Sunday, August 30, 2009

Company BMW has presented the most economic model

BMW 320d

Company BMW has extended the official information on the new version of a sedan 3-Series which representatives of a German motor-car manufacturer name the most economic and harmless BMW 3-Series for all history of model.

The average expense of fuel at the car which has received the name 320d Efficient Dynamics, makes 4,1 litres on 100 km of a way, and level of emissions CO2 is equal 109/km. About it is spoken in press release BMW.

To achieve such indicators in BMW modernised an engine design a little, have reduced a road gleam, have completed the car with special 16-inch wheel disks and tyre covers Michelin. Besides it, package Efficient Dynamics includes system of an automatic stop and motor start, system of regeneration of energy at braking, and also the indicator on panels of the devices, the optimal moment prompting to the driver from the point of view of profitability for transfer switching.

The novelty is equipped by the two-litre diesel engine power of 163HP (360Nm) and a six-step mechanical transmission. According to the manufacturer, with 0 to 100 km/h the most economic sedan 3-Series can be dispersed for 8,2 seconds. The maximum speed — 225 km/h.

The world premiere of such car will take place in September on autoshow in Frankfurt. In sale to the European dealers the novelty will arrive in January, 2010.

Related Posts: BMW

Cabriolet Mercedes SLS AMG: test by a heat

Cabriolet Mercedes

Engineers Mercedes-Benz have started tests in the conditions of very hot weather of new supercar SLS AMG with the petrol engine. Test the car in the Californian desert.

From photographers has not taken cover, that under a prototype camouflage the collapsible top disappears, and it means, that the new cabriolet will lose type doors "a wing of a seagull". The traditional arrangement of door handles says also that in the car there will be a usual system of an input-exit.

Mercedes-Benz SLS with the engine power of 571HP it can be accelerated to 100 km/h for 3,8 seconds at the maximum speed of 315 km/h. In some weeks cabriolet SLS will appear in the true shape on a motor show in Frankfurt.

Mercedes SLS AMG

Mercedes SLS

Photo by: worldcarfans.com

Related Posts: Mercedes-Benz

The studio 9ff has strengthened Porsche Panamera

Porsche Panamera

Masters of German of tuning studio 9ff, specialising on completion of cars of mark Porsche, have shown version Panamera Turbo.

The main feature — the 641-strong engine. 4,8-litre motor V8 completed in standard Panamera Turbo, develops 493HP.

As informs Autocar, the base package of completions from tuners 9ff for Panamera - 9ffPT-55 — has increased power of the engine to 545HP, a package 9ffPT-60 — to 592HP, and at last TOP 9ffPT-65 — to 641HP.

Such results managed to achieve thanks to installation of turbines and the sports air filter. Tuners have worked and over appearance Panamera. So, the car has received new skirts on each side, a new back bumper, the big back spray and four rear exhaust pipes. Also the car is completed by 22-inch carbon disks.

I will remind, that manufacture of 4-door sports limousine Panamera has begun in June of this year at factory Porsche in Leipzig. This car is considered the first luxury family Porsche.

Related Posts: Porsche

Fiat 500 Abarth will make more powerfully

Fiat 500 Abarth

Fiat 500 Abarth in the modelling number — the most powerful variant of the compact car.

However tuning firm Karl Schnorr Kraftfahrzeuge considers, that the hatchback can be finished still. For model two variants of "prorolling" are offered. "Power Level I" means the 1,4-litre engine power 163HP/215Nm., cost €950. At level "Power Level II" power of the motor — 200HP, and the package price €5,050.

Visually Fiat 500 Abarth from Karl Schnorr we will distinguish on a low road clearance, aluminium disks 7x17 inches and specific colouring of a body.

Related Posts: FIAT

The studio 9ff will make 1120-strong cabriolet GT9-R

Porsche Coupe

The German tuning studio 9ff is full determination to make the open version of car GT9-R presented in 2008 on automobile show in Essen.

Novelty will make in the limited circulation in three copies, originally — for the market of the United Arab Emirates. If all series will not buy up, the remained cars will offer other customers.

Coupe Porsche 9ff GT9-R which will make in circulation in 20 pieces, equip with 4 litre engine power of 1120HP, twisting moment — 1050Nm. Dispersal to 96 km/h for 2,8 seconds, the maximum speed — 413,51 km/h. It above a record of speed for the serial cars, officially registered by model SSC Ultimate Aero — 411,71 km/h.

Related Posts: Porsche

Aston Martin Volare by James Trim

Aston Martin Volare

British designer James Trim has created conceptual car Aston Martin Volare. The car does not harm to environment, but differs high power, as well as all models Aston Martin. For car movement energy of hydrogen fuel cells uses. The author of the project assures, that Volare "has kept a fine sound and excellent specifications".

Aston Martin Volare

Design Volare is executed more likely in futuristic style, rather than in traditional, but has not lost spirit of luxury British mark.

Photo by: media.photobucket.com

Related Posts: Aston Martin

E50 CLR on the basis of Mercedes E-Class W212

Mercedes E-Class

Tuning company Lumma Design has presented car E50 CLR on the basis of Mercedes E-Class W212.

Novelty the new spoiler on the forward bumper distinguishes, new dimensional fires, aggressive thresholds and sports forward wings with air inlets. Behind — a spoiler on a cover of a luggage carrier and the modified bumper.

The engine have completed with system V-Max, allowing E500 to develop 450HP and 550Nm.

Related Posts: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Studio RUF has strengthened Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne

Experts of bureau RUF love and are able to alter cars Porsche in ecologically pure.

A vivid example — completely an electric coupe 911. Therefore tuners also could not pass by the first diesel model from Stuttgart — Porsche Cayenne.

For an off-road car Germans have offered at once two new programs of management of 3 litre diesel engine TDI (240HP, 550 Nm). The first lifts return to 288 forces and 560Nm. The second increases power to 310HP (610Nm).

Besides, diesel Cayenne it is possible to add with firm carbon disks and brakes. Work of tuners will manage to you in rather moderate sum of money. For example, for change-over of operating electronics of the engine ask 3,048 and 6,379 euros accordingly.

Related Posts: Porsche

In Germany have invented a new type of transport

Magnetic transport

German designer Christian Fyorg has developed magnetic transport of the future.

Speedway Transport System it is created on the basis of idea of a children's toy — lines with contact lines energised which current collectors of the machine with the electric motor concern. And the author suggests to move the engine under a road cloth. The network of linear electric motors creates a magnetic field which pushes away the mobile part of system located on a vehicle.

The designer offers two modes of movement: city, with use of the small electric motor, and country, by means of contactless technology of linear motors.
In a city the car height increases, and the width — decreases. In the country, for the purpose of decrease in aerodynamic resistance the car as if "lays down" on road.

At driving on a hi-tech cloth accumulators also can be charged, therefore at frequent country trips the electromobile will be always ready for inclusion of the usual electric motor in a city.
In what sum re-equipment of 1,000 km (as a matter of fact will manage — creation anew) high systems, is not mentioned.

Logan for a camping

Dacia Logan

At exhibition Caravan Salon 2009 which will take place during the period from August, 29th till September, 6th in Düsseldorf, company Dacia plans to present the new conceptual car which is constructed on the basis of seven-seater universal Logan to Germany and is intended for travel and a camping.

The car will receive name Young Activity Van III and the width — 1,37 metres begins to be equipped with the special rising superstructure which length makes two metres, and. Access on "the second floor" car where two persons or necessary things on travel can go in, is carried out through the closed hatch in a roof. At the combined superstructure the height of conceptual version Dacia Logan does not exceed two metres.

Camping car

The novelty with the 1,6-litre petrol engine power of 87HP will be equipped. According to edition Autobild, in company Dacia do not exclude possibility of the beginning of serial release of the similar car which, in case of occurrence in the automobile market of Europe, will be on sale for 15,900 euros.

Seat will present the most compact car in 2010

Seat

In March of next year on automobile show in Geneva company Seat plans to present the new compact car which becomes the ideological successor of model Arosa.

It is expected, that the car it will be created on units of the serial version of hatchback Volkswagen Up!, for the first time presented on the Frankfurt motor show two years ago.

Successor Seat Arosa will receive the new firm design of an interior which are distinct from Ibiza and Exeo. Besides, this model will have an updating with system of an automatic stop and engine start. As it was informed earlier, the novelty will weigh about 830 kgs and will receive a 35-litre petrol tank.

On preliminary data, next year only conceptual version compact Seat debuts, and the serial version becomes on the factory conveyor in Bratislava in 2011. Prospective cost of base updating compact Seat in the European market — 7,300 euros.

Related Posts: SEAT

The Chinese electromobile expect in 2010

BYD e6

Chinese automobile company BYD is full determination to make for the world market family electromobile BYD e6.

At first, because of economic difficulties and necessity of technical improvement, occurrence of crossover BYD e6 has been decided to renominate with 2010 for 2011. Now Chineses again are guided for 2010. Obviously, it is connected with a premiere of the competitor — compact electromobile Nissan Leaf.

Cost of base complete set BYD е6 will make Car about $40,000 will equip with the block of storage batteries. Dispersal to 100 km/h for 10 seconds, and the maximum speed will make 160 km/h. The maximum run without a recharge — an order of 300 km.

The main market for car BYD sale e6 becomes the USA.

GM has not made of the decision on Opel

Angela Merkel

The German government has expressed a regret concerning that the board of directors of American concern General Motors at the meeting which has taken place on Friday evening and has not made of the decision concerning sale of European branch Adam Opel GmbH, reports France Press referring to the message of representatives of the government.

"I regret, that decision-making process has not come to the end yesterday, but I hope, that it soon happens, as it is necessary for... To economic situation Opel", — has declared German chancellor Angela Merkel in interview to German television channel ZDF which will go on the air on Sunday.

"Now I hope, that we will move ahead next week", — has noted Merkel, having added, that the government of Germany has already given Opel, experiencing considerable financial difficulties, a bridge-credit for the sum of 1,5 billion euro. "This money should begin now already gradually to leave in new structures, (which will be formed after transaction end)", — Merkel has told.

Thus, as informed on Saturday the local mass-media, some German politicians have expressed more rigidly concerning actions of management GM.

In particular, the discontent was expressed by the prime minister of the earth Northern Rhine-Westphalia Juergen Ruettgers, German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung writes.

"This tightening (decision-making on Opel) — an intolerable burden", — he has commented on results of meeting of board of directors of the American motorcar giant. The newspaper besides, writes, the prime minister of earth Giessen Roland Koch has declared, that "is inexpressibly angered" concerning that the decision is again postponed.

The board of directors of American autoconcern General Motors should choose, to whom to sell the branch: to a consortium of the Canadian manufacturer of autoaccessories Magna and the Russian Savings Bank or Belgian investment company RHJ International, however and it was not defined with the decision.

As experts underline, board of directors GM gives only "recommendation" about the buyer. The definitive decision accepts appointed after the beginning of procedure of bankruptcy Opel "tutorial structure" in which enter on two representatives from GM and the federal government, and also the president of the Chamber of commerce of the USA into Germany.

For both competitors on purchase Opel by one of the major conditions of the transaction the financial help of the German government is. RHJI declared earlier that agree the sum hardly less 3 billion euro whereas it was required to motor-car manufacturer Magna 4,5 billion euro.

On Monday representatives federal and the ground governments of Germany have met for detailed consideration of offers from two applicants. The Ministry of Economics of Germany, in particular, has underlined again, that the definitive decision under the transaction will be accepted not in Germany, and in the USA where there is a headquarters of owner Opel, American motorcar giant General Motors.

Photo by: welt.de

Related Posts: Opel

Revealed Diesel-electric powered 2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

Good news, Revealed Diesel-electric powered 2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept
And here we have it, BMW’s secretive concept car with the radical rear tail lamps set for its Frankfurt showcase unveiled before the show – the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. If you’ve been following the motoring scene closely you’ll remember back in early 2008 there was another concept car with the exact same name but with a much less radical body. Come to think of it the design was probably inspired by the GINA concept. 2008’s Vision EfficientDynamics Concept was built using the body of an X5 but featured a 2.0 liter twin turbodiesel (from the 123d) with 204hp mated to a 15kW electric motor.




Saturday, August 29, 2009

Concern Ford makes profit of the American policemen

Crown Victoria

Company Ford plans to stop release of sedans Ford Crown Victoria which are now made exclusively under the order of the American police since 2012.

As writes Detnews.com, prospects of transition of police departments of the USA on more modern models were discussed at a meeting between representatives of police and concern Ford in June, however the definitive decision on further destiny Crown Victoria is not made yet.

According to police, concern Ford has offered them as replacement new sedan Ford Taurus. However operating police garages are not ready to declare unequivocally yet — they are ready to updating of own motor-vehicle pool or not. As the head of division of motor transport of Department of police of Los Angeles (LAPD) has declared, at Ford Crown Victoria there are some important advantages, before newer models.

First, these cars have a frame design that gives to cars reliability and durability it it is important for "maneuvers" during detention of criminals.
Secondly, for 17 years of possession similar cars, the majority of police garages have so got used to service of this model, that occurrence of new cars will demand not only conversion training of all personnel, but also will cause purchase of new, more expensive equipment for repair.
At last, at Crown Victoria a back drive and spacious salon which allows to place all necessary police equipment with ease.

"We agree that at Ford Taurus more powerful and economic engine, but the new car is closer also the check point lever is located not on a steering column as at Crown Victoria, that will complicate equipment placing in salon", — the head of division LAPD has declared.

Now, the police of the USA annually gets about 75,000 new cars from which 85% are necessary on Ford Crown Victoria. As experts consider, it not such big figure for "Ford", however, in their opinion, manufacture of the given model is still profitable. "They do not need to be spent for marketing, and investments into manufacture of this model have paid off many years back", — an analyst of the company 2953 Analytics LLP.

According to representatives Ford, the present contract on release Crown Victoria of this model is valid till 2012, and the decision on destiny of this model will be accepted only after additional consultations of police.

Related Posts: Ford

Sports crossover Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Having shown in the beginning of this year the following generation of crossover Jeep Grand Cherokee, management Chrysler has hastened to inform, that within the next months in the market should appear and sports updating of model, but financial crisis has corrected plans of North American concern.

Because of developed economic conditions management Chrysler has decided to refuse plans on release of sports version Jeep Grand Cherokee.

According to the edition 4wheelsnews, earlier it was expected, that crossover Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 begins to be completed with the V-shaped engine power more than 500HP however, present realities are that, that is far not each buyer will want to get not the cheapest novelty Chrysler. Probably, similar reasons also have deprived of motorists of acquaintance with "charged" Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Company Renault has decided to stop manufacture Vel Satis

Vel Satis

Sometimes to come too early where is worse, than to be late. While BMW, Audi, Porsche in eager rivalry offer five-door hatchbacks business- and a premium-class, firm Renault has made the decision on the termination of release of flagman model Vel Satis.

Vel Satis, mass-produced seven years ago, became the first hatchback of a business class. Company Renault, generating one-volume imaginations one another is more unusual, has decided to "compete" with a Mercedes in respect of creation of the competitor to the E-class. Losing to Germans in image and reliability, Frenchmen have tried to take originality.

Working out of model Vel Satis constructed on one platform with the Lagoon of the previous generation and minivan Espace, has managed all in half-billion euro.

However, neither a spacious body, nor borrowed at Nissan engine V6, impressing safety — nothing has helped Renault Vel Satis...

The risk has appeared unjustified, and company Renault stamped all these years Vel Satis more likely to spite, than on sale...

Related Posts: Renault

Friday, August 28, 2009

First Drive: Rossion Q1

Rossion Q1

"How fast can you take it?" I ask Craig Spuhler, Rossion's technical engineer and my passenger at this particular moment in time. "About 75 mph with an 85 mph exit speed." I was behind the wheel of a Rossion Q1 winding my way up a 270-degree decreasing radius on-ramp that shoots straight onto Florida's I-95. As Spuhler has put more miles on Rossions than anyone else alive, and I'd been in the car all of 15 minutes, I decided that 65 mph was a nice, sane, journalist-safe speed. Even in fourth gear there was enough twin-turbo'd torque to get me to 80 mph by the end of the ramp. Truth is, I could've done the deed at 75 mph in third, if not much, much faster.

Rossion recently relocated from Ohio to Pompano Beach, FL and invited us to spend the weekend with 'em, flogging their brand-new Q1, thus far their only product. It's hard to talk about the Rossie (pronounced in the Johannesburg accents of owners Dean Rosen and Ian Grunes as "Raw-Zee") without discussing the 2,400-pound Gorilla in the room, the Noble M12 (and to some degree, the more track focused M400). The two cars are very closely related and both come from the Hi Tech Automotive assembly line in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.



Other similarities include the mild-steel space frame, integral four-point roll cage, Getrag six-speed with Quaife LSD, mid-mounted traverse 3.0-liter Ford Duratec V6 fitted with twin-turbochargers and a G.R.P. (a.k.a. fiberglass) body. And that's largely where the similarities stop. The Q1 gets its own optimized Koni dampers, H&R springs, unique sway bars and rear unequal length control arms, though the two cars do share a double wishbone design up front.

Externally, the differences are quite apparent. Whereas the Noble M400 (Rossion happened to have one in the shop for comparison's sake) resembles a caricature of a kit car with its garish, tacked on scoops reminiscent of those found on the original California Special Mustangs and panel gaps you can stick your thumb between, the Q1's a totally different – and altogether more refined – story. Not only do all the body panels look as if they were designed by the same person at the same time, but gap tolerances have been tightened up to less than 5 mm. We found the car quite handsome, though its 96-inch wheelbase makes it look small.



Inside, the two cars are night and day. Rossion has fitted, snug-but-comfy leather-coated, four-way adjustable carbon fiber seats. Not only are they light, but they look sharp. They've also covered up the standard roll bars with Alcantara padding. The rest of the innards are covered by leather and/or aluminum. Cases in points, the pedals are aluminum while the Momo steering wheel is leather wrapped. Those of you with big feet might find the pedal box a bit cramped (size 13 over here), but the pedals do adjust side-to-side. Best of all, as our late August South Floridian weather proved, the air-conditioning blows cold. All in all, a surprisingly pleasant place to be.

Especially on the road. Knowing what we knew about Nobles going in, we rightly assumed the Q1 would be quite quick and handle extremely well. But we didn't expect the ride to be cushy. However, since the steel space frame and roll cage already render the car diamond stiff, Rossion has been able to keep the damping and spring rates out of the spine-smashing range. The Q1 offers a much smoother ride, for instance, than track-focused machines like the Mazda RX-8 R3 or Lotus Elise/Exige. On Florida's smooth concrete roads it was especially subtle. Comfortable, even.



But you're not here to talk about how shockingly pleasant we found the Rossion Q1. You want to know how it drives when pushed. Exceedingly fantastic, we're happy to report. The aforementioned 3.0-liter V6 with twin-turbos produces a glorious 450 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Redline is 7,200 rpm (turbocharged engines don't need lofty revs) and peak torque occurs at 5,250 rpm. And the Q1 weighs 2,495 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of about 5.5 pounds per pony. For comparison's sake, a 997 GT2 has a power-to-weight of six pounds per horse.

Calling the Q1 quick is like calling water wet. It's more a question of how quick. Check out these (manufacturer claimed) numbers. 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-100 mph in 7.5 seconds, the quarter-mile in 11.1 at about 120 mph and on to top speed of (probably) 185 mph. While the flat-out velocity may not play in the same league as today's supercars, every other number sure does. In fact, should those numbers hold up to scrutiny, the Q1 is one of the quickest production cars the world has ever seen, featuring a 0-60 mph time equal to the McLaren F1, Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo and the Koenigsegg CCX.



Does the seat of this journo's pants agree? We've been extremely spoiled in recent weeks, playing with such monsters as the Nissan GT-R and Lamborghini LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. On one run in particular, with the Q1's blowoff valve venting like a cross between a semi's air brakes and a gasping whale, the Rossion Q1 felt significantly faster than either car. Brutal, violent even. In fact, CEO Dean Rosen claims that when the Q1 laid down those numbers it was a humid, wet day. He figures that 3.1 or even 3 seconds flat to 60 mph is possible. Regardless, its kooky fast.

As quick as the Q1 is, dancing left to right is the little rocket's actual forte. Again, the numbers are silly. The Q1 can pull 1.065 g in either direction and slaughter a slalom at 75 mph. For comparison's sake, A Ferrari Enzo can "only" run the cones at 73 mph (and takes a leisurely 3.4 seconds to reach 60 mph) and it musters "just" 1.02 g around a 200-foot skidpad. Sadly, we and the Q1 were not destined to spend any time on the track together – instead we were stuck playing on off-ramps or mired in Boca Raton traffic. While we experienced moments of unfettered hoonage, the affair was far from ideal. So we phoned up someone who had put the Q1 through its track day paces: drift and rally legend and host of Supercars Exposed, Tanner Foust.



"Knowing that it's based on a car with the magical suspension geometry that the Noble was known to have is the golden gem. Normally when a car is introduced and claims to have supercar capabilities, you figure sure, yeah right. But with the Noble-based Rossion, it's worth a second look... the Rossion feels very neutral, very light and very spooky in how responsive it is, like a mid-engine car should be. It handles the bumps at the limit and all that, but most important it's very predictable. Even when you're driving it completely sideways – which I did – it just does what's expected."
High praise indeed.

So, we hear you wondering, how much? A typical Q1 with the engine installed by American Speed Factory (the same place that sets up Ferrari Challenge cars, Grand Am Racers and Pro Formula Mazdas) will set you back between $103,000 and $109,000. That's Porsche Carrera S money for a car that will frankly outrun the Turbo. True, you can go crazy with the options list, choosing exotic paint schemes like matte finishes, painted wheels and diamond interior stitching, but even then you're talking about $130,000 or so, a price that's half off what you'd pay for a Ferrari F430 Scuderia.



And speaking of Ferrari, Dean Rosen is considering a Ferrari Challenge-style spec series featuring more track-prepped Q1s (poly bushings and all that). Still not convinced? Does $100,000+ for "just" 450 horses not float your supercar boat? Well, no one is making you go with the Mondeo-sourced 3.0-liter V6. You're free to buy the Q1 sans motor and shove in whatever you like – it's just that no one has done so. In fact, Rosen himself floated the idea of using Ford's new EcoBoost direct-injected twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, uncorked to the tune of 600 hp. But that's far in the future. For now, it's best to think of the Rossion Q1 as the American (via Britain and South Africa) supercar deal of the decade.

[Source: Autoblog]

Ferrari 458 Italia: Maranello releases more details

Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari 458 Italia

The Frankfurt Motor Show is fast approaching, but rather than hit the brakes as they would for an approaching corner, Ferrari is pulling out all the stops. In gearing up to unveil their new 458 Italia at the show next month, Ferrari is giving us a little more each week. We've already seen the first batch of shots, downloaded the ringtone and heard the company's brand and technical directors talk about the car; now Maranello has released an additional video of Paolo Pininfarina of the eponymous design studio talk about the car's styling, and with it released a new batch of interior, motion and studio shots.

Always eager to adopt lessons learned on the grand prix circuit into its road cars, Ferrari has further centralized the controls onto the Italia's steering wheel. What we'd usually find on column-mounted control stocks has apparently all been moved to the steering wheel's fascia, including the turn indicators, headlamps and windscreen wipers – in addition to the chassis setting switch and ignition button, while redundant stereo controls move to the back of the wheel ahead of the even larger shift paddles.

There's also a new Vehicle Dynamic Assistance system to monitor operating temperatures and tolerances of the engine, gearbox, brakes and tires and alerts the driver to whether the car is warming up, overheated or ready to go. Check out the images in the gallery below and read all about it in the press release after the jump – which is where you'll also find the video interview. Oh, and don't forget to stay tuned for the next segment, as Ferrari says it will include an interview with Michael Schumacher!

[Source: Ferrari]



PRESS RELEASE:

More news on the Ferrari 458 Italia on www.ferrari.com: new photos and interview now on the site in the run-up to the Frankfurt Show

Maranello, 27 August 2009 – In the run-up to the official unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Motor Show on the 15th of September, enthusiasts can find out more about the car on www.ferrari.com. There they will find the first photographs of the 458 Italia's interior and of the steering wheel and instrument binnacle which represent a significant step forward in the concept of the ergonomic interface between driver and car.

In fact the main commands are now grouped on the steering wheel, the secondary commands are handily set in two satellite pods either side of the dash and there are now comprehensive instrument displays on the panel ahead of the driver. These solutions represent an important safety aspect, enabling the driver to concentrate fully on driving. Similarly this layout ensures maximum control of the car in highperformance driving, an uncompromising approach that derives directly from Ferrari's F1 experience.

Working closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the engineers have thus reinterpreted the positioning of the major commands to provide a truly driver-oriented cockpit. All steering-column mounted stalks have been eliminated, with the indicators, full beam, flash and windscreen wiper functions now being activated by buttons on the steering wheel boss. The button to select the shock absorber setting is now positioned next to the 'Engine start' button where it falls readily to hand. Behind the wheel are a number of secondary functions, such as the stereo, while the gearbox paddles are now longer making shifts even easier from any steering angle.

The right-hand satellite pod on the dash incorporates controls for the infotainment, the Bluetooth connection, sat-nav, digital speedo and rear parking camera. Clustered on the left-hand satellite pod instead are the optional cruise control, buttons for choosing the video setting of the left-hand dash TFT screen and the on-board computer interface. The latter controls the trip computer, the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance and the display of the car's set-up.

The Vehicle Dynamic Assistance monitors the operating parameters of the most important areas of the car - engine/gearbox, tyres and brakes. The VDA is enabled in the following manettino settings – Race, CT off and CST off – and provides visual confirmation of the status of each component based on an algorithm from parameters reading lateral and longitudinal acceleration, revs and speed. This enables the driver to assess the ideal operating conditions for the car. There are three status settings: WARM-UP (operating temperature too low), GO (ideal operating conditions) and OVER (one or more components are no longer at their optimum level and need cooling).

Along with the photos now on-line, the Ferrari site also includes an exclusive videointerview with Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of Pininfarina S.p.A., who provides indepth insight into the 458 Italia's design philosophy and exterior styling. The next release on www.ferrari.com will include an analysis of the car's performance characteristics with an interview with seven-times F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher.

Watermelon Juice - the next great automotive fuel?

Watermelon Juice


Corn as a source for ethanol has its problems. While there are a number of backers, there are real issues that need to be addressed, including (but not necessarily limited to) the huge amount of corn required to brew large batches of the alcohol fuel and the large quantities of water needed in the process. A new alternative is just now popping up that may offer at least a partial solution: watermelon juice.

According to Discovery News, 360,000 tons of watermelons are left to rot and spoil each and every year as farmers leave between 20 and 40 percent of their crops on the ground. Why? It seems consumers just won't buy watermelons that don't look quite as attractive as their siblings, whether that's due to an odd shape, smaller size or minor animal damage. Researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture in Lane, Oklahoma, have found that its possible to create ethanol from these unwanted watermelons. We've heard about this potential biomass before.

Though there's only enough watermelon juice available to brew 2.5 million gallons of ethanol (total ethanol production will top 9 billion gallons this year), researchers indicate that the tasty nectar can be used to displace up to 15% of corn or molasses, cut down on water usage and supply needed nitrogen to the mix.

College Station, Texas-based company Common Sense Agriculture, LLC is reportedly working on a prototype plant to produce ethanol from waste watermelons. Company President Jim Rausch points out:

"This is not going to replace corn. In that sense it will remain a niche source of biofuel. But unlike algae biodiesel or cellulosic ethanol, it's a right now thing. There's no new technology that needs to be developed to make it economical."

[Source: Discovery News]

Stillen Nissan GT-R: 620 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds (w/ video)

Stillen Nissan GT-R Targa Race Car


It's been more than six months since Stillen started working on their Nissan GT-R race car and we're happy to report it's finished and already on its way to Eastern Canada where it will compete in the Targa Newfoundland in a few weeks. Before the hopped-up GT-R was loaded on the trailer, Steve Millen and his crew took the car out to the El Toro Marine base for a few shakedown runs. Road and Track tagged along to record some performance numbers that, as you might expect, are nothing short of impressive.

Thanks to a huge list of performance parts, the Stillenized GT-R produces 620 horsepower at 15psi from its dual turbochargers. Perhaps more importantly, several hundred pounds have been removed thanks to a stripped interior, lots of carbon fiber body components and lightweight racing seats. The extra power and weight savings results in a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a 1/4 mile pass in a mere 11.0 seconds at 127.9 mph. Lateral grip is a gut-clenching 1.1g.


[Source: Stillen]

STILLEN GT-R Targa Race Car

Performance Numbers (As Set Up For 2009 Targa Rally)
  • Horsepower: ~620 @ 15psi (91 Octane Pump Gas)
  • 0-60mph: 2.9 seconds **
  • 1/4 Mile: 11.0 seconds at 127.9mph **
  • 0-130mph: 11.4 seconds **
  • Lateral Grip: 1.1G+ **
** (as tested by Road & Track)

Engine
  • STILLEN Downpipes
  • STILLEN Secondary Cat-Delete Y-Pipe
  • STILLEN Race Exhaust w/Center Rear Exit
  • STILLEN Intake System w/K&N Filters
  • Turbosmart e-Boost Street 2-Stage Electronic Boost Controller
  • Turbosmart Dual Port Blow Off Valves
  • COBB Tuning AccessPORT
  • Dodson Motorsports Transmission Cooler
  • Red Line High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil – 0W40
  • Red Line High Performance Synthetic Gear Oil – 75W140
  • Red Line WaterWetter

Suspension
  • High Performance Coil-Overs – Adjustable Bump & Rebound, Ride Height – Eibach Race Springs
  • STILLEN Adjustable Sway Bars
  • STILLEN Adjustable Endlinks
Brakes / Tires
  • STILLEN / AP Racing Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotor Upgrade
  • STILLEN / AP Racing Brake Pads
  • STILLEN Brake Cooling Package
  • STILLEN Stainless Steel Brake Lines
  • AP Racing PRF High Performance Brake Fluid
  • Bridgestone RE070R 255/40ZRF20 Front Tires
  • Bridgestone RE070R 285/35ZRF20 Rear Tires

Interior
  • STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Chromoly Roll Cage
  • STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Seat Frames
  • Status Racing Seats
  • Status Racing Harnesses
  • Monit Rally Computers
  • ChaseCam On-Board Video Camera System
  • Nordskog GPS Speedometer (KPH)
Exterior

STILLEN Urethane Front Lip Spoiler
STILLEN Urethane Side Skirts
STILLEN Urethane Front Canards
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Custom Race Hood
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Wing
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Radiator Shroud
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber NACA Ducts
Password:JDM AeroCatch Flush Mounting Plates
APR Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors
BASF Carizzma Orange Sherbet Pearl Paint

To the USA have presented Jaguar XJ 2010

Jaguar XF

Company Jaguar has presented luxury sedan XJ 2010 modelling years to the USA.

The car has borrowed many lines at model XF. Dimensions Jaguar XJ 2010 became more, in comparison with previous XJ, is closer to BMW than 7th series and new Porsche Panamera.

The car will offer buyers with traditional or with the extended wheel base. Also on a choice of the buyer there are three variants of 5,0-litre engine V8 with direct injection. Base model — power of 385HP, updating with a turbo-supercharging — 470HP, and the most powerful Supersport — 510HP.

Jaguar

Cost Jaguar XJ 2010 in the USA will make from $72,500 to $115,000US.

Asian chefs create unreal life-size F1 car from bread

Asia's Largest race car made from bread
Asia's Largest race car made from bread
Asia's Largest race car made from bread


We know what you're thinking, and we agree – if there's one thing that we just can't seem to accept in modern Formula One racing, it's the distinct lack of edible race cars. Fortunately, that minor niggle is currently being remedied by the Culinary Executive Chef from the Royal Plaza On Scotts in Singapore, who led a team of six chefs, two artists, two technicians, two culinary staff members and five young volunteers from Metta Welfare Association to create bake the machine you see in the gallery below: Asia's Largest Race Car Made From Bread. We wonder... is there some other bread-based race car vying for the world record?

According to Klik.tv, there are a thousand individual loaves and 22 different types of bread in the life-size F1 car. More numbers: it took 33 pounds of yeast, 14 liters of water, 4.4 pounds of salt and nearly three gallons of varnish to finish this delightful creation. We bet it's the best smelling race car ever.

[Source: Klik.tv]

Sportec has dispersed engine Audi TT RS

Audi TT RS

Studio Sportec presented a package of completion of the engine "Stage One" for new Audi TT RS.

Engineers of studio have reprogrammed the electronic block of management of the 2.5-litre five-cylinder motor and increase of power about 340HP to 405HP, the twisting moment, accordingly, with 450Nm/1600rpm to 544Nm/2650rpm have achieved.

With such parametres the car surpasses previous generation BMW M5 (E39) and is comparable with Porsche Panamera S. To 100 km/h Audi TT RS from Sportec it is dispersed for 4,2 seconds

In the Great Britain cost of the given package will make £1200.

Company Porsche has prepared new 911 GT3 RS for races

Porsche 911

On September automobile show in Frankfurt company Porsche plans to present the racing version updated a sportcar 911 GT3 RS — Cup.

In a following season such car will take part in seven cups Porsche, including GT3 Challenges, Porsche-Mobil1-Supercup and Porsche Carrera in Germany, Asia, Japan and Italy.

In comparison with track Porsche 911 GT3 RS racing updating has received expanded on 44mm in a back part a body, the "underestimated" forward spoiler which settles down now on 15mm more low and increases clamping force on a forward axis, and also a back rear wing from faster 911 GT3 Cup S, intended for races of series FIA GT3 which width has increased with 1,46 to 1,7 metres.

Porsche 911 GT3

The novelty, which weight makes 1200 kgs, also has received 18-inch wheel disks, racing final system, forward and back stabilizers of cross-section stability and carbon-ceramic brake disks which in comparison with the pig-iron composit brake disks used in cup Porsche Carrera, it is easier on 20kgs.

In a motor coupe of a racing car the 3,8-litre six-cylinder engine "is hidden" by power of 450HP which works together with a six-step transmission. Dynamic characteristics Porsche 911 GT3 Cup are not specified yet.

Porsche GT3

Novelty sales will begin in the end of October of current year. The prices for a racing car in Europe will begin from 149,850 euros.

Related Posts: Porsche