Friday, January 29, 2010

BMW M6


The BMW M6 Coupe offers track-quality performance in the company's most attractive body style. Designed in 2006, it melds the upscale four-passenger luxury of the 6-Series coupe with BMW's race-developed 500 horsepower V10 engine, high-tech suspension, and the same extensive list of innovations as available on the 6-Series.


The only drawbacks identified by reviewers are inherent in that technology. In particular, the seven-speed sequential gearbox (SMG) with electronically-operated clutches, introduced in 2006, doesn't appeal to everyone. Starting in 2008, BMW's regular six-speed manual transmission is a no-cost alternative, which may better suit some enthusiasts. For ultimate performance, however, the SMG winds hands down, making it suited to track use.







Performance and efficiency
5.0-liter, 40-valve V-10 engine with M high-pressure Double-VANOS "steplessly" variable valve timing10 individual throttle butterflies, electronically controlled
G-sensitive semi-dry-sump lubrication systemOil coolant heat exchanger
Digital Motor Electronics (DME) with on-board diagnostics3-way catalytic converter with heated oxygen sensor
7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with drivelogic


Handling, ride and braking
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M Dynamic Mode (MDM)All Season Traction with M Variable Differential Lock
Vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering (M Servotronic) with M Driving Dynamics Control (2 settings throttle and steering)Aluminum double-pivot strut-type front suspension and 4-link integral rear suspension
Independent suspension with M calibration (stiffened dampers, springs and anti-roll bars; modified rear axle geometry)Electronic Damping Control with Comfort, Normal and Sport mode
Lightweight, double-joint spring strut front axle with aluminum crossbarLightweight integral rear axle
4-wheel BMW M vacuum-assisted ventilated, cross-drilled anti-lock compound disc brakes (ABS)

Friday, September 18, 2009

Volkswagen L1 Concept

2009 Frankfurt auto show

A one-liter car? This moniker describes a car that uses one liter of fuel—about a division of a gallon—to actuate a car for 100 kilometers, or 62 miles. The one-liter car’s armament abridgement translates to about 240 mpg, and VW has had such a car in its architect for some time now. In 2002, approachable VW CEO Ferdinand Piëch, now arch of the company’s authoritative board, collection a cigar-shaped ancestor from VW address in Wolfsburg to a shareholders’ affair in Hamburg.

Now the absorption of the one-liter car has been resurrected. VW’s better account at the Frankfurt auto appearance was the L1 concept, a ancestor that "is abutting to production" and "will be developed," the aggregation says. Three capacity were bare to accomplish it happen: a chiefly able powertrain, abundant aerodynamics, and declining engineering.

As to the powertrain, VW has autonomous for a two-cylinder, 39-hp turbo-diesel engine accumulated with a 14-hp electric motor. There is a stop/start adjustment and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The L1 can adeptness 100 mph, but armament abridgement at that acceleration drops to a base 1.38 liters per 100 kilometers, or 170 mpg.

The front-wheel-drive L1’s aerodynamics are optimized by the two-seat blueprint with the occupants sitting in a row. The aftereffect is a car that is almost long, actually low, and acutely slim. The monocoque and physique is fabricated of carbon fiber, and complete weight of the L1 is a simple 838 pounds. We anticipate that the basement agreement will acceptable be afflicted as development progresses; two humans sitting abaft anniversary added is too abnormal for -to-be buyers.

Even so, the L1 looks aesthetic and abutting to alternation production, which couldn’t be said of the 2002 concept. It could be on the bazaar as anon as 2013, Volkswagen sources accustom us. The L1 may assume acrid to those who bethink that VW is aswell amenable for Bugatti, which makes the fastest accumulation car in the world, the Bugatti Veyron, and which just apparent the W-16 Galibier auto concept. But if you anticipate about the styles of both Piëch and accustomed VW administrator Martin Winterkorn, this bucking seems logical: These guys both tend to go to extremes. And we abide that the Volkswagen L1 is a added cogent footfall in extenuative assets than are abundant gasoline-electric hybrids.

The Volkswagen L1 Absorption is adapted in the angel today. Thanks to a carbon fibre able bogus (CFRP) body, it weighs just 380 kilograms. The two-seater is powered by a new accustomed corruption turbo-diesel (two-cylinder TDI) and an electric motor. With its boilerplate armament afire of 1.49 litres abettor per 100 kilometres, this actually road-ready and acutely aerodynamic L1 (Cd 0.195!) is advancing to become the a lot of fuel-efficient admixture auto in the world. CO2 emissions of the 160 km/h fast absorption car are just 39 g/km. If the Volkswagen L1 were to aswell go into accumulation in 2013, it would acceptance an actually new declining car absorption and accustom a new era in automotive production.

Drivetrain

The TDI, E-motor and 7-speed DSG are amidst at the rear, and they admix to accomplish the a lot of armament able road-legal car admixture drive in the world. Proof of this are its 1.38 litre per 100 kilometres armament afire and 36 g/km CO2 emissions. Serving as the primary drive anterior is a actually redeveloped two-cylinder turbo-diesel with accustomed corruption complete blast (TDI). It is operated in two adapted modes depending on the bulk conditions. In the accustomed "ECO" mode, the 800 cm3 TDI develops a adeptness of 20 kW / 27 PS (at 4,000 rpm); in "Sport" access - acclimated to adeptness top speed, for classic - the car's adeptness rises to 29 kW / 39 PS (at 4,000 rpm). The TDI's best torque is 100 Newton-meter (at 1,900 rpm). Naturally, the Volkswagen L1 aswell has a Stop-Start adjustment that automatically shuts down the engine if car has brimming and restarts if the accelerator or E-pedal is pressed.



Sunday, July 5, 2009

Ford Harley Davidson F-150


The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 delivers a new standard of "custom cool," combining the smooth handling and legendary durability of America's best-selling truck with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson, the industry leader in motorcycles.

This marks the 14th Harley-Davidson edition of an F-Series truck and latest in a line of Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series models dating back to 2000, which aim to appeal to customers who appreciate quality and unique details only this kind of collaboration can bring.

The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced eight F-150 models, as well as six Super Duty F-250, F-350, and in 2009, the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck. The 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 is the first Harley-Davidson edition vehicle built off the award-winning new 2009 Ford F-150.

“This truck builds on the legacy of toughness that’s been the hallmark of the Ford F-Series brand,” said Matt O’Leary, chief engineer. “Now we’re giving customers more of everything they love with the best F-150 and the boldest Harley-Davidson F-150 ever – featuring a fully differentiated design, all-wheel-drive capability, 22-inch wheels and a knock-out interior.”

The exterior of the 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 offers a bold front fascia and six-bar shaped billet style grille and boasts specialized forged aluminum and Harley-Davidson® chrome badging. The truck will have a lowered appearance because of a fully integrated deployable running board.

Also standard are 22-inch low-profile performance tires – the largest in the F-Series lineup –
and Euroflange forged wheels with a polished and painted center wheel cap. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson – Tuxedo Black and the first Ford application of Lava, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake.

Specification

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 262.4 in. Width: 95.7 in.
Height: 79.8 in. Wheel Base: 172.4 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.8 in. Curb Weight: 8226 lbs.
Gross Weight: 14500 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 41.4 in. Front Hip Room: 67.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 68 in. Rear Head Room: 41.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 68 in. Rear Hip Room: 67.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 41 in. Rear Leg Room: 41.8 in.
Maximum Seating: 6
Performance Data
Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 6.4 liters
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 350 hp
Max Horsepower: 3000 rpm Torque: 650 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 2000 rpm Maximum Payload: 6190 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 16000 lbs. Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 58.5 ft.
Fuel Data
Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 38 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)

Supercharged Ferrari F430


You would think that tuners wouldn't bother wasting their time with an extremely limited production model like the commemorative Ferrari F430 Scuderia Spider 16M which will be built in a mere 499 examples. Well, think again. As these leaked photo reveal, Novitec Rosso is getting ready to introduce a souped-up version of the Scuderia Spider 16M.

Though no official details have been released yet, word has it the Novitec Rosso has fitted a pair of twin superchargers to the Scuderia's V8 boosting output from 510HP to close to 700HP. Luckily, the German tuning house has limited the exterior changes to a set of black and yellow alloy wheels and the firm's trademark blacked out tail lights.

Standard Engine 4.3L V8
Standard Transmission 6 Speed Manual
Cylinders 8
Horsepower @RPM 490@8500
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy Not Listed
Combined Fuel Economy 11
EPA Class Two Seater
Number of Valves 32
Torque @RPM N/A
Fuel Type System Gas Engine / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injected, Sequential Port Fuel Injected Sequential, Multi-Port Fuel Injected
Turbo (Yes/No) No
Overdrive Transmission Yes
Battery Output N/A
Compression 11.3:1
Displacement 4308 / 263
Bore X Stroke 3.62x3.19
Cruising Range 276.1 miles
Final Drive Gear Ratio Opt N/A
Power to Weight Ratio 6.7
Final Drive Ratio No
Valves Configuration Dual Overhead Cam / Twin Overhead Cam
Supercharged No
Electric HorsePower RPM N/A
Electric Torque Feet Per Pound N/A (foot-lbs)
Electric Torque RPM N/A
Electric HorsePower BHP N/A

Monday, June 15, 2009

BMW M3 ALMS Race Car 2009



The American Le Mans Series is going to get a dose of Bavarian brilliance in 2009, as Bobby Rahal and David Letterman are teaming up to bring the fourth-generation M3 to the racing series. To properly battle the best competition in ALMS, BMW bumps the power quotient of its high-revving 4.0L V8 from 414 to 485 ponies, but brute force is just one facet of the M3's attack plan. The already outstanding chassis of the M3 has been further enhanced for the track, and weight has been reduced to make the deadly M even more nimble.

BMW also employed its extensive F1 knowledge into the M-racer, including computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel analyses to make the carbon fiber-winged M3 slip freely through the air. BMW Motorsport is still tweaking the M3 racer in advance of the 2009 season, and the car will be taken through its paces by Andy Priaulx, Jorg Muller and Augusto Farfus of FIA World Touring Car Championship fame. Since the previous two generations of M3 hold six manufacturers championships in nine years of US sports car racing, we're guessing this baddest M3 ever will continue to be a handful for the competition.


2009 BMW M3 Race Version Specifications

Chassis
Front brake systemSix-piston aluminum brake calipers, inner-vented grey-cast iron brake disks 15.0 in./380mm in diameter
Rear brake systemFour-piston aluminum brake calipers, grey-cast iron brake disk, 13.1 in./332mm in diameter
Engine
TypeEight cylinder, V-configuration
Displacement3999 cc
Torque368 lb-ft/500 Nm
Engine managementBMW Motorsport ECU 408 with two high-performance micro-processors

Audi A6 2009


The 2009 Audi A6 with a 3.0 TFSI V6 carries a supercharger that helps it produce 300-hp with a maximum torque of 310 lb-ft. That. Mated to a Tiptronic automatic transmission the A6 goes from 0 to 60 comes in at 5.9 seconds. The 3.0 TFSI supercharged engine will be available on Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige versions of the Audi A6 sedan and Avant. The 255-hp 3.2 FSI V6 engine will be available in the Audi A6 Premium and Premium Plus equipment levels. It will be mated to a multitronic CVT transmission and front-wheel-drive. The Audi A6 4.2 produces 350-hp from its 4.2 FSI V8 engine which is mated to a Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, S-line exterior and the Prestige equipment level as standard. Last but not least, the 2009 Audi S6 features a 5.2 FSI V10 engine that pumps out 435-hp and a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft. It will be mated to Audi’s Tiptronic automatic transmission.

The new A6 will come packed with additional standard equipment, including a sunroof, Bluetooth, Homelink, heated front seats on quattro models, three months of free SIRIUS satellite radio service and Audi music interface with iPod connectivity.

2009 Audi A6 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Audi A6 4-door sedan Audi A6 4-door wagon

Engines
dohc V6 dohc V8 dohc V10
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.2 /191 4.2 /254 5.2 /318
Horsepower @ rpm. 255 @ 6500 350 @ 6600 435 @ 6800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 243 @ 3250 325 @ 3500 398 @ 3000
Availability Standard Standard Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed automatic 17/25 16/23 14/19
CVT automatic 18/27 –/– –/–

Aston Martin DBS


The New Aston Martin DBS is expected to look like familiar, as it should, sharing its basic underpinnings with the Aston DB9 sports car. But the car got some changes and looks like that one, that was revealed in the latest film about James Bond Casino Royal. Aston’s new flagship also gets bulging wheel arches to house the standard, 20-inch Pirelli P-Zero tires.

The DBS’s 6.0-liter V-12 makes an impressive 580 horsepower, enough to launch you to 60 in just 4.3 seconds. That’s a full half-second faster than the brand’s previous speed king Vanquish.

The new car is not only quicker, but better braking and better handling than the Vanquish. Perhaps as significant as the 0-60 times, the DBS pulls a full half-minute off lap times at the grueling Nuerburgring, in Germany.

Thus Aston expected to hit a record 7000 this year in sales. They want to open the automaker’s first design studio, which will help support a product development program that has actually been stepped up since Aston spun off from Ford Motor Co. earlier this year.

Only one car per dealer - a total of 124 worldwide - will be produced, and only in a unique silver paint scheme.

Then there’s the V8 Vantage N400, which honours the Nurburgring. Getting a modest performance boost, it’s going from 380 to an even 400 horsepower.


2009 Aston Martin DBS Specifications

2009 Aston Martin DBS Base Coupe Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
-
5,935 cc 5.9 liters V 12 front engine with 10.9 compression ratio, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder
-
Premium unleaded fuel 91
-
Multi-point injection fuel system
-
20.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 17.1
-
Power: 380 kW , 510 HP SAE @ 6,500 rpm; 420 ft lb , 570 Nm @ 5,750 rpm
2009 Aston Martin DBS Base Coupe Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features
-
Four-wheel ABS
-
Brake assist system
-
Ceramic brakes
-
Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
-
Electronic brake distribution
-
Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
-
Immobilizer
-
Rear limited slip differential
-
Driver selectable responsive suspension
-
Stability control
-
Wishbone front and rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs
-
Tire kit

Honda CR-Z

Here is the latest from Green Car Congress. The production version of the media's favorite Honda FCX will be presented at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

That can only mean one thing. The fuel cell-powered vehicle is poised to go from concept to retail sometime in 2008. The news comes straight from Honda President and CEO Takeo Fukui, who made the announcement at the Tokyo Auto Show today.

Of course, the main focus of the automaker's global market ambitions will be on its continued commitment to hybrid technologies. According to the report, "Honda expects hybrids to account for 10% of its global vehicle sales by 2010--about 5 times the current level."

The most vivid of examples of that development would be Honda CR-Z (above). Scheduled to be released in 2009, the sports coupe is powered by Honda's trusted gas-electric IMA hybrid system and signifies the automaker's attempt to improve on the rather unsuccessful Honda Insight.

‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’-an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals.

This design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint.

Exterior design

Designed to be ‘Futuristic and Dynamic’, the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps ensure better rearward visibility. Design details emphasizing the CR-Z’s advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights patterned after luminous bodies to convey a sharp impression, and jauntyfin-shaped.


General
Country Of Origin Japan
Year Of Introduction 2007
Base Price When New N.A
Miles Per Gallon N.A
Body Type N.A
Curb Weight N.A
Powertrain Layout Mid-Engine/RWD
Transmission 6-Speed Sequential
Engine
Configuration V6
Displacement N.A
Power 300 bhp
Torque N.A
BHP / Liter N.A
BHP / Weight N.A
Redline N.A
Performance
Top Speed N.A
0 - 62 mph N.A
0 - 100 mph N.A
0 - 250 mile N.A
Skidpad N.A
Braking, 62-0 mph N.A
Slalom Speed N.A


Nissan Maxima


The 2009 Nissan Maxima is new from the ground up, and will be available in S and SV versions when it goes on sale in early summer of this year. As Nissan's top-of-the-line sedan, it comes with a wide range of standard and optional features. All Maximas will come with an aluminum- and wood-toned driver-oriented cockpit - leather is optional - with an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and four-way power passenger front seat. The driver's seat is available with a manual thigh extension and can be equipped with heating and cooling.

A twin-panel moonroof is optional, with a large front section and power sunshade for the rear.

The available Bose audio system features nine speakers and has an iPod interface, while the hard-drive based navigation system comes with XM NavTraffic with real-time traffic information, voice recognition, 9.3 GB of hard drive space for your own music and a 7.0-inch color display on the dash.

Safety equipment includes dual-stage front air bags, side impact airbags and roof-mounted side curtain air bags. The Maxima also features active head restraints.

2009 Nissan Maxima Specifications
Chassis
Tires F-R10-spoke, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/45R18 all-season tires
Brakes F-R4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
Engine
Type3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with improved air intake, combustion and exhaust
Horsepower290
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM261 lb-ft
Fuel20-gallon fuel tank capacity for extended driving range
TransmissionContinuously variable Auto
Exterior
Curb Weight3600 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase 109.3 in
Height57.8 in
Length 190.6 in
Width73.2 in
Performance
0-60 mph 6.2 sec (mfr est)
CO2 Emissions 0.9 lb/mile

Mazda RX-8

Mazda’s rotary powered rocket, the RX-8, has been given a few updates by the Japanese automaker in order to keep their sports car current and a bit more user friendly. The four-door, four-passenger sport compact has received rain-sensing windshield wipers, Mazda’s auto-light system and an audio-less option, all standard. However the most striking of the recent upgrades comes in the form of two new color choices for the exterior: Aluminum Metallic and Metropolitan Gray Mica.

Mazda has left the lovable 13B alone; the two-rotor motor still makes 232 HP in manually shifter vehicles. However, we are still awaiting word of a turbocharger.

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is available as either a 232-hp model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 212-hp model fitted with a six-speed Sport A/T automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience.

2009 Mazda RX-8 Specifications
Chassis
Brakes F/R:ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:225/45 ZR18
Driveline:Rear Wheel Drive
Engine
Type:Wankel-2
Displacement cu in (cc):80 (1308)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:232(173) / 8500
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:159(216) / 5500
Redline at RPM:9000
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:n.a.
Weight lb (kg):n.a.
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:6.0 (source: Motor Trend)
Top Speed mph (km/h):150 (241) (source: Car&Driver)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):18/24 (n.a.)