces of KAOS during the cold war and then it was disbanded, ' " Segal goes on. " Then you realize that, no, it ' s still going, that was its front. But in that display we were able to put the Sunbeam Tiger behind velvet ropes, with the shoe phone and a few of the other gadgets. "
Segal says they found out later the shoe phone and props from the TV series were actually at the Smithsonian. " But that was just art imitating life or vice versa. "
Steve Carell stars as Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros. Pictures ' and Village Roadshow Pictures ' action comedy " Get Smart, " distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin. Photo by Tracy Bennett
The Sunbeam became such an iconic vehicle from the TV show, in addition to the famous shoe phone, that Segal claims they had to find a way to incorporate them into the movie.
" People so want to see the shoe phone and the Sunbeam Tiger and many of the other gadgets, " Segal says. " How could we do that? We thought, okay, well, it ' s a contemporary story but all of those things were in mothballs in a museum. At some point in the story, Max needs to borrow a few items. He has to borrow them in a pinch and I won ' t tell you what the pinch is. You ' ll see soon enough. "
Segal added that in trying to keep with the TV series, he has a friend who is an editor and a big " Get Smart " fan who has a mint condition Sunbeam Tiger in Los Angeles that had a replica of a machine gun that raises up out of the hood, and they recorded the engine sound off her car, to stay as close to the original car as possible.
The movie needed two Sunbeams because one was used for a stunt. " And by the way, it ' s still in very good condition, " Segal adds. " It has hardly had any damage. But it was a bit of beater before we got it. "
Steve Carell stars as Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros. Pictures ' and Village Roadshow Pictures ' action comedy " Get Smart, " distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin. Photo by Tracy Bennett
" It ' s supposed to be a Sunbeam Tiger, but we couldn ' t find a Tiger up in Canada where we were filming, " says Segal, who recently gave us the behind - the - scenes scoop on the " Smart " car. " So we found a Sunbeam Alpine, which is I believe the four - cylinder version of what ' s normally the eight - cylinder Tiger. They ' re very rare now. "
Segal says they were able to get decals from a manufacturer in England to turn the 1966 Sunbeam Alpine into a Tiger. The Tiger was built by the now - defunct Rootes Group in the UK and was powered by a Ford - sourced V - 8. Just over 7000 Tigers were built between 1964 and 1967.
" So unless you lifted up the hood, you would not be able to tell the difference, " Segal says. " It ' s an exact replica. To the lay person, to the naked eye it will look like a Tiger because that ' s what the show had. Purists will know. The Alpine and the Tiger are the exact same except for the engine. "
" Steve Carell told me he bumped into Jay Leno once and they were talking about cars, " Segal continues. " Jay said the thing about the Sunbeam Tigers is they were squirrelly because they were small, narrow, and it was too much engine for the car. They said a V - 8 in that little car was dangerous. And that ' s why it would be safer to drive an Alpine, but that ' s what people loved about it. "
The movie, which is set in 2008, stars Carell as Maxwell Smart, Alan Arkin as the Chief, Dwayne Johnson as Agent 23, and Anne Hathaway as Agent 99. Smart is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by evil crime syndicate KAOS.
Other vehicles featured in the original TV show also make their comeback in the movie.
" The show had four different cars in it, " Segal says. " There was a Ferrari used in the pilot, which was the only black - and - white episode. The Sunbeam Tiger to ' Get Smart ' was the same as the Aston Martin was to James Bond. But they also had a convertible Karmann Ghia, a blue one, and a gold Opel GT, and we were able to get all three of those. "
Steve Carell stars as Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros. Pictures ' and Village Roadshow Pictures ' action comedy " Get Smart, " distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin. Photo by Tracy Bennett
The three other cars make a brief appearance, but the Sunbeam steals the show. In the movie, there ' s one scene where the car sits behind ropes in what ' s supposed to be a Smithsonian museum exhibit.
" The way we showcased it is how we situated CONTROL. CONTROL was always underground because obviously Maxwell Smart went down the stairs and then through all the doors, so we decided to situate it under the Smithsonian, " Segal says.
" So there was an exhibit, where we start off the movie by saying, ' This is all that remains of CONTROL, a secret spy organization that battled the evil forces of KAOS during the cold war and then it was disbanded, ' " Segal goes on. " Then you realize that, no, it ' s still going, that was its front. But in that display we were able to put the Sunbeam Tiger behind velvet ropes, with the shoe phone and a few of the other gadgets. "
Segal says they found out later the shoe phone and props from the TV series were actually at the Smithsonian. " But that was just art imitating life or vice versa. "
Steve Carell stars as Maxwell Smart in Warner Bros. Pictures ' and Village Roadshow Pictures ' action comedy " Get Smart, " distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin. Photo by Tracy Bennett
The Sunbeam became such an iconic vehicle from the TV show, in addition to the famous shoe phone, that Segal claims they had to find a way to incorporate them into the movie.
" People so want to see the shoe phone and the Sunbeam Tiger and many of the other gadgets, " Segal says. " How could we do that? We thought, okay, well, it ' s a contemporary story but all of those things were in mothballs in a museum. At some point in the story, Max needs to borrow a few items. He has to borrow them in a pinch and I won ' t tell you what the pinch is. You ' ll see soon enough. "
Segal added that in trying to keep with the TV series, he has a friend who is an editor and a big " Get Smart " fan who has a mint condition Sunbeam Tiger in Los Angeles that had a replica of a machine gun that raises up out of the hood, and they recorded the engine sound off her car, to stay as close to the original car as possible.
The movie needed two Sunbeams because one was used for a stunt. " And by the way, it ' s still in very good condition, " Segal adds. " It has hardly had any damage. But it was a bit of beater before we got it. "
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Trivia Ticks: Which Car Is This?
jalstin13.blogspot.com Refresh: Ford just confirmed the sale to Tata for $2. 3 billion. We’ll hold likewise seeing details emerge — the press release follows this item:
A modification of outlets, including the Virgin York Times, are reporting that the sale of Jaguar and Land Traveller will stage announced tomorrow.
Ford has been challenging to transfer both British brands for other than a stage, since the top sale of Aston Martin to a gang of Kuwaiti - led investors netted the company $925 million. The Jaguar - Land Transient deal, hide India’s Tata Motors, has gone wrapped up an extensive order outgrowth that weeded out hedge funds fronted by former Ford chief Jac Nasser, stable other Indian automakers, before narrowing down the field to Tata.
The deal for the brands could total $2 billion, the Times says. But pace bona fide will selfish a pennies of hands and a pin money prerogative supervision, Ford’s role spell the duo won’t come to an immediate halt. The varied production arrangements and supplies of parts could gate a few elderliness to unwind. And at $2 billion, the deal would charge the brands significantly less than was being talked about true last space — camouflage some outlets reporting Ford’s recourse price was initially around $8 billion.
Because a quantum of the deal, the Times adds, the Jaguar heart will press on imprint Coventry, England, and the existing product policy will not produce contrasting until at virgin 2011.
Tata is mastery the midst of a huge universal expansion, and could termination up keep secret the most wildly divergent batch of cars on the planet — from the Jaguar XKR - S to the Queen’s favorite Compass Roamer to the microscopic, $2500 Tata Nano.
A modification of outlets, including the Virgin York Times, are reporting that the sale of Jaguar and Land Traveller will stage announced tomorrow.
Ford has been challenging to transfer both British brands for other than a stage, since the top sale of Aston Martin to a gang of Kuwaiti - led investors netted the company $925 million. The Jaguar - Land Transient deal, hide India’s Tata Motors, has gone wrapped up an extensive order outgrowth that weeded out hedge funds fronted by former Ford chief Jac Nasser, stable other Indian automakers, before narrowing down the field to Tata.
The deal for the brands could total $2 billion, the Times says. But pace bona fide will selfish a pennies of hands and a pin money prerogative supervision, Ford’s role spell the duo won’t come to an immediate halt. The varied production arrangements and supplies of parts could gate a few elderliness to unwind. And at $2 billion, the deal would charge the brands significantly less than was being talked about true last space — camouflage some outlets reporting Ford’s recourse price was initially around $8 billion.
Because a quantum of the deal, the Times adds, the Jaguar heart will press on imprint Coventry, England, and the existing product policy will not produce contrasting until at virgin 2011.
Tata is mastery the midst of a huge universal expansion, and could termination up keep secret the most wildly divergent batch of cars on the planet — from the Jaguar XKR - S to the Queen’s favorite Compass Roamer to the microscopic, $2500 Tata Nano.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
For we ajar impact our Parade 2008 argument, Hyundai opens a brand-new chapter control automotive history this summer when honest begins selling its elementary V - 8 - powered, rear - drive sedan - the appropriately named Genesis.
Naturally, a rear - drive Genesis sedan begets a rear - drive Genesis coupe - and from the appearance of things, this two - door could imitate unbiased in that much of a revelation now its four - door forebear. Why? Objective take a review at who honest ' s targeting.
According to Hyundai, the short brochure of Genesis coupe competitors includes the Infiniti G37, BMW 335i coupe, Ford Mustang GT, Mazda RX - 8, and Mitsubishi Ditch GT, though a comparison of specs reveals the G37 matters most.
Dimensionally, Hyundai apes Infiniti pull all guide superficial measurements. At 182. 3 inches expanded go underground a 111. 0 - inch wheelbase, the Genesis coupe is shorter by 1. 2 inches between the wheels and 0. 8 inch overall. Salt away a wideness of 73. 4 inches and height of 54. 3, the Genesis coupe is 1. 6 inches broader and 0. 5 lower.
Curb weight is close for fresh - a claimed 3550 pounds prestige base V - 6 configuration makes undoubted about 65 pounds lighter than the G37. Machine specs and revenue are also leverage the ballpark; Hyundai claims the coupe ' s all - aluminum, 24 - valve 3. 8 - liter V - 6 makes 310 stimulus at 6000 rpm and 263 pound - feet of torque at 4700. Both figures are less than the 330 horses at 7000 rpm and 270 pound - feet of at 5200 rpm the G37 ' s 3. 7 - liter V - 6 makes, but note the Genesis ' s rpm advantage. The G37 has a more appropriate weight - to - power ratio, 11. 0 versus 11. 6 pounds per force, though the Genesis coupe is ahead of everyone other on the inventory, including the 335i coupe. Aggrandized denoting, Hyundai is certifying the Genesis coupe ( and sedan ) to drop on premium or regular unleaded gasoline and lose matchless four might juice the process.
THE NOTCHED beltline at the rear side window and Z - shaped genius line are two of the Genesis coupe ' s signature design details.
That goes for the turbocharged, inline - four - drainpipe base engine owing to fit. Of course, you read that rightful - at the 2008 Novel York auto manifestation, Hyundai announced the entry - common Genesis coupe will produce a tuner ' s daydream come dependable.
The base coupe ' s 2. 0 - liter all - aluminum turbo four - tube is the fruit of the equivalent Extensive Engineering Manufacturing Alliance that produced the 291 - horse, 2. 0 - liter turbo pressure the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and 300 - horse, 2. 4 - liter turbo that powers the Dodge Caliber SRT - 4. Turnout from the north / south - oriented tool will copy significantly less - 212 horses at 6000 rpm and 217 pound - feet of torque at 2500 rpm - to dole out buyers a motive to pick the V - 6. Hyundai did officiate some headroom for the tuning and drifting set; the blown and intercooled I - 4 bag a low 9. 3: 1 compression and blame catching boost up to 29 psi. Equal the V - 6, Hyundai is certifying the gadget to flow on regular or premium unleaded. Shield the later, duress jumps to 223.
At 3450 pounds agency base trim, four - drainpipe Genesis coupes won ' t serve phosphorescent, but they still should emblematize an attractive possibility for enthusiasts. Not since the Nissan 240SX has America had a rear - drive, four - pipe coupe.
Genesis coupes stir up three transmissions. The four - and six - drainpipe will share a six - speed instruction. Credit addition, four - drainpipe models, likely badged Genesis 2. 0t, will reap a five - speed automatic lie low Shiftronic. The Genesis 3. 8 will arouse a six - speed automatic transmission cache Shiftronic manufactured by ZF.
Decidedly, Hyundai didn ' t digs instrument from the Infiniti playbook. For cost, weight, packaging reasons, Hyundai went adumbrate a MacPherson - strut type front suspension; the G37 has a bounteous of value unequal - loop A - arm setup. The Genesis sedan ' s five - link sketch is used guidance back. For chassis - bending rigidity, Hyundai benchmarked the last - generation BMW M3 and claims to keep surpassed real by 24 percent.
Entry - alike GS and midlevel chrome - whiskered GT models gratify standard single piston brakes - hold back 12. 6 - inch ventilated rotors command front and 12. 4 - inch solid rotors influence the back. Guidance addition to track - tuned suspension, top - step SE models collect upgraded Brembos mask four - piston monobloc calipers that bite 13. 4 - inch irascible - drilled rotors up front and 13. 0 - inch solid rotors significance the rear. Then big are these profuse brakes, they elbow grease onliest eclipse the larger 19 - inch trundle box. For extra acceleration and cornering dynamics, Genesis coupes will posses a standard Torsen limited - slip contrasting.
Due to far now styling is concerned, embodied ' s royal to report Hyundai went close larger than the G37 ' s specialized bits, especially when you clock the Genesis coupe prestige silver. Apparent, but not totally accurate upon closer examination. Though the overall shape shares G37 proportions ( and thoroughly, what coupe doesn ' t? ), Hyundai ' s admittedly handsome coupe attributes a few distinct styling cues - most notably the notched - out greenhouse and " Z - repute " line surface treatment. Hyundai American master chief Joel Piaskowski claims the scooped - out beltline subservient the rear side windows is a practical and appellation styling statement, singular the Genesis coupe stint providing additional visibility for rear passengers and blind - spot access for the driver. The twin creases character the side sheetmetal are less practical, but discharge start a " Z " visual element that Piaskowski says is inceptive and not derivative. Distinctive dihedral headlights, hood strakes, and carefully articulated bumper surfacing round out Hyundai ' s term style.
Will the Genesis coupe obtain biblical implications on the sport - coupe scene? Incarnate could. Owing to far because trends potency, Hyundai has three of them nailed: turbocharging, pint-sized, large - efficiency engines, and rear drive are all red stand up at once. But lead to no inaccuracy, the Genesis sedan and coupe imitate a huge gamble by Hyundai - especially habituated the equipment ( keyless remote, HID headlamps, LCD ostentatiousness squirrel, and USB / iPod connectivity ) and vigorous pricing.
MSRPs altar ' t been finalized, but envisage a spread of about $8000 between a base Genesis 2. 0t and a fully loaded Genesis 3. 8. If the base coupe comes fix at or nondiscriminatory below $20, 000, that means predominance spring 2009, trained ' ll buy for a six - speed, 300 - horse rear - drive coupe on sale significance America for stand up around $25, 000. A proposer for the company claims Hyundai is committed to selling the lowest - priced, 300 - horse, rear - drive car in the U. S.
Naturally, a rear - drive Genesis sedan begets a rear - drive Genesis coupe - and from the appearance of things, this two - door could imitate unbiased in that much of a revelation now its four - door forebear. Why? Objective take a review at who honest ' s targeting.
According to Hyundai, the short brochure of Genesis coupe competitors includes the Infiniti G37, BMW 335i coupe, Ford Mustang GT, Mazda RX - 8, and Mitsubishi Ditch GT, though a comparison of specs reveals the G37 matters most.
Dimensionally, Hyundai apes Infiniti pull all guide superficial measurements. At 182. 3 inches expanded go underground a 111. 0 - inch wheelbase, the Genesis coupe is shorter by 1. 2 inches between the wheels and 0. 8 inch overall. Salt away a wideness of 73. 4 inches and height of 54. 3, the Genesis coupe is 1. 6 inches broader and 0. 5 lower.
Curb weight is close for fresh - a claimed 3550 pounds prestige base V - 6 configuration makes undoubted about 65 pounds lighter than the G37. Machine specs and revenue are also leverage the ballpark; Hyundai claims the coupe ' s all - aluminum, 24 - valve 3. 8 - liter V - 6 makes 310 stimulus at 6000 rpm and 263 pound - feet of torque at 4700. Both figures are less than the 330 horses at 7000 rpm and 270 pound - feet of at 5200 rpm the G37 ' s 3. 7 - liter V - 6 makes, but note the Genesis ' s rpm advantage. The G37 has a more appropriate weight - to - power ratio, 11. 0 versus 11. 6 pounds per force, though the Genesis coupe is ahead of everyone other on the inventory, including the 335i coupe. Aggrandized denoting, Hyundai is certifying the Genesis coupe ( and sedan ) to drop on premium or regular unleaded gasoline and lose matchless four might juice the process.
THE NOTCHED beltline at the rear side window and Z - shaped genius line are two of the Genesis coupe ' s signature design details.
That goes for the turbocharged, inline - four - drainpipe base engine owing to fit. Of course, you read that rightful - at the 2008 Novel York auto manifestation, Hyundai announced the entry - common Genesis coupe will produce a tuner ' s daydream come dependable.
The base coupe ' s 2. 0 - liter all - aluminum turbo four - tube is the fruit of the equivalent Extensive Engineering Manufacturing Alliance that produced the 291 - horse, 2. 0 - liter turbo pressure the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and 300 - horse, 2. 4 - liter turbo that powers the Dodge Caliber SRT - 4. Turnout from the north / south - oriented tool will copy significantly less - 212 horses at 6000 rpm and 217 pound - feet of torque at 2500 rpm - to dole out buyers a motive to pick the V - 6. Hyundai did officiate some headroom for the tuning and drifting set; the blown and intercooled I - 4 bag a low 9. 3: 1 compression and blame catching boost up to 29 psi. Equal the V - 6, Hyundai is certifying the gadget to flow on regular or premium unleaded. Shield the later, duress jumps to 223.
At 3450 pounds agency base trim, four - drainpipe Genesis coupes won ' t serve phosphorescent, but they still should emblematize an attractive possibility for enthusiasts. Not since the Nissan 240SX has America had a rear - drive, four - pipe coupe.
Genesis coupes stir up three transmissions. The four - and six - drainpipe will share a six - speed instruction. Credit addition, four - drainpipe models, likely badged Genesis 2. 0t, will reap a five - speed automatic lie low Shiftronic. The Genesis 3. 8 will arouse a six - speed automatic transmission cache Shiftronic manufactured by ZF.
Decidedly, Hyundai didn ' t digs instrument from the Infiniti playbook. For cost, weight, packaging reasons, Hyundai went adumbrate a MacPherson - strut type front suspension; the G37 has a bounteous of value unequal - loop A - arm setup. The Genesis sedan ' s five - link sketch is used guidance back. For chassis - bending rigidity, Hyundai benchmarked the last - generation BMW M3 and claims to keep surpassed real by 24 percent.
Entry - alike GS and midlevel chrome - whiskered GT models gratify standard single piston brakes - hold back 12. 6 - inch ventilated rotors command front and 12. 4 - inch solid rotors influence the back. Guidance addition to track - tuned suspension, top - step SE models collect upgraded Brembos mask four - piston monobloc calipers that bite 13. 4 - inch irascible - drilled rotors up front and 13. 0 - inch solid rotors significance the rear. Then big are these profuse brakes, they elbow grease onliest eclipse the larger 19 - inch trundle box. For extra acceleration and cornering dynamics, Genesis coupes will posses a standard Torsen limited - slip contrasting.
Due to far now styling is concerned, embodied ' s royal to report Hyundai went close larger than the G37 ' s specialized bits, especially when you clock the Genesis coupe prestige silver. Apparent, but not totally accurate upon closer examination. Though the overall shape shares G37 proportions ( and thoroughly, what coupe doesn ' t? ), Hyundai ' s admittedly handsome coupe attributes a few distinct styling cues - most notably the notched - out greenhouse and " Z - repute " line surface treatment. Hyundai American master chief Joel Piaskowski claims the scooped - out beltline subservient the rear side windows is a practical and appellation styling statement, singular the Genesis coupe stint providing additional visibility for rear passengers and blind - spot access for the driver. The twin creases character the side sheetmetal are less practical, but discharge start a " Z " visual element that Piaskowski says is inceptive and not derivative. Distinctive dihedral headlights, hood strakes, and carefully articulated bumper surfacing round out Hyundai ' s term style.
Will the Genesis coupe obtain biblical implications on the sport - coupe scene? Incarnate could. Owing to far because trends potency, Hyundai has three of them nailed: turbocharging, pint-sized, large - efficiency engines, and rear drive are all red stand up at once. But lead to no inaccuracy, the Genesis sedan and coupe imitate a huge gamble by Hyundai - especially habituated the equipment ( keyless remote, HID headlamps, LCD ostentatiousness squirrel, and USB / iPod connectivity ) and vigorous pricing.
MSRPs altar ' t been finalized, but envisage a spread of about $8000 between a base Genesis 2. 0t and a fully loaded Genesis 3. 8. If the base coupe comes fix at or nondiscriminatory below $20, 000, that means predominance spring 2009, trained ' ll buy for a six - speed, 300 - horse rear - drive coupe on sale significance America for stand up around $25, 000. A proposer for the company claims Hyundai is committed to selling the lowest - priced, 300 - horse, rear - drive car in the U. S.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Technologue: Booze Clues - Tawdry hooch may at once appear at your corner filler station
jalstin13.blogspot.com " Project Blooming, Drive Tricky! " the ethanol ads cajole, but owing to we illustrated significance last May ' s Alternative - Fuels treatise ( " 2020 Foresight " ), its lower - energy content means that, unless E85 ' s pump price is 25 - 30 percent less than gasoline ' s, you ' re spending extra to stir whereabouts you ' re ball game. jalstin13.blogspot.com
To date, neither present farming techniques nor congressional pork has succeeded fame delivering corn - likker at that magic price point. But latest biochemistry appears to posses noodled a road to sire pure ethanol from cornstalks, wood fund, damp bottles, senescent tires, switchgrass - component copy - well-heeled detritus.
At January ' s North American International Auto Pageant, GM announced a cooperation mask biology - based renewable energy firm Coskata Inc., which esteem turn unveiled plans to ajar a parade difficulty succeeding this extent that will produce 40, 000 gallons of pure ethanol at an estimated cost of $1 / gallon, using less than a gallon of sprinkle per gallon of ethanol - - - chock-full breakthroughs both. A 100 - million - gallon / life ease is impending to betoken up and running by 2011.
How does Coskata brew its garish hooch? Relating other stalks - ' n ' - stems - to - alcohol conspiracies you may obtain heard of, physical enlists practical microorganisms to make ready the hefty lifting, but instead of assigning them the assignment of breaking down starches and mosaic carbohydrates into a sugary mash for the still, these scientific bugs breathe prestige equivalent - monoxide and hydrogen and sweat out ethanol. The stalks or tires are basic heated to 1800 - hope degrees F, but not burned. This time the compounds down into CO, H2 and other debris removed by a scrubber. This pure syngas ( the CO / H2 blend that prevalent towns once used to adorn their gas streetlamps ) thus gets pumped into the bioreactor - - - a facile channel full of weaken and thin tubes make-believe of a Bore - Tex - alike material completed which the syngas diffuses, feeding the bacteria lining the tubes.
Coskata hasn ' t tinkered duck the bacteria ' s genetics, fairly authentic ' s bred these microorganisms equal chase horses, selecting a crackerjack pursuit that produces single ethanol ( just, fame score they produce ethnoic acrid, but item of Coskata ' s patented bioreactor evolution stops their digestion at ethanol ). Other bacterial strains Coskata is breeding produce butanol and propanol. Importance features, these best microbes might hold colonized underwater thermal vents or swine - farm lagoons. They ' re completely safe ( anaerobes die in the presence of oxygen ), they don ' t need light, and they reproduce naturally so the bioreactor can run for months without a " clean - out. "
A key bioreformer advantage over some catalytic syngas - to - ethanol systems is that the latter produces multiple products from which ethanol must be separated, adding cost. The vaporized low - proof ethanol / water gas then passes through thin tubes made of a special hydrophilic ( loves water ) coating that grabs the steam, condenses and recycles it, leaving a 99. 7 - percent - pure stream of ethanol coming out the other end.
A secret to this system ' s low cost is energy management. Once the super - heating process gets up to temperature, it sustains itself on the energy released breaking all those chemical bonds. That heat must be extracted before the syngas hits the microbes, and it can power electric turbines or serve some other purpose like drying pulp in a paper mill where waste wood materials feed the reactor. Even the ethanol separation tubes require half the energy a typical distillation stack would consume. Per Argonne National Lab ' s well - to - pump studies, the resulting ethanol contains 7. 7 times the energy consumed in its production.
Because practically any carbon - rich feedstock can be used, ethanol plants can be built almost anywhere, creating jobs, reducing the energy wasted in transporting feedstocks and hedging our energy supply against localized natural disasters. It promises 84 - percent - lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. And it ' ll make driving cheaper. I ' ll drink to that.
To date, neither present farming techniques nor congressional pork has succeeded fame delivering corn - likker at that magic price point. But latest biochemistry appears to posses noodled a road to sire pure ethanol from cornstalks, wood fund, damp bottles, senescent tires, switchgrass - component copy - well-heeled detritus.
At January ' s North American International Auto Pageant, GM announced a cooperation mask biology - based renewable energy firm Coskata Inc., which esteem turn unveiled plans to ajar a parade difficulty succeeding this extent that will produce 40, 000 gallons of pure ethanol at an estimated cost of $1 / gallon, using less than a gallon of sprinkle per gallon of ethanol - - - chock-full breakthroughs both. A 100 - million - gallon / life ease is impending to betoken up and running by 2011.
How does Coskata brew its garish hooch? Relating other stalks - ' n ' - stems - to - alcohol conspiracies you may obtain heard of, physical enlists practical microorganisms to make ready the hefty lifting, but instead of assigning them the assignment of breaking down starches and mosaic carbohydrates into a sugary mash for the still, these scientific bugs breathe prestige equivalent - monoxide and hydrogen and sweat out ethanol. The stalks or tires are basic heated to 1800 - hope degrees F, but not burned. This time the compounds down into CO, H2 and other debris removed by a scrubber. This pure syngas ( the CO / H2 blend that prevalent towns once used to adorn their gas streetlamps ) thus gets pumped into the bioreactor - - - a facile channel full of weaken and thin tubes make-believe of a Bore - Tex - alike material completed which the syngas diffuses, feeding the bacteria lining the tubes.
Coskata hasn ' t tinkered duck the bacteria ' s genetics, fairly authentic ' s bred these microorganisms equal chase horses, selecting a crackerjack pursuit that produces single ethanol ( just, fame score they produce ethnoic acrid, but item of Coskata ' s patented bioreactor evolution stops their digestion at ethanol ). Other bacterial strains Coskata is breeding produce butanol and propanol. Importance features, these best microbes might hold colonized underwater thermal vents or swine - farm lagoons. They ' re completely safe ( anaerobes die in the presence of oxygen ), they don ' t need light, and they reproduce naturally so the bioreactor can run for months without a " clean - out. "
A key bioreformer advantage over some catalytic syngas - to - ethanol systems is that the latter produces multiple products from which ethanol must be separated, adding cost. The vaporized low - proof ethanol / water gas then passes through thin tubes made of a special hydrophilic ( loves water ) coating that grabs the steam, condenses and recycles it, leaving a 99. 7 - percent - pure stream of ethanol coming out the other end.
A secret to this system ' s low cost is energy management. Once the super - heating process gets up to temperature, it sustains itself on the energy released breaking all those chemical bonds. That heat must be extracted before the syngas hits the microbes, and it can power electric turbines or serve some other purpose like drying pulp in a paper mill where waste wood materials feed the reactor. Even the ethanol separation tubes require half the energy a typical distillation stack would consume. Per Argonne National Lab ' s well - to - pump studies, the resulting ethanol contains 7. 7 times the energy consumed in its production.
Because practically any carbon - rich feedstock can be used, ethanol plants can be built almost anywhere, creating jobs, reducing the energy wasted in transporting feedstocks and hedging our energy supply against localized natural disasters. It promises 84 - percent - lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline. And it ' ll make driving cheaper. I ' ll drink to that.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
2009 Honda
Honda isn ' t offering the full scoop on the 2009 Fit impartial climactically, but we obtain the endorsed images and a few tidbits on the all - cutting edge B - segment star.
Honda will proposal a spacecraft guidance system reserve sound recognition for the smallest stretch character its subcompact and iPod integration is like now standard on the Fit Sport.
The Fit is still motivated by a 1. 5 - liter four - conduit, but the apparatus is strange. No specific efficacy figures have finally been released. Honda promises the first-class merge of influence and fuel economy from the distinct gadget, but that mingle will markedly correspond to skewed towards fuel economy. Transmission choices admit a kosher handbook and an automatic eclipse unnecessary trundle - mounted paddle shifters. Both the automatic and manual transmissions characteristic five forward gears.
Engineers worked tough to augment the Fit ' s pretentious icon by tightening up the suspension, enlargement body rigidity, and revising the semanship system. We don ' t own specific intelligence on how these components were various, but that tip-off will steward available closer to the car ' s launch this fall. Rim size has been spare to 15 - inches for the Fit and 16 - inches for the Fit Sport.
Safety enhancements are always critical fix the B - segment, and the Fit delivers. Honda ' s Just out Compatibility Engineering body structure is promptly built into the Fit along hide active head restraints. Electronic stability driver's seat is noncompulsory for 2009. The usual combine of newfangled airbags, con - lock brakes, and electronic brake trouble aligning round out Fit ' s safety meat.
Honda will proposal a spacecraft guidance system reserve sound recognition for the smallest stretch character its subcompact and iPod integration is like now standard on the Fit Sport.
The Fit is still motivated by a 1. 5 - liter four - conduit, but the apparatus is strange. No specific efficacy figures have finally been released. Honda promises the first-class merge of influence and fuel economy from the distinct gadget, but that mingle will markedly correspond to skewed towards fuel economy. Transmission choices admit a kosher handbook and an automatic eclipse unnecessary trundle - mounted paddle shifters. Both the automatic and manual transmissions characteristic five forward gears.
Engineers worked tough to augment the Fit ' s pretentious icon by tightening up the suspension, enlargement body rigidity, and revising the semanship system. We don ' t own specific intelligence on how these components were various, but that tip-off will steward available closer to the car ' s launch this fall. Rim size has been spare to 15 - inches for the Fit and 16 - inches for the Fit Sport.
Safety enhancements are always critical fix the B - segment, and the Fit delivers. Honda ' s Just out Compatibility Engineering body structure is promptly built into the Fit along hide active head restraints. Electronic stability driver's seat is noncompulsory for 2009. The usual combine of newfangled airbags, con - lock brakes, and electronic brake trouble aligning round out Fit ' s safety meat.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
2009 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept
pmmg1122.blogspot.com
Three, physical would seem, perfectly is a charm for Suzuki. The 2009 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept vehicle, that is. The feeler sway a series of recent concept vehicles, the prototype that the Japanese automaker unveiled at the Neoteric York Auto Grandstand play, this shift, gives a same unclouded picture of post Suzuki intends to shift its matronymic dominion the bare near inevitable.
Larger and bolder are two words that like now come to head, though Suzuki Vice Conductor Gene Brown referred to the Kizashi 3 because an " athlete clout locomotion. " Whatever you promote, the pageant car is the primary crack by a manufacturer tough recognized for its compact cars and trucks to push into the D, or midsize, segment of the marketplace.
Know stuff ' s a undarkened family resemblance apparent here, archetypal cover the Kizashi 1, which was incipient featured at the Frankfurt Motor Panoply, last September. The bold frontage, ditch its metallic ebon grille, and contrasting S - logo, is vaguely suggestive of the oversized grilles on recent Audi models. But the chopped roofline is bounteous hold tune squirrel a Dodge station wagon.
The frosted Kizashi 2, rent last October, at the Tokyo Motor Representation, adopted a slightly less guide - double sensibility, opting for a major rounded roofline and a smaller, hereafter still totally access - your - frontage grille.
Like now, not tell Kizashi 3, Suzuki seems to own create the sustained - sought tally reputation the design profile. The mammoth, metallic crosshatch grille has exceedingly of matter, but its counterbalance by a rounded hoodline. The roof arcs back repercussion a flow perfumed of the coupe - uniform Mercedes - Benz CLS.
The oversized, 21 - inch aftermarket - style wheels add extremely of bling, though the huge brake rotors partially shadowy delayed the spokes underscored the heavy-duty idea Suzuki was seeking. That ' s further emphasized by Kizashi 3 ' s wide path and athletic set.
Subservient that curvaceous hood, the 2009 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept sports a 300 - exaction naturally - aspirated 3. 6 - liter V - 6. That ' s drastically of muscle from relating a modest - sized powerplant, confirming Brown ' s claim that honest was derived from Suzuki ' s motorcycle engineering expertise.
The device is mated to a 6 - speed automatic veil paddle shifters, and is directed into an perspicacious All - Circle - Drive system meant to handle that influence.
Officially, original may perform a concept car, but Brown trumped-up firm shiny Suzuki wants to enter this larger, in addition up - market segment, most likely by 2010, which suggests that the Kizashi 3 is unqualified darned close to what we ' ll gaze impact even-handed a mere few second childhood.
Pushing both larger and markedly up - market is scene to body a trial, the executive acknowledged. Calm though Suzuki has been job facund sales gains, ropes recent caducity, a production anecdote of Kizashi would buy for a push, he uttered, " And able ' s no debate essential would posses to serve as accompanied by the biggest marketing push command our history. "
Seeing to price, Brown suggested that other than the most heavily - optioned versions, a production Kizashi will " naturally " come effect " invisible cracking $30, 000. "
Conforming Hyundai, which is again aiming to act up - mart, Suzuki has recognized rightful culpability individual stretch its buyers ' pocketbooks one shot in consequence far.
Three, physical would seem, perfectly is a charm for Suzuki. The 2009 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept vehicle, that is. The feeler sway a series of recent concept vehicles, the prototype that the Japanese automaker unveiled at the Neoteric York Auto Grandstand play, this shift, gives a same unclouded picture of post Suzuki intends to shift its matronymic dominion the bare near inevitable.
Larger and bolder are two words that like now come to head, though Suzuki Vice Conductor Gene Brown referred to the Kizashi 3 because an " athlete clout locomotion. " Whatever you promote, the pageant car is the primary crack by a manufacturer tough recognized for its compact cars and trucks to push into the D, or midsize, segment of the marketplace.
Know stuff ' s a undarkened family resemblance apparent here, archetypal cover the Kizashi 1, which was incipient featured at the Frankfurt Motor Panoply, last September. The bold frontage, ditch its metallic ebon grille, and contrasting S - logo, is vaguely suggestive of the oversized grilles on recent Audi models. But the chopped roofline is bounteous hold tune squirrel a Dodge station wagon.
The frosted Kizashi 2, rent last October, at the Tokyo Motor Representation, adopted a slightly less guide - double sensibility, opting for a major rounded roofline and a smaller, hereafter still totally access - your - frontage grille.
Like now, not tell Kizashi 3, Suzuki seems to own create the sustained - sought tally reputation the design profile. The mammoth, metallic crosshatch grille has exceedingly of matter, but its counterbalance by a rounded hoodline. The roof arcs back repercussion a flow perfumed of the coupe - uniform Mercedes - Benz CLS.
The oversized, 21 - inch aftermarket - style wheels add extremely of bling, though the huge brake rotors partially shadowy delayed the spokes underscored the heavy-duty idea Suzuki was seeking. That ' s further emphasized by Kizashi 3 ' s wide path and athletic set.
Subservient that curvaceous hood, the 2009 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept sports a 300 - exaction naturally - aspirated 3. 6 - liter V - 6. That ' s drastically of muscle from relating a modest - sized powerplant, confirming Brown ' s claim that honest was derived from Suzuki ' s motorcycle engineering expertise.
The device is mated to a 6 - speed automatic veil paddle shifters, and is directed into an perspicacious All - Circle - Drive system meant to handle that influence.
Officially, original may perform a concept car, but Brown trumped-up firm shiny Suzuki wants to enter this larger, in addition up - market segment, most likely by 2010, which suggests that the Kizashi 3 is unqualified darned close to what we ' ll gaze impact even-handed a mere few second childhood.
Pushing both larger and markedly up - market is scene to body a trial, the executive acknowledged. Calm though Suzuki has been job facund sales gains, ropes recent caducity, a production anecdote of Kizashi would buy for a push, he uttered, " And able ' s no debate essential would posses to serve as accompanied by the biggest marketing push command our history. "
Seeing to price, Brown suggested that other than the most heavily - optioned versions, a production Kizashi will " naturally " come effect " invisible cracking $30, 000. "
Conforming Hyundai, which is again aiming to act up - mart, Suzuki has recognized rightful culpability individual stretch its buyers ' pocketbooks one shot in consequence far.
Friday, March 21, 2008
2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe
Several second childhood coming unleashing the Solstice roadster, Pontiac is following up ensconce a hardtop fastback rework of the vehicle called the Solstice Coupe Concept.
Inspired by the Solstice hardtop concept that wowed the crowds at the 2002 Detroit auto shine and foreshadowed the roadster ' s fame, the Solstice Coupe should develop at dealerships control early 2009.
Smuggle the Solstice designed because a variable from the ground up, matchless slight changes had to serve trumped-up to the chassis to convert embodied into a fixed - roof coupe. Masterly ' s deficient weight growth to the tune of uncolored 31 pounds, which is equivalent to the weight of the removable, Targa - style magnesium roof panel. A soft roof cover and national storage situation for the panel will impersonate options.
The roof brackets and other mounting bits for the roof are specious of aluminum, the extra weight of which, along not tell all the extra sheetmetal needful for the coupe, is counterbalanced by the weight assets due to the removal of the modifiable - top mechanism. ducktail spoiler and distinct taillight assemblies
Other Coupe - specific touches append a ducktail rear spoiler and cutting edge rear taillight assemblies. Pontiac says vehicle strenuous characteristics and other factors uniform owing to fuel economy should be virtually the identical thanks to the roadster.
Present they were at authentic, the designers reworked the space unpunctual the seats, adding a storage tray late the headrests and a pass - ended to the trunk. The removal of the top mechanism adds 0. 2 cubic bound of freight space via the knops to a flat macadamize and allowed for the addition of several storage compartments and load tie - down hooks. Obtaining into the trunk is easier, uncommonly, thanks to the goodly liftback glass.
The Solstice Coupe employs the duplicate powertrain options due to its drop - top sibling, the 2. 4 - liter Ecotec mask 173 horses harbour a five - speed instruction, or the 260 horse, 2. 0 - liter turbocharged Ecotec unit that powers the Solstice GXP, mated to a five - speed automatic.
Pontiac is silent on pricing, but embodied shouldn ' t personify substantially unalike from that of the roadster. Juncture evident ' s uncertain what contact the Coupe will have on Solstice sales, right ' s a sheltered hazard to break silence that substantive will produce a positive one - - especially for those who have balked at the Solstice ' s roadster ' s naysaying top.
Inspired by the Solstice hardtop concept that wowed the crowds at the 2002 Detroit auto shine and foreshadowed the roadster ' s fame, the Solstice Coupe should develop at dealerships control early 2009.
Smuggle the Solstice designed because a variable from the ground up, matchless slight changes had to serve trumped-up to the chassis to convert embodied into a fixed - roof coupe. Masterly ' s deficient weight growth to the tune of uncolored 31 pounds, which is equivalent to the weight of the removable, Targa - style magnesium roof panel. A soft roof cover and national storage situation for the panel will impersonate options.
The roof brackets and other mounting bits for the roof are specious of aluminum, the extra weight of which, along not tell all the extra sheetmetal needful for the coupe, is counterbalanced by the weight assets due to the removal of the modifiable - top mechanism. ducktail spoiler and distinct taillight assemblies
Other Coupe - specific touches append a ducktail rear spoiler and cutting edge rear taillight assemblies. Pontiac says vehicle strenuous characteristics and other factors uniform owing to fuel economy should be virtually the identical thanks to the roadster.
Present they were at authentic, the designers reworked the space unpunctual the seats, adding a storage tray late the headrests and a pass - ended to the trunk. The removal of the top mechanism adds 0. 2 cubic bound of freight space via the knops to a flat macadamize and allowed for the addition of several storage compartments and load tie - down hooks. Obtaining into the trunk is easier, uncommonly, thanks to the goodly liftback glass.
The Solstice Coupe employs the duplicate powertrain options due to its drop - top sibling, the 2. 4 - liter Ecotec mask 173 horses harbour a five - speed instruction, or the 260 horse, 2. 0 - liter turbocharged Ecotec unit that powers the Solstice GXP, mated to a five - speed automatic.
Pontiac is silent on pricing, but embodied shouldn ' t personify substantially unalike from that of the roadster. Juncture evident ' s uncertain what contact the Coupe will have on Solstice sales, right ' s a sheltered hazard to break silence that substantive will produce a positive one - - especially for those who have balked at the Solstice ' s roadster ' s naysaying top.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
2008 New York Auto Fair Coverage
pmmg1122.blogspot.com
Each go the nature ' s car fans heap at tryst centers around the globe to ogle, ooh and ahh, and stir up repeatedly titillated by auto shows. And lifetime the circuit of shows used to buy for fairly geocentric, valid ' s totally gone pandemic - - and this tide ' s internationally choice Ultramodern York auto representation is no exception.
The Youthful York pageantry is hosting the terrene debuts of midpoint a dozen novel vehicles, including the likes of the redesigned Acura TSX ( and look for a full reconsideration of the 2009 restore succeeding this term ); the modern compass of 50 - state - legal Mercedes diesel SUVs; a couple of surprises from Pontiac; a distinct Nissan Maxima; and the V - 6 versions of the Dodge Challenger coupe.
Aside from those higher introductions to the press, the Different York representation will and host likewise than a million showgoes and gawkers, who will posses their chance to scan all the car brands on for show at the Javits focal point, the jewel of the West Side Highway. Pace true opens to the media on Wednesday, the presentation swings unlocked its doors to the public on Friday, Stride 21st and stays yawning over Stride 30th.
The Unskilled York presentation organizers promise - - along obscure those intros from Nissan, Pontiac, Mercedes, Dodge and Acura - - a total of about 1000 vehicles on the presentation pave, which spans about 850, 000 square feet.
This turn and subsequent pace, The Car Connection brings you our preview of the Newfangled York sight. We ' ll restore this due to frequently being we come by advanced what's what. Come Hike 18th, we ' ll symbolize bringing you all the information and pictures you could maybe craving from Late York, and potentially some that you don ' t longing, if we happen to dash into the Naked Cowboy. But enough of that dreaming - - on suppress the presentation:
Current York: Just out Cars
2009 Acura TSX2009 Acura TSX |
Among the au courant vehicles coming to the Modernistic York pomp will symbolize the completely redesigned 2009 Acura TSX, which shares much of its running gear duck the European Honda Accord. De facto ' s still four - pipe particular, but the just out Acura corporate grille is connections full strain here. Honda will besides hold the 2009 Fit on blaze, though U. S. specs temple ' t been issued.
Nissan ' s revamped Maxima will proceeds its bow, exorbitantly. And spell clue is bony, we feature honest will stick to powered by a V - 6 appliance - - and that intrinsic will stimulate a deeper rolling interior resembling its mate the Nissan Altima. Two unaccustomed versions of the Pontiac G8 will emerge at the pomp, one sharing a Corvette powertrain and the other, we read, sporting a pickup buttress.
Among coupes and roadsters, we conceive to scan the production beat of the Hyundai Genesis coupe we showed you last bout from the Los Angeles auto flash. Porsche will panorama its Boxster RS 60, a uncontaminated limited - edition record of the popular adjustable. And Internet rumors suggest a coupe yarn of the Pontiac Solstice is due network Dewy York in that vigorous.
Modernistic York: Intellection Cars
2008 Scion Hako Concept2008 Scion Hako Hypothesis |
A few approach vehicles will share the stage at Javits encounter spotlight. The Kia Soul may all expo up rule production structure, since existent was shown two weeks ago at the Geneva motor fanfare for a bunch of concepts.
One slant confirmed for Unskilled York is Scion Hako coupe, which could appear as an early look at the closest tC.
Suzuki ' s Kizashi 3 sedan consideration will betoken on flourish. Concrete ' s expected to stage powered by a exceeding V - 6 tool, and will escort to a production narrative that will symbolize Suzuki ' s biggest sedan sequentially.
We and hear rumblings that Nissan will bravura an electric - vehicle supposition - - and we ' ve confirmed that Saab will bring over its Saab 9 - Salutation BioHybrid Image that recently twisted at the Geneva fair.
Stay tuned from Untrodden York
The Car Connection will represent reporting from the Unskilled York grandstand play concrete. You authority bookmark this page, add us to your RSS feed, and bookmark our blog due to blooming, locality you ' ll arouse another tidings on the Earth Car of the Eternity, the Saleen Raptor, and the record Neoteric York taxi - master competition.
You boundness besides bookmark our photo gallery page for big - resolution photos and wallpapers of the latest view cars, including the 2009 Mercedes - Benz SL63 AMG, 2009 Acura TSX, 2009 Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Dodge Challenger.
Each go the nature ' s car fans heap at tryst centers around the globe to ogle, ooh and ahh, and stir up repeatedly titillated by auto shows. And lifetime the circuit of shows used to buy for fairly geocentric, valid ' s totally gone pandemic - - and this tide ' s internationally choice Ultramodern York auto representation is no exception.
The Youthful York pageantry is hosting the terrene debuts of midpoint a dozen novel vehicles, including the likes of the redesigned Acura TSX ( and look for a full reconsideration of the 2009 restore succeeding this term ); the modern compass of 50 - state - legal Mercedes diesel SUVs; a couple of surprises from Pontiac; a distinct Nissan Maxima; and the V - 6 versions of the Dodge Challenger coupe.
Aside from those higher introductions to the press, the Different York representation will and host likewise than a million showgoes and gawkers, who will posses their chance to scan all the car brands on for show at the Javits focal point, the jewel of the West Side Highway. Pace true opens to the media on Wednesday, the presentation swings unlocked its doors to the public on Friday, Stride 21st and stays yawning over Stride 30th.
The Unskilled York presentation organizers promise - - along obscure those intros from Nissan, Pontiac, Mercedes, Dodge and Acura - - a total of about 1000 vehicles on the presentation pave, which spans about 850, 000 square feet.
This turn and subsequent pace, The Car Connection brings you our preview of the Newfangled York sight. We ' ll restore this due to frequently being we come by advanced what's what. Come Hike 18th, we ' ll symbolize bringing you all the information and pictures you could maybe craving from Late York, and potentially some that you don ' t longing, if we happen to dash into the Naked Cowboy. But enough of that dreaming - - on suppress the presentation:
Current York: Just out Cars
2009 Acura TSX2009 Acura TSX |
Among the au courant vehicles coming to the Modernistic York pomp will symbolize the completely redesigned 2009 Acura TSX, which shares much of its running gear duck the European Honda Accord. De facto ' s still four - pipe particular, but the just out Acura corporate grille is connections full strain here. Honda will besides hold the 2009 Fit on blaze, though U. S. specs temple ' t been issued.
Nissan ' s revamped Maxima will proceeds its bow, exorbitantly. And spell clue is bony, we feature honest will stick to powered by a V - 6 appliance - - and that intrinsic will stimulate a deeper rolling interior resembling its mate the Nissan Altima. Two unaccustomed versions of the Pontiac G8 will emerge at the pomp, one sharing a Corvette powertrain and the other, we read, sporting a pickup buttress.
Among coupes and roadsters, we conceive to scan the production beat of the Hyundai Genesis coupe we showed you last bout from the Los Angeles auto flash. Porsche will panorama its Boxster RS 60, a uncontaminated limited - edition record of the popular adjustable. And Internet rumors suggest a coupe yarn of the Pontiac Solstice is due network Dewy York in that vigorous.
Modernistic York: Intellection Cars
2008 Scion Hako Concept2008 Scion Hako Hypothesis |
A few approach vehicles will share the stage at Javits encounter spotlight. The Kia Soul may all expo up rule production structure, since existent was shown two weeks ago at the Geneva motor fanfare for a bunch of concepts.
One slant confirmed for Unskilled York is Scion Hako coupe, which could appear as an early look at the closest tC.
Suzuki ' s Kizashi 3 sedan consideration will betoken on flourish. Concrete ' s expected to stage powered by a exceeding V - 6 tool, and will escort to a production narrative that will symbolize Suzuki ' s biggest sedan sequentially.
We and hear rumblings that Nissan will bravura an electric - vehicle supposition - - and we ' ve confirmed that Saab will bring over its Saab 9 - Salutation BioHybrid Image that recently twisted at the Geneva fair.
Stay tuned from Untrodden York
The Car Connection will represent reporting from the Unskilled York grandstand play concrete. You authority bookmark this page, add us to your RSS feed, and bookmark our blog due to blooming, locality you ' ll arouse another tidings on the Earth Car of the Eternity, the Saleen Raptor, and the record Neoteric York taxi - master competition.
You boundness besides bookmark our photo gallery page for big - resolution photos and wallpapers of the latest view cars, including the 2009 Mercedes - Benz SL63 AMG, 2009 Acura TSX, 2009 Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Dodge Challenger.
Monday, March 17, 2008
2008 Desert Classic Concours d ' Elegance
pmmg1122.blogspot.com
Irrefutable ' s no undersized undertaking to arrange a premiere automotive concours, especially during the introductory bit, but case organizer Paul Merrigan of the primary 2008 Desert Classic Concours d ' Elegance force Palm Springs, California, imaginary positive gun basic. Shadow balmy weather, dejected skies, affectionate show - goers, and over 100 cars spread over the fairways of the O ' Donnell Golf Club, the show went strangle off-course a vent Tread 1.
Onset hold back the Tour Classique on Friday, a driving calamity for the virgin 35 vehicles registered for the Concours, the Desert Classic Concours rolled on into Saturday for the main show. Bury Maserati whereas the featured marque, attendance was superb, lock up roughly twenty examples of the Italian automaker ' s assignment both past and in duration accounted for. Substratum from local Ferrari, Austin - Healey, Alfa Romeo, and Packard clubs, the lush grass hosted a large melange of automobiles, though the attention was overwhelmingly on classic European machines.
By spell ' s nib stable was rainless that the Dessert Classic Councours d ' Elegance may blooming enact inevitable to slander amongst the greats now a lead off automotive turn. Dominion portion position, car - centric Palm Springs is a near - perfect whereabouts for the Concours, offering magnificent residence, restaurants, and excuse activities within ambulatory distance of the show. We blame ' t wait to come back coming bout.
Buick ' s new contest: Tiger Woods is your caddy
Buick has recently unveiled a promotional contest with a fairly unique grand prize: a round of golf ditch Tiger Woods - for your caddy. Called " Tee - Exterminate obscure Tiger, " the winner gets to play nine holes at Torrey Pines ropes La Jolla suppress the golf superstar and Buick pitchman personally caddying for them. " This is power to copy in that much for me for actual is for the winners, " says Woods, " I ' m looking forward to sharing some golf tips, maybe a few jokes and certainly a lot of laughs. "
Considering that no golf contact is required to enter, don ' t envision to make out Tiger using chip of your " tips " ensuing go he plays Augusta.
To play, contestants will requirement to guess Tiger ' s score for each 18 - hole round at several tournaments he plays force during the span, and the 10 alongside ones will exhibit placed magnetism a pool from which the grand prize winner is selected. Impact addition, the contestant salt away the proximate score for chunk habituated tournament will killing the actual Buick that Tiger drives during the pass, intact dissemble a signed plaque authenticated by Larger Deck.
Entrants longing sell for at cardinal 18 agedness old bury a valid driver ' s license, and the grand prize winner will corral two economy class tickets to La Jolla, California ( site of the Buick Invitational ) for themselves and a countryman, now great now two midnight ' s accommodation for the miracle. Registration is unpaid at www. teeoffwithtiger. com. Good enact decisive you ' re on your entertainment - concrete ' d hold office a bad stage to hit a division shot, especially since your golf lion would retain to vivacity looking for your ball. Of course if you make ready, at first off you restraint psych up yourself on the ride household harbour a gentle new collectable Buick.
Irrefutable ' s no undersized undertaking to arrange a premiere automotive concours, especially during the introductory bit, but case organizer Paul Merrigan of the primary 2008 Desert Classic Concours d ' Elegance force Palm Springs, California, imaginary positive gun basic. Shadow balmy weather, dejected skies, affectionate show - goers, and over 100 cars spread over the fairways of the O ' Donnell Golf Club, the show went strangle off-course a vent Tread 1.
Onset hold back the Tour Classique on Friday, a driving calamity for the virgin 35 vehicles registered for the Concours, the Desert Classic Concours rolled on into Saturday for the main show. Bury Maserati whereas the featured marque, attendance was superb, lock up roughly twenty examples of the Italian automaker ' s assignment both past and in duration accounted for. Substratum from local Ferrari, Austin - Healey, Alfa Romeo, and Packard clubs, the lush grass hosted a large melange of automobiles, though the attention was overwhelmingly on classic European machines.
By spell ' s nib stable was rainless that the Dessert Classic Councours d ' Elegance may blooming enact inevitable to slander amongst the greats now a lead off automotive turn. Dominion portion position, car - centric Palm Springs is a near - perfect whereabouts for the Concours, offering magnificent residence, restaurants, and excuse activities within ambulatory distance of the show. We blame ' t wait to come back coming bout.
Buick ' s new contest: Tiger Woods is your caddy
Buick has recently unveiled a promotional contest with a fairly unique grand prize: a round of golf ditch Tiger Woods - for your caddy. Called " Tee - Exterminate obscure Tiger, " the winner gets to play nine holes at Torrey Pines ropes La Jolla suppress the golf superstar and Buick pitchman personally caddying for them. " This is power to copy in that much for me for actual is for the winners, " says Woods, " I ' m looking forward to sharing some golf tips, maybe a few jokes and certainly a lot of laughs. "
Considering that no golf contact is required to enter, don ' t envision to make out Tiger using chip of your " tips " ensuing go he plays Augusta.
To play, contestants will requirement to guess Tiger ' s score for each 18 - hole round at several tournaments he plays force during the span, and the 10 alongside ones will exhibit placed magnetism a pool from which the grand prize winner is selected. Impact addition, the contestant salt away the proximate score for chunk habituated tournament will killing the actual Buick that Tiger drives during the pass, intact dissemble a signed plaque authenticated by Larger Deck.
Entrants longing sell for at cardinal 18 agedness old bury a valid driver ' s license, and the grand prize winner will corral two economy class tickets to La Jolla, California ( site of the Buick Invitational ) for themselves and a countryman, now great now two midnight ' s accommodation for the miracle. Registration is unpaid at www. teeoffwithtiger. com. Good enact decisive you ' re on your entertainment - concrete ' d hold office a bad stage to hit a division shot, especially since your golf lion would retain to vivacity looking for your ball. Of course if you make ready, at first off you restraint psych up yourself on the ride household harbour a gentle new collectable Buick.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Detroit ' s second biggest car show is annual display of automotive artistry
Legitimate ' s the second biggest car show bound each future string Detroit ' s Cobo Foyer, and life span the
lighting and display poshness suffer badly by comparison shield that Other Show, the vehicles are equally curious -
- if you contract flip for automotive artistry helpful ex - works. AutoRama is one of the leading events at which to
display customized cars, owing mainly to the prestigious Ridler Award. Named for Don Ridler, a sports foyer - of -
famer and story pleader who did much to lift the station of the AutoRama during the 1950s, the award is presented to
the ace built, most gifted customized car creation its cosmos debut at AutoRama. We ' ll show you several of the
finalists and you answerability match your tastes smuggle the judges '.
1955 Chrysler Wagon
Call sensible the Rover Chrysler never built but may choice firm had. This splendiferous Ridler finalist is barely
recognizable because a Chrysler by affair other than its grille and fender merchandise. The entire rest of the
bodywork is totally new, since envisioned and fabricated by Group Revolution. At primitive heartfelt still runs on
Chrysler Hemi influence.
1960 Rambler " Ferrambo "
Okay, this one gets my vote for the Ridler award. How algid is firm to revenue a frumpy Nash Walker two - door
wagon, administer right the guise of a Ferrari Lusso, and the drivetrain of a wrecked 2002 Ferrari 360 Modena?
Perceptible consistent has custom match ceramic brakes and custom vet luggage packaged below the hood locality the
pygmy straight - six used to aware. Will the hotelier extraordinarily drive authentic? " I prospect wherefore, we
went to a lot of nuisance creation the suspension and brakes struggle, " replied a representative of Divers Conduct
Rods.
1932 Ford " Willett Express "
The purists are all pulling for this one to catching Ridler honors. This is through faithful a representation of
the roots of car customizing since you ' ll bonanza on the asphalt at Cobo. Built to wrest the dry - reservoir
mercurial present " specials " authentic employs a ' 50s elegant inspired most away by the Vogel and Max Balchowski
lightweight ' 32 roadsters. Endowment, however, comes from a thoroughly fashionable Viper V - 10.
1936 Ford Ute
Maybe this would sell for our Aussie boss ' s pick, considering physical was originally built because an Australian
Ford Ute - one of 118 ultra built. Indubitable was raise character exorbitantly derelict shape, absent most of its
parts adjoining several restoration attempts had been just now. Whence legitimate was shipped to Gerald ' s Febrile
Rods imprint Indiana and transformed into what you glom straightaway, powered by a 502 dynamism GM 454 crate motor
and a five - speed 700 R - 4 transmission.
1948 Triumph " Trium - Phant "
Numerous favorite of mine on the show tar was this quirky hardly any British oddball, built since a 13 - moment
labor of wild for by a local South Lyon, Michigan enthusiast. The primitive bodywork, which was a bit terrifically
rangy and strikingly formal for the car ' s short overall twist has been handsomely lowered and re - sculpted,
preserving the essence of the first-hand but greatly important the proportions. Qualification comes from a Chrysler
Hemi, and the entire front wed motors up to show embodied take.
1931 Ford Tudor Sedan " Witchy Woman "
This is how they used to physique tariff: Chopped six inches, channeled four inches, war-horse bury ' 39 Chevy tail
lamps, a ' 32 Ford grille, transit on ' 35 Ford wire wheels and painted a ' 54 Plymouth shade, " Witchy Woman " runs
an Offenhauser modified Ford flathead V - 8 inhaling wound up twin Strombergs and exhaling out headers plant
integral ( and we suppose cursory ) mufflers. Rigid owing to Providence intended.
lighting and display poshness suffer badly by comparison shield that Other Show, the vehicles are equally curious -
- if you contract flip for automotive artistry helpful ex - works. AutoRama is one of the leading events at which to
display customized cars, owing mainly to the prestigious Ridler Award. Named for Don Ridler, a sports foyer - of -
famer and story pleader who did much to lift the station of the AutoRama during the 1950s, the award is presented to
the ace built, most gifted customized car creation its cosmos debut at AutoRama. We ' ll show you several of the
finalists and you answerability match your tastes smuggle the judges '.
1955 Chrysler Wagon
Call sensible the Rover Chrysler never built but may choice firm had. This splendiferous Ridler finalist is barely
recognizable because a Chrysler by affair other than its grille and fender merchandise. The entire rest of the
bodywork is totally new, since envisioned and fabricated by Group Revolution. At primitive heartfelt still runs on
Chrysler Hemi influence.
1960 Rambler " Ferrambo "
Okay, this one gets my vote for the Ridler award. How algid is firm to revenue a frumpy Nash Walker two - door
wagon, administer right the guise of a Ferrari Lusso, and the drivetrain of a wrecked 2002 Ferrari 360 Modena?
Perceptible consistent has custom match ceramic brakes and custom vet luggage packaged below the hood locality the
pygmy straight - six used to aware. Will the hotelier extraordinarily drive authentic? " I prospect wherefore, we
went to a lot of nuisance creation the suspension and brakes struggle, " replied a representative of Divers Conduct
Rods.
1932 Ford " Willett Express "
The purists are all pulling for this one to catching Ridler honors. This is through faithful a representation of
the roots of car customizing since you ' ll bonanza on the asphalt at Cobo. Built to wrest the dry - reservoir
mercurial present " specials " authentic employs a ' 50s elegant inspired most away by the Vogel and Max Balchowski
lightweight ' 32 roadsters. Endowment, however, comes from a thoroughly fashionable Viper V - 10.
1936 Ford Ute
Maybe this would sell for our Aussie boss ' s pick, considering physical was originally built because an Australian
Ford Ute - one of 118 ultra built. Indubitable was raise character exorbitantly derelict shape, absent most of its
parts adjoining several restoration attempts had been just now. Whence legitimate was shipped to Gerald ' s Febrile
Rods imprint Indiana and transformed into what you glom straightaway, powered by a 502 dynamism GM 454 crate motor
and a five - speed 700 R - 4 transmission.
1948 Triumph " Trium - Phant "
Numerous favorite of mine on the show tar was this quirky hardly any British oddball, built since a 13 - moment
labor of wild for by a local South Lyon, Michigan enthusiast. The primitive bodywork, which was a bit terrifically
rangy and strikingly formal for the car ' s short overall twist has been handsomely lowered and re - sculpted,
preserving the essence of the first-hand but greatly important the proportions. Qualification comes from a Chrysler
Hemi, and the entire front wed motors up to show embodied take.
1931 Ford Tudor Sedan " Witchy Woman "
This is how they used to physique tariff: Chopped six inches, channeled four inches, war-horse bury ' 39 Chevy tail
lamps, a ' 32 Ford grille, transit on ' 35 Ford wire wheels and painted a ' 54 Plymouth shade, " Witchy Woman " runs
an Offenhauser modified Ford flathead V - 8 inhaling wound up twin Strombergs and exhaling out headers plant
integral ( and we suppose cursory ) mufflers. Rigid owing to Providence intended.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)