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.
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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.
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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. "
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