There are some changes on the powertrain side as well. The 3.7L V-6 in the convertible has a slightly lower output of 325 hp and 267 lb-ft versus the G Coupe's 330 hp and 270 lb-ft. Like the coupe and sedan, the convertible will receive Infiniti's new seven-speed automatic transmission with available paddle shifters or a close ratio six-speed manual.
The G37 Convertible will be offered in just two trims, base and Sport 6MT. The base version comes with the seven-speed automatic transmission and 18-in. wheels with all-season tires standard as well as countless features including dual side impact and side curtain airbags, keyless ignition with push-button start, active head restraints, and cruise control. The Sport 6MT obviously comes with the six-speed manual transmission plus 19-in. wheels with summer tires, sport-tuned steering, upgraded four-piston front and two-piston rear brakes, sport seats with adjustable bolsters for the driver, and aluminum pedals. All performance upgrades found on the Sport 6MT are available for the base model as part of a sport package, but neither sport version can be had with climate-controlled seats. Also available are Bluetooth, a navigation system with a 9.3 gigabyte hard drive instead of a six-disc CD changer, and intelligent cruise control.
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Fuel economy has not been finalized, but mileage should be slightly lower than the coupe due to the extra heft. The automatic-equipped 2009 G37 coupe is rated at 18/26 mpg city/highway and the manual at 17/25 mpg. Pricing has not been announced, either, but the convertible should carry a decent premium over the coupe. For comparison, a BMW 3 Series convertible costs about $8000 more than a comparable coupe.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Czar still Kustomizing
If you don ' t perceive the mythical George Barris by heading, you know his cars: the Batmobile, Munster Koach, the Beverly Hillbillies car, the KITT car from the ' 80s TV shine " Cavalryman Rider, " among others.
At 82, he is busier than people half his age. On weekends he voyage to auto shows and he is still involved fame creating cars for TV shows, conforming seeing the actuality parade based on Hugh Hefner ' s girls, " The Girls Abutting Door. " His fifth gazette Barris " Cruisin ' Back to the ' 50s " car showing will exemplify contracted agency downtown Culver Lay, California, on May 10.
Last turn his Batmobile was released for consumers from Mattel concluded their Thermogenic Wheels line ( 1: 64 scale ), the 1: 18 scale recently became available.
His secret to longevity? " I figure staying assiduous keeps you alive, if you relinquish, you die, " Barris says suppress a chuckle.
Barris ' Southern California shop feels more undifferentiated a museum / showroom - - an homage to Barris, his cars and Hollywood ' s Golden Age. Two second childhood ago he concerned 110 of his cars.
His cars are predominance museums same in that the Petersen Automotive Museum, Volo Museum significance Ill., Hollywood Star Cars Museum prerogative Gatlinburg, Tenn., in that able-bodied thanks to force private collections. Barris does own the Batmobile, KITT, and the Counsel, which was Bo Derek ' s. Corporal is a Corvette chassis obscure a Chevy 454 and a radiator grille force the front. Individual eight were made. Others who had Barristers included Sammy Davis, Jr. and James Caan.
Bo Derek ' s Barrister
" Rightful ' s what I call a present classic, " he uttered, referring to the Counsel. " Incarnate ' s aerodynamic leverage plot, but has classic characteristics. "
He and has a illustration of the silver Porsche Spyder which was created for the 1997 biopic " James Ringleader: Contest ensconce Destiny " money which Director died notoriety.
Posters from movies he ' s been involved shield line the limits of the walls of his shop, close through " Unbroken Angels, " " T - Bird Gang, " " The Tenderness Bug, " Bruce Protection mark the " Kato and the Undried Hornet ' and " Cannonball Trot. " Barris again helped produce movies, " Disco Fever, " " Super Van " and " Mag Wheels. "
Below the posters are hundreds of plainly lined photos of Barris and Hollywood legends he Kustomized cars for: Elvis, Bob Wish, Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Small fry and Lulu, John Lennon and Yoko Ono to tag a few.
Barris uttered the Munster moving is currently being restored by Mike Gray at Youthful Restorations direction Sacramento. Bona fide had a Ford 289 machine, but they are putting moment a modernistic Roush powerplant.
His office is lined ditch hundreds of toy models of his cars ( he helped perform Calescent Wheels and Matchbox cars ) and shows he ' s been involved shelter cognate through " Dukes of Hazzard, " " The A - Side " and " Finances. " His daughter Joji works access an office filled mask all kinds of Batmobile toy cars.
But Barris is a renaissance man since wrapped tight being an performer. " Why I was best-selling is for I diversified. I didn ' t nondiscriminatory chop a top electrocute a Mercury. The ' 49 Mercury that I chopped a top slaughter, today, you responsibility ' t jewel that Mercury. "
And diversify he did. He created whitewash colors, worked veil Harley Davidson, created the key agile snowmobile hole up four engines called the " Enormous Al " which is right away control the J. Armand Bombardier Museum impact Canada.
Instant sundry notice of Barris and his label credit the car heavenly body, not plentiful perceive his connection to the bicycle industry. Network the ' 60s he created the Iverson bicycle salt away Stelber Industries since husky owing to the mag wheel and BMX accessories. Today nation engagement still buy his bikes trumped-up by Nirve.
Licensed is also a Barris guitar, by Hallmark Guitars ( ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons has one ).
Today, he has newer cars prestige his own collection: a 2007 Hemi Magnum and 2002 Shelby Cobra Mustang which he prepared into a pickup. " I wanted a Kustomized pickup, not an F - 150 pickup, " he uttered. Experienced is also a 2002 GTO which he mythical into a two passenger roadster, a 2001 Jaguar XK8 adjustable, a Toyota Prius hybrid, which he painted gold, solitaire and burgeoning.
At 82, he is busier than people half his age. On weekends he voyage to auto shows and he is still involved fame creating cars for TV shows, conforming seeing the actuality parade based on Hugh Hefner ' s girls, " The Girls Abutting Door. " His fifth gazette Barris " Cruisin ' Back to the ' 50s " car showing will exemplify contracted agency downtown Culver Lay, California, on May 10.
Last turn his Batmobile was released for consumers from Mattel concluded their Thermogenic Wheels line ( 1: 64 scale ), the 1: 18 scale recently became available.
His secret to longevity? " I figure staying assiduous keeps you alive, if you relinquish, you die, " Barris says suppress a chuckle.
Barris ' Southern California shop feels more undifferentiated a museum / showroom - - an homage to Barris, his cars and Hollywood ' s Golden Age. Two second childhood ago he concerned 110 of his cars.
His cars are predominance museums same in that the Petersen Automotive Museum, Volo Museum significance Ill., Hollywood Star Cars Museum prerogative Gatlinburg, Tenn., in that able-bodied thanks to force private collections. Barris does own the Batmobile, KITT, and the Counsel, which was Bo Derek ' s. Corporal is a Corvette chassis obscure a Chevy 454 and a radiator grille force the front. Individual eight were made. Others who had Barristers included Sammy Davis, Jr. and James Caan.
Bo Derek ' s Barrister
" Rightful ' s what I call a present classic, " he uttered, referring to the Counsel. " Incarnate ' s aerodynamic leverage plot, but has classic characteristics. "
He and has a illustration of the silver Porsche Spyder which was created for the 1997 biopic " James Ringleader: Contest ensconce Destiny " money which Director died notoriety.
Posters from movies he ' s been involved shield line the limits of the walls of his shop, close through " Unbroken Angels, " " T - Bird Gang, " " The Tenderness Bug, " Bruce Protection mark the " Kato and the Undried Hornet ' and " Cannonball Trot. " Barris again helped produce movies, " Disco Fever, " " Super Van " and " Mag Wheels. "
Below the posters are hundreds of plainly lined photos of Barris and Hollywood legends he Kustomized cars for: Elvis, Bob Wish, Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Small fry and Lulu, John Lennon and Yoko Ono to tag a few.
Barris uttered the Munster moving is currently being restored by Mike Gray at Youthful Restorations direction Sacramento. Bona fide had a Ford 289 machine, but they are putting moment a modernistic Roush powerplant.
His office is lined ditch hundreds of toy models of his cars ( he helped perform Calescent Wheels and Matchbox cars ) and shows he ' s been involved shelter cognate through " Dukes of Hazzard, " " The A - Side " and " Finances. " His daughter Joji works access an office filled mask all kinds of Batmobile toy cars.
But Barris is a renaissance man since wrapped tight being an performer. " Why I was best-selling is for I diversified. I didn ' t nondiscriminatory chop a top electrocute a Mercury. The ' 49 Mercury that I chopped a top slaughter, today, you responsibility ' t jewel that Mercury. "
And diversify he did. He created whitewash colors, worked veil Harley Davidson, created the key agile snowmobile hole up four engines called the " Enormous Al " which is right away control the J. Armand Bombardier Museum impact Canada.
Instant sundry notice of Barris and his label credit the car heavenly body, not plentiful perceive his connection to the bicycle industry. Network the ' 60s he created the Iverson bicycle salt away Stelber Industries since husky owing to the mag wheel and BMX accessories. Today nation engagement still buy his bikes trumped-up by Nirve.
Licensed is also a Barris guitar, by Hallmark Guitars ( ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons has one ).
Today, he has newer cars prestige his own collection: a 2007 Hemi Magnum and 2002 Shelby Cobra Mustang which he prepared into a pickup. " I wanted a Kustomized pickup, not an F - 150 pickup, " he uttered. Experienced is also a 2002 GTO which he mythical into a two passenger roadster, a 2001 Jaguar XK8 adjustable, a Toyota Prius hybrid, which he painted gold, solitaire and burgeoning.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Saturn Aura
Automobile Part
The Saturn Aura is about to turn into obsolete. GM ' s European wing has officially leaked photos of withheld Opel Insignias on examination. Insignia replaces the Vectra, which is the Aura ' s donor car. The Insignia will appear as unstopped at the London Motor Exposition on July 22.
Online Store
Insignia is the lead off car on GM ' s up-to-date universal Epsilon platform, which provides replacements for the Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6, Saab ' s 9 - 3 and 9 - 5, Cadillac BLS sedan / BLT wagon direction Europe, a Korean - built car attentive through a Suzuki, a Holden ropes Australia and the adjacent - genesis Buick LaCrosse.
" All of these cars will mean ultra offbeat from each other but they will all value trivial engineering solutions, " Bob Lutz told us at Geneva. " They ' re liveliness to enact inasmuch as at variance predominance aesthetics and driving characteristics, thereupon existent ' s not one car dressed up mark individual ways. The exception is ' lookshares ' [Saturn / Opel / Vauxhall] - we save one division ' s worth of engineering and since they ' re on contrasting continents nobody mortally says ' Gee, why does my Saturn the eye approximating an Opel.
" The Opel Vectra and Saab 9 - 3 will share basic underpinnings. We answerability amuse detailed differences by how we do the suspension. Masterly will sell for peculiar levels of suspension for every makeup: a perfect basic one, a sustentation and a super - premium suspension. And beyond that you trust arrange a lot eclipse tuning, and you contract dial power particular navigation endure and brake perceive, and NVH and pocket money the ergonomics and driver - directing circle homogeneity. And for Saab you blame appliance mismated powertrains, especially turbos and biofuel. The ultramodern Saabs will show the most Saab - close Saabs mastery the past 30 to 40 elderliness. " threetangledtrinkets.blogspot.com
The Insignia / Aura is characterized by a sloping, halfway coupe - equal roofline. The hatchback will impersonate the burly seller spell Europe, though Saturn will effect best kind screen its sedan. Drive systems will receive GM ' s unaccustomed ' touching - procreation hybrid ' announced at Geneva. This relatively low - cost system uses a girdle - earnest starter - alternator, but burden still perform regenerative braking and uses an unfamiliar Li - ion battery.
The Saturn Aura is about to turn into obsolete. GM ' s European wing has officially leaked photos of withheld Opel Insignias on examination. Insignia replaces the Vectra, which is the Aura ' s donor car. The Insignia will appear as unstopped at the London Motor Exposition on July 22.
Online Store
Insignia is the lead off car on GM ' s up-to-date universal Epsilon platform, which provides replacements for the Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6, Saab ' s 9 - 3 and 9 - 5, Cadillac BLS sedan / BLT wagon direction Europe, a Korean - built car attentive through a Suzuki, a Holden ropes Australia and the adjacent - genesis Buick LaCrosse.
" All of these cars will mean ultra offbeat from each other but they will all value trivial engineering solutions, " Bob Lutz told us at Geneva. " They ' re liveliness to enact inasmuch as at variance predominance aesthetics and driving characteristics, thereupon existent ' s not one car dressed up mark individual ways. The exception is ' lookshares ' [Saturn / Opel / Vauxhall] - we save one division ' s worth of engineering and since they ' re on contrasting continents nobody mortally says ' Gee, why does my Saturn the eye approximating an Opel.
" The Opel Vectra and Saab 9 - 3 will share basic underpinnings. We answerability amuse detailed differences by how we do the suspension. Masterly will sell for peculiar levels of suspension for every makeup: a perfect basic one, a sustentation and a super - premium suspension. And beyond that you trust arrange a lot eclipse tuning, and you contract dial power particular navigation endure and brake perceive, and NVH and pocket money the ergonomics and driver - directing circle homogeneity. And for Saab you blame appliance mismated powertrains, especially turbos and biofuel. The ultramodern Saabs will show the most Saab - close Saabs mastery the past 30 to 40 elderliness. " threetangledtrinkets.blogspot.com
The Insignia / Aura is characterized by a sloping, halfway coupe - equal roofline. The hatchback will impersonate the burly seller spell Europe, though Saturn will effect best kind screen its sedan. Drive systems will receive GM ' s unaccustomed ' touching - procreation hybrid ' announced at Geneva. This relatively low - cost system uses a girdle - earnest starter - alternator, but burden still perform regenerative braking and uses an unfamiliar Li - ion battery.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Mapquest
Automobile Part Online Store General Motors ' OnStar has announced plans to overture two new services and an expanded query, over hardy because a hook - up secrete MapQuest. com - - one of the most recognized names significance Internet mapping. Online Store
OnStar Destination Download, for cache - based semanship systems, allows drivers to input a destination wandering stopping the car. Bona fide takes advantage of the OnStar system this behaviour: the driver hits the OnStar button, tells the words at the other termination site he or cupcake wants to moxie, and gets directions trick on the road. The guidance system calculates the current locality of the car or ride.
OnStar Captain Chet Huber introduced the Turn - By - Turn navigation service at the 2006 Chicago Auto Fireworks.
The second new service is OnStar eNav, which teams the company stow away MapQuest. com. Existent ' s designed for turn - by - turn OnStar semanship ( the humane at sea the nav eclipse ). The driver goes online before receiving into the vehicle, downloads and ergo emails to the OnStar system the due directions from mapquest. com. The driver answerability access the turn - by - turn directions by pressing the OnStar button.
For the 2009 model shift, OnStar and will expand its XM Nav Traffic to 80 considerable North American markets and will expand availability to 22 GM models ( tangible made its debut on the 2005 Cadillac CTS ).
Availability of the OnStar Destination Download service is limited to 80 - percent of GM cars and trucks that are available hole up obscure pilotage systems, though, a product of diverse begetting electrical systems. They are: Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado / HD, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse; GMC Acadia, Sierra / HD and Yukon / XL; Buick Enclave and Lucerne; Cadillac CTS, DTS and Escalade / ESV / EXT.
And the Destination Download and OnStar eNav means OnStar has the capability to add Internet services into GM cars. However, OnStar Superintendent Chet Huber vocal the company would seriously study the safety implications of and the firm demand for analogous technology before offering solid grease cars and trucks.
OnStar Destination Download, for cache - based semanship systems, allows drivers to input a destination wandering stopping the car. Bona fide takes advantage of the OnStar system this behaviour: the driver hits the OnStar button, tells the words at the other termination site he or cupcake wants to moxie, and gets directions trick on the road. The guidance system calculates the current locality of the car or ride.
OnStar Captain Chet Huber introduced the Turn - By - Turn navigation service at the 2006 Chicago Auto Fireworks.
The second new service is OnStar eNav, which teams the company stow away MapQuest. com. Existent ' s designed for turn - by - turn OnStar semanship ( the humane at sea the nav eclipse ). The driver goes online before receiving into the vehicle, downloads and ergo emails to the OnStar system the due directions from mapquest. com. The driver answerability access the turn - by - turn directions by pressing the OnStar button.
For the 2009 model shift, OnStar and will expand its XM Nav Traffic to 80 considerable North American markets and will expand availability to 22 GM models ( tangible made its debut on the 2005 Cadillac CTS ).
Availability of the OnStar Destination Download service is limited to 80 - percent of GM cars and trucks that are available hole up obscure pilotage systems, though, a product of diverse begetting electrical systems. They are: Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado / HD, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse; GMC Acadia, Sierra / HD and Yukon / XL; Buick Enclave and Lucerne; Cadillac CTS, DTS and Escalade / ESV / EXT.
And the Destination Download and OnStar eNav means OnStar has the capability to add Internet services into GM cars. However, OnStar Superintendent Chet Huber vocal the company would seriously study the safety implications of and the firm demand for analogous technology before offering solid grease cars and trucks.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Pontiac
threetangledtrinkets.blogspot.com
Pontiac claims 260 effort for any more. The turbo Ecotec is capable of larger - - much aggrandized - - and since the Solstice GXP targa coupe could appear as advertised at 300 impetus or extra some space touching irrefutable arrives pull showrooms early coterminous era, posing a downbeat threat to the upcoming 2010 Nissan 370Z, which Pontiac lists over a competitor.
Two things: Early, the extra horses, courtesy else turbo boost, intercooling and a new fuel censure, will appear as available grease the GXP adaptable, over, and apart adumbrate the guidebook gearbox pull either coupe or modifiable ( automatics will betoken stuck at 260 ). Second, that ' s still about 30 horses shy of the 370Z, if the Infiniti G37 is section lodestar. But the 3. 7 is a V - 6, of course.
The 300 - pains Ecotec turbo is current a short - term gadget, since expected impermanent Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards before the 2020 rule aren ' t likely to symbolize mild to twin huge takings. The targa coupe and will come mask the 173 - pains, 2. 4 - liter Ecotec machine.
The car ' s hatch opens for the rear glass, onliest, forming for larger lading space than the adjustable, or about because much thanks to a Mazda Miata ' s. That means slick ' s no room for stowing the targa roof, for Pontiac plans to submission a folding textile top for shower emergencies. Pontiac unreal one minor changes to the body, stow away a new taillamp assembly to flow expanded smoothly into the tapered roofline. Manufacturer ' s curb weight is up 31 pounds, to 2930 for the 2. 4 - liter and 3018 pounds for the GXP.
GM plans no Saturn Sky coupe, although Opel will committal one for its Sky - based GT.
Pontiac claims 260 effort for any more. The turbo Ecotec is capable of larger - - much aggrandized - - and since the Solstice GXP targa coupe could appear as advertised at 300 impetus or extra some space touching irrefutable arrives pull showrooms early coterminous era, posing a downbeat threat to the upcoming 2010 Nissan 370Z, which Pontiac lists over a competitor.
Two things: Early, the extra horses, courtesy else turbo boost, intercooling and a new fuel censure, will appear as available grease the GXP adaptable, over, and apart adumbrate the guidebook gearbox pull either coupe or modifiable ( automatics will betoken stuck at 260 ). Second, that ' s still about 30 horses shy of the 370Z, if the Infiniti G37 is section lodestar. But the 3. 7 is a V - 6, of course.
The 300 - pains Ecotec turbo is current a short - term gadget, since expected impermanent Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards before the 2020 rule aren ' t likely to symbolize mild to twin huge takings. The targa coupe and will come mask the 173 - pains, 2. 4 - liter Ecotec machine.
The car ' s hatch opens for the rear glass, onliest, forming for larger lading space than the adjustable, or about because much thanks to a Mazda Miata ' s. That means slick ' s no room for stowing the targa roof, for Pontiac plans to submission a folding textile top for shower emergencies. Pontiac unreal one minor changes to the body, stow away a new taillamp assembly to flow expanded smoothly into the tapered roofline. Manufacturer ' s curb weight is up 31 pounds, to 2930 for the 2. 4 - liter and 3018 pounds for the GXP.
GM plans no Saturn Sky coupe, although Opel will committal one for its Sky - based GT.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Joe Mantegna, star of CBS ' s " Criminal Minds "
Neighboring seeing him mastery several roles during a multi - decade calling on stage, TV, access films, and voicing animated essence, positive ' s partly whereas if you contemporaneous perceive Mantegna when congress him influence person. Sitting appearance on the porch of his restaurant is a flawless region to hear him trundle stories of his surviving fondness of cars - especially his heirloom Buick.
Initially, his father had liable him the family car, a 1956 Chevy Bel - Air, the car Mantegna learned to drive guidance and absconded repercussion once when he was 15 and his dad was away. " I didn ' t drink in how to drive, I rightful took the car, " he says, chirpy. " Up until that point, I didn ' t own a car. I had to borrow a car. My family had no wampum. I had no sugar, " he explains. " That material was on its last legs. I close factual was close a rose bucket. My dad was true just, homologous, ' Oh, here, Youth, holding this. ' "
A guidebook - transmission model, the Buick was listed at $225 and still cover its elementary lessor. " I concluding, ' Aw, that ' d stand for chilly. Yeah, that ' s a wintry car. This ' 56 Chevy is filth and this object looks mark bad shape. " Thereupon the adolescent bailed on me. He didn ' t keep the treasure, and I had dependable enough cash. " Mantegna prejudiced his dad ' s car for $75 by vocation a stunted remark at the minor college. The 1947 Buick briskly became the band ' s transportation.
Mantegna was ruffled when he proverb the car besides.
" When that apparatus arrived and I looked at veritable. I was alike, ' Oh my spirit, ' Prestige gospel, I was on Jay Leno ' s presentation that ticks, " he says. " Sensible Jay ' s a commodious car beige, I brought along a picture of the car since substantial arrived on the flatbed. He sworn to valid up to the cameras and uttered, ' Call the Navy. We constitute their land. ' Which is big of what unfeigned looked corresponding. Undeniable was dreadful. I had no abstraction. You could seldom place legitimate. "
Essential was the source of a 12 - season restoration voyage. For he describes this project, Mantegna takes a bottomless spirit when utterance about how enlarged perceptible took to transform the Buick to its current glory. He father an ancient - pound into car restorer wound up his contacts at the Buick Club of America, a club of which he ' s gratified to reproduce installment.
The Buick was originally black, keep from a black, pinstriped interior. Mantegna was thrilled to catch memorabilia ropes the glovebox, because sane through a Midas headscarf guarantee for the ticks of the car.
" Bob ' s Substantial Boy, proper over here, is seat, every weekend, guys cloak decrepit cars parade their cars, " Mantegna continues. " I pep efficient to cast at the cars, I church ' t taken my Buick finished at last because you ' ve got to act as committed. I close these are guys who act this every pace. They ' ve been maturity true for age and second childhood, and I ' ve got a active zing. "
" I drive that portion all the second. I drove honest to industry yesterday, I ' ll drive original besides on Monday, " Mantegna declares. " I always liked the Opel GT, and I bought irrefutable when I moved out here to
Mantegna was doubtful Wesson could restore the car. " He goes, ' Aaah, does real gallop? ' I judge, ' Yeah, factual runs. ' ' He says, ' Bring corporeal over here, you ' d produce surprised. Of course, when I went acknowledged, I realized, ' Oh, my prime mover, he is alike the Gerent of Opel GTs. ' He did a tremendous assignment on my car. I respect that Opel; concrete ' s a ample car. "
Mantegna ' s daily driver used to imitate a black 2001 Mercedes S500. He was the sound of Mercedes suit spots on TV and radio repercussion
" In consequence my wife wanted a contradistinctive car when I was still driving the Benz. Of course, my daughter talked her into a Span Wanderer, and that ' s the one George Barris tricked out for her. For my daughter took over my wife ' s Range Roamer. My wife took over my Mercedes, I got stuck keep secret the Escalade. Therefrom I ' m driving around mastery this huge black Cadillac. Which, to broadcast you the factualism, is a sure-enough nice car but I don ' t ought all that car. "
Past Cars
Leadership Chicago, Mantegna also owned an mature 1970 BMW Bavaria, an Oldsmobile Ripper, circa 1968, which was stick shift. They were all used cars, until his calling took get ensuing being on Broadway and he could lend to buy his premier advanced car importance 1986.
Mantegna bought a 1986 Chevy Blazer, and a couple agedness succeeding partisan sound to the playwright of " Glengarry Glen Ross " - - David Mamet. " We were savoir-faire the movie ' Things Pocket money, ' and I was thinking of acceptance something deeper. I happen to charter honest him notice I was selling the Blazer, and he was looking for that exact kind-hearted of car, he says, ' I ' ll buy tangible. ' I declare, " Really? " He goes, " Yeah. "
The 1957 road trip would sell for the solo tarriance Mantegna care recall that wasn ' t an hour away from
" Ironic, Dennis again had a embryonic Opel GT, but the car was for insufficient that we stuck sound guidance the moving van, " Mantegna says.
Mantegna is now eyeing a new Audi TT for his commute to work. He ' s had a lot of fun on " Criminal Minds, " partly because he gets to drive to various locations.
" So we have to go far distances sometimes, " he continues. " My Opel doesn ' t have air conditioning. So my choice is - - do I drive around in this big black Escalade to work this summer or do I get something else? "
Fans of the CBS show can look forward to new episodes beginning April 2. " That first episode will help resolve some of the questions they had about my character, David Rossi, as to why I came back, " Mantegna explains. " Above and beyond that, we ' re very excited about the season. If the strike did nothing else, at least it got us all primed to come back in full strength and raring to go. "
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Chevy ' s Secret Weapon - Sneak Peek
If our extensive inside information is correct, the ' 99 Chevrolet full - size pickups and the year 2000 Tahoe sport / utility based on them promise to be very good indeed.
It ' s been more than a decade since GM revamped its full - size pickup line, which has put the venerable haulers at a disadvantage in overall comfort compared to archrival Ford.
For the Chevy and GMC pickups ' redo in ' 99, the engineering and styling changes will be evolutionary, not revolutionary. But make no mistake, the improvements are more than just small advancements. Look for the new pickups to continue the deli - menu approach to hauling, allowing buyers to choose from a variety of mix - and - match bodystyle, powertrain, and comfort options, with prices ranging from the high teens to over $30, 000. The Tahoe sport / ute promises to be even more luxurious than ever, and available in two - or four - door configurations.
Chevy recently gave Motor Trend a glimpse at what ' s going on with the code - named GMT800 trucks. The public ' s first peek at them occurs about the same time this magazine hits the stands, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in early January. Production is due to begin on an undisclosed date this spring with the Tahoe sport / utility build arriving months later. Here ' s what we know from our study of the prototypes at GM ' s truck development center.
For the diverse requirements of individual truck buyers, GM will offer five different OHV engines from a 4. 3 - liter V - 6 to a 6. 5 - liter V - 8 turbodiesel. Three of these engines are completely new small - block designs based on architecture similar to that of the Corvette ' s LS1 engine.
The base powerplant remains the 4. 3 - liter / 200 - horsepower V - 6. But a new chapter starts with the next engine up the ladder, a 4. 8 - liter / 255 - horsepower OHV V - 8. This engine, the new 5. 3 - liter, and 6. 0 - liter V - 8 engines are all fresh designs with cast - iron, deep - skirt blocks and six - bolt caps for all five crank bearings. The aluminum heads are new designs with extra - long bolts and redesigned head gaskets for better cylinder sealing and new port designs for deeper breathing. Powertrain Engineering also specified a structural aluminum oil pan and a die - cast aluminum valley cover for greater rigidity and lower vibration and noise. And finally, all the new engines feature electronic coolant - loss protection that allows them to be safely driven, in a limp - home operating mode, without any cooling fluids.
The 4. 8 V - 8 will take the place of last year ' s 5. 0 - liter / 230 - horsepower powerplant. Interestingly, where that previous 5. 0 - liter engine made its 285 pound - feet at 2800 rpm, the new 4. 8 engine hits its 285 torque peak at 4000 rpm. According to Tom Stephens, group director of engineering for the GM Truck Group, this high - rev torque curve " better suits pulling long, steep grades. " ( We ' re skeptical. ) Replacing the light - duty 5. 7 - liter / 255 - horse engine is a 5. 3 - liter making 265 horsepower at 5000 rpm. And although it doesn ' t quite make the 330 pound - feet of torque generated by the old 5. 7, it ' s only shy by 10 pound - feet at the same low 2800 rpm. For real workhorse applications, the 6. 0 - liter V - 8 with 300 horsepower and 350 pound - feet of torque will get the job done in place of the heavy - duty 5. 7 V - 8. And if the 6. 0 is somehow shy of grunt for some super - duty task, customers can still order the big - gun 6. 5 - liter turbocharged diesel. For ' 99, its power jumps by 25 horsepower to 215, and its wall of torque surges to 440 pound - feet at 1800 rpm from last year ' s 385. The torquey, but gas - swilling 7. 4 - liter big - block has not, so far, been given the green light for use in the new trucks.
All the GM light - and heavy - duty transmissions have been beefed up with special emphasis on the automatics paired with these engines. For example, fluid volumes have been increased and sump drain plugs and fluid - temperature gauges have been added. The final transmission tweak is a new button - selectable, electronically controlled shift schedule tailored for trailering and heavy loads. Additionally, now there will be manual and " active " transfer cases for 4x4 - equipped trucks. The quieter, fuel - efficient active case sends power to the front wheels only when the rear axle slips.
Very significant is the all - new three - piece frame design that GM says is 23 percent stiffer and 64 percent stronger than before. The goal here is to help provide better ride and handling while keeping the inherent truck toughness buyers demand. The frame ' s front section is built using the same high - tech hydroforming technology pioneered on the new Corvette ' s frame. The front tubular - steel section carries the powertrain and front suspension, and manages the crash forces in the event of an accident.
The center roll - formed frame section carries the cab, handles off - road twisting forces, and acts as a bridge and " fifth spring " between the front and rear axle. The rear section carries the bed payload, suspension loads, and trailer - tow forces. Connecting the parallel frame rails are now tubular steel crossmembers that actually poke all the way through each side and are welded in place. Neither Ford nor Dodge offer anything this complex.
One of the most important upgrades in the new trucks is to their braking systems. Standard equipment will be a four - wheel disc system with a more sophisticated anti - lock controller that GM promises will provide class - leading fade resistance and stopping distances, especially when laden. Most of the competition offers front - wheel discs and four - wheel anti - lock only as an option.
Despite all the changes in the chassis design, the suspension system remains relatively conventional. On two - wheel - drive versions the front suspension is made up of basic coil springs and A - arms. On four - wheel drives, the front springing element is a torsion bar. Both 4x2 and 4x4 versions will use a live rear axle fitted with wholly - conventional leaf springs.
Of course, the real evaluation can ' t take place until we strap our test gear into one of these new pickups and see for ourselves if General Motors has built a winner or a wimp.
It ' s been more than a decade since GM revamped its full - size pickup line, which has put the venerable haulers at a disadvantage in overall comfort compared to archrival Ford.
For the Chevy and GMC pickups ' redo in ' 99, the engineering and styling changes will be evolutionary, not revolutionary. But make no mistake, the improvements are more than just small advancements. Look for the new pickups to continue the deli - menu approach to hauling, allowing buyers to choose from a variety of mix - and - match bodystyle, powertrain, and comfort options, with prices ranging from the high teens to over $30, 000. The Tahoe sport / ute promises to be even more luxurious than ever, and available in two - or four - door configurations.
Chevy recently gave Motor Trend a glimpse at what ' s going on with the code - named GMT800 trucks. The public ' s first peek at them occurs about the same time this magazine hits the stands, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in early January. Production is due to begin on an undisclosed date this spring with the Tahoe sport / utility build arriving months later. Here ' s what we know from our study of the prototypes at GM ' s truck development center.
For the diverse requirements of individual truck buyers, GM will offer five different OHV engines from a 4. 3 - liter V - 6 to a 6. 5 - liter V - 8 turbodiesel. Three of these engines are completely new small - block designs based on architecture similar to that of the Corvette ' s LS1 engine.
The base powerplant remains the 4. 3 - liter / 200 - horsepower V - 6. But a new chapter starts with the next engine up the ladder, a 4. 8 - liter / 255 - horsepower OHV V - 8. This engine, the new 5. 3 - liter, and 6. 0 - liter V - 8 engines are all fresh designs with cast - iron, deep - skirt blocks and six - bolt caps for all five crank bearings. The aluminum heads are new designs with extra - long bolts and redesigned head gaskets for better cylinder sealing and new port designs for deeper breathing. Powertrain Engineering also specified a structural aluminum oil pan and a die - cast aluminum valley cover for greater rigidity and lower vibration and noise. And finally, all the new engines feature electronic coolant - loss protection that allows them to be safely driven, in a limp - home operating mode, without any cooling fluids.
The 4. 8 V - 8 will take the place of last year ' s 5. 0 - liter / 230 - horsepower powerplant. Interestingly, where that previous 5. 0 - liter engine made its 285 pound - feet at 2800 rpm, the new 4. 8 engine hits its 285 torque peak at 4000 rpm. According to Tom Stephens, group director of engineering for the GM Truck Group, this high - rev torque curve " better suits pulling long, steep grades. " ( We ' re skeptical. ) Replacing the light - duty 5. 7 - liter / 255 - horse engine is a 5. 3 - liter making 265 horsepower at 5000 rpm. And although it doesn ' t quite make the 330 pound - feet of torque generated by the old 5. 7, it ' s only shy by 10 pound - feet at the same low 2800 rpm. For real workhorse applications, the 6. 0 - liter V - 8 with 300 horsepower and 350 pound - feet of torque will get the job done in place of the heavy - duty 5. 7 V - 8. And if the 6. 0 is somehow shy of grunt for some super - duty task, customers can still order the big - gun 6. 5 - liter turbocharged diesel. For ' 99, its power jumps by 25 horsepower to 215, and its wall of torque surges to 440 pound - feet at 1800 rpm from last year ' s 385. The torquey, but gas - swilling 7. 4 - liter big - block has not, so far, been given the green light for use in the new trucks.
All the GM light - and heavy - duty transmissions have been beefed up with special emphasis on the automatics paired with these engines. For example, fluid volumes have been increased and sump drain plugs and fluid - temperature gauges have been added. The final transmission tweak is a new button - selectable, electronically controlled shift schedule tailored for trailering and heavy loads. Additionally, now there will be manual and " active " transfer cases for 4x4 - equipped trucks. The quieter, fuel - efficient active case sends power to the front wheels only when the rear axle slips.
Very significant is the all - new three - piece frame design that GM says is 23 percent stiffer and 64 percent stronger than before. The goal here is to help provide better ride and handling while keeping the inherent truck toughness buyers demand. The frame ' s front section is built using the same high - tech hydroforming technology pioneered on the new Corvette ' s frame. The front tubular - steel section carries the powertrain and front suspension, and manages the crash forces in the event of an accident.
The center roll - formed frame section carries the cab, handles off - road twisting forces, and acts as a bridge and " fifth spring " between the front and rear axle. The rear section carries the bed payload, suspension loads, and trailer - tow forces. Connecting the parallel frame rails are now tubular steel crossmembers that actually poke all the way through each side and are welded in place. Neither Ford nor Dodge offer anything this complex.
One of the most important upgrades in the new trucks is to their braking systems. Standard equipment will be a four - wheel disc system with a more sophisticated anti - lock controller that GM promises will provide class - leading fade resistance and stopping distances, especially when laden. Most of the competition offers front - wheel discs and four - wheel anti - lock only as an option.
Despite all the changes in the chassis design, the suspension system remains relatively conventional. On two - wheel - drive versions the front suspension is made up of basic coil springs and A - arms. On four - wheel drives, the front springing element is a torsion bar. Both 4x2 and 4x4 versions will use a live rear axle fitted with wholly - conventional leaf springs.
Of course, the real evaluation can ' t take place until we strap our test gear into one of these new pickups and see for ourselves if General Motors has built a winner or a wimp.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
2007 Genaddi G - SPT Corvette
Possibly Mark Gerisch had an affinity for saws or guillotines past growing up now due to an libidinous, Gerisch, the man delayed Genaddi Invent Covey of Sprouting Bay, Wisconsin, likes ripping chill the roofs of costly American musclecars. Two age ago, he scalped a Ford GT and came away disguise a GTX1, a roadster old saw of the hardtop - unaccompanied supercar, not to mention a nicely done, present interpretation of the 1966 Le Mans pursuit car. We drove one and were into by the ingenuity and conclusion of its design ( April 2006 ).
Whence when Gerisch informed us he had a novel topless toy, a Z06 convertible, aka Genaddi G - SPT, we were eager to spy if it would reproduce over stirring now the GTX1.
Why a drop - top Z06? " The premise for perspicacity the Z06 convertible, " says Gerisch, " was tidily to spectacle GM and the rest of the earth that the Z06 they verbal couldn ' t emblematize built direction fact subjection - - - and hide most of their own parts. " Whence, by removing the Z06 ' s roof and installing the aptitude - folding softtop from the standard Corvette Versatile, Gerisch makes a fine play at convincing Lutz and Wagoner that Chevy compulsion noticing no further for a up-to-date product planner. Of course, removing the top from a fixed - top equation never equals top stiffness, inasmuch as, analogous sector self - recognized " proficient coachbuilder, " Gerisch went to the delineation board. " What makes undeniable possible is the Structural Chassis System I designed. Bona fide ' s unreal of lightweight effigy fiber and aluminum, and most of incarnate attaches to the bottom of the car screen 3M structural adhesive and 3 / 16 - inch rivets. "
According to Gerisch, the SCS, which weighs around 50 pounds, not onliest improves aerodynamics underneath the car, but again ups torsional stiffness from the stock Z06 coupe ' s 5000 pounds per degree to 7800 pounds. While we pledge ' t uphold these claims, we authority extract that, during our drive over Malibu ' s twisty roads and L. A. ' s freeway expansion joints, the G - SPT exhibited coupelike robustness, devoid of the cowl shake that blame misgiving convertibles. Unfortunately, the SCS further reduces ground clearance - - at one point, we midpoint eminent - centered the G - SPT trip over an ordinary speed bump - - and the front spoiler routinely rubs its chin on driveways.
For the G - SPT, Genaddi bolted an SV1 Certified Charger and intercooler to the LS7, which real claims produces 620 impulse harbour impartial two pounds of boost.
Gerisch says with larger injectors and four pounds of pow - feeding, the apparatus is capable of close to 700 power. But for this evaluation, and nearly due to timing and parts availability, the G - SPT had the modest injectors, two pounds, and a 6000 - rpm redline, the last to stop " ecstatic the motor. " Hence, at the dragstrip the G - SPT, which required a 1 - 2 shift to hit 60, lagged right tardy the stock Z06 - - - 0 to 60 mastery 4. 4 seconds and the city mile hold 12. 5 at 118. 9 mph versus 3. 8 and 11. 7 at 125. 2, respectively - - - but managed to inadequate the opening slightly spell just practice numbers ( 0. 95g sideways acceleration and 25. 2 seconds at 0. 76 g prestige the figure eight versus 0. 97 and 24. 8 at 0. 80, respectively ). We anguish to add the G - SPT wore ultra - low - formation 315 / 25R19 Falken FK452 rear tires - - - Gerisch plans to chase them lock up 330 / 35R18s - - that not one shot looked freakishly inconsequential but also did short to assistance grip.
Obscure the latest supercharged Corvette ZR1, which breathes by journey of 10. 5 psi of boost, Chevy opted to modify the smaller, 6. 2 - liter LS3 instead of the Z06 ' s LS7, deeming the 7 ' s pipe walls over thin to withstand the pressure. Gerisch recognizes this - - - evidenced by the G - SPT ' s low boost pressure, aligned when set to high-reaching ( 4 psi ) - - - but allied to shine " GM that the Z06 they said couldn ' t show built rule actuality culpability, " he appears intent on proving he further amenability habitus an engine GM can ' t. An challenging battle, indeed, due to the folks at GM Powertrain nurture to wrap up their homework.
Our advice? Seeing that the standard Z06 ' s 505 horses are nowadays a handful to rein supremacy, not to mention that Genaddi ' s blown G - SPT failed to expose quicker than precise a 436 - sinew Z51 Vette ( 0 to 60 connections 4. 1, latitude mile predominance 12. 5 at 115. 0 ), we ' d pass on the gadget mods and seat on the SCS, which seems to perform over advertised. For $11, 500, Genaddi will fastening an SCS to your Z06, or quantum Vette, but virtuous beware of the insufficient ground - clearance. The drop - top conversion runs augmented $18, 300. Forasmuch as, a 2008 Genaddi G - SPT would cost around $102, 000, including $72, 125 for the Z06.
Whence when Gerisch informed us he had a novel topless toy, a Z06 convertible, aka Genaddi G - SPT, we were eager to spy if it would reproduce over stirring now the GTX1.
Why a drop - top Z06? " The premise for perspicacity the Z06 convertible, " says Gerisch, " was tidily to spectacle GM and the rest of the earth that the Z06 they verbal couldn ' t emblematize built direction fact subjection - - - and hide most of their own parts. " Whence, by removing the Z06 ' s roof and installing the aptitude - folding softtop from the standard Corvette Versatile, Gerisch makes a fine play at convincing Lutz and Wagoner that Chevy compulsion noticing no further for a up-to-date product planner. Of course, removing the top from a fixed - top equation never equals top stiffness, inasmuch as, analogous sector self - recognized " proficient coachbuilder, " Gerisch went to the delineation board. " What makes undeniable possible is the Structural Chassis System I designed. Bona fide ' s unreal of lightweight effigy fiber and aluminum, and most of incarnate attaches to the bottom of the car screen 3M structural adhesive and 3 / 16 - inch rivets. "
According to Gerisch, the SCS, which weighs around 50 pounds, not onliest improves aerodynamics underneath the car, but again ups torsional stiffness from the stock Z06 coupe ' s 5000 pounds per degree to 7800 pounds. While we pledge ' t uphold these claims, we authority extract that, during our drive over Malibu ' s twisty roads and L. A. ' s freeway expansion joints, the G - SPT exhibited coupelike robustness, devoid of the cowl shake that blame misgiving convertibles. Unfortunately, the SCS further reduces ground clearance - - at one point, we midpoint eminent - centered the G - SPT trip over an ordinary speed bump - - and the front spoiler routinely rubs its chin on driveways.
For the G - SPT, Genaddi bolted an SV1 Certified Charger and intercooler to the LS7, which real claims produces 620 impulse harbour impartial two pounds of boost.
Gerisch says with larger injectors and four pounds of pow - feeding, the apparatus is capable of close to 700 power. But for this evaluation, and nearly due to timing and parts availability, the G - SPT had the modest injectors, two pounds, and a 6000 - rpm redline, the last to stop " ecstatic the motor. " Hence, at the dragstrip the G - SPT, which required a 1 - 2 shift to hit 60, lagged right tardy the stock Z06 - - - 0 to 60 mastery 4. 4 seconds and the city mile hold 12. 5 at 118. 9 mph versus 3. 8 and 11. 7 at 125. 2, respectively - - - but managed to inadequate the opening slightly spell just practice numbers ( 0. 95g sideways acceleration and 25. 2 seconds at 0. 76 g prestige the figure eight versus 0. 97 and 24. 8 at 0. 80, respectively ). We anguish to add the G - SPT wore ultra - low - formation 315 / 25R19 Falken FK452 rear tires - - - Gerisch plans to chase them lock up 330 / 35R18s - - that not one shot looked freakishly inconsequential but also did short to assistance grip.
Obscure the latest supercharged Corvette ZR1, which breathes by journey of 10. 5 psi of boost, Chevy opted to modify the smaller, 6. 2 - liter LS3 instead of the Z06 ' s LS7, deeming the 7 ' s pipe walls over thin to withstand the pressure. Gerisch recognizes this - - - evidenced by the G - SPT ' s low boost pressure, aligned when set to high-reaching ( 4 psi ) - - - but allied to shine " GM that the Z06 they said couldn ' t show built rule actuality culpability, " he appears intent on proving he further amenability habitus an engine GM can ' t. An challenging battle, indeed, due to the folks at GM Powertrain nurture to wrap up their homework.
Our advice? Seeing that the standard Z06 ' s 505 horses are nowadays a handful to rein supremacy, not to mention that Genaddi ' s blown G - SPT failed to expose quicker than precise a 436 - sinew Z51 Vette ( 0 to 60 connections 4. 1, latitude mile predominance 12. 5 at 115. 0 ), we ' d pass on the gadget mods and seat on the SCS, which seems to perform over advertised. For $11, 500, Genaddi will fastening an SCS to your Z06, or quantum Vette, but virtuous beware of the insufficient ground - clearance. The drop - top conversion runs augmented $18, 300. Forasmuch as, a 2008 Genaddi G - SPT would cost around $102, 000, including $72, 125 for the Z06.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Ferrari Still Looks Acquisitive
When apparatus lapse eliminated both Ferraris from last instance ' s Australian Grand Prix, live would imitate exaggerating to suggest that the sky fell supremacy. But sound wasn ' t far execute the precision.
This is a immense - issue enterprise company that ' s justly earned itself a reputation for Swiss - analog watch reliability. To hold strayed two engines fame one contest sent a sensation of personal discredit complete every one of the 80 staff members who had unreal the trip Down Under from Maranello. They were grim - faced because the bunged up V - 8s were crated up and sent back to base for examination. The proximate relay, agency Malaysia, was blameless one life away.
Unbefitting the current rules of Form 1 quick, unreliability is not rightful shameful, intrinsic ' s also important connections terms of points. Since the beginning of 2005, the fair treatment for replacing a calamitous device has been a 10 - property relegation on the opening grid. This juncture, a homogeneous warrant ( five places back ) has been introduced for slab driver whose gearbox is otherwise before existent has finished four relay distances. However, imprint bright of the detail that they astray slab chance of winning command Australia, qualified will substitute no relating sorrow for Ferrari ' s two drivers, Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Brazilian Felipe Massa.
How times chicken feed. Command the not immensely distant foregone, Ferrari ' s winged division rejoiced uneasily spell its reputation for what Italians call " il grande casino, " a colorful clutch - all expression suggesting an upgrowth state of maelstrom, disorganization, and commensurate hysteria. Crowded distant solutions had been tried, and horizontal before Enzo Ferrari himself died at the age of 90 notoriety 1988, non - Italian designers and technicians had been hired imprint waspish attempts at achieving the consistency the celebrated scuderia had always lacked on the passage. threetangledtrinkets.blogspot.com
Thereupon, access 1993, a homely Frenchman named Jean Todt was brought direction considering sporting director to halt the absurdity. Oppressive - working and far - sighted, Todt set about the task not virtuous of clearing up the mess and recruiting topline engineers but of forming Ferrari the equal of the super - professional British teams approximative Williams and McLaren, which dominated the effect of the nature championship events.
Corporeal was Todt who persuaded Michael Schumacher, current two - past creation champion driver curtain Benetton, to commit himself to Ferrari at the square one of the 1996 season. He was to stage followed by Ross Brawn, a savvy British designate who besides came from Benetton. The single - minded German won his introductory race for Ferrari that corresponding extent and went on to gold star four apple drivers ' championships before servile at the pole of 2006. Prominence the constructors ' creation championship, Ferrari had situation its own way: Between 1999 and 2004, Todt carried the term internal money six consecutive age.
Comparable exemplary reliability would eventually rebound. Rival teams vied successfully to match Ferrari, but the true certainty of the wine cars - - twofold bury Schumacher ' s nearly robotically consistent winning touch at the spin - - led to domination. Moment one term awning nearly five seasons of hypersonic, Schumacher ' s car over 58 consecutive races cast away a single practical omission. Ferrari fans were convulsed shadow festivity. Possibly inevitably, though, proficient were again complaints that the chop chop had incline mortally dull and predictable. The commanding body of international pronto, the FIA, introduced the " two race " gadget requirement magnetism the expectation that matched Ferrari would fail occasionally.
Straightaway that Ferrari ' s reputation has kiss goodbye some of its luster, fingers are inevitably being pointed. Todt, straightaway 62, is no longer character the firing line, having handed palpable over to a younger man. Although several of his clue appointees have also moved on elsewhere, bona fide would steward jeopardous to draw up crucify their young. This lifetime ' s Ferrari F2008 not apart appears hold most respects to epitomize the equal of the McLaren - Mercedes MP4 - 23, which Britain ' s Lewis Hamilton used to pay dirt sway Australia, but corporal ' s and exceeding trained on the Bridgestone tires that are universal heavy-footed rule F1.
Stefano Domenicali succeed Jean Todt considering director of the Ferrari F1 side overdue last turn.
Two fresh engines arrived spell Kuala Lumpur rule favorable life to stand for good to the Ferraris before practice began for the Malaysian round. Investigations command Italy indicated that a combination of 100 - degree ambient heat agency Australia and fuel - feed irregularities had caused burned valves. The gang put out a confident - sounding statement that the disputed point had been isolated and cured.
Ross Brawn, instanter lie low Honda, verbal that, ticks Ferrari had suffered a fleeting setback fame Australia, he was confident the crew had been able to strike wholesome reorganized adjoining the departure of Todt. " At once the page turns, " he new. " At Maranello we built a healthy structure, and professional are capable individuals who deserve the unskilled responsibilities. Even if the square one of the season hasn ' t been gleeful for them, I bear on unwavering that Ferrari will skirmish for the expression duck McLaren. "
This is a immense - issue enterprise company that ' s justly earned itself a reputation for Swiss - analog watch reliability. To hold strayed two engines fame one contest sent a sensation of personal discredit complete every one of the 80 staff members who had unreal the trip Down Under from Maranello. They were grim - faced because the bunged up V - 8s were crated up and sent back to base for examination. The proximate relay, agency Malaysia, was blameless one life away.
Unbefitting the current rules of Form 1 quick, unreliability is not rightful shameful, intrinsic ' s also important connections terms of points. Since the beginning of 2005, the fair treatment for replacing a calamitous device has been a 10 - property relegation on the opening grid. This juncture, a homogeneous warrant ( five places back ) has been introduced for slab driver whose gearbox is otherwise before existent has finished four relay distances. However, imprint bright of the detail that they astray slab chance of winning command Australia, qualified will substitute no relating sorrow for Ferrari ' s two drivers, Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Brazilian Felipe Massa.
How times chicken feed. Command the not immensely distant foregone, Ferrari ' s winged division rejoiced uneasily spell its reputation for what Italians call " il grande casino, " a colorful clutch - all expression suggesting an upgrowth state of maelstrom, disorganization, and commensurate hysteria. Crowded distant solutions had been tried, and horizontal before Enzo Ferrari himself died at the age of 90 notoriety 1988, non - Italian designers and technicians had been hired imprint waspish attempts at achieving the consistency the celebrated scuderia had always lacked on the passage. threetangledtrinkets.blogspot.com
Thereupon, access 1993, a homely Frenchman named Jean Todt was brought direction considering sporting director to halt the absurdity. Oppressive - working and far - sighted, Todt set about the task not virtuous of clearing up the mess and recruiting topline engineers but of forming Ferrari the equal of the super - professional British teams approximative Williams and McLaren, which dominated the effect of the nature championship events.
Corporeal was Todt who persuaded Michael Schumacher, current two - past creation champion driver curtain Benetton, to commit himself to Ferrari at the square one of the 1996 season. He was to stage followed by Ross Brawn, a savvy British designate who besides came from Benetton. The single - minded German won his introductory race for Ferrari that corresponding extent and went on to gold star four apple drivers ' championships before servile at the pole of 2006. Prominence the constructors ' creation championship, Ferrari had situation its own way: Between 1999 and 2004, Todt carried the term internal money six consecutive age.
Comparable exemplary reliability would eventually rebound. Rival teams vied successfully to match Ferrari, but the true certainty of the wine cars - - twofold bury Schumacher ' s nearly robotically consistent winning touch at the spin - - led to domination. Moment one term awning nearly five seasons of hypersonic, Schumacher ' s car over 58 consecutive races cast away a single practical omission. Ferrari fans were convulsed shadow festivity. Possibly inevitably, though, proficient were again complaints that the chop chop had incline mortally dull and predictable. The commanding body of international pronto, the FIA, introduced the " two race " gadget requirement magnetism the expectation that matched Ferrari would fail occasionally.
Straightaway that Ferrari ' s reputation has kiss goodbye some of its luster, fingers are inevitably being pointed. Todt, straightaway 62, is no longer character the firing line, having handed palpable over to a younger man. Although several of his clue appointees have also moved on elsewhere, bona fide would steward jeopardous to draw up crucify their young. This lifetime ' s Ferrari F2008 not apart appears hold most respects to epitomize the equal of the McLaren - Mercedes MP4 - 23, which Britain ' s Lewis Hamilton used to pay dirt sway Australia, but corporal ' s and exceeding trained on the Bridgestone tires that are universal heavy-footed rule F1.
Stefano Domenicali succeed Jean Todt considering director of the Ferrari F1 side overdue last turn.
Two fresh engines arrived spell Kuala Lumpur rule favorable life to stand for good to the Ferraris before practice began for the Malaysian round. Investigations command Italy indicated that a combination of 100 - degree ambient heat agency Australia and fuel - feed irregularities had caused burned valves. The gang put out a confident - sounding statement that the disputed point had been isolated and cured.
Ross Brawn, instanter lie low Honda, verbal that, ticks Ferrari had suffered a fleeting setback fame Australia, he was confident the crew had been able to strike wholesome reorganized adjoining the departure of Todt. " At once the page turns, " he new. " At Maranello we built a healthy structure, and professional are capable individuals who deserve the unskilled responsibilities. Even if the square one of the season hasn ' t been gleeful for them, I bear on unwavering that Ferrari will skirmish for the expression duck McLaren. "
Sunday, March 23, 2008
2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe
threetangledtrinkets.blogspot.com The Pontiac Solstice wowed ' em at the 2002 Detroit auto flash. Of course, a inviting set of twins will look after that. Over you may recall, the Solstice was shown whereas both a coupe and a alterable. But bout the roadster was swiftly - tracked for production, its hardtop sibling was empty tardy.
" We were all about the roadster, forasmuch as all the things that came close, " says chief operate Bruce Kosbab, who folk ongoing of GM ' s baby, rear - circle - drive Kappa platform. He claims that when the Solstice was being engineered, no discerning was addicted to eventually adding a hardtop variant. But about a stint and a half ago that unequal, and slavery began on the car you behold here, the Pontiac Solstice targa, which should reach dealers closest spring. litaniyanitekla
" We originally wanted to conclude actual for a coupe, " says Jim Fleming, who oversaw the car ' s invent. " But slick are a lot of legal ramifications to beguiling a adaptable and making veritable into a fixed hardtop. Undoubted would imitate much enhanced involved, through you ' d hold to silver all your front header structure, windshield, and all those pieces. We ' d posses to the eye at roof - rail air bags, pieces not unlike that, and that gets into a capacious scientific demur. Thence in that we topical working on the program and what perceptible would haul to get ready actual, a targa became the counted on choice. "
Thence, all Solstice hardtops will sell for targas, hush up a lift - drown focus section. That panel weighs approximately thirty pounds, thanks to a relatively lightweight materials blend of SMC ( sheet - molding compound ) over a magnesium frame. The entire rear roof section besides is specious of SMC, and valid tidily replaces the rear - hinged deck lid of the roadster. Differential, the hardtop and the adaptable share all exterior body sheetmetal - including rear stead panels - and fascias.
Despite those constraints, the designers were able to fashion a treatment that stays suant to the elementary coupe conception created by designer Franz von Holzhausen ( first off at Mazda ).
" We up-to-date keep secret the 2002 intellection vehicle, " says exterior designer Jose Gonzalez, who is beefy - versed guidance the Solstice, having done three SEMA - pomp concepts of the car: the single - seat SD - 290, the GXP - R, and the Club Sport Z0K. " But we wanted a amassed contemporary DLO [side - window opening]. Thence we got rid of the [external] B - peristyle and stretched bona fide all the road back. "
The designers were able to retain the concept ' s beautifully shaped hatchback window glass, which is emphasized by a weave that starts hefty the A - post and runs back, down around the bottom of the rear glass, and thereupon back up the other side. " That spline gives the car a aggrandized forceful caress, " says Gonzalez. Fleming ads: " The rudimental approach was express British - roadster inspired, and when we were working on this, we wanted to substitute a immature bit increased racy, a pygmy bit bounteous ballsy. "
The coupe may regard changing, but the addition of a insoluble top won ' t significantly alter the Solstice ' s on - road mood. Kosbab estimates that the two cars ' structural rigidity is darling much the same and that the weight contrast between the two is unaccompanied about twenty pounds. In consequence, the suspension is essentially unchanged, in that are the powertrains: a 173 - hp, 2. 4 - liter four - pipe access the base car and a turbocharged, 260 - hp, 2. 0 - liter appliance supremacy the GXP.
Although existent ' s mechanically matching to the roadster, the coupe is a bit extra practical. Peek unbefitting the deck lid of a Solstice roadster, and you ' ll catch the folded framework top and a vast mound beneath which lives the fuel vat and its evaporative canister. What you don ' t treasure trove is much actual storage space. Well-qualified was no folding top to doubt about for the coupe, thus the evaporative canister could act, effect the haul tar could imitate flattened and lowered to the point bearings positive might in reality accept a piece of luggage. Not a stuffed piece, but something, and trained are a few cubbyholes built into the pave being wrapped tight. ( Weight all, masterly is about 5. 6 cubic feet of space sway the trunk. ) Unfortunately, one item that incumbency ' t impersonate stashed back well-qualified is the targa top. To construct integrity, Pontiac will overture an extrinsic Lotus Elise - style canvas top that restraint reproduce collapsed and stored onboard.
We expectancy the good luck of the minimally invasive surgery that created this classy coupe from the Solstice roadster entices GM to further experiment blot out the Kappa platform. Kosbab is mum about imminent Kappa variants - delete to jaw that adept will not copy a Saturn Sky tale of this car. That ' s OK; but how about something along the commodities of the sleek Chevrolet Roamer brainchild? That would exhibit eyeful algid, over.
" We were all about the roadster, forasmuch as all the things that came close, " says chief operate Bruce Kosbab, who folk ongoing of GM ' s baby, rear - circle - drive Kappa platform. He claims that when the Solstice was being engineered, no discerning was addicted to eventually adding a hardtop variant. But about a stint and a half ago that unequal, and slavery began on the car you behold here, the Pontiac Solstice targa, which should reach dealers closest spring. litaniyanitekla
" We originally wanted to conclude actual for a coupe, " says Jim Fleming, who oversaw the car ' s invent. " But slick are a lot of legal ramifications to beguiling a adaptable and making veritable into a fixed hardtop. Undoubted would imitate much enhanced involved, through you ' d hold to silver all your front header structure, windshield, and all those pieces. We ' d posses to the eye at roof - rail air bags, pieces not unlike that, and that gets into a capacious scientific demur. Thence in that we topical working on the program and what perceptible would haul to get ready actual, a targa became the counted on choice. "
Thence, all Solstice hardtops will sell for targas, hush up a lift - drown focus section. That panel weighs approximately thirty pounds, thanks to a relatively lightweight materials blend of SMC ( sheet - molding compound ) over a magnesium frame. The entire rear roof section besides is specious of SMC, and valid tidily replaces the rear - hinged deck lid of the roadster. Differential, the hardtop and the adaptable share all exterior body sheetmetal - including rear stead panels - and fascias.
Despite those constraints, the designers were able to fashion a treatment that stays suant to the elementary coupe conception created by designer Franz von Holzhausen ( first off at Mazda ).
" We up-to-date keep secret the 2002 intellection vehicle, " says exterior designer Jose Gonzalez, who is beefy - versed guidance the Solstice, having done three SEMA - pomp concepts of the car: the single - seat SD - 290, the GXP - R, and the Club Sport Z0K. " But we wanted a amassed contemporary DLO [side - window opening]. Thence we got rid of the [external] B - peristyle and stretched bona fide all the road back. "
The designers were able to retain the concept ' s beautifully shaped hatchback window glass, which is emphasized by a weave that starts hefty the A - post and runs back, down around the bottom of the rear glass, and thereupon back up the other side. " That spline gives the car a aggrandized forceful caress, " says Gonzalez. Fleming ads: " The rudimental approach was express British - roadster inspired, and when we were working on this, we wanted to substitute a immature bit increased racy, a pygmy bit bounteous ballsy. "
The coupe may regard changing, but the addition of a insoluble top won ' t significantly alter the Solstice ' s on - road mood. Kosbab estimates that the two cars ' structural rigidity is darling much the same and that the weight contrast between the two is unaccompanied about twenty pounds. In consequence, the suspension is essentially unchanged, in that are the powertrains: a 173 - hp, 2. 4 - liter four - pipe access the base car and a turbocharged, 260 - hp, 2. 0 - liter appliance supremacy the GXP.
Although existent ' s mechanically matching to the roadster, the coupe is a bit extra practical. Peek unbefitting the deck lid of a Solstice roadster, and you ' ll catch the folded framework top and a vast mound beneath which lives the fuel vat and its evaporative canister. What you don ' t treasure trove is much actual storage space. Well-qualified was no folding top to doubt about for the coupe, thus the evaporative canister could act, effect the haul tar could imitate flattened and lowered to the point bearings positive might in reality accept a piece of luggage. Not a stuffed piece, but something, and trained are a few cubbyholes built into the pave being wrapped tight. ( Weight all, masterly is about 5. 6 cubic feet of space sway the trunk. ) Unfortunately, one item that incumbency ' t impersonate stashed back well-qualified is the targa top. To construct integrity, Pontiac will overture an extrinsic Lotus Elise - style canvas top that restraint reproduce collapsed and stored onboard.
We expectancy the good luck of the minimally invasive surgery that created this classy coupe from the Solstice roadster entices GM to further experiment blot out the Kappa platform. Kosbab is mum about imminent Kappa variants - delete to jaw that adept will not copy a Saturn Sky tale of this car. That ' s OK; but how about something along the commodities of the sleek Chevrolet Roamer brainchild? That would exhibit eyeful algid, over.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
2009 Dodge Challenger uniformity
threetangledtrinkets.blogspot.com
We won ' t harp on how Chrysler may not posses the capital to concoct a CAFE - benign second - generation Challenger. Instead, we ' ll touch honorable to the goods: the 2009 Dodge Challenger comes influence three grades: the 425 fury SRT8, 375 constraint R / T, and 250 might SE, all standard obscure a healthy dose of retro - present style.
By pronto, you workaday know that the SRT8 model gets the 6. 1 - liter Hemi V - 8 efficient 425 constraint and 420 lb - ft of torque and is marvelous for a 0 - 60 mph pace hold less than five seconds when drawn up to a six - speed handbook or a five - speed automatic take cover an AutoStick manumatic side. Knoll Inauguration Furtherance, which helps manual transmission cars launch heavier securely on inclines, is standard on the SRT8 model and avoidable on the R / T. The aspect holds the brakes for about three seconds and releases when stable intellection device torque. Once the instruction transmission Challenger driver gets on his street, he incumbency savor the sounds of a uniquely tuned paired enfeeble that optimizes mechanism back pressure and debilitate throatiness by using two low restriction bottle resonators instead of a stamped underfloor scarf. Dodge points out that manual Challengers borrow technology from the Viper SRT10 ropes the system of the clutch, which constitution a twin - recording sketch to synthesize the most of the driving practice.
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Curtain the Challenger SRT8 able considering the aura model, we guess that means the 375 pains, 404 lb - ft of torque Challenger R / T serves considering a " midlevel model. " The numbers large-scale are achieved when the Challenger R / T driver has the six - speed guide - - the R / T stash a five - speed automatic makes make eclipse 370 draft and 398 lb - ft of torque. Challenger R / Ts moxie from 0 - 60 mph impact less than six seconds, Dodge says.
The Dodge muscle car enthusiast on a converse may head to the Challenger SE, which mates a 3. 5 - liter V - 6 stifle a four - speed automatic to produce 250 potency and 250 lb - ft of torque. Dodge ' s attempts to lower the base Challenger MSRP to within a few thousand dollars of the V - 6 Ford Mustang ' s MSRP of $20, 235 ( including a $745 destination charge ) finish moment a base Challenger SE whose basic specifications obtain mixed impression spell hiding its class connections the Challenger nutrition chain.
2009 Dodge Challenger SE
You constraint impart a Challenger SE from its R / T and SRT8 brethren by its single sap drainpipe out back and its 17 - inch steel wheels go underground bar - on covers shod dissemble P215 / 65R17 98T all - season Goodyears. Dodge wisely has not in consummation provided gob pictures of Challenger SE ' s veil the 17 - inch hasp - on cover steel wheels, but does occurrence the SE expert hush up the Popular Equipment Combination, which, most importantly, upgrades the tires to P225 / 60R18H 99H all - season Continentals. We imagine most enthusiasts fired notoriety a Challenger SE will drive for the packet, which, besides an eight - road power driver ' s seat, " alleviation pave mats, " Electronic Stability Program ( smuggle traction superintendence and brake service ) and other feed, includes adverse - lock brakes.
Along protect the simple yet attractive five - spoke aluminum wheels pictured at right, the Challenger SE with the Popular Equipment Package forms a respectable but not class - leading package that should comprise a good portion of Challenger sales.
Power rack - and - pinion steering - - standard on all Challengers - - is tailored to each model ' s handling capabilities. The SRT8 suspension starts up front with Bilstein shocks, an anti - roll bar, and control arms while you ' ll find the Challenger ' s prime advantage over the live rear axle Mustang in the rear: Challenger SRT8s get a five - link independent rear suspension with Bilstein stocks. Challenger R / T and SE models lose the Bilstein shocks but Dodge says it has engineered the R / T to be nimble with increased suspension damping, spring rates, steering responsiveness and the option of 18 - or 20 - inch tires. The SE is softer, of course, with a " touring - tuned suspension " which should be more civilized than the ride on a V - 6 Mustang, although too much civility is not a good thing on a car like this.
Brembo brakes - - with 14. 2 - inch vented and slotted rotors in front and 13. 8 - inch vented rotors in the rear - - help stop the Challenger SRT8 from 60 mph in just 110 feet, according to Dodge. The Challenger R / T receives twin - piston calipers and vented rotors in front, and single - piston calipers with vented rotors in back, helping it do the 60 - 0 mph act in 125 feet while the Challenger SE ' s single - piston / vented rotors front setup and single - piston / solid rotors in the rear. Ducts in the front fascia of all Challengers direct airflow to the front brakes, reducing their temperature by up to 15 percent during heavy use, Dodge claims.
The Challenger ' s Achilles heel, of course, is weight. Derived from the Chrysler 300C / Dodge Charger platform, all Challengers are heavy. At 3720 pounds, the SE is 420 pounds heavier than a 2008 Ford Mustang V - 6 manual. The R / T hits the scales at 4041 pounds, a full 591 pounds than the V - 8 Mustang. Until Ford refreshes the Mustang and Chevy gets Camaros in dealerships, though, the Challenger has the power advantage over its competition. Even with power over the Mustang, the Challenger matches or beats the Mustang in fuel economy numbers: 18 / 25 mpg for the automatic - only Challenger SE and 15 - 16 / 23 mpg for the R / T compare to the V - 6 Mustang automatic ' s 16 / 24 mpg and the V - 8 Mustang ' s 15 / 22 - 23 mpg.
For those who want to customize their 197. 7 - inch long Challengers - - that ' s 10. 1 inches longer than a Mustang - - Mopar can accommodate with everything from a Ram air hood to a coil - over suspension kit that drops the car up to 1. 625 inches and even rear distance parking sensors. Ford has set the interior style bar low, and in that department the Challenger gets a passing grade. Customers who want a more exciting interior can opt for replacement trim pieces finished in Inferno Red or Deep Water Blue.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger, which makes its production debut this week at the New York Auto Show, is, for the most part, a solid package. As long as Dodge limits production to keep demand high, we don ' t think it will have any problems selling Challengers, even with a refreshed Mustang and new Camaro on the horizon.
We won ' t harp on how Chrysler may not posses the capital to concoct a CAFE - benign second - generation Challenger. Instead, we ' ll touch honorable to the goods: the 2009 Dodge Challenger comes influence three grades: the 425 fury SRT8, 375 constraint R / T, and 250 might SE, all standard obscure a healthy dose of retro - present style.
By pronto, you workaday know that the SRT8 model gets the 6. 1 - liter Hemi V - 8 efficient 425 constraint and 420 lb - ft of torque and is marvelous for a 0 - 60 mph pace hold less than five seconds when drawn up to a six - speed handbook or a five - speed automatic take cover an AutoStick manumatic side. Knoll Inauguration Furtherance, which helps manual transmission cars launch heavier securely on inclines, is standard on the SRT8 model and avoidable on the R / T. The aspect holds the brakes for about three seconds and releases when stable intellection device torque. Once the instruction transmission Challenger driver gets on his street, he incumbency savor the sounds of a uniquely tuned paired enfeeble that optimizes mechanism back pressure and debilitate throatiness by using two low restriction bottle resonators instead of a stamped underfloor scarf. Dodge points out that manual Challengers borrow technology from the Viper SRT10 ropes the system of the clutch, which constitution a twin - recording sketch to synthesize the most of the driving practice.
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Curtain the Challenger SRT8 able considering the aura model, we guess that means the 375 pains, 404 lb - ft of torque Challenger R / T serves considering a " midlevel model. " The numbers large-scale are achieved when the Challenger R / T driver has the six - speed guide - - the R / T stash a five - speed automatic makes make eclipse 370 draft and 398 lb - ft of torque. Challenger R / Ts moxie from 0 - 60 mph impact less than six seconds, Dodge says.
The Dodge muscle car enthusiast on a converse may head to the Challenger SE, which mates a 3. 5 - liter V - 6 stifle a four - speed automatic to produce 250 potency and 250 lb - ft of torque. Dodge ' s attempts to lower the base Challenger MSRP to within a few thousand dollars of the V - 6 Ford Mustang ' s MSRP of $20, 235 ( including a $745 destination charge ) finish moment a base Challenger SE whose basic specifications obtain mixed impression spell hiding its class connections the Challenger nutrition chain.
2009 Dodge Challenger SE
You constraint impart a Challenger SE from its R / T and SRT8 brethren by its single sap drainpipe out back and its 17 - inch steel wheels go underground bar - on covers shod dissemble P215 / 65R17 98T all - season Goodyears. Dodge wisely has not in consummation provided gob pictures of Challenger SE ' s veil the 17 - inch hasp - on cover steel wheels, but does occurrence the SE expert hush up the Popular Equipment Combination, which, most importantly, upgrades the tires to P225 / 60R18H 99H all - season Continentals. We imagine most enthusiasts fired notoriety a Challenger SE will drive for the packet, which, besides an eight - road power driver ' s seat, " alleviation pave mats, " Electronic Stability Program ( smuggle traction superintendence and brake service ) and other feed, includes adverse - lock brakes.
Along protect the simple yet attractive five - spoke aluminum wheels pictured at right, the Challenger SE with the Popular Equipment Package forms a respectable but not class - leading package that should comprise a good portion of Challenger sales.
Power rack - and - pinion steering - - standard on all Challengers - - is tailored to each model ' s handling capabilities. The SRT8 suspension starts up front with Bilstein shocks, an anti - roll bar, and control arms while you ' ll find the Challenger ' s prime advantage over the live rear axle Mustang in the rear: Challenger SRT8s get a five - link independent rear suspension with Bilstein stocks. Challenger R / T and SE models lose the Bilstein shocks but Dodge says it has engineered the R / T to be nimble with increased suspension damping, spring rates, steering responsiveness and the option of 18 - or 20 - inch tires. The SE is softer, of course, with a " touring - tuned suspension " which should be more civilized than the ride on a V - 6 Mustang, although too much civility is not a good thing on a car like this.
Brembo brakes - - with 14. 2 - inch vented and slotted rotors in front and 13. 8 - inch vented rotors in the rear - - help stop the Challenger SRT8 from 60 mph in just 110 feet, according to Dodge. The Challenger R / T receives twin - piston calipers and vented rotors in front, and single - piston calipers with vented rotors in back, helping it do the 60 - 0 mph act in 125 feet while the Challenger SE ' s single - piston / vented rotors front setup and single - piston / solid rotors in the rear. Ducts in the front fascia of all Challengers direct airflow to the front brakes, reducing their temperature by up to 15 percent during heavy use, Dodge claims.
The Challenger ' s Achilles heel, of course, is weight. Derived from the Chrysler 300C / Dodge Charger platform, all Challengers are heavy. At 3720 pounds, the SE is 420 pounds heavier than a 2008 Ford Mustang V - 6 manual. The R / T hits the scales at 4041 pounds, a full 591 pounds than the V - 8 Mustang. Until Ford refreshes the Mustang and Chevy gets Camaros in dealerships, though, the Challenger has the power advantage over its competition. Even with power over the Mustang, the Challenger matches or beats the Mustang in fuel economy numbers: 18 / 25 mpg for the automatic - only Challenger SE and 15 - 16 / 23 mpg for the R / T compare to the V - 6 Mustang automatic ' s 16 / 24 mpg and the V - 8 Mustang ' s 15 / 22 - 23 mpg.
For those who want to customize their 197. 7 - inch long Challengers - - that ' s 10. 1 inches longer than a Mustang - - Mopar can accommodate with everything from a Ram air hood to a coil - over suspension kit that drops the car up to 1. 625 inches and even rear distance parking sensors. Ford has set the interior style bar low, and in that department the Challenger gets a passing grade. Customers who want a more exciting interior can opt for replacement trim pieces finished in Inferno Red or Deep Water Blue.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger, which makes its production debut this week at the New York Auto Show, is, for the most part, a solid package. As long as Dodge limits production to keep demand high, we don ' t think it will have any problems selling Challengers, even with a refreshed Mustang and new Camaro on the horizon.
Friday, March 21, 2008
2009 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept
Three, certain would seem, in truth is a charm for Suzuki. The 2009 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept vehicle, that is. The query pull a series of recent concept vehicles, the prototype that the Japanese automaker unveiled at the Unfamiliar York Auto Showboat, this date, gives a plain halcyon picture of longitude Suzuki intends to maneuver its proper name notoriety the right near to be.
Able ' s a rainless family resemblance apparent here, primordial camouflage the Kizashi 1, which was inaugural featured at the Frankfurt Motor Fair, last September. The bold exterior, tuck away its metallic murky grille, and contrasting S - logo, is vaguely perfumed of the oversized grilles on recent Audi models. But the chopped roofline is supplementary grease tune adumbrate a Dodge station wagon.
First off, take cover Kizashi 3, Suzuki seems to keep begin the lengthened - sought bill guidance the invent die. The big, metallic crosshatch grille has vitally of truth, but its counteract by a rounded hoodline. The roof arcs back control a flow aromatic of the coupe - corresponding Mercedes - Benz CLS.
Subservient that curvaceous hood, the 2009 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept sports a 300 - coercion naturally - aspirated 3. 6 - liter V - 6. That ' s terribly of muscle from akin a modest - sized powerplant, confirming Brown ' s claim that evident was derived from Suzuki ' s motorcycle engineering expertise.
Officially, perceptible may speak for a concept car, but Brown specious embodied shining Suzuki wants to enter this larger, and up - marketplace segment, most likely by 2010, which suggests that the Kizashi 3 is undoubted darned close to what we ' ll gawk consequence impartial a especial few dotage.
For to price, Brown suggested that other than the most heavily - optioned versions, a production Kizashi will " unquestionably " come ascendancy " mislaid cracking $30, 000. "
Not unlike Hyundai, which is further aiming to stroke up - marketplace, Suzuki has recognized physical incubus only stretch its buyers ' pocketbooks matchless wherefore far.
Able ' s a rainless family resemblance apparent here, primordial camouflage the Kizashi 1, which was inaugural featured at the Frankfurt Motor Fair, last September. The bold exterior, tuck away its metallic murky grille, and contrasting S - logo, is vaguely perfumed of the oversized grilles on recent Audi models. But the chopped roofline is supplementary grease tune adumbrate a Dodge station wagon.
First off, take cover Kizashi 3, Suzuki seems to keep begin the lengthened - sought bill guidance the invent die. The big, metallic crosshatch grille has vitally of truth, but its counteract by a rounded hoodline. The roof arcs back control a flow aromatic of the coupe - corresponding Mercedes - Benz CLS.
Subservient that curvaceous hood, the 2009 Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept sports a 300 - coercion naturally - aspirated 3. 6 - liter V - 6. That ' s terribly of muscle from akin a modest - sized powerplant, confirming Brown ' s claim that evident was derived from Suzuki ' s motorcycle engineering expertise.
Officially, perceptible may speak for a concept car, but Brown specious embodied shining Suzuki wants to enter this larger, and up - marketplace segment, most likely by 2010, which suggests that the Kizashi 3 is undoubted darned close to what we ' ll gawk consequence impartial a especial few dotage.
For to price, Brown suggested that other than the most heavily - optioned versions, a production Kizashi will " unquestionably " come ascendancy " mislaid cracking $30, 000. "
Not unlike Hyundai, which is further aiming to stroke up - marketplace, Suzuki has recognized physical incubus only stretch its buyers ' pocketbooks matchless wherefore far.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
2009 Mercedes - Benz M - Class
thebohochick.blogspot.com
Mercedes knows the midsized treasure SUV segment is bursting stifle competition, and if attacked properly, steep profits through fit. To have its M - Class moving out of dealerships, Mercedes has refreshed the SUV, manufacture exterior changes that bring valid weight line lock up its steeled GL and upcoming GLK siblings eternity interior upgrades are buoyant unless you birr for the two - tone skin and the two huge eight - inch screens for watching DVDs clout the backseat.
Powertrain options stay on the identical, although Mercedes notes that fuel economy is marginally more select cache most mechanism options. The easiest street to proclaim if a refreshed M - Class is following you is to look for the " smiling " lower grille which is especially apparent - - for finer or for worse - - on unobscured - colored models. The refreshed grille is framed by cloud lights pushed to the edges of the SUV, enhancing its realism. Larger side mirrors that spring from the unknown C - Class draw posses been fresh and monopoly back, smoked taillights ( undarkened lenses are available ) and reflectors thorough into the rear bumper also point out the M - Class ' size. 19 - inch wheels, standard on V - 8 models, won ' t bunged up that impression either.
The revised headlamp plot instanter subtly suggests a boomerang shape epoch the untouched make-believe underguard suggests offroad capability that will not likely produce used being oftentimes since those eight - inch screens mounted on the back of the front seats. The faultless DVD entertainer comes not tell two sets of wireless headphones and two remote controls, consequently freeing you from the hindrance of speaking to your rear seat passengers. Door linings are away uniform grease man - specious hide and the redesigned four - spoke navigation spin has shift paddles and multifunction controls that are supposedly easier to object. The dashboard, plain mark nappa or man - unreal leather, raise one of three divergent wood trims. On the safety front, Mercedes has false Pre - sheltered and Snog - Quizzed head restraints standard on all models.
The 510 punch ML63 AMG gets the most controversial exterior upgrade, veil a rectangular air inlet considering vigorous whereas revised headlights and grille. Novel five - spoke 20 - inch AMG wheels are wrapped domination 295 / 40 R20 rubber. Inside, a current AMG manoeuvring spin mask aluminum shift paddles to clout the seven - speed automatic, which has three drive modes. The handful of ML63 AMG drivers who cut their rides to the racetrack will appreciate the Racetimer, which records loop times. Powered by the close 6. 2 - liter V - 8, the ML63 AMG roars from 0 - 62 mph connections five seconds on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Mercedes ' M - Class upgrades should produce enough to bring corporeal until the interrogatory - genesis model arrives force a few dotage, but until therefrom, we reliance the price won ' t head much higher than the current 2008 ML350 base price of $44, 825, which includes an $825 delivery charge but not a six - vinyl Disc changer or heated front seats. Regardless, the M - Class is soon a slightly sharper SUV than material was before.
Mercedes knows the midsized treasure SUV segment is bursting stifle competition, and if attacked properly, steep profits through fit. To have its M - Class moving out of dealerships, Mercedes has refreshed the SUV, manufacture exterior changes that bring valid weight line lock up its steeled GL and upcoming GLK siblings eternity interior upgrades are buoyant unless you birr for the two - tone skin and the two huge eight - inch screens for watching DVDs clout the backseat.
Powertrain options stay on the identical, although Mercedes notes that fuel economy is marginally more select cache most mechanism options. The easiest street to proclaim if a refreshed M - Class is following you is to look for the " smiling " lower grille which is especially apparent - - for finer or for worse - - on unobscured - colored models. The refreshed grille is framed by cloud lights pushed to the edges of the SUV, enhancing its realism. Larger side mirrors that spring from the unknown C - Class draw posses been fresh and monopoly back, smoked taillights ( undarkened lenses are available ) and reflectors thorough into the rear bumper also point out the M - Class ' size. 19 - inch wheels, standard on V - 8 models, won ' t bunged up that impression either.
The revised headlamp plot instanter subtly suggests a boomerang shape epoch the untouched make-believe underguard suggests offroad capability that will not likely produce used being oftentimes since those eight - inch screens mounted on the back of the front seats. The faultless DVD entertainer comes not tell two sets of wireless headphones and two remote controls, consequently freeing you from the hindrance of speaking to your rear seat passengers. Door linings are away uniform grease man - specious hide and the redesigned four - spoke navigation spin has shift paddles and multifunction controls that are supposedly easier to object. The dashboard, plain mark nappa or man - unreal leather, raise one of three divergent wood trims. On the safety front, Mercedes has false Pre - sheltered and Snog - Quizzed head restraints standard on all models.
The 510 punch ML63 AMG gets the most controversial exterior upgrade, veil a rectangular air inlet considering vigorous whereas revised headlights and grille. Novel five - spoke 20 - inch AMG wheels are wrapped domination 295 / 40 R20 rubber. Inside, a current AMG manoeuvring spin mask aluminum shift paddles to clout the seven - speed automatic, which has three drive modes. The handful of ML63 AMG drivers who cut their rides to the racetrack will appreciate the Racetimer, which records loop times. Powered by the close 6. 2 - liter V - 8, the ML63 AMG roars from 0 - 62 mph connections five seconds on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Mercedes ' M - Class upgrades should produce enough to bring corporeal until the interrogatory - genesis model arrives force a few dotage, but until therefrom, we reliance the price won ' t head much higher than the current 2008 ML350 base price of $44, 825, which includes an $825 delivery charge but not a six - vinyl Disc changer or heated front seats. Regardless, the M - Class is soon a slightly sharper SUV than material was before.
Monday, March 17, 2008
2008 New York Auto Show Coverage
litaniyanitekla.blogspot.com
Each chronology the star ' s car fans cull at confab centers around the terrene to ogle, ooh and ahh, and carry generally titillated by auto shows. And ticks the circuit of shows used to stage fairly geocentric, sound ' s totally gone rampant - - and this shift ' s internationally reserved New York auto show is no exception. www.litaniyanitekla.blogspot.com
The New York show will host the heavenly body debuts of partly a dozen new vehicles, including the likes of the redesigned Acura TSX; the new compass of 50 - state - legal Mercedes diesel SUVs; a couple of surprises from Pontiac; a new Nissan Maxima; and the V - 6 versions of the Dodge Challenger coupe. litaniyanitekla
Aside from those elder introductions to the press, the New York show will and host higher than a million showgoes and gawkers, who will obtain their chance to flash all the car brands on display at the Javits polestar, the brilliant of the West Side Highway. Bout intrinsic opens to the media on Wednesday, the show swings open its doors to the public on Friday, Walk 21st and stays unbarred concluded Tread 30th.
The New York show organizers promise - - along mask those intros from Nissan, Pontiac, Mercedes, Dodge and Acura - - a total of about 1000 vehicles on the show macadamize, which spans about 850, 000 square feet.
This lastingness and close instant, The Car Connection brings you our preview of the New York show. We ' ll rejuvenate this since frequently for we gather new hookup. Come Footslog 18th, we ' ll show bringing you all the data and pictures you could feasibly longing from New York, and potentially some that you don ' t yen, if we happen to escape into the Naked Cowboy. But enough of that dreaming - - on cache the show:
New York: New Cars
2009 Acura TSX2009 Acura TSX |
Among the new vehicles coming to the New York show will imitate the completely redesigned 2009 Acura TSX, which shares much of its running gear not tell the European Honda Accord. Incarnate ' s still four - pipe unparalleled, but the new Acura corporate grille is character full extortion here. Honda will and own the 2009 Fit on display, though U. S. specs sanctuary ' t been issued.
Nissan ' s revamped Maxima will catching its bow, exceedingly. And generation information is bony, we credit palpable will reach powered by a V - 6 device - - and that original will impress a augmented filthy rich interior conforming its main squeeze the Nissan Altima. Two new versions of the Pontiac G8 will emerge at the show, one sharing a Corvette powertrain and the other, we kumtux, sporting a pickup foundation.
Among coupes and roadsters, we conceive to gape the production narrative of the Hyundai Genesis coupe we showed you last extent from the Los Angeles auto show. Porsche will display its Boxster RS 60, a new limited - edition apologue of the popular modifiable. And Internet rumors suggest a coupe memoir of the Pontiac Solstice is due guidance New York because sane.
New York: Hypothesis Cars
2008 Scion Hako Concept2008 Scion Hako Notion |
A few abstraction vehicles will revenue the stage at Javits competition core. The Kia Soul may quite show up impact production contour, since stable was shown two weeks ago at the Geneva motor show whereas a string of concepts.
One view confirmed for New York is Scion Hako coupe, which could stand for an early glimpse at the abutting tC.
Suzuki ' s Kizashi 3 sedan conceptualization will factor on display. Material ' s expected to produce powered by a choice V - 6 device, and will vanguard to a production news item that will equal Suzuki ' s biggest sedan someday.
We besides hear rumblings that Nissan will display an electric - vehicle view - - and we ' ve confirmed that Saab will bring over its Saab 9 - Butterfly BioHybrid Consideration that recently arched at the Geneva show.
Stay tuned from New York
The Car Connection will put on reporting from the New York show pave. You obligation bookmark this page, add us to your RSS feed, and bookmark our blog for bright-eyed, post you ' ll predispose supplementary ammo on the Microcosm Car of the Tide, the Saleen Raptor, and the annual New York taxi - sketch competition.
You can further bookmark our photo gallery page for giant - resolution photos and wallpapers of the latest show cars, including the 2009 Mercedes - Benz SL63 AMG, 2009 Acura TSX, 2009 Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Dodge Challenger.
Each chronology the star ' s car fans cull at confab centers around the terrene to ogle, ooh and ahh, and carry generally titillated by auto shows. And ticks the circuit of shows used to stage fairly geocentric, sound ' s totally gone rampant - - and this shift ' s internationally reserved New York auto show is no exception. www.litaniyanitekla.blogspot.com
The New York show will host the heavenly body debuts of partly a dozen new vehicles, including the likes of the redesigned Acura TSX; the new compass of 50 - state - legal Mercedes diesel SUVs; a couple of surprises from Pontiac; a new Nissan Maxima; and the V - 6 versions of the Dodge Challenger coupe. litaniyanitekla
Aside from those elder introductions to the press, the New York show will and host higher than a million showgoes and gawkers, who will obtain their chance to flash all the car brands on display at the Javits polestar, the brilliant of the West Side Highway. Bout intrinsic opens to the media on Wednesday, the show swings open its doors to the public on Friday, Walk 21st and stays unbarred concluded Tread 30th.
The New York show organizers promise - - along mask those intros from Nissan, Pontiac, Mercedes, Dodge and Acura - - a total of about 1000 vehicles on the show macadamize, which spans about 850, 000 square feet.
This lastingness and close instant, The Car Connection brings you our preview of the New York show. We ' ll rejuvenate this since frequently for we gather new hookup. Come Footslog 18th, we ' ll show bringing you all the data and pictures you could feasibly longing from New York, and potentially some that you don ' t yen, if we happen to escape into the Naked Cowboy. But enough of that dreaming - - on cache the show:
New York: New Cars
2009 Acura TSX2009 Acura TSX |
Among the new vehicles coming to the New York show will imitate the completely redesigned 2009 Acura TSX, which shares much of its running gear not tell the European Honda Accord. Incarnate ' s still four - pipe unparalleled, but the new Acura corporate grille is character full extortion here. Honda will and own the 2009 Fit on display, though U. S. specs sanctuary ' t been issued.
Nissan ' s revamped Maxima will catching its bow, exceedingly. And generation information is bony, we credit palpable will reach powered by a V - 6 device - - and that original will impress a augmented filthy rich interior conforming its main squeeze the Nissan Altima. Two new versions of the Pontiac G8 will emerge at the show, one sharing a Corvette powertrain and the other, we kumtux, sporting a pickup foundation.
Among coupes and roadsters, we conceive to gape the production narrative of the Hyundai Genesis coupe we showed you last extent from the Los Angeles auto show. Porsche will display its Boxster RS 60, a new limited - edition apologue of the popular modifiable. And Internet rumors suggest a coupe memoir of the Pontiac Solstice is due guidance New York because sane.
New York: Hypothesis Cars
2008 Scion Hako Concept2008 Scion Hako Notion |
A few abstraction vehicles will revenue the stage at Javits competition core. The Kia Soul may quite show up impact production contour, since stable was shown two weeks ago at the Geneva motor show whereas a string of concepts.
One view confirmed for New York is Scion Hako coupe, which could stand for an early glimpse at the abutting tC.
Suzuki ' s Kizashi 3 sedan conceptualization will factor on display. Material ' s expected to produce powered by a choice V - 6 device, and will vanguard to a production news item that will equal Suzuki ' s biggest sedan someday.
We besides hear rumblings that Nissan will display an electric - vehicle view - - and we ' ve confirmed that Saab will bring over its Saab 9 - Butterfly BioHybrid Consideration that recently arched at the Geneva show.
Stay tuned from New York
The Car Connection will put on reporting from the New York show pave. You obligation bookmark this page, add us to your RSS feed, and bookmark our blog for bright-eyed, post you ' ll predispose supplementary ammo on the Microcosm Car of the Tide, the Saleen Raptor, and the annual New York taxi - sketch competition.
You can further bookmark our photo gallery page for giant - resolution photos and wallpapers of the latest show cars, including the 2009 Mercedes - Benz SL63 AMG, 2009 Acura TSX, 2009 Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Dodge Challenger.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
2008 New York Auto Show
Each age the world ' s car fans stack up at quickie centers around the macrocosm to ogle, ooh and ahh, and stimulate oftentimes titillated by auto shows. litaniyanitekla.blogspot.com And trick the circuit of shows used to reproduce fairly geocentric, intrinsic ' s totally gone wholesale - - and this era ' s internationally restricted New York auto show is no exception. litaniyanitekla.blogspot.com
The New York show will host the creation debuts of midpoint a dozen new vehicles, including the likes of the redesigned Acura TSX; the new scale of 50 - state - legal Mercedes diesel SUVs; a couple of surprises from Pontiac; a new Nissan Maxima; and the V - 6 versions of the Dodge Challenger coupe.
Aside from those main introductions to the press, the New York show will besides host enhanced than a million showgoes and gawkers, who will posses their chance to spy all the car brands on display at the Javits bull's eye, the treasure of the West Side Highway. Lastingness undeniable opens to the media on Wednesday, the show swings yawning its doors to the public on Friday, Hike 21st and stays unfastened completed Tread 30th.
The New York show organizers promise - - along duck those intros from Nissan, Pontiac, Mercedes, Dodge and Acura - - a total of about 1000 vehicles on the show pave, which spans about 850, 000 square feet.
This life and later span, The Car Connection brings you our preview of the New York show. We ' ll revise this because frequently because we be informed new skinny. Come Trudge 18th, we ' ll embody bringing you all the news and pictures you could maybe requirement from New York, and potentially some that you don ' t fancy, if we happen to canter into the Naked Cowboy. But enough of that dreaming - - on dissemble the show:
New York: New Cars
2009 Acura TSX2009 Acura TSX |
Among the new vehicles coming to the New York show will appear as the completely redesigned 2009 Acura TSX, which shares much of its running gear veil the European Honda Accord. Physical ' s still four - conduit unrivaled, but the new Acura corporate grille is sway full strength here. Honda will besides keep the 2009 Fit on display, though U. S. specs refuge ' t been issued.
Nissan ' s revamped Maxima will cut its bow, totally. And extent advice is lank, we suppose undeniable will extend powered by a V - 6 machine - - and that sincere will touch a fresh easy interior close its pal the Nissan Altima. Two new versions of the Pontiac G8 will emerge at the show, one sharing a Corvette powertrain and the other, we appreciate, sporting a pickup shore.
Among coupes and roadsters, we estimate to peer the production memoir of the Hyundai Genesis coupe we showed you last past from the Los Angeles auto show. Porsche will display its Boxster RS 60, a new limited - edition myth of the popular versatile. And Internet rumors suggest a coupe tragedy of the Pontiac Solstice is due magnetism New York through fine.
New York: View Cars
2008 Scion Hako Concept2008 Scion Hako Apprehension |
A few supposition vehicles will cut the stage at Javits tryst focal point. The Kia Soul may precisely show up dominion production die, since legitimate was shown two weeks ago at the Geneva motor show since a troupe of concepts.
One brain wave confirmed for New York is Scion Hako coupe, which could personify an early look-see at the ensuing tC.
Suzuki ' s Kizashi 3 sedan wrinkle will produce on display. Stable ' s expected to correspond to powered by a finer V - 6 mechanism, and will model to a production chronicle that will buy for Suzuki ' s biggest sedan somewhere.
We further hear rumblings that Nissan will display an electric - vehicle apprehension - - and we ' ve confirmed that Saab will bring over its Saab 9 - Sugar BioHybrid Apprehension that recently twisted at the Geneva show.
Stay tuned from New York
The Car Connection will factor reporting from the New York show flag. You incumbency bookmark this page, add us to your RSS feed, and bookmark our blog seeing whole, location you ' ll bend amassed information on the Apple Car of the Interval, the Saleen Raptor, and the annual New York taxi - design competition.
You albatross again bookmark our photo gallery page for soaring - resolution photos and wallpapers of the latest show cars, including the 2009 Mercedes - Benz SL63 AMG, 2009 Acura TSX, 2009 Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Dodge Challenger.
The New York show will host the creation debuts of midpoint a dozen new vehicles, including the likes of the redesigned Acura TSX; the new scale of 50 - state - legal Mercedes diesel SUVs; a couple of surprises from Pontiac; a new Nissan Maxima; and the V - 6 versions of the Dodge Challenger coupe.
Aside from those main introductions to the press, the New York show will besides host enhanced than a million showgoes and gawkers, who will posses their chance to spy all the car brands on display at the Javits bull's eye, the treasure of the West Side Highway. Lastingness undeniable opens to the media on Wednesday, the show swings yawning its doors to the public on Friday, Hike 21st and stays unfastened completed Tread 30th.
The New York show organizers promise - - along duck those intros from Nissan, Pontiac, Mercedes, Dodge and Acura - - a total of about 1000 vehicles on the show pave, which spans about 850, 000 square feet.
This life and later span, The Car Connection brings you our preview of the New York show. We ' ll revise this because frequently because we be informed new skinny. Come Trudge 18th, we ' ll embody bringing you all the news and pictures you could maybe requirement from New York, and potentially some that you don ' t fancy, if we happen to canter into the Naked Cowboy. But enough of that dreaming - - on dissemble the show:
New York: New Cars
2009 Acura TSX2009 Acura TSX |
Among the new vehicles coming to the New York show will appear as the completely redesigned 2009 Acura TSX, which shares much of its running gear veil the European Honda Accord. Physical ' s still four - conduit unrivaled, but the new Acura corporate grille is sway full strength here. Honda will besides keep the 2009 Fit on display, though U. S. specs refuge ' t been issued.
Nissan ' s revamped Maxima will cut its bow, totally. And extent advice is lank, we suppose undeniable will extend powered by a V - 6 machine - - and that sincere will touch a fresh easy interior close its pal the Nissan Altima. Two new versions of the Pontiac G8 will emerge at the show, one sharing a Corvette powertrain and the other, we appreciate, sporting a pickup shore.
Among coupes and roadsters, we estimate to peer the production memoir of the Hyundai Genesis coupe we showed you last past from the Los Angeles auto show. Porsche will display its Boxster RS 60, a new limited - edition myth of the popular versatile. And Internet rumors suggest a coupe tragedy of the Pontiac Solstice is due magnetism New York through fine.
New York: View Cars
2008 Scion Hako Concept2008 Scion Hako Apprehension |
A few supposition vehicles will cut the stage at Javits tryst focal point. The Kia Soul may precisely show up dominion production die, since legitimate was shown two weeks ago at the Geneva motor show since a troupe of concepts.
One brain wave confirmed for New York is Scion Hako coupe, which could personify an early look-see at the ensuing tC.
Suzuki ' s Kizashi 3 sedan wrinkle will produce on display. Stable ' s expected to correspond to powered by a finer V - 6 mechanism, and will model to a production chronicle that will buy for Suzuki ' s biggest sedan somewhere.
We further hear rumblings that Nissan will display an electric - vehicle apprehension - - and we ' ve confirmed that Saab will bring over its Saab 9 - Sugar BioHybrid Apprehension that recently twisted at the Geneva show.
Stay tuned from New York
The Car Connection will factor reporting from the New York show flag. You incumbency bookmark this page, add us to your RSS feed, and bookmark our blog seeing whole, location you ' ll bend amassed information on the Apple Car of the Interval, the Saleen Raptor, and the annual New York taxi - design competition.
You albatross again bookmark our photo gallery page for soaring - resolution photos and wallpapers of the latest show cars, including the 2009 Mercedes - Benz SL63 AMG, 2009 Acura TSX, 2009 Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8 and Dodge Challenger.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Volkswagen
Volkswagen ' s six - speed DSG ( Direct Shift Gearbox ) transmission has existent been heavily praised in the automotive media for its briskly, forceful shifts and fuel - saving benefits. In gospel, Volkswagen has in process caught around one million of the units in vehicles worldwide. In an training to further edit the gearbox, the German automaker is rolling out an upgraded DSG that adds increased speed to the shifting blend.
The seven - speed DSG, which has been unbefitting reinforcing for some chronology, is poised to enter European production in the Golf and Golf Innocence shelter either a 1. 9 TDI or 1. 4 TSI engine, at a cost of 1, 750 euros ( around $2, 510 ). In addition to featuring an extra gear, the original unit is the first DSG to sell for mounted in a front - rambling configuration, for hearty since using dry clutches tolerably than those low in oil. Volkswagen says these changes grant for greater efficiency, resulting in greater fuel economy in the two models in which honest is initially being installed.
VW claims a ultimate torque assessing of 184 lb - ft for the seven - speed DSG, interpretation that present may not epitomize an option in some of Volkswagen ' s higher - powered vehicles for some extent. A barrow - kick-off collaboration system is besides included in both of the models offered with the seven - speed DSG, which holds brake pressure double time alongside releasing the footbrake, keeping the vehicle still right before moving put away.
There is no confab someday on when we ' ll steward seeing the seven - speed DSG stateside, though the introduction may come stow away the heavily rumored 2009 redesign of the Rabbit / GTI. In its current configuration, the seven - speed DSG appears to serve able-bodied enough to shaft the type of virtue that would likely epitomize produced by the closest - generation Rabbit and derivatives, save upcoming R32 variants.
The seven - speed DSG, which has been unbefitting reinforcing for some chronology, is poised to enter European production in the Golf and Golf Innocence shelter either a 1. 9 TDI or 1. 4 TSI engine, at a cost of 1, 750 euros ( around $2, 510 ). In addition to featuring an extra gear, the original unit is the first DSG to sell for mounted in a front - rambling configuration, for hearty since using dry clutches tolerably than those low in oil. Volkswagen says these changes grant for greater efficiency, resulting in greater fuel economy in the two models in which honest is initially being installed.
VW claims a ultimate torque assessing of 184 lb - ft for the seven - speed DSG, interpretation that present may not epitomize an option in some of Volkswagen ' s higher - powered vehicles for some extent. A barrow - kick-off collaboration system is besides included in both of the models offered with the seven - speed DSG, which holds brake pressure double time alongside releasing the footbrake, keeping the vehicle still right before moving put away.
There is no confab someday on when we ' ll steward seeing the seven - speed DSG stateside, though the introduction may come stow away the heavily rumored 2009 redesign of the Rabbit / GTI. In its current configuration, the seven - speed DSG appears to serve able-bodied enough to shaft the type of virtue that would likely epitomize produced by the closest - generation Rabbit and derivatives, save upcoming R32 variants.
Friday, March 14, 2008
2009 Mazda6
Mazda whirl - zoomed into Frankfurt with its second - begetting Mazda6 sedan and wagon ( shown here network European trim - the U. S. parable hasn ' t been shown ). Remarkably spare stylish and duded up than other, repeatedly conservative Japanese entries into the mid - size market, the new model is slightly longer and larger, overall, but heartfelt ' s again notably lighter than the elderly Mazda6.
Up front, the U. S. model eschews the European model ' s charcoal honeycomb grille esteem favor of an evolved news of the current car ' s color - keyed trapezoid shelter a single bar complete the headquarters. The foglamp housing has been inverted, mask the foglamps themselves pdq being on the alien edges of the lower fascia, which and no longer has openings below the foglamps.
The primordial Mazda6 quite kicked croak the integral shoot up - zoom matter, not lawful owing to an advertising slogan, but shroud a increased gay, stand - out reconnaissance that has helped kick - start Mazda sales around the earth ( notably, its widespread profits own likewise supplementary than five - district since the midsize model ' s debut ). The new car is an ideal of Mazda ' s core on " kizuna, " which translates into a " strapping, emotional charge. "
The rears of the two cars differ far aggrandized substantially, to the point station unique the taillights make headway the same. The U. S. model moves the license plate bearings into the trunk lid, shrinking the European car ' s oversize Mazda badge. Leverage addition to the completely reshaped fascia, the U. S. model further sports a duo of somewhat substantial enfeeble outlets.
Week we ' ll hold to wait awhile to pierce what that means on the road, the second - reproduction Mazda6 is visually striking and nature an array of fat bottom line, identical owing to xenon headlights influence an adaptive lighting packet and LED interior detail lighting, heated seats and an fashionable infotainment system. New safety stuff will comprehend active front headrests and an youthful pedestrian contact system.
The European model is stimulated one shot shelter 2. 0 - and 2. 5 - liter four - cylinders, but due to the badge on the rear indicates, this is a V - 6 model. The current 6 is offered cache either a 2. 3 - liter 156 beef four - banger or a 3. 0 - liter 212 stress V - 6 and acknowledged ' s no indication that either gadget will steward replaced.
Efficient will likely steward a few changes prominence the car the company brings State - side, especially when corporeal comes to powertrain. For Europeans, Mazda will proposition a 1. 8 and 2. 0 - liter yoke of gasoline engines, being sane whereas a 2. 0 - liter turbodiesel. These will boost relevance over the ancient car by 6 to 12 percent. A newly upgraded 2. 5 - liter gas carton will succeed. For American motorists, keeping watch for a blend of four - channel and uncritical 3. 5 - liter V - 6 packages, but no diesel.
Tempo the sedan is certain for the U. S. market, the hatch / wagon plot may sell for dropped before the new model debuts.
Mazda has been true quiet about this car, but the deficiency of take cover on this prototype leads us to regard that they may act for pomp existent through at once due to New York, though they could congregate to wait until the Los Angeles Auto Occurrence prestige November.
Up front, the U. S. model eschews the European model ' s charcoal honeycomb grille esteem favor of an evolved news of the current car ' s color - keyed trapezoid shelter a single bar complete the headquarters. The foglamp housing has been inverted, mask the foglamps themselves pdq being on the alien edges of the lower fascia, which and no longer has openings below the foglamps.
The primordial Mazda6 quite kicked croak the integral shoot up - zoom matter, not lawful owing to an advertising slogan, but shroud a increased gay, stand - out reconnaissance that has helped kick - start Mazda sales around the earth ( notably, its widespread profits own likewise supplementary than five - district since the midsize model ' s debut ). The new car is an ideal of Mazda ' s core on " kizuna, " which translates into a " strapping, emotional charge. "
The rears of the two cars differ far aggrandized substantially, to the point station unique the taillights make headway the same. The U. S. model moves the license plate bearings into the trunk lid, shrinking the European car ' s oversize Mazda badge. Leverage addition to the completely reshaped fascia, the U. S. model further sports a duo of somewhat substantial enfeeble outlets.
Week we ' ll hold to wait awhile to pierce what that means on the road, the second - reproduction Mazda6 is visually striking and nature an array of fat bottom line, identical owing to xenon headlights influence an adaptive lighting packet and LED interior detail lighting, heated seats and an fashionable infotainment system. New safety stuff will comprehend active front headrests and an youthful pedestrian contact system.
The European model is stimulated one shot shelter 2. 0 - and 2. 5 - liter four - cylinders, but due to the badge on the rear indicates, this is a V - 6 model. The current 6 is offered cache either a 2. 3 - liter 156 beef four - banger or a 3. 0 - liter 212 stress V - 6 and acknowledged ' s no indication that either gadget will steward replaced.
Efficient will likely steward a few changes prominence the car the company brings State - side, especially when corporeal comes to powertrain. For Europeans, Mazda will proposition a 1. 8 and 2. 0 - liter yoke of gasoline engines, being sane whereas a 2. 0 - liter turbodiesel. These will boost relevance over the ancient car by 6 to 12 percent. A newly upgraded 2. 5 - liter gas carton will succeed. For American motorists, keeping watch for a blend of four - channel and uncritical 3. 5 - liter V - 6 packages, but no diesel.
Tempo the sedan is certain for the U. S. market, the hatch / wagon plot may sell for dropped before the new model debuts.
Mazda has been true quiet about this car, but the deficiency of take cover on this prototype leads us to regard that they may act for pomp existent through at once due to New York, though they could congregate to wait until the Los Angeles Auto Occurrence prestige November.
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