Well, next time you'll drive for a road trip, try this on your stereo...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The new Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac shows us the 2009 model version of the CTS-V and I have to say that they did a great job with the design. It’s much more aggressive, especially at the front and that’s a must for a car which competes with Mercedes E63 AMG, BMW M5 and Audi RS6. The engine, a supercharged 6,2 l V8, is more powerful than the ones in BMW and Audi, with 550 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque, but we’ll have to see if the Caddy can outrun the German competitors.
I’m in love with this car
I saw MG XPower SV at Geneva Autoshow (I think) few years ago and I loved it from the very beginning. It looks fantastic and I like the idea of putting an american Ford Mustang 4,6 liter V8 engine under the bonnet. Too bad that this car didn’t get more attention, mainly because of the problems MG is into…
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Just beautiful…Dodge Challenger SRT8
I love muscle cars and a reason for that is the Challenger. Dodge managed to design a car that keeps the very best lines of the classic Challenger. And now here is the top version, the SRT8 powered by a 6,1 HEMI V8 that just makes you feel like burning some rubber. 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque should be enough for some exciting “pedal to the metal” take off. 0 to 60 mph takes about 5 seconds and ¼ mile is good for less than 14 seconds.
PRESS RELEASE
The return of the iconic Dodge Challenger brings what pony car fanatics crave: ground shaking performance, unmistakable design cues reminiscent of the original Challenger, world-class ride and handling characteristics and benchmark braking. On top of that it features a wide variety of modern amenities and technology designed to delight a new generation of driving enthusiasts.
"The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. "The new version of Dodge's American classic boasts tire-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, 'Keyless Go' entry, a MyGIG™ infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication."
Developed by Chrysler's in-house performance engineering organization, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was engineered with a focus on the five pillars of every SRT vehicle: bold exterior design that resonates with the brand image, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling across a dynamic range, a standout powertrain and benchmark braking.
Dodge will offer the limited-edition 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 in three colors: HEMI® Orange, Bright Silver Metallic and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat. Each two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe will be produced with a numbered dash plaque, carbon fiberlike hood stripes and will be powered by SRT's 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine that boasts 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque.
With a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $37,995 (including $675 destination), the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 arrives in Dodge showrooms this spring.
The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 vehicles will be manufactured at Chrysler's Brampton, Ontario, Canada assembly plant.
Performance targets for the all-new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 include a 0–60 mph time in the low 5-second range, 0–100–0 mph in less than 17 seconds, a ¼-mile elapsed time of less than 14 seconds, 60–0 mph braking distance of approximately 100 feet, and a skid pad performance of 0.88 g.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Ford Focus CC with facelift
Ford released the images of the redesigned Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, a car which they will present at Geneva Auto Show in March. The new model is sportier than before and adds a more modern appeal to the Focus range. The new four seater features redesigned headlights, front spoiler and backlights which adds a seriously new look to the car.2008 Focus features one of the biggest boots in its class with 534 liters of available space for luggage (248 liters if the hardtop is folded into the boot).
Here is the Press Release:
The new four-seater Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet will have its public debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The new model joins the three-door, four-door, five-door, wagon and sporty ST models, extending the comprehensive new Focus range and offering the greatest variety of bodystyles for a single vehicle line within the Ford of Europe portfolio. As a final addition to the exciting and fully comprehensive Focus range, the all-new Ford Focus RS high performance model will be launched in 2009.
The newly designed Focus Coupé-Cabriolet with its retractable hardtop will once again be manufactured at the Bairo plant of Pininfarina, Ford's partner in designing, engineering and building the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet. This stylish vehicle is a true four-seater that combines a high emotional appeal with "must have" means for everyday use: With the roof closed, new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet offers a best-in-class luggage capacity of 534 litres. Even with the retractable hardtop stowed in the boot, 
the new Ford provides a voluminous 248 litres of luggage space under the folded roof.
"As with the generic new Ford Focus, with the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet we also felt the importance of aligning this charismatic vehicle with our 'kinetic design' language as soon as possible," said Stephen Odell, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford of Europe.
'Kinetic Design' Styling
"The new Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is a special blend: We felt that the new very 'kinetic' front end design will perfectly complement the timelessly-elegant, Italian flavoured profile and rear end design. The result is a perfect mix of latest level Focus dynamics and the special Coupé-Cabriolet design execution that we had already developed jointly with Pininfarina," said Chris Bird, Design Director at Ford of Europe.
The entire front end design of the new Ford Focus was fully adopted for the Coupé-Cabriolet: The new three-dimensional bonnet design flows harmoniously into the iconic dual-trapezoidal-grille design, with both the upper and lower grille being equipped with a classy chrome surrounding. The front bumper, lights and front fender designs clearly reflect the latest dynamic Focus styling, but are also tailored to perfectly fit the elegant side view of the Coupé-Cabriolet.
The interior styling of the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet also received a fresh approach with bold design statements, high quality finishes and hard-wearing materials all completed with a high level of craftsmanship. Most prominent for the driver is a new instrument cluster of a 'binocular' style with instruments illuminated in red.
As with the new Focus, the Coupé-Cabriolet also benefits from the flow through centre stack to the standard 'premium' centre console with an increased stowage volume of approximately 4 litres and a sliding armrest with a travel of 80 mm, both contributing to increased comfort and convenience.
New Technology
A number of new standard driver assistance features have been introduced on all new Focus models with further technology options, and will also be introduced to the Coupé-Cabriolet.
These features include:
- Available 'Ford Power' button for keyless start, plus keyless entry system
- Standard emergency hazard warning light activation system (Info: except Finland and Sweden)
- New optional Tyre Deflation Detection System (DDS)
- New audio connectivity module for external devices and new levels of Bluetooth ® and USB connectivity, voice control and navigation systems
- New navigation systems include an affordable navigation option with 'SD' card slot as well as a DVD based system with 7" colour touchscreen
- Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) tuner on Sony radio system available
Powertrains and Series
A fine range of Duratec petrol and Duratorq diesel engines was chosen for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet: While the 1.6-litre 100 PS/74 kW Duratec petrol is the entry level into the Focus 'wind-in-the-hair' experience, the well acclaimed 2.0-litre 145 PS/107 kW Duratec HE engine is available with a choice of a sporty 5-speed manual transmission or the very comfortable FN automatic transmission for relaxed cruising joy.
The 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine has 136 PS (100 kW) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. To make driving with the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine even more refined and comfortable, specific improvements have been made to its Sound quality and vibration behaviour. This engine – along with all other Ford Focus petrol and diesel engines – benefits from a new insulated, weight reduced cowl panel, for optimum acoustics and a new carpet with a modified heavy duty coating for further sound deadening.
In terms of the series availability, the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is once again available with a well equipped entry 'Trend' specification, which can also be ordered in conjunction with a special 'Sport' pack, covering a sport suspension and specially designed 17"-alloy wheels. Black tinted headlamp housings on the exterior emphasise the sporty appearance of this series.
The top-of-the-range 'Titanium' series also features exterior details like specially designed 17"-alloys and the black headlamp housings, but also classy interior items like the standard partial leather seats. As an option, full leather seats in three different designs are available.
High Safety Standards
A very stiff body shell construction and a precise suspension and steering tuning are the active and solid base for the new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet's safety package. As a part of Ford PrecisionDrive, it helps drivers to intuitively rely on their Ford car in any driving situation. In addition to this very convincing package, ESP has now been introduced to be standard in all European major markets, and compliments the very capable four-disc braking system with EBA.
Also the passive safety starts with an ultra stiff body shell and a rigid passenger safety cell. Without a regular sedan roof structure however, front crash load paths for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet had to be redistributed behind the A-pillars into the door structure.
As a result, these load paths were significantly reinforced by using high strength HSS 2 steel and increasing the rocker height by 35mm. The load path through the door structure can carry loads up to seven tons – comparable with the cumulated load capability of a Focus 4-door at the roof and door structures.
World fastest BMW?
It looks like it’s true. German tuner G-Power says that their Hurricane M5 BMW reached 360 km/h on the Papenburg racetrack in Germany. G-Power officials said that the car can reach up to 402 km/h, but the poor weather conditions stopped them to make another try. So, Hurricane is able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 4,2 seconds and reaches 300 km/h in 29,5 seconds from a stand still.
Now, I can see a war coming…Brabus Rocket (CLS based) is registred as “the fastest saloon in the world” after a test when it topped 362,4 km/h. The Hurricane is very, very close…Also, there is the 810 HP M5 from the Currency Motor Cars which is said to be able to reach 386 km/h, but this fact is not yet proved in an official test.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)