Friday, April 30, 2010
The R8, like most mid- or rear-engine designed sports cars, utilises wider roadwheels and tyres on its rear axle. For the 18 inch alloy wheels (on standard summer tyres), there is just one range of sizes - the fronts are sized at 8.5Jx18H2 ET42, whilst the rears are two inches wider at 10.5Jx18H2 ET50. With the 19 inch wheels (standard fit in most markets), the theme continues - the fronts are ...
The R8, like most mid- or rear-engine designed sports cars, utilises wider roadwheels and tyres on its rear axle. For the 18 inch alloy wheels (on standard summer tyres), there is just one range of sizes - the fronts are sized at 8.5Jx18H2 ET42, whilst the rears are two inches wider at 10.5Jx18H2 ET50. With the 19 inch wheels (standard fit in most markets), the theme continues - the fronts are
On 22 June 2007, Pearson, Simon, Soter, Warshaw & Penny, LLP and the Law Office of Robert L. Starr filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America, alleging that the timing belts for model year 1999-2003 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine fail prematurely.Audi TT Audi TT 3.2 DSG ...
On 22 June 2007, Pearson, Simon, Soter, Warshaw & Penny, LLP and the Law Office of Robert L. Starr filed a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America, alleging that the timing belts for model year 1999-2003 Audi and Volkswagen vehicles equipped with a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine fail prematurely.Audi TT Audi TT 3.2 DSG 2008
Thursday, April 29, 2010
June marks fifty years since production of the Falcon began, and to celebrate Ford Australia has announced a range of anniversary models.
Available across both saloon and Ute body styles, the six variants on offer are based on the G6E, G6E Turbo, Falcon XR6, Falcon XR6 Turbo, Falcon XR6 Ute and Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute. Conspicuous by its absence is an anniversary edition of the range-topping XR8, with its 389 bhp V8 engine.
G Series 50th Anniversary models feature ‘Medium Stealth’ (whatever that means) accents on its front grilles and rear bumper insert, while the fog lamp bezels and 19” 10-spoke alloy wheels benefit from ‘Light Stealth’ accents. On the inside, there’s new leather seat upholstery with embroidered ‘50th Anniversary’ logos, a 50th Anniversary badge, carpet floor mats, special interior trim and a satellite navigation system.
All Falcon XR 50th Anniversary models get ‘Dark Stealth’ accents on the grilles, fog lamp bezels and rear bumper insert, along with ‘Medium Stealth’ accents on the 18” alloy wheels (19” on the XR6 Turbo). Also included in the specification are high series side mirrors with integrated indicators and G6-type tail lights.
It’ll be hard to not notice the XR6 anniversary models, as there’s XR50 badging, XR50 body stripes and a ‘50th Anniversary’ fender feature on the outside. Meanwhile, the theme continues on the interior with an embroidered XR50 logo on the seats, XR50 carpet mats and door scuff plates, and ‘50th Anniversary’ graphics on the instrument cluster.
As well as special interior trim, dual zone climate control, a premium audio system and a sports leather steering wheel, the Falcon XR6 50th Anniversary models also feature new partial leather for the seats. The Falcon XR6 Turbo 50th Anniversary additionally receives new leather-detailed seat trim and a reverse sensing system.
The anniversary models are launched at a time when the future of the Falcon as a distinct Australian product is in doubt. Already Ford has confirmed that the Falcon Wagon will be discontinued after June, its role assumed by the Mondeo Wagon and Falcon-based Territory SUV. The ‘One Ford’ plan, which puts a global focus on the product range, may mean the Falcon is eventually replaced by a version of the North American Taurus.
June marks fifty years since production of the Falcon began, and to celebrate Ford Australia has announced a range of anniversary models.
Available across both saloon and Ute body styles, the six variants on offer are based on the G6E, G6E Turbo, Falcon XR6, Falcon XR6 Turbo, Falcon XR6 Ute and Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute. Conspicuous by its absence is an anniversary edition of the range-topping XR8, with its 389 bhp V8 engine.
G Series 50th Anniversary models feature ‘Medium Stealth’ (whatever that means) accents on its front grilles and rear bumper insert, while the fog lamp bezels and 19” 10-spoke alloy wheels benefit from ‘Light Stealth’ accents. On the inside, there’s new leather seat upholstery with embroidered ‘50th Anniversary’ logos, a 50th Anniversary badge, carpet floor mats, special interior trim and a satellite navigation system.
All Falcon XR 50th Anniversary models get ‘Dark Stealth’ accents on the grilles, fog lamp bezels and rear bumper insert, along with ‘Medium Stealth’ accents on the 18” alloy wheels (19” on the XR6 Turbo). Also included in the specification are high series side mirrors with integrated indicators and G6-type tail lights.
It’ll be hard to not notice the XR6 anniversary models, as there’s XR50 badging, XR50 body stripes and a ‘50th Anniversary’ fender feature on the outside. Meanwhile, the theme continues on the interior with an embroidered XR50 logo on the seats, XR50 carpet mats and door scuff plates, and ‘50th Anniversary’ graphics on the instrument cluster.
As well as special interior trim, dual zone climate control, a premium audio system and a sports leather steering wheel, the Falcon XR6 50th Anniversary models also feature new partial leather for the seats. The Falcon XR6 Turbo 50th Anniversary additionally receives new leather-detailed seat trim and a reverse sensing system.
The anniversary models are launched at a time when the future of the Falcon as a distinct Australian product is in doubt. Already Ford has confirmed that the Falcon Wagon will be discontinued after June, its role assumed by the Mondeo Wagon and Falcon-based Territory SUV. The ‘One Ford’ plan, which puts a global focus on the product range, may mean the Falcon is eventually replaced by a version of the North American Taurus.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The second generation Equinox was announced by GM on December 21, 2008, and debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.The 2010 Equinox went on sale in June 2009. It is built on a stiffened version of the same "Theta" platform used in the previous model. The new Equinox has a pair of new direct-injection engines, with better fuel economy claimed by GM.Chevrolet Equino...
The second generation Equinox was announced by GM on December 21, 2008, and debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.The 2010 Equinox went on sale in June 2009. It is built on a stiffened version of the same "Theta" platform used in the previous model. The new Equinox has a pair of new direct-injection engines, with better fuel economy claimed by GM.Chevrolet Equinox
The FIA has announced the event calendar for the 2011 World Rally Championship season:
13 Feb - Sweden
06 Mar - Mexico
27 Mar - Portugal
17 Apr - Jordan
08 May - Italy
29 May - Argentina
19 Jun - Greece
31 Jul - Finland
21 Aug - Germany
11 Sep - Australia
02 Oct - France
23 Oct - Spain
13 Nov - Great Britain
Compared to 2010, the rounds in Turkey, New Zealand, Bulgaria and Japan have been dropped. Italy, Argentina, Greece and Australia replace them.
Still missing from the calendar is Monaco, although the FIA is saying an as yet unnamed 14th event could be added later. The World Motor Sport Council will have to decide on that by 23 June 2010 at the latest.
The FIA has announced the event calendar for the 2011 World Rally Championship season:
13 Feb - Sweden
06 Mar - Mexico
27 Mar - Portugal
17 Apr - Jordan
08 May - Italy
29 May - Argentina
19 Jun - Greece
31 Jul - Finland
21 Aug - Germany
11 Sep - Australia
02 Oct - France
23 Oct - Spain
13 Nov - Great Britain
Compared to 2010, the rounds in Turkey, New Zealand, Bulgaria and Japan have been dropped. Italy, Argentina, Greece and Australia replace them.
Still missing from the calendar is Monaco, although the FIA is saying an as yet unnamed 14th event could be added later. The World Motor Sport Council will have to decide on that by 23 June 2010 at the latest.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
When was the last time you saw a Renault Laguna Coupé? Probably a long time ago, if at all. The problem for the French firm is that most coupé buyers are image conscious, and so they must have a prestigious badge on their stylish car. Therefore, they invariably just follow the herd and head straight to their nearest BMW, Audi or Volkswagen dealer.
Which is a shame, because the Laguna Coupé is a very good looking car. Nevertheless, Renault is fighting back with its Monaco GP limited edition.
Available only in Pearlescent White metallic paint with a contrasting Pearl Black roof, the car comes equipped with black 18" Interlagos alloy wheels and matching folding door mirrors. Handily, there are front and rear parking sensors to help prevent that paintwork getting scraped or scratched.
The inside features dark grey leather upholstery with Monaco GP logos, together with gloss white inserts for the dash, centre console and door panels. Bluetooth, a BOSE sound system, electric / heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring and integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation are all standard.
Despite the Grand Prix associations, the only engine choice is a 2.0 litre diesel engine. Consequently performance is fairly leisurely, with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph).
But that link to the Monaco GP is a bit tenuous anyway. Renault is saying - apparently in all seriousness - that this limited edition ‘recalls Renault F1 Team’s most recent wins there in 2004 and 2006’. Quite a delay in producing a commemorative car, then. And the ‘most recent wins’ part is a little misleading too - they’re actually the only Monaco victories Renault has had as a constructor, although Michael Schumacher’s 1995 race-winning Benetton did have a Renault engine in it.
The Renault Laguna Coupé Monaco GP limited edition will be priced at £24,995 in the UK, which represents a saving of £5,200 compared to buying a Coupé GT and adding the options individually. Deliveries are planned to start in July, and orders are being taken now.
When was the last time you saw a Renault Laguna Coupé? Probably a long time ago, if at all. The problem for the French firm is that most coupé buyers are image conscious, and so they must have a prestigious badge on their stylish car. Therefore, they invariably just follow the herd and head straight to their nearest BMW, Audi or Volkswagen dealer.
Which is a shame, because the Laguna Coupé is a very good looking car. Nevertheless, Renault is fighting back with its Monaco GP limited edition.
Available only in Pearlescent White metallic paint with a contrasting Pearl Black roof, the car comes equipped with black 18" Interlagos alloy wheels and matching folding door mirrors. Handily, there are front and rear parking sensors to help prevent that paintwork getting scraped or scratched.
The inside features dark grey leather upholstery with Monaco GP logos, together with gloss white inserts for the dash, centre console and door panels. Bluetooth, a BOSE sound system, electric / heated front seats, tyre pressure monitoring and integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation are all standard.
Despite the Grand Prix associations, the only engine choice is a 2.0 litre diesel engine. Consequently performance is fairly leisurely, with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph).
But that link to the Monaco GP is a bit tenuous anyway. Renault is saying - apparently in all seriousness - that this limited edition ‘recalls Renault F1 Team’s most recent wins there in 2004 and 2006’. Quite a delay in producing a commemorative car, then. And the ‘most recent wins’ part is a little misleading too - they’re actually the only Monaco victories Renault has had as a constructor, although Michael Schumacher’s 1995 race-winning Benetton did have a Renault engine in it.
The Renault Laguna Coupé Monaco GP limited edition will be priced at £24,995 in the UK, which represents a saving of £5,200 compared to buying a Coupé GT and adding the options individually. Deliveries are planned to start in July, and orders are being taken now.
All RX models came standard with dual front airbags, front row side torso airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, Vehicle Stability Control (VDIM on RX 400h) and a tire-pressure monitoring system standard. An Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with HID headlamps and a backup camera (w/navigation system) were optional.The Lexus RX received a "Good" overall rating in the IIHS fro...
All RX models came standard with dual front airbags, front row side torso airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, Vehicle Stability Control (VDIM on RX 400h) and a tire-pressure monitoring system standard. An Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) with HID headlamps and a backup camera (w/navigation system) were optional.The Lexus RX received a "Good" overall rating in the IIHS
The Lexus LFA is powered by a 72° 4.8-liter V10 engine equipped with dual VVT-i carrying the 1LR-GUE designation with a maximum output of 560 PS (412 kW) delivered at 8,700 rpm. Its maximum torque output of 354 lb·ft (480 N·m) arrives at 6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3,700 rpm. The engine redlines at 9,000 rpm, but with a fuel cutoff set at 9,500 rpmLexus LF-A Roadster Con...
The Lexus LFA is powered by a 72° 4.8-liter V10 engine equipped with dual VVT-i carrying the 1LR-GUE designation with a maximum output of 560 PS (412 kW) delivered at 8,700 rpm. Its maximum torque output of 354 lb·ft (480 N·m) arrives at 6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3,700 rpm. The engine redlines at 9,000 rpm, but with a fuel cutoff set at 9,500 rpmLexus LF-A Roadster Concept
Monday, April 26, 2010
Assembly Dingolfing, GermanyEngine(s) 5.0 L 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) V10Transmission(s) 7-speed (SMG)6-speed manualWheelbase 109.5 in (2781 mm)Length 191.8 in (4872 mm)Width 73 in (1854 mm)Height 54 in (1372 mm)2012 BMW M6 BMW M6 of BMW M6 convertible One look at the M6 Convertible ...
Assembly Dingolfing, GermanyEngine(s) 5.0 L 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) V10Transmission(s) 7-speed (SMG)6-speed manualWheelbase 109.5 in (2781 mm)Length 191.8 in (4872 mm)Width 73 in (1854 mm)Height 54 in (1372 mm)2012 BMW M6 BMW M6 of BMW M6 convertible One look at the M6 Convertible
* Unit Price: $199,950 (USD) * Engine: 6.0 L V12 * Power: 470 bhp (350 kW; 477 PS)[2] * Transmission: Six-speed Touchtronic * 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 5.1 seconds2006 Aston Martin Rapide Aston Martin Rapide 2006 Aston Martin Rapide Aston Martin Rapide Concept Aston Martin Rapide i...
* Unit Price: $199,950 (USD) * Engine: 6.0 L V12 * Power: 470 bhp (350 kW; 477 PS)[2] * Transmission: Six-speed Touchtronic * 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 5.1 seconds2006 Aston Martin Rapide Aston Martin Rapide 2006 Aston Martin Rapide Aston Martin Rapide Concept Aston Martin Rapide
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a microcar manufactured by Aston Martin and derived from the Toyota IQ. Its purpose is to allow Aston Martin to comply with the strict emissions rule by the European Union, in place in 2012. It will only be available to current Aston Martin owners. Aston CEO Ulrich Bez recently announced shipping expectations of about 4000 per year at a price of about £30,000.Aston M...
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a microcar manufactured by Aston Martin and derived from the Toyota IQ. Its purpose is to allow Aston Martin to comply with the strict emissions rule by the European Union, in place in 2012. It will only be available to current Aston Martin owners. Aston CEO Ulrich Bez recently announced shipping expectations of about 4000 per year at a price of about £30,000.Aston
The Audi e-Tron concept was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is an electric supercar based on the Audi R8, and has a fully-electric powertrain with an electric motor on each wheel which distributes torque individually, allowing for a full quattro four-wheel drive layout.The electric motors in the e-tron concept produces 230 kilowatts (313 PS; 308 bhp) and 4,500 newton metres (3,319...
The Audi e-Tron concept was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It is an electric supercar based on the Audi R8, and has a fully-electric powertrain with an electric motor on each wheel which distributes torque individually, allowing for a full quattro four-wheel drive layout.The electric motors in the e-tron concept produces 230 kilowatts (313 PS; 308 bhp) and 4,500 newton metres (3,319
The engine is rated at 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) and 261 N·m (193 lb·ft); under heavy acceleration, the engine automatically boosts torque output to a peak of 279 N·m (206 lb·ft). These figures are achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from 0.9 bar (13 psi) to 1.3 bar (19 psi) when compared to the turbocharged engine used in the Cooper S.[20] According to Mini...
The engine is rated at 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) and 261 N·m (193 lb·ft); under heavy acceleration, the engine automatically boosts torque output to a peak of 279 N·m (206 lb·ft). These figures are achieved by reducing compression ratio to 10.0:1, and increasing boost from 0.9 bar (13 psi) to 1.3 bar (19 psi) when compared to the turbocharged engine used in the Cooper S.[20] According to Mini, the
The 2.0-litre engine was rated 167 bhp (125 kW; 169 PS) at 7,200rpm and 140 lb·ft (190 N·m) at 5,000rpm for manual, 158 bhp (118 kW; 160 PS) at 6,700rpm and 140 lb·ft (190 N·m) at 5,000rpm for automatic. Engine redline was raised by 500rpm to 7,200rpm in manual model. The suspension and gearbox have been fine-tuned; latter offers smoother shifts and automatic transmission will be introduced...
The 2.0-litre engine was rated 167 bhp (125 kW; 169 PS) at 7,200rpm and 140 lb·ft (190 N·m) at 5,000rpm for manual, 158 bhp (118 kW; 160 PS) at 6,700rpm and 140 lb·ft (190 N·m) at 5,000rpm for automatic. Engine redline was raised by 500rpm to 7,200rpm in manual model. The suspension and gearbox have been fine-tuned; latter offers smoother shifts and automatic transmission will be introduced in
Italian design house Zagato has unveiled the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa at the XII Villa D’Este Concours d’Elegance. A one-off, it was commissioned by collector Martin Kapp to celebrate the racing history of Alfa Romeo and Zagato.
Built around a carbon fibre and space frame chassis with a body made from aluminium, the TZ3 Corsa weighs only 850 kg. Power comes from a 420 bhp 4.2 litre V8, which drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. The car will do the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in under 3.5 seconds, while the quoted top speed is ‘over 300 km/h’ (185 mph).
Although there can be no doubt that the TZ3 Corsa is a stunning design, is it better looking than Alfa Romeo’s own 8C Competizione?
Italian design house Zagato has unveiled the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa at the XII Villa D’Este Concours d’Elegance. A one-off, it was commissioned by collector Martin Kapp to celebrate the racing history of Alfa Romeo and Zagato.
Built around a carbon fibre and space frame chassis with a body made from aluminium, the TZ3 Corsa weighs only 850 kg. Power comes from a 420 bhp 4.2 litre V8, which drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. The car will do the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in under 3.5 seconds, while the quoted top speed is ‘over 300 km/h’ (185 mph).
Although there can be no doubt that the TZ3 Corsa is a stunning design, is it better looking than Alfa Romeo’s own 8C Competizione?
