Taking cues from Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s “Big Red” Silverado that debuted at SEMA in 2006, the ’08 Silverado HD Crew Z71 Big Red demonstrates how that expressive concept’s unique features would look with production-type components. It combines numerous GM Accessories inspired by Earnhardt’s Big Red and features additional custom touches.
It also supposes the popular Z71 off-road package on the Silverado 2500HD – a model not offered by the factory. It’s powered by the 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 and a six-speed Allison transmission.
Vehicle highlights:
Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4
Z71 grille and bumper; underbody protection
Z71 badging on floor mats, sill plates and instrument cluster
6.6L Duramax diesel with Allison six-speed automatic transmission
High performance and low cost were Plymouth’s design goals for a brand-new model in 1968. The company believed that the time was right for a factory hot rod for the youth market, and its guess was right on the money. It would have the macho name of Road Runner.
It was also a very "B Body" budget-friendly machine which made it another very important reason for purchasing. The high cost ruled out many of the muscle cars of the era.
Less money meant less chrome on the body, along with fewer options. In fact, those that intended their Road Runner for the drag strip sometimes ordered the Runner with the small hub-cap-style wheel covers and even deleted the radio.
A member of the Belvedere line, the new model came with a stock 383cid engine capable of 335 horsepower. But that was just the beginning, the awesome 426 Hemi and 440 Six-Barrel engines would become available the following model year.
Of course, the Hemi has been a legend for many years, but that triple-carbed 440 engine had adopted a cult following of its own. A significant body change had been planned for the ’70 model, but that would be put off until the 1971 model year.
The 1970 440 continued to be capable of 390 horsepower when equipped with the so-called Air Grabber induction system. That interesting system provided a solid connection between the hood scoops and engine once the hood was closed. The sides of the pop-up Air Grabber door were eye-catching with evil-looking shark’s teeth etched on the sides.
The front end was menacing-looking with the blackout grille containing twin headlights mounted in its ends. The agressive bumper contained a pair of round parking lights on either side of the license plate.
When looking at the ’70 Road Runner, and comparing it with the other garnish MOPAR muscle machines of the era, it appeared downright stripped. Oh, there was a stripe and 440+6 lettering on the hood, but that was about it. About the only eye catcher was the simulated rear-fender-scoop cut-out.
Some of the models did, however, have a dust trail that reached from near the front of the front fender and disappeared into that scoop.
The only sizable name identification externally was the "Road Runner" lettering contained in a stripe located on the rear end of the car, just above the tail lights. As far as engine identification, in addition to the aforementioned 440+6 designations on the hood, there was also a "440" in the rear of a hood bulge.
With that famous name, the company made the most of it with a special horn to sound like that famous cartoon bird. The horn made the Road Runner ’Beep Beep’ sound which was unmistakable.
Mike Cenky of Huber Heights, Ohio owns a ’70 Road Runner hardtop with such an six-barrel 440 engine installation. A retired phone company employee, Mike acquired the four-speed model in 1988 in "fair condition." I redid the powertrain and suspension system which both needed attention."
As he was restoring the Road Runner, Mike came across some interesting clues that provided firm indications of the car’s early history. "The engine had a scatter shield, there was an indication of once having a drag-style line-lock set-up, and the rear wheelwells had been trimmed for large racing slicks.
"I bet that it made many runs down the drag strip during those days." He indicated, though, that type of activity is not in his plans for the orange beauty. "Oh, I might get on it once-in-awhile, but that’s about it!"
Cenky did, however, make several minor changes for better driving comfort. "I used a wider eight-inch rear wheel. Then too, I changed the factory 4.10 ratio rear end to a 3.54 unit which makes the car much more streetable." For a cleaner look, the small Road Runner decals-normally on the front quarters-and small chrome RR emblems on the rear quarters.
The car is coated in a flashy Tor Red color, a color which is carried to the exposed wheels which carry the small wheel covers, and in MOPAR style, also into the engine compartment. It’s highlighted with that broad black hood stripe which contains the hood scoop and is outlined by two narrow stripes. There is definitely a racecar look about this stunning machine.
The car also carries the Super Track Pack which included front disc brakes, heavy duty cooling package, special cooling fan, and the Dana rear end. The interior is done in black vinyl and sports bucket seats.
Cenky explained that even though the car is 36 years old, most people at car shows know exactly what it is. "I am always hearing from them that they owned one or knew somebody that did," he explained.
Mike’s long been a Chrysler fan, and it comes naturally. "My dad worked for the company for many years and all we ever had were Chrysler cars." And over the years, Mike has owned a number of vintage performance MOPARs, including a ’67 440 R/T, a ’70 Dodge Challenger 440 Six-Pack, a ’72 340 Plymouth Duster, and a ’70 Chrysler 300.
"There is no mistaking the look of those Chrysler-built ’60s and early muscle machines, and they are certainly a favorite of mine."
With 2.6 million miles on his record-breaking, shiny red 1966 Volvo P1800, 67-year-old Irv Gordon is now aiming to achieve a near impossible milestone - driving three million miles in the same car.
Gordon, a retired science teacher from East Patchogue, N.Y., purchased his sporty Volvo in June 1966, and immediately fell in love, driving 1,500 miles in the first 48 hours. With a 125-mile round-trip daily commute, a dedication to vehicle maintenance and a passion for driving, Gordon logged 500,000 miles in 10 years. In 1998 with 1.69 million miles, he made the Guinness Book of World Records for most miles driven by a single owner in a non-commercial vehicle.
Today, Gordon breaks his own record every time he drives, whether it’s to Cincinnati for coffee, Rolla, Mo., for lunch or Green River, Wyo., for dinner. And now, the treasured Volvo P1800 continues to roll through the ages despite the wear of road and time, Gordon - like any mighty record-holder at the top of his game - has begun to think about his legacy.
"My goal is to reach three million miles in the next five years," Gordon said. "But, whether I reach that mark is more up to me than it is the car. The car’s parts may be able to take it, but I’m not so sure about my own.
"I turn 72 on July 15, 2012," he added. "That seems like a nice day to clock three million and park the car once and for all. It will be a fantastic testament to the engineering genius of Volvo as well as to the resiliency of folks my age.
"I’ll also feel comfortable that three million miles is a record that no one will ever be able to reach in the same car," Gordon continued. "That is, unless Barry Bonds decides to start driving his car more after he retires from baseball."
Nissan today announced the launch of the Nissan GT-R, a new multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "an ultimate supercar for anyone, anywhere, at anytime". The Nissan GT-R features a newly developed Premium Midship package, including the world’s first independent transaxle 4WD developed independently by Nissan. The Nissan GT-R will be available in Japan mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers nationwide from December 6th.
The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth’s natural forces - gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics - and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow.
Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new componentry and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace. All of these theories have been integrated to balance "speed and efficiency," "high-output with environmental consideration" and "high performance and safety."
Taking these factors into account, Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation - whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas - all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.
The Nissan GT-R’s unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle’s design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a "clean room" environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.
To properly support the all-new GT-R, Nissan has established special Nissan High Performance Centers, where all certified advisors and technicians have received extensive training. Total support for the GT-R owner is offered for the first three years of ownership, including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km, and again every 12 months, free of charge.
Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new package enables the use of the world’s first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle’s layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.
Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.
The Nissan GT-R’s new engine produces 473 HP at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 433 lbs-ft from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.
Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic system, which utilizes all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.
Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance.
High-Performance Safety and Environmental Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.
Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.
Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.
Functional Design - High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R’s styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle’s driving experience - as well as suggesting GT-R’s "supercar" level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R’s aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.
The all-new GT-R’s body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.
The front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders’ leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders’ trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area.
The Nissan GT-R’s large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated φ120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.
The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R’s paint - which utilizes a "double clear coat" and "anti-chipping" process. The Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly hand-polished by craftsman.
An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R’s usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.
Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.
The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver’s head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.
Functional style is also evident in the Nissan GT-R - each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of the GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features the ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button.
Adjustability is central to the daily-driver nature of the Nissan GT-R, with a special "set-up switch" located in the center of the instrument panel. This switch enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings - Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the Nissan GT-R "supercar" application.
A high-speed, high-capacity CARWINGS (Japan market) navigation system, with a powerful 30GB hard disk drive, features an easy-to-use touch pad, as well as traditional navigation switches. The screen interface features not only the navigation system, but also an enriched entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and Bluetooth® audio function. For special use in the GT-R application, the multi-function meter also includes mechanical and driving information for safe high performance driving, including acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, and steering angle. It also includes an "optimal gearshift map," to emphasize economical vehicle operation.
A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself, provide sound quality suitable for a supercar.
The AutoWeek editorial staff will announce its Editors’ Choice Award winners for the 2007 Tokyo International Motor Show in its November 12 issue.
For more than a decade, the editors of the weekly automotive-enthusiast magazine have scoured show floors in Detroit, Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo, selecting winners in four categories: Best in Show, Best Concept, Most Significant and Most Fun.
The 2007 AutoWeek Editors’ Choice Award winners for the Best of Tokyo are:
BEST IN SHOW: Nissan GT-R- "This is the super car everyone has been waiting for since Nissan officials announced in 2001 that they would re-create the icon," said AutoWeek Editor and Associate Publisher Dutch Mandel. "A twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V6 pushes this coupe to a top speed of 193 mph and from zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds. The great news for the U.S. is that Nissan will finally bring this flagship to our shores."
BEST CONCEPT: Mazda Taiki- "This aero-efficient sports car blends the best of the last three Mazda show cars with the company’s next-generation Wankel rotary engine: a power plant that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It sets the way for the future front-engine, rear-drive sports car."
MOST SIGNIFICANT: Honda CR-Z- "Here’s a car that finally reintroduces passion and emotion in a legendary vehicle that is also powered by alternative sources. The CR-Z is very much the spiritual successor to Honda’s beloved CRX, a subcompact rocket from the past."
MOST FUN: Suzuki X-Head- "It’s every kid’s Tonka toy come to life. It’s boxy, it’s burly, it’s bright yellow and looks as though it wants to haul heavy loads through woods. It’s what happens when Suzuki
Fisker Automotive will unveil their first environmentally friendly premium cars in 2008 at the Detroit Motor Show. The company wants to produce 15,000 vehicles annually with pricing to start under $100,000.
Design and technology development are already underway for the first production car. All models will feature cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology penned as Quantum Drive, developed by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive. This all-new plug–in Quantum Drive chassis layout will allow Fisker to design innovative luxury cars with uncompromised proportions.
The Fisker name has attracted and attained worldwide brand recognition, thanks to years of first-class automotive designs. Over his 18 years in the car design business, Henrik Fisker has left his thumbprint on some of the most highly regarded automobiles. His creations range from the BMW Z8, Aston Martin DB9 & V8 Vantage to his most recent creations – the Tramonto and Latigo CS, designed under the Fisker Coachbuild nameplate. Fisker Automotive will retain the orange and blue logo originated at Fisker Coachbuild.
"The troubled environment is captivating the attention of the world. Developing a premium luxury green car which also delivers attractive design can make a difference. We are extremely excited to join our automotive design expertise with the plug-in hybrid technology of Quantum in Quantum Drive. This breakthrough chassis development will allow us to deliver a design with dramatic proportions – one which will carry the Fisker badge," expressed Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive, Inc. "We want people to drive beautiful fast cars that make environmental sense – cars that are eco-chic and will have less of an impact on global warming."
Quantum Technologies has a long history of advancing technology. Benefits in developing an entirely new, from-the-ground-up design for a plug-in hybrid vehicle include optimized fuel efficiency and performance, unchanged gas station infrastructure, home based battery recharging with any 110-volt outlet at a fraction of the cost. A cleaner and a quieter car for local travel…all with the most advanced comforts that are anticipated with a luxury car.
"Our goal here is to deliver the advancement that Quantum Technologies has made in the area of plug-in hybrid technology. By combining our efforts with the renowned design talent of Henrik Fisker, we can produce a car that makes a difference to the environment – without sacrificing the luxury that accompanies the finest automobiles," stated Alan Niedzwiecki, CEO Quantum Technologies.
Do you remember how many world record the Ultima GTR smashed in the past few months? We lost count! Of course the biggest one is the 0-100-0 mph record, but recently the GTR smashed another record: fastest car on Top Gear test track.
The even was held to celebrate Ultima’s 15th anniversary in style. In order to make the test completely kosher, the Ultima used was fully road legal, with standard tires, and was even driven to the test track.
The previous record was held by the Koenigsegg CXX with a time of 1:17.6, but the GTR lapped the track in 1:12.8, mneaning over four and half seconds before the Swedish supercar could cross the line.
The story behind this article you already know it: GM brought a Corvette ZR1 prototype at Laguna Seca this week-end. We just wanted to show you few more images from Le Mans Series.
The Corvette ZR-1 is the most powerful ever made. It has been revealed to the public this Friday at ALMS. Even if there are no new info about the car’s specifications, you can make a pretty good idea of how the car will look like from this images.
The ZR1 will make its world debut next year at the Detroit motor Show and will go on sale starting next autumn.
When you mix a Subaru Impreza WRX STi and a ATV you will get a STi-ATv, of course, but in the same time a monster that will catch eyes to any person passing by.
A four-wheel motorcycle powered by a Subaru Impreza WRX STi engine, is for sure something insane. But the owner, Ken Brough is really proud of its STi-ATV (he gave the name to his creation!).
The STi-ATv is powered by a 90’s Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 2.0 liter engine that delivers 230 hp. The engine was matted with a 5-speed gearbox, and for a 1,168 pounds bike the performances are unbelievable, even if there are no available info about the top speed or the 0 to 60 mph sprint.
The STi-ATV has one big problem: you will never see it on the roads, because despite many efforts from Ken, he couldn’t get it approved for road use in New Zealand.
Lexus announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the GS 350, GS 460 and GS 450h luxury sedans. In addition to the numerous interior and exterior luxury enhancements that all GS models receive, base prices remain unchanged for the GS 350 and GS 450h hybrid at $44,150 and $54,900 respectively. The GS 460 replaces last year’s GS 430, and features a new 4.6-liter V8 engine that provides an additional 52 horsepower, for a total of 342 horsepower. The new GS 460 receives a modest increase of 0.47 percent over the model it replaces, or $245, to $52,620.
All 2008 Lexus GS models will receive significant interior and exterior revisions, including an enhanced front fascia showcased by a new front bumper and an aggressive new chrome grille surround. GS models also gain side-view mirror turn signals for additional visibility. GS 350 models will come with new standard 17-inch alloy wheels or new 18-inch alloy wheels as an option.
Interior changes to all GS models include a new brushed-aluminum shift-plate that is subtly contrasted with additional wood trim on the door switch plates. The instrument panel and combination meter also have a revised appearance. For added convenience, the fuel-filler door release and trunk-release buttons have been relocated from the drop-down switch box to the dash area. GS models will also feature a newly designed leather-trimmed steering wheel as standard, with a wood-and-leather-trim steering wheel offered as an option. Every GS model will include an MP3/iPod/WMA port allowing use of portable music devices.
2008 GS 450h Upgrades
The Lexus GS 450h remains the only hybrid luxury sport sedan. In addition to the aforementioned upgrades, the GS 450h is fitted with heated and ventilated semi-aniline leather trim front seats as standard equipment. Remaining consistent with the LS 600h L and RX 400h luxury hybrids, the GS 450h will sport a blue hybrid designation on the side rocker moldings, aluminum-and-blue enameled rear model designation, a Lexus Hybrid Drive engine cover, blue trimmed front and rear "L" logos, a blue tint to the headlamps and a power meter that replaces the tachometer. A VDIM cutoff switch was added to allow an experienced driver to disengage the stability system.
More Powerful GS 460
The GS 460 is the latest addition to the GS family as it replaces the previous GS 430 model. The GS 460’s 4.6-liter V8 engine, first introduced in Lexus’ flagship LS 460, produces a commendable 342-horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, which is 20 lb-ft more than the model it replaces. Increased performance is a result of new engine technology; in particular, the world’s first electric motor-driven Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electronically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE). Additionally, a dual fuel-injection system that utilizes both port and direct injection optimizes efficiency and allows high compression (11.8:1) for power and efficiency. Paired with the segment’s first 8-speed automatic transmission, the GS 460 can accelerate from 0 to 60 in an intense 5.4 seconds while achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV-II) certification.
In addition to the changes made on all 2008 GS models, the GS 460 adds semi-aniline leather trim and ventilated front seats as standard luxury features.
Ferrari’s Felipe Massa was the toast of Interlagos on Saturday afternoon after taking his second successive pole position for his home Grand Prix. It was his sixth of the season.
In a gripping shoot-out at the end of Q3, the Brazilian’s lap of 1m 11.931s just withstood an onslaught from championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who admitted that he lost a tiny bit of pace at the end of the lap rather than risk what he had already gained over the rest of it.
Lewis Hamilton
1m 12.082s was sufficient to push his McLaren ahead of Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, who failed to improve on his 1m 12.322s best. The Finn will start third, ahead of McLaren’s Fernando Alonso who cut down to 1m 12.356s right at the end. It remains to be seen whether the respective gaps reflect the individual fuel loads.
Behind them, Mark Webber was a surprise fifth on 1m 12.928s for Red Bull, his best position of the year, ahead of the BMW Saubers of Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica (1m 13.081s and 1m 13.129s).
Kimi Raikkonen
Jarno Trulli was eighth in his Toyota on 1m 13.195s, with David Coulthard making it two Red Bulls in the top 10 with ninth place on 1m 13.272s, and Williams’ Nico Rosberg taking the second slot on the fifth row with 1m 13.477s.
There was some controversy afterwards, however, when Ferrari accused Hamilton of getting in Raikkonen’s way when he left the pits for the final time. Hamilton strongly denies any wrongdoing and said that he moved over as soon as he realized how close the Finn was to him.
Rubens Barrichello will start 11th after pushing his Honda round his home track in 1m 12.932s and just missing the cut into Q3. Giancarlo Fisichella also missed out for Renault, with 1m 12.968s. Sebastian Vettel was the faster Toro Rosso qualifier in 13th on 1m 13.058s as Tonio Liuzzi had to rely on his first run of 1m 13.251s after spoiling the first sector of his second. He was 14th. Ralf Schumacher’s efforts for Toyota yielded 1m 13.315s for 15th, and Jenson Button was the final Q2 runner in the second Honda on 1m 13.469s.
Fernando Alonso
Heikki Kovalainen was a surprise faller in Q1, the Renault driver failing by a hair to get through. Button was the 16th man, on 1m 14.054s, the Finn the 17th on 1m 14.078s. Takuma Sato was likewise unlucky at Super Aguri, lapping his SA07 in 1m 14.098s.
Kazuki Nakajima’s first qualifying effort in a Williams left him 19th in the line-up with 1m 14.417s, which edged out Anthony Davidson’s 1m 14.596s in the second Super Aguri.
At the back, Adrian Sutil’s Spyker came to a halt in the third sector after he’d posted 1m 15.217s, but that still left him just ahead of team mate Sakon Yamamoto, with 1m 15.487s.
Autocar’s Magazine last issue features a spy photo of the future Lotus Esprit. It was caught inside Lotus’s Norfolk HQ by a snarh-eyed snapper from outside the factory gates.
Although almost completely uncovered, the thin material has allowed a great deal of details to be revealed. The plunging nose and distinctive shape of the front wing are clearly outlined, as is the long, sloping roof line and low tall.
Close examination also shows what appears to be a series of stats below the windscreen, as well as a substantial part of "hand-clap" wipers.
Lotus wants to sell 1000 units a reason, reason why a cabrio version was also added.
The 2009 Esprit is powered by a upgraded longitudinally mounted engine, with the adoption of a more modern BMW V8.
The launch of the Esprit was caused by the decision to launch the "Project Eagle", a 2+2 V6 coupe that will be priced at around £40.000. The project Eagle will be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
Renault Neptun Concept (not to be confound with the Nepta Concept) is a luxury coupe concept vehicle inspired by sea waves and named after Neptun, the God of the sea. It was designed by Romanian designer Dragos Pop.
On creating the Neptun Concept, Dragos got inspired by the movements and the power of sea waves. The main goal of the fluid and strong lines and exterior proportions is to express power and distinction.
Dragos explains: "When I started to work on this project I tried to capture the spirit of a powerful sea wave, that is beautiful to look at, but powerful enough to demand respect. That is why I named it Neptun, after the Roman God of the Sea."
Neptun wants to target models like Mercedes SLR and the Aston Martin Vanquish if will ever see production.
That’s the rumor – that a protype ZR1 will be making demo laps at Laguna Seca this week-end, which is hosting the American LeMans Series over the weekend. A Corvette has been spotted by BadBoyVettes.com in a trailer, with the hood covered, painted a very bright yellow. All previous spy pictures have shown a camouflaged hoos for the ZR1, so this appears to be one. Reportedly, the photo was shot in Monterey.
Last night I had a beautiful dreamed: I went to place an order for a Bugatti Veyron (not bad for a dream!). But my sweet dream was to become the worst nightmare even when I saw how they do delivery in some countries.
Yes, you guest, the country we are talking about is Russia. I wonder what that guy imagined he was caring in that truck! After all we are talking about a 1,5 million euro car. Or, who knows, maybe the owner spent his all money on the car and didn’t had enough for a proper delivery. Everything is possible!
I just hope mine won’t be delivered like this (the one in the dream of course!).
The new Aston Martin Vantage V8 is for sure a bargain for any Aston martin lover, but with the latest Mansory customization a more superlative sportscar is born.
Mansory customization kit includes: carbon front spoiler, a rear apron with integrated diffuser and stacked exhaust pipes, full side skirts, a boot lid spoiler and a new grille.
Also the V8 features special developed Brembo brakes with dimesions of 405/32 rotordiscs with 6 pistons calibers for the front and 405/28 with 4 pistons caliber for the rear.
If you want that Jaguar X-type, you’d better grab onto that 2008 model described here earlier, because there won’t be a 2009 – at least not in the United States.
Of course, you probably don’t want an X-type, which is why there won’t be a 2009 model sold in the United States. Ford had been expected to keep the car on the U.S. market until 2010, but it is dropping it sooner because the sales have been just terrible. The best sales it ever had were 5,000 vehicles in 2003. It’s down to less than 2,500 a year now, even though a wagon has been added to the line.
So, Jaguar isn’t going to let the X-type weigh down the line when it introduces the new XF to the United States in March. At that point, it pulls the plug on the X. They will continue to sell it in Europe, in a facelifted version. But that version will not cross the pond.
A Jaguar spokesperson explained it this way: “Over the past 18 months, Jaguar has been conducting a strategic review of its positioning in the premium luxury market and there were a number of unique circumstances in the North American market." In short, Jaguar is expecting to sell 5000 XFs per year in the United States, and doesn’t want anything to mar the upscale image which they intend for that car.
The decision to pull the X-type from the United States market in 2009, despite the face-lift it will be receiving, is interesting on another level, as well. Ford has been actively trying to peddle Jaguar for months, although it hasn’t seemed to get much forward progress toward an actual sale. Ford has said that it can live with a UAW contract that is similar to those signed at GM and Chrysler. Now that the Chrysler deal is done, Ford presumably can feel relatively confident about the structure of the contract it is likely to be signing.
The latest speculation is that Ford may be rethinking the entire Jaguar sale idea. Here’s why: First, the Jaguar/Land Rover sale isn’t going to bring Ford the amount of money they had originally expected. The bloom is off the rose for big money equity-fund deals. Most of the ostensible buyers don’t really know if they can find the money needed to complete the purchase at any price. The only potential buyer with actual money in the bank, Tata, has publicly stated that it has set aside $1 billion for the purchase. That’s a lot less than Ford wants and nowhere near what it originally expected.
Second, assuming Ford gets a settlement with the UAW that emulates those of the other automakers, Ford may not be feeling as financially pinched as it had feared. Given the smaller amount of money to be realized from a sale of Jaguar/Land Rover, the calculus supporting the sale may have changed.
Third, the XF: Ford has paid for that car. They have put up all the money to design and manufacture it, right to the point of putting it on sale. Even were they to sell the company tomorrow, they’d probably still be putting up the money to bring the car to the U.S. market. The only thing they’d save by dumping Jaguar at this point is the merchandizing costs.
If the XF is a success, selling Jaguar now would mean that Ford pays all the development costs and the buyer gets all of the profit. Presumably, if Ford didn’t think it could sell the XF, they wouldn’t have built it. Of course, you could say the same thing about previous Jaguar models. But, it would be hugely embarrassing to current Ford management were they to sell Jaguar for not very much money just as it was stepping up to the plate to hit an XF home run. Sorta like trading Ruth to the Yankees.
On the other hand, deciding not to sell in a bad market is a perfectly defensible management decision. Economists look at financial decisions in terms of “opportunity cost:” if you do one thing with the money, that means you can’t do something else. So, if you buy that new Ferrari, you won’t be earning interest on the money and you’ll lose the chance to double your money in gold futures. Looking at the opportunity cost of keeping Jaguar, there isn’t much. Ford’s got a huge credit line which it hasn’t touched. If it needs $1.5 billion, Mulally can get that with a phone call, no questions asked beyond “to which account would you like that deposited, sir?” Achieving that flexibility is precisely why Mulally mortgaged the company to secure that credit line.
In the end, Ford may be coming to the conclusion that it really doesn’t have much choice in the matter, it’s either keep Ford or give it away. Though Jaguar has been a financial black hole for as long as Ford has owned it, the lesser of the two unpleasant choices presently facing Ford may be keeping a Jaguar in its future.
Porsche made official today the 911 GT2. Set to make its world debut in September at Frankfurt Motor Show, the GT2 is the most powerful 911 so far homologated for road use. Through its striking design with large air intakes at the front and the rear wing so characteristic of this very special model, the new 911 GT2 expresses the power and performance potential of the fastest-ever 911 right from the start even at a standstill.
The 911 GT2 will be available only with rear-wheel drive and a manual six-speed gearbox. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 3.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 204 mph. It has an average fuel consumption of just 12.5 litres/100 km (equal to 22.6 mpg imp) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), thus offering a level of fuel economy regarded as quite impossible in this performance class just a few years ago.
The power unit of the new 911 GT2 is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 Turbo, with air supply by two exhaust gas turbochargers featuring variable turbine geometry (VTG). The 3.6-litre boxer engine achieves its maximum output of 530 bhp at 6500 rpm, with maximum torque of 680 Newton-metres maintained consistently between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. With its unladen weight of 1,440 kg or 3,175 lb, finally, the 911 GT2 offers a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.72 kg/6.00 lb per horsepower.
The increase in engine power by 50 bhp over the ”regular“ power unit is provided in the new 911 GT2 by two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimised turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even higher level. And for the first time Porsche’s engineers have combined the turbocharged engine with an expansion-type intake manifold – a genuine revolution on turbocharged power units. The expansion intake manifold uses the principle of oscillating air in the intake manifold during the cooler expansion phase, keeping the temperature of the fuel/air mixture lower than in the 911 Turbo. This, in turn, means a significant increase in all-round efficiency, with fuel consumption down by up to 15 per cent under full load despite the increase in engine output.
The 911 GT2 offers new achievements also in terms of emission management and control: This is the first Porsche homologated for the road to feature a rear silencer and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment. This expensive material reduces weight by approximately 50 per cent versus a comparable component made of stainless steel to just 9 kg.
The new 911 GT2 comes as standard with PCCB brakes featuring brake discs made of a composite carbon fibre/ceramic compound ensuring maximum stopping power maintained with an extremely high level of consistency. A further advantage is that PCCB brakes reduce the weight of the unsprung masses versus comparable grey cast-iron discs by approximately 20 kg or 44 lb.
Yet another feature fitted as standard is the electronically controlled PASM Porsche Active Suspension Management. (PASM). The GT2 comes on 19-inch light-alloy wheels running at the front on 235/35 ZR 19, at the rear on 325/30 ZR 19 sports tyres.
The new 911 GT2 will be at the dealership in November 2007. The base price of the car in Germany is Euro 159,100.-, the market price including 19 per cent value-added tax Euro 189,496.
The Ford GT is a living legend. For those who have driven this car before it is hard to imagine what it means to gain 29 % more performance power. Its supercharged engine with an impressive 701 bhp/ 523kW producing a peak torque of 7407 in-lbs reaches a top speed of 211 mph. The engine’s shear force gives you goose bumps and its deep base just about takes your breath away. With the tuning modifications carried out by GeigerCars.de the Ford GT really outdoes itself.
Munich’s tuning specialists at GeigerCars.de converted the Ford GT 5.4 liter V8 engine entirely. A 3.3 liter serial compressor replaces the 2.3 liter compressor and the boost pressure was raised from 0.8 to 1.25 bar. The engine electronics were reprogrammed to calibrate the GeigerCars.de power components. Enlarged throttle valves and a sport air filter provide its eight cylinders with more circulation. The engine and transmission’s cooling system are optimized to meet the needs of the Ford GT ’s expanded performance. With the first step on the gas this sports car instantly demonstrates what it is capable of: a true race car.
From 0 to 62mph in 3.5 seconds
With the tuning kit from GeigerCars.de the sprint from 0 to 62 mph takes just 3.5 seconds. The Ford GT can cover a quarter mile in 10.9 seconds. Its driving force is noticeable in first gear and does not let up - this car does not stop giving until reaching maximum speed at 211mph. Only the tire’s loading limit bridle the engine’s overwhelming power. Its top speed is limited electronically. The driving experience is acoustically enhanced with the installation of a high performance exhaust system from GeigerCars.de which accentuates the engine’s solid sound. The Ford GT’s powerful tailpipes have a diameter of 110 millimeters. Having removed the rear bumper the tailpipes impress in full view.
Engine and suspension design: a perfect complement
Such immense force of acceleration is to be controlled with confidence. Optimum control in all situations is guaranteed by a GeigerCars.de specially designed adjustable suspension system. For optimal weight distribution of axle load between front and rear axles, the hydraulic shock absorbers can either be set in the impact or tow mode. Its suspension package lowers the Ford GT by up to 60 millimeters and brings its power onto the road. In turn, its unique thin silhouette and sporty proportions are brought out by the low rider.
Controlling shear force with confidence
Its high performance break system with monoblock brake calipers produced by GeigerCars.de is made for deceleration performance. Even at over 186mph the Ford GT breaks quickly and confidently. For quick acceleration and optimum control when taking curves GeigerCars.de combines impressive 245/35R 20 size tires and 9Jx20 light alloy wheels on the front axle and 325/30R 21 size tires and 11x21 wheels on the rear axle. Such distribution gives the car a safe grip even at fast cornering. The Ford GT’s impressive outer appearance is completed with the addition of a Geigercars.de wheel set in black with stainless steel inlays.
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