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cars info

2008-10-10T09:42:00.002+05:30

Hybrid cars with Diesel as fuel in place of Gas

Well the car is far from its launch and you might see this car in the market from Peugeot Citroen somewhere in 2010. This diesel based hybrid car will cut emissions and reduce the fuel consumption then the present diesel based cars.

The demonstration models namely Peugeot 307 and a Citroen C4 with hybrid diesel system will be launched on January 31. France President Jacques Chirac has called for development of such fuel-efficient cars within next 10 years. This will in a way reduce dependence on petroleum imports, which is even more important in the era of rising oil prices every other day. President also wanted the production of these cars in order to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

Hybrid cars showcased by GM

Detroit, Michigan: Detroit auto show
Foreign automakers are doing great business with their hybrid cars and their American counterparts are also not far behind in the endeavor. In recent months they are trying hard to make their mark in the hybrid car market. This has become more important in last 1 to 1.5 years due to the rising and fluctuating gas prices which have made people to look out for fuel-efficient cars.

GM will highlight 2 hybrid cars namely Chevrolet Tahoe 2 mode Hybrid and Saturn Vue Green Line at Detroit auto show. Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid car will be the first vehicle of its kind from GM, which will be powered by highly efficient hybrid system, which will be better in terms of price too. Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid will have a 20% improvement in its fuel economy depending on driving conditions. It will most likely be introduced in mid 2006 at the US market. This line of hybrid cars would be lowest priced hybrid SUV in the market with price expected to be around $23,000.

The electric motor/generator in Saturn Vue Green Line will meet with 2.4L VVT four-cylinder engine and 4T45-E 4-speed transmission power train.

Other hybrid vehicle from GM would be V-8-powered Chevrolet Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid, which would feature 2-mode hybrid system. It will have a 25% improvement in fuel economy once it is combined with Active Fuel Management displacement on demand technology. This car will be for sale in US somewhere in 2007.

BMW, GM and Daimler Chrysler are together developing 2-mode full hybrid system. This is a patented technology, which will have 2 modes for city and highway driving. One of the modes will be used at low speeds with light loads. The other mode will be used at highway speeds and will provide full engine power once condition demands for it.

2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R or 2008 Infiniti GT-R

Rumored price for 2008 Nissan Skyline is a whooping $70,000. Surely, I would be able to afford a second. 2008 Nissan Skyline would include V6 based on VQ35 with twin turbo which will have somewhere near to 450 horsepower as rumors say. The car is expected to come to US with an 2008 Infiniti GT-R badge.

The car as recently viewed has some variations with the pictures shown above from auto show. The rear bumper has a extended look which says that the production car will be longer then current Japanese market 2008 Nissan Skyline. All wheel drive is expected with seven-speed sequential gearbox. The production version is most likely to be shown in 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Regardless of when this car will see the market, one thing is sure that this will be one of the fastest cars produced in Japan.

2008 Dodge Challenger

2008 Dodge Challenger resembles the 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. The Challenger concept has a heritage design which is quite evident with its dual headlights and kicked-up shoulders. The car is built on shorthand version of the rear wheel drive LX platform used for the Charger sedan and Magnum wagon.

Initial rumors indicated that this car would be available in the market by 2009. The latest is that it will debut itself much before somewhere in 2008. First the car would be shown in auto shows and if there is enough good feedbacks then this concept will see the light of the market. The car is scheduled to debut at 2006 Detroit Auto Show, which is in January of 2006.

Engine that will come in Challenger concept is not known but one thing is for sure that there will definitely be a Hemi available. Supplier sources tell Inside Line that the 6.1-liter Hemi is being reserved for the high-performance SRT-8 edition of the 2008 Challenger; it's not clear whether the six-speed manual will make the cut for production. Somewhere I read that the 2008 Dodge Challenger concept will be powered by a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a pistol-grip shifter.

BMW 3 series convertible 2007, 2006 BMW 3 Series wagon

BMW is working on the additional models and variations of 3 series and on the other hand, its redesigned 3 series sedan is with the dealers. 2006 BMW 3 Series wagon is next on the line, which will arrive in the fall and will come as a 2006 model. The car will be introduced at Frankfurt auto show and will come to roads by November.

BMW will be replacing all its 3 series range models in a phased manner in next 2-3 years. In 2006 the 3 series coupe will be introduced somewhat towards later part of the year and BMW 3 series convertible 2007 in the spring. The 4.0 liter V8 powered M3 edition will make its debut in 2007 with 400 hp.

2006 Toyota Avalon, Toyota Avalon 2006, Future cars

2006 Toyota Avalon is coming with a redesigned model in 2006. The all new 2006 Toyota Avalon will be most likely to be powered by 3.5 ltr V6 engine with a expected power of 280 hp. The sweeping roofline as evident in the picture looks quite impressive and the car is coming with an extended wheelbase. It is quite evident that 2006 Toyota Avalon is also coming with a low profile wiper blade assembly and in-glass LED mirror turn signals.

2006 Toyota Avalon would have a V6 engine that could reach 0-60 mph in an impressive 6.6 sec. The safety features are also upgraded with front and rear side curtain airbags, seat mounted side airbags, anti lock brakes and stability control system.

Toyota Avalon 2006 will also have upgraded luxury amenities with extra rear legroom. The car will be for sure competing with the latest Lexus offerings.

2006 Z06, 2006 Covette Z06, Future cars

2006 Z06 was introduced at North American International Auto Show. 2006 Z06 is the most powerful Corvette ever built by Chevrolet and General Motors. With high end technology and great capability, 2006 Z06 is going to make its place in the market.

2006 Covette Z06 has 500 hp of power with 475 lb-ft of torque makes it most powerful passenger car by GM and Chevrolet. 427-cubic-inch engine 7.0 liter LS7 adds another feather in its hat.

2006 Covette Z06 features carbon fiber and composite body and sub floor pieces, which is astonishing compared to its bargain price of approximately $65,000. Its Aluminum chassis hosts world-class suspension and drive train, and features a magnesium engine cradle. The rear body is made in such a way to accommodate massive 19*12 inch Eagle F1 Super car tires.

The speed of 2006 Z06 is also quiet impressive with reaching a speed of 0-60 in 3 s. The Chevrolet Z06 has a new front facia with a larger grill for best of cooling, a cold-air scoop, and lower air spliter. The battery of the car is placed in the back of the car, which helps eliminate front end weight bias. The production of the car would start from second half of 2005.

2006 Mustang Cobra, 2006 Cobra

2006 Mustang Cobra is the most powerful mustang ever built by Ford. 2005 mustang cobra was very well received with its contemporary styling with a definite retro flair with an additional choice os 2 desirable engines. The model going to be launched is 2006 Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500. High sales of the previous version of mustang cobra clearly indicates that people are ready to wait and pay sticker price for the car then shift to other options. The high sales of mustang also show that there is a never-ending market for muscle cars in America. According to rumors, 2006 Mustang Cobra is coming with a very competitive price too.

Production version for GT500 will go on sale somewhere in 2006. 2006 Mustang Cobra has 5.4 ltr DOHC V-8 engine with 450 hp and 450 pounds-feet of torque with 6-speed manual transmission. The 5.4 ltr engine is not new but was first used in 2000 Mustang Cobra R, which ran from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and 0-100 mph in 11 seconds and that too without a supercharger. In 2006 Mustang Cobra front and rear stabilizer bars are standard, and also a 19 inch alloys wrapped in 255/45 tires. For controlling the ride an independent MacPherson strut front suspension is being used and a multi-link live setup in the rear.

Interior for 2006 Cobra has black leather on dash' top, center arm rests, shift lever, shift boot, door panels and parking brake handle. There are SVT Red leather seating surfaces and door panel inserts with Ebony black leather bolsters and trim.

"The new Mustang has classic design cues from some of the best-looking Mustangs of all-time, including the Shelbys," said Keith Rogman, Mustang senior designer. "The design of the GT500 has been at the forefront of our minds since the outset of the entire Mustang program."

2006 Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet introduced its 2006 Chevrolet Impala at 2005 Los Angeles International Auto Show a new version of its Big Car. New sedans from Chrysler and Ford will be in direct competition for this car but with a improved engine, interior, host of great safety features and styling 2006 Chevrolet Impala would be able to take on with its competitors.

The engine for 2006 Chevrolet Impala will have 210 hp 3.5 liters V6 that would generate 220 lb ft of torque. A 240 hp 3.9 lt V6 that would generate 245 lb ft of torque is also available. 2006 Chevrolet Impala has latest Displacement on Demand technology operation. The technology is used to regulate the engine to jump between 8 and 4 cylinder operation, which in turn save fuel by 12%. The transmission for the car will be Hydra Matic 4 speed automatic with overdrive. The major feature for the car includes abs electronic traction control and tire pressure monitor control, remote vehicle starter system, independent suspensions and a large and spacious cargo capacity. 4 models for 2006 Chevrolet Impala are LS, LT, LTZ, SS. The LTZ model will have 3.9L V6 engine with variable valve timing and 211 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine for LS and LT models.

Standard features for distinct models are:

2006 Chevrolet Impala LS:
Driver Information Center.
CD player.
211-hp 3.5L V6 engine.

2006 Chevrolet Impala SS:
Displacement on Demand (DOD) for greater fuel economy.
All-new 303-hp 5.3L small block V8 with best-in-class horsepower and torque
18-inch aluminum wheels with W-speed-rated Performance tires.

2006 Chevrolet Impala LTZ:
Heated front Nuance leather seating surfaces.
3.9L V6 engine with variable valve timing.
Electronic Traction Control, ABS and Tire Pressure Monitor.
Innovative fl ip-and-fold-fl at rear seat for added versatility.
CD/MP3 player and Bose sound system.

2006 Chevrolet Impala LT:
Dual-zone temperature controls.
Compass and outside temperature display.
Remote vehicle starter system

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Chevrolet at 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show unveiled 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The car with its innovative features and strong heritage is a true mid-size personal coupe. The car will be best known for its roominess and sports car styling and performance.

The safety features includes seat-mounted side air bags, traction control, tire pressure monitor, sound damping and ABS. 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will have Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology operation with 303 horsepower 5.3L V8 engine and it will be same, front wheel drive car. The LT and LS models will have 211-hp 3.5L V6 operation. The transmission will be Hydra Matic four speeds automatic with overdrive.

The exterior changes for 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo are not much. The most significant update is headlight, which is larger and more prominent. There will also be a improvement in the fuel economy in the new model by 12%. As prices of gas are rising, it will give you more reasons to buy a 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Four models for the car will be available namely LTZ, LS, LT, SS. It will be a great car for NASCAR fans.

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will be available in showrooms by fall of 2005.

2005 Nissan Frontier

2005 Nissan Frontier

Estimated Price: $21,000
Powertrain: 4.0 liter, 265 Horsepower, 284-lb-ft V6 4wd, 5 automatic
0 TO 60 mph: 8.0 seconds

If you are looking for a tough looks and tough ride then 2005 Nissan Frontier is one of the best buy in the midsize truck segment. it has 4.0 liter V6 engine, one of the most powerful engine in the midsize truck segment. It produces 265 hp and 284 lb ft of torque.

The varient of Frontier King cab would feature 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder. The transmission could be choosed from 5 speed automatic or 6 speed manual. The other great features include spray-in bedliner, adjustable utility hooks and locking rear differential. The cabin for 2005 Nissan Frontier is larger then its previous counterpart and it has also got reconfigurable rear seats.

2005 Nissan Frontier Features and specifications:

Number of Cylinders: 6
Engine Type: V6
Engine Size: 4 liters
Torque: 270 ft-lbs.
Horsepower: 250 hp
Towing Capacity: 5500 lbs.

Engine:
4.0L displacement
V6 cylinder configuration
Gas engine
Variable valve timing

Suspension
Front independent suspension
Front stabilizer bar

Length: 205.5 in
Width: 72.8 in
Height: 69.7 in
Wheel Base: 125.9 in

2005 Amarillo F-Series or Mighty New F350 TONKA Concept Truck

2005 Amarillo F-Series would sure in yellow would surely raise many eyes and draw people's attention to the new lineup of the for trucks i.e new 2005 Super Duty pickups. This car is surely inspired by Mighty New F350 TONKA concept. 2005 Amarillo F-Series package will be available in diesel-powered F250 and F350 XLT SuperCab and Crew Cab pickups.

2005 Amarillo F-Series will have several great features like door handles and body-color moldings with monochromatic Yellow exterior. Chrome tow hooks, chrome bumpers with fog lamps, Black interior, black leather steering wheel, black carpet, black leather seating surfaces on the front captainâ€™s chairs, tubular step bars and muffler tip etc.
2005 Amarillo F-Series would sure in yellow would surely raise many eyes and draw people's attention to the new lineup of the for trucks i.e new 2005 Super Duty pickups. This car is surely inspired by Mighty New F350 TONKA concept. 2005 Amarillo F-Series package will be available in diesel-powered F250 and F350 XLT SuperCab and Crew Cab pickups.

2005 Amarillo F-Series will have several great features like door handles and body-color moldings with monochromatic Yellow exterior. Chrome tow hooks, chrome bumpers with fog lamps, Black interior, black leather steering wheel, black carpet, black leather seating surfaces on the front captainâ€™s chairs, tubular step bars and muffler tip etc.

2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 2006 Eclipse Mitsubishi picture

Above is spy photo I got from one of the forum for 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Very little is known about 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse. 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse is likely to have power plants in 4 and 6 cylinders and it could also have new 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Mitsubishi is very optimistic about this concept car and is eyeing to capture customers which went away due to its current model.

Mitsubishi engineers are busy testing the new 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse concept vehicle. The car in the picture is larger then the current model and the styling seems to be taken by Eclipse-E Concept.

Remember that Mitsubishi has $9 billion in debt. Mitsubishi managed to raise more than $4 billion from investors led by Mitsubishi Group and a company called Phoenix Capital.

2005 Lexus Hybrid car (Hybrid cars)

The Lexus luxury hybrid car would have more power with the fuel economy equal to compact car. The car is likely to be launched by begining of 2005.

The hybrid version of Lexus will have no change in cabin or cargo space as found in non hybrid version. The exterior, aerodynamic profile and service schedules would also be same as non hybrid cars. The design of this hybrid version is such that it reduces noice. The engine mounts have been moved upwords and air intake track redesigned to decrease the noise.

The nickel-metal battery is used to last lifetime of the vehicle. Plug in is not required for the battery. It uses internal combustion engine and electric motor technology handled by electronic control system. With increased fuel economy it also reduces corbon dioxide emission. Regenerative braking helps electric motor to act as generator while braking. The kinetic energy lost during braking is converted to electrical energy.

Electronic Control Unit manages power flow between generator, battery and motor

2005 Porsche Boxster , The future car, Porsche new 911

Porsche Boxster was first introduced in 1996. The next model is due to be launched somewhere around 2005.

2005 Porsche Boxster will be available in roadster and coupe. The roadster will be introduced in Detroit auto show in january 2005 and coupe in frankfurt in september 2005.

The changes in exterior then its previous models are--
-- Oval headlights
-- Better Turn indicators
-- Engine cooling by large air ducts
-- Four louvers to send the air backword in a better way.
-- Wider rear spoiler
-- Handle pull doors

More details would be available for the car soon.

Lamborghini : World's Fastest Italian Police Car, Lamborghini prices

Outrunning police car is not that easy in Italy any more as the car chasing them will be Lamborghini at an speed of 185 mph.

The police car is 500 horsepower V10 engine, two-seater Lamborghini Gallardo which could run at a speed of 185-190 mph and with siren and flashing roof lights.

Lamborghini Gallardo prices and specifications.

MSRP: $165,900
Engine: 5.0L V10 500HP , 6-speed manual transmission
Fuel Economy(city): 9 mpg
Fuel Economy(highway): 15 mpg

2005 Chrysler ME , the vehicle is for speed

2005 Chrysler ME is one of the most advanced car Chysler ever built. Chysler took less then 1 year to complete this vehicle. ME was under secret development not with outside world but within its organisation too. If speed and performance is what you want then this car is for you and of course you should have a deep pocket.

Speed:

0-60mph : 2.9 sec
0-100 mph : 6.2 sec
quarter mile : 10.6 sec
top speed : 248 mph

Other Details:

Quad-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12 engine
850 horsepower
AMG Powertrain
Ricardo Clutch Transmission
9.0:1 compression ratio
Torque : 2500 - 4500 rpm
Curb weight : 2880 lbs
Carbon fiber bodywork
Computer controlled active rear spoiler
Front : 19 x 10 inch
Rear : 20 x 12.5 inch
Height : 44.9 inch
Width : 78.7 inch
Length : 178.8 inch
Headroom : 37.2 inch
Legroom : 47.2 inch
Tire front : 265/35ZR19
Tire back : 335/30ZR20

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR, 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer picture

05.07.04 (12:12 pm) [edit]

Mitsubishi is going to introduce Lancer Evolution 8 MR which will be available worldwide then its previous counterparts which were only sold in domestic market. It would be available with upgraded 300-hp Lancer EVO VIII FQ300. This car would be on production floor by February 2004. It would come to US market by 2005.

Specifications:

Active center differential
Six-speed manual transmission
Higher Horsepower
Lightweight aluminum roof
BBS forged aluminum wheels
Improved Engine Torque Curve
Control at High Speed Limits
Improved Neutral Roll Characteristics

2005 Audi A6 description & specifications

The new 2005 Audi A6 was introduced in Geneva. The A6 would be available in the market from november. It would be priced somewhere around $40000. A6 2.4 has 2.5 lt V6 engine which produces 177 bhp at 6 speed manual or variable automatic transmission.
A6 3.2 has 3.2-liter V6 engine making 255 bhp. A6 4.2 has 4.2-liter V8 engine making 355 bhp.

Standard Features :

Length - 193.7 In
Width - 73.2 In
Height - 57.5 In
Wheel Base - 111 In
6-speed gearbox (manual)
6-speed tiptronic (auto)
Electromechanical parking brake
Side airbag
Dual-stage front airbags
Climate control (auto)
Servotronic steering
4-link front suspension

2007 Chevrolet Camaro, Future Car 2007 Camaro / 2006 Camaro

Last Camoro model was in 2002 and it seemed that Camaro was shelved. This is not official but the Camaro might be going to do a comeback somewhere at the end of 2005 or 2006 begining. The 2007 Camaro / 2006 Camaro new model would have a complete redesign then its previous counterpart .

There is no official announcements in this regard till date. The nearest competitor for this Car would be ford mustang. It is for sure that 2007 Camaro would be making headlines soon.

According to rumors, 2007 Camaro / 2006 Camaro would never make a comeback, but I am not sure how a famous car of Camaro standard could be shelved. There is so much hype for 2007 Camaro / 2006 Camaro even before the formal announcement that I am sure it is going to break all Camaro records. Right now we cannot say anything concreate and we could even hear about something like 2005 camaro to our surprice.

Have a look at the previous car for this model:-

2002 Chevrolet Camaro

MSRP: $26,410
Invoice: $24,165
Engine: 3.8L 6 Cylinder 200 hp Gas
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic OD
Drive: RWD
Seats: 4
Gas Mileage: city-19, highway-30

2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

MSRP: $29,925
Invoice: $27,381
Engine: 5.7L 8 Cylinder 310 hp Gas
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic OD
Drive: RWD
Seats: 4
Gas Mileage: city-18, highway-25

Lexus LF-C Sport Coupe ( Lexus Future Coupe ), 2004 New York Auto Show

The next generation IS line will be available in both 2 & 4 door models. The car has a very good design and is very good brand in terms of quality. The 2005 Lexus LF-C is diffrent then its current IS counterpart as its track are wider then 5 inch, wheelbase is longer then 5.1 inch and ride height is 2 inch lower. It has a retractable top and is powered with V8 engine with a sequential automatic transmission. In short this Car is a high-output V8-powered luxury sports coupe that combines performance, versatility and innovative luxury in a sleek package.

Vehicle Specification

Wheelbase 110.0 in.
Length 178.7 in.
Width 73.0 in.
Height 53.5 in.
Engine High-Output Double Overhead Cam V8
Transmission 6-Speed Sequential A/T
Layout Front engine, rear drive
Tire - Front 245/35 ZR20 Rear: 285/30 ZR21
Wheel Size - Front 20 x 9 in. Rear: 21 x 10.5 in

2006 Dodge Charger

2006 Dodge Charger going to hit road this summer, is coming with its modern design, high-end technology, and its legend of muscle car power. 2006 Dodge Charger will have 250 hp V6 engine or an optional 340 hp Hemi V8 engine that is going to power the huge 18 inch rear wheels. With its bold design and sedan convenience, the car is for sure going to be one of the best in its segment.

2006 Dodge Charger has rear wheel drive and with its new and advanced technology will provide great riding experience in all types of surfaces and traction conditions. 2006 Dodge Charger multiple displacement system on Hemi V8 engine deactivates 4 of its cylinders in as less as 40 milliseconds, which in turn helps to give a fuel saving of up to 20%.

2006 Dodge Charger also has best of safety features with electronic stability program where it could detect electronically and assist driver to maintain directional stability in critical driving conditions. Electronic stability program coupled with all speed traction, anti lock brakes and emergency brake assist makes 2006 Dodge Charger stable and gives greater maneuverability in all types of driving conditions.

The car has a room for 5 adults with enough space for luggage. Production of 2006 Dodge Charger will begin at brampton assembly plant in Brampton and it will be available in the market this summer.

2005 Honda Odyssey , new 2005 honda odyssey changes, Future Car from Honda

Latest Update:

It is now official that from september 22 2005 honda odyssey Minivan will be foe sale. The new honda would be produced in Honda plant in Albama which would be making somewhere around 1,60,000 car a year. Some of the announced features for 2005 odyssey are:-

$ Seating capacity for eight passengers and a spacious interior and it is more spacious then its previous model.
$ Enhanced safety features like anti lock brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags for 3 rows with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) & rollover sensors.
$ Cool features like 360 watt audio system, climate control(auto), tailgate(power), power adjustable pedals.
$ A 3.5-liter V-6 engine which runs on 6 cylinders when accelerating and 3 cylinders when running. Cylinder deactivation would save fuel. (20 city and 28 highway mileage)
$ Cool Michelin PAX System run-flat tire technology is used with tires which would make car to run at 50mph upto 10 miles in case of tire puncture.
$ Voice-Activated Navigation System

Firm steering, brakes makes is more enjoyable to ride. Though like name there is nothing mini in this van. It comes with enhanced power i.e 255 hp torque of 250 lbs-ft. The new 2005 honda odyssey is longerand wider. It has made additional 2 inches space to its interiors and 1 inch gain in width. The exact price for 2005 honda odyssey is not yet known might be announced on 22nd as it comes to dealers but would be somewhere around $25,000 to $38,000.

Last post as on 24-04-04
Note: There is no official announcements for this car and below article is only based on assumptions and rumors.

New 2005 Honda Odyssey will be known for its comfort, design, reliablity, durablity, resalable value and for the space and room it provides, might be we could call it roomiest of all minivans. The major attraction would be 3.5-liter V-6 engine which runs on 6 cylinders when accelerating and 3 cylinders when running. This type of cylinder deactivation would save fuel which is much needed in the present times. The change in the cylinder usage would be so smooth that the driver would be unaware of such change as called "Active Noise" technology. The change for the new 2005 Honda Odyssey would be in functions and very little in looks.

The 2005 Honda Odyssey is going to come with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) & rollover sensors for its side curtain airbags. The body of the new Odyssey would be front-end frame structure, which would help in reducing the concentrated force of impact and would make it even over a large area.

Voice-Activated Navigation System which is there in Accord might be present in the 2005 Honda Odyssey.
Probable accessories would be :-

a) underbody spoiler kits
b) auto day/night mirror
c) door visors
d) cooler bags
e) 3rd row sunshade
f) interior cargo board
g) table leg kit

The true picture of this new car is still not known and is only with the people at Honda. Once the vehicle is ready it could be seen in the markets. Till then any guess is appreciated :). Honda cars are famous with people who love dynamic drive. The only drawback is that the spare parts are a bit costly and third party parts are very seldom available.
The car would be available in the market by August-September 2004 or begining of 2005.

Snapshot of 2004 odyssey

MSRP: $24,490-30,490
Invoice: $22,038-27,429
Drive wheels: Front wheel drive

All the trims have 3.5-liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction control, and front side airbags. One of the best in the minivan category best suited for large families.

Prices for different trims:

LX- Starts at $24,490
EX- Starts at $26,990
EX with Honda DVD: Starts at $27,740
EX with Leather: Starts at $28,490
EX with Leather and Honda DVD: Starts at $29,990

2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 350

Manufacturer : Mercedes-Benz
Model : SLK
Trim : 350
Body Type : Roadster
Sale : September
Base Price : $45,000
Powertrain : 3.5-liter, 268-hp, 258-lb-ft V6, rwd, 7 speed automatic
Curb weight : 3231 pounds
Length : 160.7"
Width : 70.1"
Wheelbase : 95.6"
Wheel Rim Size : 17"
Valvetrain : 24-Valve
Cylinder : Vee
Displacement : 3,500 cc
0 TO 60 MPH: 5.5 seconds

The 360-horsepower V8, the second-generation SLK is longer and wider than the original, the 2005 SLK offers more passenger room and a host of new features. The all new SLK offers a retractable hardtop that lowers and raises in seconds.The new version, adds a technology that allows the head restraints to blow warm air at neck level.Other new technologies on the SLK include bi-xenon headlamps with a cornering function and a seven-speed-automatic transmission. Three different engine variants are available for the new car, developing from 120 kW/163 hp to 265 kW/360 hp. The range includes ? for the first time in this vehicle class ? an eight-cylinder power unit.

The convertible hardtop was redesigned for faster operation and a more compact size when folded for added trunk space. Large analog gauges dominate the dashboard, but the center stack is still awash in small buttons and knobs.

Today?s Mercedes-Benz SLK was never taken seriously as a sports car, even in supercharged AMG format. Perhaps this new Benz roadster, with its stout V6 and V8 engines, revised hardware and sleeker look, will provide the goods to go head-to-head with the BMW Z4, Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster.

Steam Engine Technology

2008-10-10T09:38:00.001+05:30

Steam Engine Technology

BMW is using the same principle from more than 100 years ago to improve fuel-efficiency.

This concept from BMW provides an extra power boost from pressurized steam with an expected 15% fuel economy improvement.

Twin brothers Francis and Freelan Stanley, inventors of the Stanley Steamer, would likely approve of BMW's innovative use of the same principle that worked to power their steam engine cars more than 100 years ago to improve the efficiency in modern vehicles.

Called Turbosteamer, this innovative alternative to the gas-electric hybrid uses wasted heat energy from an engine's wasted exhaust gases to contribute power to the automobile.

This steam assist system starts with a heat exchanger located between the engine and the catalyst that turns water into steam. The pressurized steam is then carried to what is essentially a small steam engine. A second, smaller steam engine, produces a little more mechanical energy.

Combined, the two steam engines generated 14 horsepower and 15 pounds-feet of torque during tests performed on a 1.8-liter BMW four-cylinder engine. Additionally, fuel economy improved by 15 percent in overall driving.

The German automaker is working on simplifying and reducing the size of the system. The company says it intends to make the Turbosteamer ready for volume production in a number of its vehicles within a decade.

Enertia: The Electric Motorcycle

2008-10-10T09:36:00.002+05:30

Enertia: The Electric Motorcycle

Green may be the new red, white & blue—
but when you're talking wheels, how about fun? Or cool?

The Ashland, Oregon-based manufacturer—the same collection of motorheads responsible for bringing the road-rocket Ariel Atom to U.S. shores—have decided to confront the global-warming frenzy with an actual product.

A fun and efficient product. One that makes the similarly two-wheeled and battery-powered Segway look like an environmental pocket protector. It's called the Enertia, an electric motorcycle so slick it couldn't be cooler if it were frozen.

On the green front, according to Brammo, this urban transportation tool can reduce a commuter's carbon footprint by 92 percent. But you'd have to get out of that fossil-powered sled and commute every day on the Enertia to see that large of a reduction. But depending on where you live, any reduction to environmental impact couldn't be easier, with perhaps the friendliest motorcycle yet.

The Enertia's appeal should spread widely since it lacks many of the traits that traditionally steer people away from a two-wheeled, mechanized ride. It requires no gas or oil, and thus smells like neither. It is nearly silent, has no exhaust and doesn't get hot. It has no clutch or gearbox. It is light and narrow, and practically maintenance-free. If you'd consider riding a bicycle to work or school, you'll have no issues wrapping your head around this transport option.

Designing the Enertia
To create the Enertia, Brammo harnessed its enthusiast heart and material-science expertise to a global sensibility. By approaching carbon emissions from the perspective of true driving enthusiasts, the goal was to provide a practical product that hits on multiple levels: environmentally sound, sharply engineered, cutting-edge materials, fun to own and look at.

The Enertia is a clean-sheet design, conceived from day-one as a two-wheeled, zero-emission, fully electric conveyance (it is not a "hybrid"). Its central structure is a carbon fiber monocoque, which serves as both the motorcycle's chassis and its battery tray. Machined 6061-T6 aluminum bits for the bike's threaded hard-points (footpegs, swingarm, etc.), are bonded to the carbon fiber structure—a race-bred building technique. Though exceptionally stiff, the entire chassis weighs a mere 16 pounds.

Unlike your typical motorbike, the Enertia flops the engine/fuel-storage ratio. A typical motorcycle is dominated by its centrally mounted engine, and capped with a small gas tank. With the Enertia, the engine is an alternator-sized electric motor mounted at the bottom of the chassis just ahead of the rear wheel. The motor is directly coupled to the rear tire via a chain and sprocket.

Fuel storage for the Enertia consists of six 12-volt lithium-phosphate battery packs. These modules (about half the size of a traditional car battery), are mounted inside the upper and lower channels of the H-shaped carbon fiber chassis—three on top, three below. Brammo worked closely with Texas-based Valence Technologies on the application of the lithium-phosphate cells, which unlike lithium-ion or lithium-cobalt, are exceptionally resistant to combusting, even if the batteries are impacted or punctured (anyone who's had a laptop catch fire can appreciate this).

Beneath a small lid where you'd normally fill up a motorcycle with gas is a connection to recharge the bike from any regular 110-volt electrical outlet. The Enertia will reach an 80-percent charge in two hours, and be fully recharged in three. Most cell phones don't even charge that fast.

The 86-pound battery package forms the majority of the Enertia's mass, and at 275 pounds it is extremely light for a street-going motorcycle. It feels even lighter, thanks to an exceptionally narrow profile—only 12.5 inches between your knees—and a low "moment of inertia." This is the effort required to flick the bike back and forth, which in the case of the Enertia is reduced because the main heft of the bike (the batteries) is concentrated along the bike's centerline.

We got to experience this for ourselves recently, during an exclusive ride of a pre-production Enertia just before Independence Day. Setting off from the rejuvenated Pearl District in Portland, Oregon, this dense, urban environment was a perfect venue for the Enertia, and one that closely matches its intended sales market.

Riding the Enertia
At first encounter, the bike seems impossibly slim, and feels far lighter than its stated weight. A "Start" button just below the recharging lid boots the bike up (this takes about 2 seconds), and the slick instrument cluster begins to glow. Thumb the bar-mounted switch to "on" and you are ready to go.

Twist the throttle and the bike rolls away smoothly. The noise, or lack thereof, is what hits you first. The Enertia is so quiet at in-town speeds you can sneak up on bicycle messengers. You are also much more aware of your surroundings—a huge safety advantage in the city. With wind noise replacing the sound of the machine, the result is a seraphic feeling of sailboarding down the street. I had to stop at one point to greet excited footfalls from a guy who chased me and yelled out emphatically, "Is that electric?"

The power level of the Enertia is user-selectable from 40 to 100 percent. This determines how fast you draw current from (i.e. discharge) the batteries. This adjustability allows you to trade more power for decreased range (if you have a shorter commute), or to make the machine more docile for beginners.

The Enertia's power ratings (12-25 horsepower, 17-34 lb-ft of torque) make it comparable to a Kawasaki Ninja 250 in terms of horsepower, but the electric drivetrain provides double the amount of torque (the force that gets you moving), in a package 30 pounds lighter. At the 100-percent power setting, Brammo claims a 0-30 mph time of 3.8 seconds—plenty of power for the urban jungle.

For our ride, the power level was set to the 40% minimum, for which Brammo claims a realistic range of 40 to 50 miles between charges (far exceeding the 29-mile average U.S. commute).

The Enertia's instant torque makes the bike a breeze to ride in traffic. Its 19-inch front wheel and meaty rear tire, combined with full-spec front telescopic fork and single-shock rear swingarm suspension shrugged off the Pearl District's rail-lined streets, soaking up potholes that might have swallowed a scooter.

A small Enertia logo in the gauge cluster glows red, yellow or green depending on the power draw, to help maximize efficiency. I kept it mostly in the red—which had me outpacing traffic and running near the Enertia's 50-mph top speed (easily exceeded on any downgrade)—in hopes of gaining a realistic feel for its operating range.

After a completely uneventful, serenely quiet and emission-free 30-mile loop around Portland, (where it truly felt as if I were driving in the future), we returned the bike to Brammo with the gauges still showing 30 percent battery range available.

For urban sun-belters with reasonable commutes or errands to run, the Enertia's downsides are few. It's not designed for a passenger, but Brammo plans both a larger, two-up machine, and an even more slimmed down single-seat version for the inner-city or campus crawler. Obviously the Enertia is not intended for those with longer commutes, and its low, 50-mph top speed should deter anyone from braving SUV-laden interstates. If 50 mph seems slow, however, try 12.5 on a Segway.

Taking Orders
So at what price can you be cool and globally responsible? Brammo has just begun taking online orders in the U.S. for a limited edition "Carbon" model ($14,995), set for delivery in the first quarter of 2008. You can also reserve the standard model ($11,995) which is expected to reach full-scale production by the third quarter of next year. Figure less than $300 for delivery to your door. Check out www.enertiabike.com for more details.

Hybrid Technologies

2008-10-10T09:31:00.002+05:30

This company takes cars people already love and electrifies them.

The battery-powered automobile will look every bit like a MINI Cooper. This is because it will be a MINI Cooper, just with a powerful electric motor under the hood and a stack of lithium batteries where the gas tank used to be.

The company responsible for transforming the already-efficient MINI into a zero-emissions electric vehicle (EV) is Hybrid Technologies. At its factory in Mooresville, North Carolina, engineers pull the internal combustion guts from cars such as the Chrysler Crossfire, PT Cruiser, smart fortwo, and the MINI, endowing them with advanced electric powerplants. While several other well-funded startups are racing to build electric cars from scratch, Hybrid Technologies has taken a different line of attack, converting already popular models to battery power.

To Richard Griffiths, the founder and prolific spokesman for Hybrid Technologies, the goal is not to try and sell people on the idea of an electric vehicle, but rather to show them how much fun they can have in electric versions of their favorite cars. Griffiths wants people to start thinking of battery power as a kind of high-end option, like a convertible top or a navigation system.

"You'll find that whatever great looking vehicle is launched next year, more than likely we'll begin production on that vehicle," Griffiths explains. At $65,000 for the MINI, electric power makes for one hefty option. But the appeal is undeniable, as actor George Clooney and singer James Blunt are enthusiastic drivers of Hybrid Technologies conversions.

Power to the People — Who Can Afford It
Hybrid Technologies plans to make 2008 the year that its cars become available to consumers — first through Wal-Mart and then directly. When the all-electric smart car hits the market it will cost $35,000, more than twice the price of the recently Americanized gasoline version. For the time being there is no shortage of customers. NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Military all buy alternative-fueled vehicles for their fleets (part of a Congressional mandate from the Clinton years) and have purchased EVs from Hybrid Technologies.

Working with the military is also a natural fit. Hybrid Technologies started out five years ago helping the military with watercraft and submarine power systems and now provides electric PT Cruisers for base transportation. Griffiths won't hint at what other sort of projects Hybrid Technologies is building for the military, except to say that since EVs are almost silent they lend themselves to clandestine applications.

The Factory in Reverse
The Hybrid Technologies plant in Mooresville, North Carolina, looks much the way any auto factory should look. Except here, almost as many motors are being pulled out of cars as are being put in. Hybrid Technologies and smart share a core relationship, so for its electric version of the fortwo, Hybrid Technologies obtains what are called "gliders" — intact cars without engines or gas tanks.

For cars such as the Crossfire and PT Cruiser, the motor and other systems are stripped out and sold back to the automaker or others. By building off existing models, Hybrid Technologies gets to focus on the critical part of any electric car — the battery system.

Letting carmakers foot the bill for crash testing is another welcome advantage. The smart fortwo, with its steel safety cell, has been approved by the USDOT. Nevertheless, Hybrid Technologies is working with the Canadian government to crash test fully electric Smart cars for further validation. "At the end of the day," says Griffiths, "you can keep a fairly large portion of the vehicle consistent with the original OEM, which does allow us a lot more freedom to put our money into the technology as opposed to into the design."

Paving the Way
Not since General Motors leased out the now-legendary EV1 ten years ago has a large automaker put an all-electric car on the road. With electric cars predominantly in the territory of government contracts and industrious do-it-yourselfers, Hybrid Technologies exists in the gap between the big guns and the hobbyists.

Tips To Prevent Car Theft

2008-10-08T10:53:00.002+05:30

Tips to Prevent Car Theft

Take Your Keys. Nearly 20 percent of all vehicles stolen have the keys in them.
Lock Your car. Approximately 50 percent of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.
Never Hide a Second Set of Keys in Your car. Extra keys can be easily found if a thief takes time to look.
Park in Well-lighted Areas. Over half of all vehicle thefts occur at night.
Park in Attended Lots. auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots.
If You Park in an Attended Lot, Leave Only the Ignition/Door Key. If your trunk and glovebox use the same key as the door, have one of them changed. Don't give the attendant easy access to your glovebox and trunk. Upon returning, check the tires, spare tire, and battery to be sure they are the same as those you had when you parked.
Never Leave Your Car Running, Even if You'll Only be Gone For a Minute. Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATMs, etc. Many vehicles are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up.
Completely Close Car Windows When Parking. Don't make it any easier for the thief to enter your vehicle.
Don't Leave Valuables in Plain View. Don't make your car a more desirable target and attract thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.
Park With Your Wheels Turned Toward the Curb. Make your car tough to tow away. Wheels should also be turned to the side in driveways and parking lots.
If Your Vehicle is Rear-Wheel Drive, Back into Your Driveway. Rear wheels lock on four-wheel drive vehicles, making them difficult to tow. Front-wheel drive vehicles should be parked front end first.
Always Use Your Emergency Brake When Parking. In addition to ensuring safety, using the emergency brake makes your car harder to tow.
If You Have a Garage, Use It. If you have a garage, take the time to use it rather than parking outside where your vehicle is more vulnerable.
When parking in a Garage, Lock the Garage Door and Your Vehicle. By locking both the garage and vehicle doors, the chances of deterring a thief greatly improve.
Don't leave the registration or Title in Your Car. A car thief will use these to sell your stolen car. File the title at your home or office, and carry registration in your purse or wallet.
Disable Your Vehicle When Leaving it Unattended for an Extended Period. Remove the electronic ignition fuse, coil wire, rotor distributor, or otherwise disable your vehicle anytime thieves may have extended access to it.
Replace T-Shaped With Straight Locks. Some vehicle doors have lock assemblies at window level that flare out in a knob or "T" shape. A thief can use various tools to gain access inside the vehicle, grab and pull the lock. Straight locks prevent this.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Stolen cars/parts are more easily traced when vehicle VIN numbers have been etched on car windows and major parts.
Engrave Expensive Accessories. Engrave personal ID numbers on car stereos, cellular phones, etc., so the thief will have difficulty disposing of them.

Investing in Vehicle Protection

Ignition Kill Switch. Splice an inexpensive toggle switch into your ignition wire. The trick is hiding the switch well. Keypads, pressure pads and more expensive "immobilizers" and "passkeys" can also be used.
Fuel Kill Switch. The valve that halts the fuel supply is closed. Visible steering wheel Lock. Prevents the steering wheel from being turned.
Floorboard Locks. Devices that disable the gas or break pedal.
Gearshift Locks. Disables shifting of the transmission.
Tire/Wheel Locks. Prevents the vehicle from moving.
Hood Locks. Prevents the thief from gaining access to your security system and battery.
Armored Collar Around Steering Column. Protects the column and ignition.
Electronic Security Systems. Audio alarms sound loud warnings when doors/hood/trunk are opened. Optional sensors include glass breakage, motion, tampering and towing. Panic buttons and automatic engine disable features are also recommended.
Vehicle Tracking This is done with a transmitter hidden in the car that allows police to track the vehicle.

Car Performance Tips

2008-10-08T10:50:00.000+05:30

Performance Tips and Hints

The purpose of tuning is to ramp up car performance and style. Numerous ways exist to help you make the most of your ride. However, if you have never tuned for performance before, it can be a confusing topic. Unlike tuning strictly for style, performance customization requires that you adhere to modifications that offer real performance benefits, rather than just good looks. While many elements of the various tuning styles offer performance upgrades, some can actually take away from your performance. Here are the best hints and tips to help you maximize car performance while still making your ride look hot.

Body Kits – Body kits can add a dramatic racecar-inspired style to your current ride. However, you'll need to know what to look for in order to maximize car performance. For instance, body kits that include front bumpers (with air dams) can help you streamline your car to a greater extent, helping air to flow over your ride, rather than underneath. Side skirts also help add performance and help your car hold the road better. Finally, spoilers provide more down force on the rear of the vehicle, while diffusing airflow - visit AndysAutoSport.com for a full listing of body kits for your ride.

Custom Wheels – Custom wheels and tires can help you hold the road or track much better. However, you'll need to avoid chromed steel wheels. These are actually heavier than OEM wheels, and can detract from the performance of your car. Remember, the purpose of performance tuning is to lighten the load, rather than adding more weight. Rather than chromed steel, opt for aluminum rims. These are much more lightweight and offer performance benefits.

Custom Tires – If you will be racing your ride, you'll need tires with more grip that what standard options offer. Z rated tires are made of softer compounds than touring tires or other consumer-rated tires. However, remember that softer rubber wears out much more quickly than harder compounds. As a result, you'll likely need to replace your tires more frequently. Having more than one set of tires (one for races and one for street driving) can eliminate this problem.

Suspension – Your car's suspension can also detract from car performance. Adding custom sway bars, coilover kits and strut bars can help you attain the suspension you need. This will make the difference between slowing down through a turn and being able to accelerate through a turn. It also helps eliminate problems like suspension sway and shifting during driving.

Modifying Your Car Engine

2008-10-08T10:48:00.001+05:30

Modifying Your Car Engine Boosts Power and Performance

In order to milk every last ounce of power and performance from your ride, you'll need to invest in numerous modifications. While modifications like body kits, performance wheels, aftermarket brakes and wing spoilers all add performance, only modifying your car engine will help you produce the horsepower needed to power your car down the street or the strip. Here are some of the most popular ways to modify your car engine and get the performance that you crave:

* Cold Air Intake – A cold air intake can help boost the performance of your car engine by a substantial amount. OEM intakes absorb warm air from around the engine, which detracts from the performance capabilities of your car's engine. By supplying a steady stream of cold, dense air, a cold air intake can give you better combustion, which provides more power per stroke, propelling you down the street with greater gusto - a visit to AndysAutoSport.com will help you find the intake for you.
* Custom Ignition System – Your car engine can benefit from a custom ignition system. Performance spark plugs and spark plug wires can add horsepower to your engine. In addition, advanced timing can also give you greater oomph. Performance plugs and wires provide more spark (what ignites fuel and drives the pistons in your engine). When combined with the benefits of a cold air intake, a custom ignition system provides considerable performance enhancements.
* Superchargers and Turbos – Superchargers and turbochargers can ramp up your car's engine performance to a dramatically higher degree. Each system offers different benefits, so you will need to choose the right one for your needs. For instance, a supercharger provides performance enhancements across a wide range of the power band. A turbo, on the other hand, offers greater performance at higher RPM ranges (basically, a supercharger is great for the street, while a turbocharger is ideal for the track).
* High Performance Radiators – A high performance engine produces more power, and, thus, more heat. A high performance radiator will be needed to keep it cool. These radiators are designed to deal with much higher temperatures and pressure ranges than OEM radiators are. These will help keep your performance engine safe from overheating and running smoothly no matter where you run your car.

These are just a few of the modifications that you can make to a car engine in order to maximize power and performance. With the right tools and a little help, you can ramp up engine performance to incredible heights.

How to Properly Repair Car Paint Chips

2008-10-08T10:42:00.002+05:30

How to Properly Repair Paint Chips

The repair of a scratch and a chip are the same. A scratch is merely a chip on uni-directional steroids. The only problem with a scratch is that it takes more time to be able to blend in the new paint.

Items you need:

Touchup or color matched paint
Compatible primer - I like Wurth Rustop primer
Organic cleaner - P21S Total Auto Wash or Wurth Citrus Degreaser
Solvent - Rubbing Alcohol or Prepsol or Enamel Reducer
3M Imperial Hand Glaze
Sanding Block 2000 grit
Car wash
600 grit wet/dry sandpaper
Round undyed wooden toothpicks
Large lightweight cardboard boxes (large shoe box or bigger)
Several 100% cotton towels
New Pencils with unused erasers
Rubber glue
Several heavy clean plastic cups
Roll of quality paint masking tape

Paint chip repair is a learned skill and should be practiced on an area of the car that is not that visible. The hood and nose are two areas that should be tackled last. Test all cleaners or solvents on the paint prior to usage. Try using the seam underneath the rocker panels. Apply a little cleaner or solvent to a cloth and rub the seam. If you do not get any color on the rag, then the cleaner/solvent should be safe for the paint. If you do get color on the rag, then you may wish to consider another solvent.

CHIP REPAIR STEPS:

1. At least 24 hours before you want to start, use the rubber glue to attach small 600 grit sandpaper circles (the diameter of the eraser) onto several new pencils. The eraser must be unused and flat on top.
2. Step #1: Wash the car with a quality car wash and dry thoroughly.
3. Paint chips come in two flavors. The worst case has exposed the bare metal, while the less severe has left the original primer intact. Clean the area thoroughly with the P21S or Wurth Citrus degreaser. If there is rust on the exposed metal, clean off with the pencil eraser. Use a toothpick to gently probe the area and make sure that the edges of the chip are secure and not waiting to fall off and destroy your work. This is an optional step! If you do not feel comfortable with sanding or your paint is one of the new clear-coated finishes, you should jump to step number 5. Take a new pencil/sandpaper tool, dip into clean water and put a few drops of water on the chip area. *SLIGHTLY* rough up the chip and a small portion of the surrounding paint. Lightly turning the pencil will rough up an area the diameter of the eraser and this should be more than enough. Keep the roughed up area as small as possible, the object is to give the new paint approximately 1 mm of old paint to "grab" around the perimeter of the chip and not dig scratches.
4. Move onto the next chip and repeat the above. Depending upon the amount of time available, you may wish to tackle 10-20 chips at one time. Try to stay within the area that may be covered by your box(es).
5. When finished sanding all your chips you are tackling at this time apply a small amount of Alcohol or Prepsol or Enamel Reducer to a rag and wipe each chip and surrounding area to remove any sanding dust and grease/oils. Use additional solvent and new area of the rag for each chip. Allow to dry (these are highly volatile and will evaporate quickly with no residue).
6. If the original primer is intact, and "pencil sanding" does not disturb the primer, then skip the next step and go directly to painting (# 9)
7. Make sure that the chip and surrounding area is clean. If not, reclean with the Prepsol, Alcohol or Enamel Reducer. Pour or spray a small amount of primer into a clean plastic cup. Dip the point of a wooden toothpick into the primer to get a thin coating on the first 1-2 mm of the toothpick. If there is a blob on the end, gently scrape it back into the cup. Place the tip of the toothpick against the center of the chip and allow capillary action to literally flow a *THIN* coat of the primer into the depression of the chip. Move onto the next prepared chip. If you have finished priming all your prepared chips before two hours are up, cover with a box, taped down with masking tape and go have a beer. The key is to allow the first coat of primer to dry at least two hours. Dispose of your cup and start with a fresh cup and toothpick. Apply another thin coat of primer to each repair that needs primer. Priming is completed when no metal is visible and the level of the primer is *BELOW* the level of the surrounding paint. This is important! Cover and allow to dry for two hours or until dry.
8. Apply a small amount of Alcohol or Prepsol or Enamel Reducer to a rag and wipe the chip and surrounding area to remove any sanding dust and grease/oils. Allow to dry. Repeat for all the chips that are on today's list of victims.
9. If you are using a touchup, shake the bottle thoroughly. If you are using color-matched paint, mix thoroughly and pour a small amount into a clean plastic cup.
10. Dip the point of a new toothpick into the paint to get a thin coating on the first 1-2 mm of the toothpick. If there is a blob on the end, gently scrape it back into the bottle. Place the tip of the toothpick against the center of the chip and allow capillary action to literally flow the paint into the depression of the chip. Repeat for each chip. The key is not to use too much paint. Do not redip the toothpick. Use only the amount that will flow from one dip. Temptation to add more paint with each application will be almost overwhelming. Fight it!
11. Cover with your paint box and allow to dry 2 hours and repeat 8-12 times till the depression is filled with paint and bulges slightly upward and covers the roughed up area with a thin coating of paint. The first 2-3 coats may not completely hide the primer. This is fine because you have many more coats to go. Fight that urge!
12. The paint application is completed when the new paint bulges slightly upward (a fraction of a millimeter) and had covered the roughed up area with a thin coat of new paint. Allow the paint to dry for at least a week.
13. The touchup paint has been applied to the surface and allowed to dry for at least 1 week, and resembles a minute mound on the flat plane of the existing paint. The object is to remove the mound and make the surface of the paint one continuous flat plane. The Finesse Block offers the ability to gently remove only the high spot of the repair. Unlike sandpaper or polish on a rag, the five usable sides of the block are flat and act like a "wood plane" to remove only the elevated areas of the repair. The 2000 grit will not leave scratches.
14. Soak the Finesse Block in clean water for 24 hours prior to use. Put a small drop of car wash on the chip repair. This acts as a lubricant for the sanding block. Then gently "plane" the high spot on the paint. I prefer to "plane" in one direction (usually back to front - drawing the block towards me). If the block dries out, re-wet and continue use. When the new and existing paints are blended (smoothed to the flat plane) to your satisfaction, clean the area using a quality car wash and lots of water and then use a quality glaze to restore the high gloss finish. I prefer 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. Don't use a machine on your car, as it deserves to be caressed by hand. Use a machine on your Yugo or SO.
15. When applying either a glaze or a wax, apply to your soft cotton cloth or applicator pad (don't squirt the stuff on the car) and work in one direction only. Don't go around in circles like dear old dad. Circles are many times the cause of "swirl marks." A front-to-back, back-to-front motion (the way the air flows over the car) will help minimize swirl marks or at least make them less visible. Buff out with a soft cotton cloth. If it looks good, wax with a quality hard wax and you are done.
16. Tip for applying wax. If you are using a quality Carnauba based wax, try applying it with your fingers instead of a pad or cloth. Hold your fingers together and use your fingertips as an applicator pad. The tactile feedback from your fingers will tell you when the wax has been worked into the paint. If grit should lodge under your fingers, you will know immediately and not grind it into the paint. A pad will not allow this tactile feedback and these devil grits become sandpaper. A circular motion of the pad will make a 360-degree swirl mark. All marks on paint are most visible at a 90 degree viewing angle. Thus the front to back marks are most visible from the sides, whereas a circle stands out from any viewing angle.

Save Fuel and Save Money

2008-10-08T10:41:00.000+05:30

Save Fuel and Save Money

The best time to think about fuel efficiency is before you buy a car. Generaly, smaller cars will use less gas. And since insurance and taxes are also more of a bother in large cars, it may be wise to buy a little car if you care about the money. Also, among the larger cars, some are better than others. All you have to do is relate to the miles per galon figure that comes with it. Sports cars, by the way, are the best way to make more fuel burn away, and automatic transmission is also a good way of wasting a lot of it.

But those seem too obvious. The interesting thing is how to make a given car which you already have in your garage, go further on every single litre. As a rule, you can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 25% simply by changing your driving style, provided that your car has a manual gearbox.

Here's what you do: Try to change the gears (up) without the engine going to high RPM - certainly not over 2.5k RPM (2500 rounds per minute). I know a lot of people extend first,second and sometimes even third gear more than that because they want to accumulate speed. This may get you to the next traffic light before the car on the other lane, but there's a price to be paid - paid with a currency called petrol.

As long as you change the gears early you're pretty much maximizing the fuel efficiency of your motorcar. One last tip: Stay away from traffic and don't crawl (using the cluctch) too much. In other words, driving in the city is wasteful where fuel is concerned.

How To Save fuel--18 Tips for Saving Money on fuel

2008-10-08T10:30:00.001+05:30

How To Save fuel--18 Tips for Saving Money on fuel

Fuel prices are on the rise. Here are some tips to help you conserve fuel and save money as we approach summer fuel prices.

1. Keep your car tuned up. Cars in poor running condition use more fuel

2. Plan trips well to avoid unnecessary driving.

3. When you run your air conditioner you get much worse fuel mileage. Use your air conditioner sparingly. If you have a lower setting, use it. Turn it on until the car gets cool, then turn it off and let the fan circulate the cool air. Never run your air conditioner with your windows open!

4. Keep your windows closed when traveling at high speeds. Open windows cause additional drag and lower your fuel mileage. At high speeds, an open window can use more fuel than many air conditioners (especially if they are on a low setting).

5. Check your tire pressure. Over-inflated tires can actually reduce your fuel efficiency, so don't overfill.

6. If at all possible, change your work start time to avoid gridlock. Stop and go traffic hurts your fuel mileage.

7. Take unneeded items out of the car. You don't need to carry snow chains around with you in the summertime. Just make sure to put them back in when winter comes around.

8. Try not to idle your engine for long periods of time. If you are stuck in traffic and you don't think you are going to go anywhere in the next five minutes, you may want to turn your car off.

9. You no longer need to warm your car up for long periods of time, especially new cars. New cars are made to run when cold.

10. Don't travel at fast speeds in low gears unless you need the compression to slow down.

11. Try to drive the speed limit.

12. Try to accelerate slowly when leaving the stop light. It's not a competition with the driver in the lane next to you. The fastest person through the intersection just gets to spend more on fuel.

13. No need to buy the highest priced fuel
Most cars are built to run on regular unleaded. Check you owners manual or consult a mechanic.

14. Revving the engine needlessly wastes fuel. There is no need to rev before you turn your vehicle off.

15. If at all possible, try to arrange car pools with co-workers to share the cost of commuting to work.

16. Walk, bike or run to your intended location whenever possible.

17. When the price is sky high, don't fill up. Wait for the price to go down before you fill up your tank. Filling up your tank when the price is peaking lets fuel companies know that you are willing to pay ridiculous prices for fuel

18. And last, the biggest and most important step towards saving money on fuel is always try to purchase vehicles that get good fuel mileage.

parking management

2008-10-08T10:24:00.001+05:30

Aaron, that building does exist, but it's not a parking lot. It's the delivery centre of the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg. They put it up a few years ago as a centre-piece of a theme park about cars, the idea is that future car owners come there to collect their cars personally, in a quasi-religious ceremony

Simple and effective modifications

2008-04-03T15:51:00.014+05:30

Once upon a time, motorcycle manufacturers produced just one type of bike: the Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM). Each proud new owner started with what was effectively a generic bike, then set it up with the special parts that defined what type of riding that person preferred. If you wanted a sportbike, you bolted on some low bars and rearset footpegs and voila, you had a sportbike. Then the '80s happened, and superbike racing drove the manufacturers to begin specializing their production bikes. Thus was born the production superbike and the arrival of the amazing GSX-Rs and CBRs that we fawn over today. While a modern sportbike is often awe-inspiring in stock form, a few simple modifications can make these already supremely competent motorcycles even better. The tips and tweaks presented on the following pages range in price from free to thousands of dollars, but each one will provide a notice-able difference in performance and will take you one step closer to sportbike nirvana
Exhaust & CarburetionNot too many years ago, one of the quickest ways to increase the performance of your motorcycle was to pull off the heavy and restrictive stock exhaust system and replace it with a lighter, higher-flowing aftermarket one. Well, there's no free lunch, and the after-market units were significantly louder than stock--negating, through the ill will of the general public, some of their impressive perfor-mance gains

Two things have happened in recent years, though. First, the OE systems have become significantly lighter and capable of flowing almost as much volume as aftermarket systems. Because of the improvement in stock systems, you can no longer count on instan-taneous double-digit percentage of power increase after mounting an aftermarket exhaust. Similarly, replacement exhaust manufacturers have become more socially conscious in their approach to making less noise with their systems while still offering improvements in power delivery

Exhaust Systems Aftermarket exhaust modifications fall into two categories: full systems and slip-ons. The full systems replace the entire stock system. High-end exhausts with titanium headers still offer fair weight savings compared to the stock ones. Some headers have various tapers and crossovers to enhance low- and midrange torque while still improving top-end power. In fact, some systems offer minimal gains in peak power, choosing to instead shape the power curve for more midrange and a broader horsepower peak

However, one possible disadvantage of aftermarket systems is that they require the removal of the servo-controlled valves that some OE exhausts use for better low-end power. Although installation of a full system is a relatively easy modification, many riders choose to mount slip-on systems. These range from simply bolting a canister to the stock S-bend of the header or replac-ing the exhaust from a mid-point back.
Since the system becomes a hybrid of OE and aftermarket components, the power gains are mini-mized. Still, if your bike has a heavy muffler, shaving those few pounds can be the same as adding some horsepower. Also, slip-ons don't require the removal of exhaust control valves such as Yamaha's EXUP system

Installing this Two Brothers Racing slip-on doesn't even require the removal of the fairing lower

After installing a new system, wipe it down completely to keep exhaust heat from burning fingerprints and smudges into the pipe's surfaces

Jet KitsAll riders, not just racers, benefit from having a properly carbureted bike. While an aftermarket pipe may make your bike more powerful, making sure the carbs are properly jetted will result in more power and improved power delivery--whether you have a hot pipe bolted on or not. For example, getting optimum power and smoothness out of an inline-four may require different needle or jet settings for the center carburetors and the outer ones. Often, once the needles and jets are set correctly for all the carbs, a bike wakes up, producing more horsepower in the midrange, revving quicker and sounding significantly smoother.
Even on bikes with stock exhausts, the midrange can be overly lean, making acceleration in the range streetbikes spend most of their time feel soggy. Simply raising the needles a bit will solve this problem. So, don't think you only need a jet kit for piped bikes. If you have any problems with your bike's carburetion, consult the aftermarket. A fix is probably available

Fuel Injection RemappingWhen sportbikes began to arrive in showrooms with factory fuel injection, changing a bike's mixture was significantly more difficult than with carburetors.
Now that the aftermarket has had a few years to develop some solutions, you can buy systems with alternative injection maps for both stock and modified bikes. For example, systems like Dynojet's Power Commander and Yoshimura's EMS come preprogrammed with fuel delivery curves for your bike. Both fuel injection modules will also allow you how to alter these curves in the low-, middle-, and high-rpm ranges through the use of buttons on the units.

Installing a Power Commander is as simple as plugging in a couple of cables and mounting the control box in the tail section

The real power, however, lies in computer software that allows for control over fuel flow in increments as small as 500 rpm. This is the ultimate tinkerer's tool! Also, many shops that offer dyno tuning also have computers that can upload maps specific to your bike's characteristics after dyno testing.
These magic boxes don't just offer EFI tuning, though. The Yoshimura EMS connects to an accessory hub that can allow the rider to switch between three fuel curves while riding or install a shift light or ignition-related accessories. Similarly, the Power Commander features an expansion port for other modules that are being developed

BrakesFrom all the attention focused on motorcycle engines, you'd think that gasoline fuels the most powerful system on a bike. You'd be wrong, though. Another liquid--hydraulic fluid--carries that honor. Brakes can scrub off speed faster than an engine can increase it. Consequently, maintaining your bike's brake system is para-mount to extracting maximum performance from it.
Upgrades to some components can give you more than just better stopping cap-ability and/or better feel from the binders. Aftermarket discs are often lighter than stockers and can therefore help acceleration and steering

Brake PadsYes, you could run your brake pads to the absolute limits of their service, but performance often decreases before you run up against the prescribed wear limits. So ignore the wear marks--plan on replacing your pads when a minimum of 2 mm of the pad material remains.
When choosing new brake pads, you're faced with an array of options. If you don't have the time or desire to research what pads will give you the best stopping power in the conditions you ride in, simply buy the OE replacement items. Bike manufacturers spend a lot of time developing pad compounds for their sporting machinery, and you can't go wrong with these pads
You want pads that deliver consistent stopping power throughout the range of speeds you're traveling--not a lightswitch-like transition from little grip to maximum grip. Consequently, race compounds may not be ideal for street purposes. Talk to the manufacturer first, as some race pads need to build up heat to work properly.
Most pad manufacturers do a good job of describing the type of riding different compounds are designed for. Just be honest about the type of riding you do when deciding. If you're buying aftermarket pads and your bike's original pads were sintered (which would in-clude all current models), you should only use sintered compounds on your discs

Braided Stainless Steel Lines Although you can't see OE brake lines expand when you squeeze the lever like you could in the Bad Old Days, fitting a set of braided stainless steel brake lines to your sportbike can have a dramatic effect on your bike's stopping power. The initial onset of braking will be much quicker since stainless lines don't expand at all. Because the lines are sheathed in metal (usually with a protective plastic outer coating), you don't have to worry about stainless lines cracking from age and exposure to the sun. Also, the Teflon interior line is less prone to becoming brittle than rubber lines. Oh yeah, and they look cool, too.
Most of the major line manufacturers, like Goodridge, have pre-measured kits available for almost every sportbike manufactured in the last 10 years. You shouldn't have any problem finding stainless lines for your ride. However, if you've modified your bike by raising or lowering the bars or extending the swingarm, you'll probably want to have a custom-length kit ordered specially for you. Some manufacturers offer build-'em-yourself kits where you cut the lines and attach the fittings at home.

Aftermarket Discs While brake pad technology has advanced to the point where compounds providing quick stops don't necessarily mean you wear your discs out that much faster, you may find a time when you want to replace your discs. The good news is that aftermarket discs are usually lighter and grippier than OE pieces.
What you get for your money is pretty impressive. Almost all front discs are now floating models, meaning the swept area of the disc is loosely mounted on a carrier. This space between the pieces allows the disc to expand without warping in high-temperature situations. Also, since the swept area and the carrier now have un-related jobs, their construction can vary more widely. For example, high-carbon stainless steel is fairly common for the abrasive surface. Cast iron has also been used here.
You won't find carbon-fiber swept areas on street bikes since they require heat to work properly. Recently, wave-patterned discs have entered the fray. Aside from the obvious lessening of unsprung weight, the manufacturers say that the wave shape lets a disc expand without deforming under heavy use. Laser-cutting of the disc is now a common practice, ensuring a smooth surface on the swept area. The carrier can vary from mundane (and heavy) steel to aluminum or even featherweight carbon fiber

Wheels & Tires What can be said about tires? They're black and round and keep the wheels from touching the ground, right? Actually, they are your only link to the asphalt when you're riding your sportbike. Motorcycle and tire manufacturers spend more time studying how tires interact with the road than any of us can imagine.
The amazing increase in sporting machinery's capabilities owes as much to tire advances as it does to suspension and engine improvement. When it comes to wheels, lighter is always better, but wheels also play an important role in how your bike steers--even how stable it is in a straight line.
Choosing The Right TireIf bikes have refined their focus, tires have become laser beams directed at very specific activities. Race tires and street tires both benefit from these advances. Race tires are designed to give maxi-mum grip for an extremely limited time. To make things even more specific, they are formulated to work at temperatures only achieved at track speeds. Below those temperatures, they can be downright scary.
The tire companies are even tuning their street tires for different levels of sport riding. If you're the kind of rider who commutes, travels and runs the twisties on the weekend, you'll be fine with the OE tires for your bike. Suppose you're the type of rider that only canyon scratches or attends track days. Well, the premium-model sport tires are what you'll want to run. According to Jeff Johnson from Metzeler/Pirelli, Pirelli's Diablo tires were designed for riders who spend about 30 percent of their time on the track and 70 percent on the street. The Diablo Corsa has someone who spends 70 percent of the time at the track and 30 percent on the street as its intended user. Rubber compounds have gotten that specific.
The best places to find information about who the manufacturers directed a particular tire toward are the manufacturers themselves. They know that, if they're designing tires for specific riders, they need to let those riders know what the differences are.
Instead of worrying about which tire is stickier, you should concentrate on things like the tire profile. Are you the kind of rider who likes to slam your bike on its side and rail through corners at maximum lean? A more triangular profile, with its quicker steering and larger contact patch at full lean, will be more suited to you. If you're a rider who trail brakes into turns, hanging at the outside, waiting to see where the pavement goes before committing to your final line, you should look at rounder profiles that have a larger contact patch for braking while upright and allow for easier adjust-ment of lines mid-corner.
Similarly, you should look into what riders and tire manufacturers recommend for the type of riding conditions you're likely to face. If most of your favorite roads are pretty bumpy, you'll be looking for a tire with a softer carcass to allow the tread to flex over the bumps. If rain is a regular occurrence in your region, pay special attention to a tire's silica content for wet pavement grip. Also, while the big, blocky tread of some hyper-sport tires look sexy, you can end up doing the two-wheel two-step with them in the wet. Some tires have a reputation for taking a long time to warm up in cooler temperatures, so consider the season when you buy new rubber.
Finally, only use tires that are designed to fit on your particular rims. Putting bigger tires on your rim may not give you the bigger contact patch you desire. Since the carcass will be squeezed smaller to fit, the carefully designed profile will be erased.
Aftermarket WheelsIn its most basic sense, installing a set of aftermarket wheels is no more difficult than remounting the stock rims after a tire change or brake disc swap--except for the extra money and massive street cred. Seriously, though, mounting up a set of forged magnesium wheels gets you more than a big credit card bill. Adding lighter wheels can, arguably, deliver the most bang for the buck of any motorcycle modification.
Even though the OEs have wised up and started producing some exceptionally light wheels, any reduction in unsprung weight (weight not supported by the suspension) makes it easier for your suspenders to help the tires track across pavement irregularities. Even saving a couple of pounds here is a big deal. Replace wheels on a bike more than a couple of years old, and you can could save as much as 10 pounds.
Next, consider the weight of the wheel at its rim. As Kevin Cameron says in Sportbike Performance Handbook, "A pound saved in a wheel rim...is worth 2 pounds anywhere else on the machine. A wheel has to be accelerated twice; once in a straight line, and also in the second sense of rotating around its own center." Since wheels rotate, generating gyroscopic forces, a lighter wheel will turn quicker and accept steering inputs more readily. Riders who like flicking their bikes into turns will love the effect lighter wheels have on steering.

Suspension Today, the average street rider has suspension technology and adjustments that were only available to the factory racers a mere five years ago. This is a mixed blessing.
Proper suspension setup is key for fast, safe riding, but approach suspension tuning in a willy nilly fashion, and you'll have an ill-handling beast in no time flat. If you follow an orderly path, you'll not only improve your bike's handling but also become a more perceptive rider in the process. The beauty of these mods is that they are completely free
Setting SagProper sag is important because a suspension unit needs a certain amount of room within its travel to work properly. If you have too little sag, your bike will be prone to topping out the suspension as it extends to its limit. Similarly, too little sag could allow you to exper-ience the unpleasant jolt of bottoming out. Your bike's sag is broken into two categories: "static sag," the distance your bike compresses its suspension from fully extended when you climb on board; and "free sag," the distance your bike settles from full extension under its own weight.
In order to measure static sag, you'll need two assistants. A metric tape measure will also make the calculations easier than an SAE one. Before you mount the bike, measure the suspension completely topped out. To measure the fork's static sag, lift on the grips until the front wheel begins to come off the ground. On traditional forks, measure from the stanchion wiper to the bottom of the triple clamp. Measure from the wiper to the top of the axle clamp on inverted forks. Mark this number "L1."

Now, have one of your assistants hold the bike from the rear while you get in position on the bike. Your other assistant should push down on the fork and let it slowly rise up until it stops. The new measure-ment will be called "L2." The front end should now be lifted and allowed to settle slowly down until it stops, forming measurement "L3." Exactly in the middle of measurements L2 and L3 is the point the fork would want to live in a frictionless system.
Armed with this information, you can determine the static sag by subtracting the average measurement calculated above from L1. To write it out as an equation, it would look like this: static sag = L1 - (L2 + L3) / 2. For street riding, suspension gurus generally agree that between 30 and 35 mm (1.2-1.5 inches) is optimum sag. If you're track-bound, a stiffer 25 to 30 mm (1.0-1.2 inches) is preferred. If you have too much sag, you'll need to increase the fork's preload. Conversely, if you have too little, back off on the preload a bit.
Once you have the front suspension dialed in, repeat the process with the rear suspension. The key to getting accurate measurements out back is to pick a solid point on the frame or bodywork directly above the axle. If you don't measure straight up from the axle, you may get inaccurate numbers

Setting Damping Begin by setting your bike's damping adjusters to the factory specified positions (listed in your owner's manual). They probably won't stay there, but the settings should get you in the general area. Damping adjusters measure their settings in one of two ways: clicks or turns. If your bike uses clicks, turn the adjuster all the way in (clockwise) and unscrew the adjuster the correct number of clicks. For turns, do the same thing but count the turns instead of clicks.
To test your fork's rebound damping, stand your bike straight up. Press firmly down on the center of the triple clamp (not the handle-bar). Don't hold the brake. The suspension should rebound back to its starting point and not beyond. If it bounces back beyond the ori-ginal position, then you need to add some rebound damping by screwing the rebound adjuster on top of the fork inward. Generally, make adjustments in single clicks or half-turns. If the fork rises back directly to its original position, press on the triple clamp and time how long it takes to rise back. You want the rebound to take about a second. Adjust the rebound damp-ing until you feel the timing is right. Follow the same procedure in the rear, pressing on the center of the seat. The shock's rebound adjuster is usually on the bottom of the shock body. Although you can test your suspension settings anywhere, the best way to get an accurate measurement of changes is to repeatedly ride the same section of road. Dial in the front and rear suspension separately. To get a feel for what direction you need to go with your compression damping, ride your test road with the compression set to the factory specs to form a base line. Next, go a couple of clicks firmer. Did the handling improve or get worse? Now try a couple clicks softer than stock. Which of the three settings do you prefer? Keep experiment-ing. Take notes. When you're satisfied with the front suspension, continue the process with the rear.

The challenge of setting up your suspension is that some symptoms can be caused by completely opposite problems. For example, if the front of your bike has a vague mushy feeling, you could be suffering from either a lack of compression damping or rebound damping. Looking for other symptoms will help you determine which setting to alter.

When you're happy with how your bike's suspenders perform, try one last test to make sure that you have balanced settings. Support the bike without any stands and press firmly on the tank. The front and rear suspension should compress and rebound in u

ison. If either end compresses or rebounds differently from the other, try altering the settings slightly to get the chassis movement in synch

Super bikes Superb models

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custom made bike

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2001 Yamaha R1/7

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What looks strictly like a high-performance racer actually has some beauty marks on it. After stripping down the frame, subframe and $5000 Harris quick-change swingarm, they were sent out for a powdercoat job that left them with a 20 percent gloss-black finish-much better than the raw aluminum look. Then it was wrapped in QB Carbon and Sebimoto carbon-fiber bodywork that was treated to a smart paint job by Exotic Bodies with race decals from Fast Signs.
The stock aluminum gas tank didn't match too well with the upgraded bodywork though, so Rick fixed that with a carbon-fiber twin-fill endurance tank. We did a quick cash tally and determined that the body and paint alone cost more dough than most people's daily riders-think in the neighborhood of $9000!
Its inspiration comes from a bike that had a short lifespan but a big influence on the racing world-Yamaha's R7. The race bike enjoyed short-lived success on the world racing stage, but has been revered by many as one of the most beautiful race homologation specials ever built.
Logic can sometimes backfire and take an ironic twist, and in this R1's case it seems to have done just that.
In the end, the build cost nearly twice that of a $30,000 R7 (if you can even find one), but from what we can tell his hybrid would leave the original R7 begging for mercy on the street
Introduced in 1999, the R7 was one of the most exclusive and expensive race homologation bikes ever produced. The initial run of only 500 units meant that even if you could afford the $32,000 price tag you weren't likely to get your hands on one after the proper race teams snatched them up. The model was discontinued in 2002 after limited success in the World Superbike Championship, but is still highly appreciated.

Tata Nano - The little car that might change the world

2008-04-03T15:25:00.001+05:30

The ultra-secret people's car for India - the Tata Nano - is here. How will this car change the way India, and the developing countries drive?

It will help India's huge two wheeler popular upgrade to a four-wheeler
Very affordable - priced a bit higher 2 125cc motorcycles in India
If popular, will clog roads in the cities
Establish a huge volume market that cannot be ignored by any large car manufacturer
40 patents by Tata Motors during development

The Nano is disruptive tech - make no mistake.
The world's car manufacturers have expressed all shades of opinion in the run-up to the Tata Nano. Suzuki has said that it is impossible, VW said it is not what they want to do. DaimlerChrysler said they think it is an important market Tata is trying to tap.
There was no way Tata could design a car the conventional way. So went at it on a clean slate. And seems to have pulled it off. The rear engined car will have a small boot for luggage storage in the front. In the process of developing the Nano, Tata Motors has added 40 patents to its kitty.
This car, if it becomes a hit, will make every auto company change the way it works and look at the volume market. Not only in India, but in entire Asia and every third world country. Offering mobility for the masses is big business. The VW Beetle did that, and so did Henry Ford

Aprilia Tuono 1000R

2008-04-03T15:22:00.001+05:30

Aprilia knows how to get our attention. Even before we saw the new Tuono 1000R, we read their assertion, "Here is the machine for the... rider who seeks maximum naked performance." We are talking bikes here, right?Well, not just any bike. Aprilia is as serious about street ability as it it is about track prowess. And the previous Tuono packed more than adequate punch with great handling. For 2006, it seems the only thing left alone is the name on the tank. Words like "new," "improved" and "better" are used and reused to describe the differences from '05. Most importantly, the new motor is fed air through a dynamic intake (claimed to be the only naked sports bike featuring this), while fuel is squirted through a new electronic injection system. Down 'round the crank, this translates to 133 horsepower (up from 125), with 75-foot pounds of torque peaking at 8750 rpm

Sumo Grande

2008-04-03T15:12:00.002+05:30

We Indians love to go on outstation journeys in MUVs, and not buses. Certainly, the railway network stands as a formidable challenger, but it doesn't enjoy the kind of flexibility that the MUV offers. And the one vehicle that changed the face of MUVs for good was the Sumo.Back in 1994, the Sumo created ripples in the auto market. This was at a time when the other option was the Mahindra Commander and the Armada was new to the market. The Sumo offered a more comfortable ride for ten, with decent ride, more modern looks and an engine that made the vehicle move. It immediately caught everyone's fancy, including my neighbour's, who bought not one, but two. And such moves helped the company register the fastest sales to 1,00,000 vehicles, beating the great Maruti 800 by a month! Things have changed a lot since 1994. The Mahindra Bolero. Followed by the Toyota Qualis. Then the Mahindra Scorpio. The Chevrolet Tavera. And the one to turn the screws further was the Toyota Innova. Not that Tata Motors ignored the Sumo, but subsequent generations of facelifts and engine upgrades couldn't hide the fact that the basic structure of the Sumo dated back to 1994. Now, after more than Rs 300 crore down the alley, Tata Motors have brought out what is effectively their true second generation Sumo – the Grande. It's immediately eye-catching, and what it has managed to do is separate itself from the Sumo Victa and Spacio's people mover image to become a more personal car. And for once, the changes are more than just skin deep. Beginning with the new large headlamps that look very much off the Xenon pickup. The new grille is less boxy, more pentagonal and therefore has a smiling face. The side panels have been cleaned up so all creases, rubber strips, stickering and plastic cladding have been replaced with clean sheet metal. The wheel arches bulge out, but it's metal and not plastic here. The bonnet also appears visibly higher, a kind of indestructible feeling that most owners will appreciate. The biggest change though is the longer wheelbase, by nearly 150 mm, which means that the stance is better and there is more interior room. The edges have been softened and nowhere is it more visible than the rear where the roof curves into the D-pillar. The horizontal stack of lights replace the vertical set and have a large chrome strip running across the bare sheet of metal on the door. Like the Victa, the Grande too hides the wheel under the rear door, so you get to enjoy a car that looks more like a concept than an actual production vehicle. On the inside, the Grande utilises some bits from the Victa, such as some of the dashboard parts, but most of it is all-new. Fit and finish are better than the Victa but nowhere close to the Innova. The seats have been thoughtfully designed with good support for your back and thighs while maintaining good legroom space. Even the last row has space for short adults for short journeys. Most will enjoy the fact that there are AC louvers for all three rows and that the six-speaker Alpine system is more than up to the job. Under the floor lies a strengthened chassis and underpinnings. Most of it is still the original Sumo, yet the changes have altered some, if not the entire character of the vehicle. The suspension has been prepared for a more pliant ride while the brakes have been pinched off the Tata Safari 2.2. The engine itself is a lift-off from the Safari 2.2 VTT Dicor. Unlike the Safari, this engine makes 118 bhp@4000 rpm instead of 138 bhp and about 25.5 kgm of peak torque instead of 32 kgm. The torque is also available over a wide rpm band making it quite driveable at slow city speeds and highway cruising speeds. The engine still retains all the bits from the Safari 2.2, so you still get the variable geometry turbocharger, the aluminium alloy head, double overhead camshafts and of course, the Dicor common rail injection unit.Start the engine and there is still an audible diesel clatter to the car. The NVH levels aren't of a very high order, with most of the noise filtering through the firewall. The steering doesn't give much feedback, though it is well weighted and feels nice to grip. The engine also feels quite tractable and driveability is very good across the rev range without much turbo lag. Acceleration numbers reveal a near 19 second time to 100 kph. Top speed just about ticks above 140 kph, but the story is nearly finished by about 130 clicks. What the car does have is decent mid-range and overtaking capability, a big jump over the Victa. On the road the car feels more stable, thanks largely to the extended wheelbase. It feels less top heavy and the pitching and diving have considerably reduced too. Around corners, the Grande has more grip due to the larger 16-inch wheels from the Safari 2.2 as well as newer suspension componentry. The steering though lacks feedback and grip has a threshold, beyond which the car tends to wash aside. This could be due to the fact that the basic chassis structure still finds its roots in the original Sumo, so some compromise has been made. Low speed ride is quite comfortable too but bumps tend to unsettle passengers in the rear quite easily, thanks to the leaf spring setup. However, what will unsettle the competition most is the price tag. The Sumo Grande is available for as low as Rs 6.7 lakh, going up to Rs 7.6 lakh for the car on test here, the GX variant. It offers a lot of space with good looks, a powerful yet frugal engine and a decently engineered piece of kit for not much money. One might liken it to a poor man's Innova and it fits that bill very well. Just another reason for people to buy MUVs and not take the bus for their next long trip

Porsche Boxster

2008-04-03T15:09:00.002+05:30

Porsche was established by Ferdinand Porsche. In 1900, at the Paris Expo, Ferdinand Porsche devised Lohner-Porsche Electric Car. In 1928, Ferdinand Porsche developed the legendary Mercedes SS and SSK supercharged sports car. In 1931, Ferdinand Porsche founded the Porsche Engineering Office in Stuttgart.

Porsche Boxster is a 2-seater roadster with amazing speed. It comes in two variants - Porsche Boxster and Porsche Boxster S. Porsche Boxster has 2.7-liters, 6 cylinders engine that develops a power of 240 bhp @ 6400 rpm. Porsche Boxster S is equipped with 3.2-liters, 6 cylinders engine that generates an output of 280 bhp @ 6200 rpm

Technical Specifications
Engine
Number of cylinders 6

Displacement 2,687 cm³ 2,687 cm³
Engine layout/ Drive
Mid-engined
Mid-engined
Max. Power (DIN)
176 kW (240 bhp)
176 kW (240 bhp)
Max. torque
270 Nm
270 Nm
at rpm
4,700 - 6,000
4,700 - 6,000
Compression ratio
11.0:1
11.0:1
Manual
Tiptronic S
Performance
Top speed
256 km/h
250 km/h
Acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h (0 - 62 mph)
6.2 seconds
7.1 seconds
Acceleration from 0 - 160 km/h
14.5 seconds
16.4 seconds
Flexibility 80 - 120 km/h (55- 75 mph) in 5th gear
6.9 seconds
7.7 seconds
Manual
Tiptronic S
Transmission
Six-speed manual gearbox
5-speed
Tiptronic S
Yes
Yes
Manual
Tiptronic S
Body
Length
4,329 mm
4,329 mm
Width
1,801 mm
1,801 mm
Height (with roof transport system)
1,295 mm
1,295 mm
Wheelbase
2,415 mm
2,415 mm
Drag coefficient (Cd)
0.29
0.30
Unladen weight (DIN)
1,295 kg
1,355 kg
Unladen weight (EC directive)
1,370 kg
1,430 kg
Permissible gross weight
1,610 kg
1,655 kg
Manual
Tiptronic S
Capacities
Tank capacity/ reserve
64 litres
64 litres
Manual
Tiptronic S
Fuel consumption
Urban l/ 100 km (mpg)
13.9 (20.3)
15.2 (18.6)
Extra urban l/ 100 km (mpg)
6.9 (40.9)
7.8 (36.2)

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

2008-04-03T15:05:00.001+05:30

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is a luxury car with a variety of high-end features. Gallardo Spyder is equipped with 10 cylinder 4961 cc engine that delivers maximum power of 382kw @ 8000 rpm and maximum torque of 510 Nm @ 4250 rpm. The car can attain a top speed of 314 km/h.Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder has structural aluminium space frame based on extruded aluminium parts welded to cast aluminium joint elements. It has aluminium double-wishbone front and rear suspension system. Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is equipped with a host of safety features such as Full ESP system with ABS, ASR, ABD, anti-roll bar, anti-dive, and anti-squat.

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Technical Specifications

Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Technical Specifications
Engine
Type 10 cylinders V 90°, DOHC 4 valves, 18° crankpin offset
Displacement 4961cc
Bore and Stroke 82.5mm x 92.8mm
Intake System Variable Geometry
Valve Gear
Chain driven, intake and exhaust valve continuously variable valve timing, electronically controlled
Compression Ratio 11:01
Maximum Power 382 kW at 8000 rpm
Drivetrain
Type of Transmission
Permanent 4-wheel drive with viscous traction system.
Gearbox 6 speed + reverse
Clutch Double plate 215mm
Performance
Top speed 314 km/h
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2560mm
Overall length 4300mm
Overall width 1900mm
Overall height 1184mm
Track 1622mm – 1592mm
Weight 1570 kg
Capacities
Fuel Tank 80 litres
Engine oil 10 litres
Engine coolant 20 litres

Bentley Continental Flying Spur

2008-04-03T15:00:00.002+05:30

Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a high performance coupe with an amalgam of exquisite design, peerless craftsmanship, and unforgettable driving dynamics. Continental Flying Spur is powered by 6-litre, 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine. The 12 cylinder engine is configured in four banks of 3 cylinders in a W formation, which result is a shorter and much more compact unit, thereby allowing for more interior space.Bentley Continental Flying Spur has impeccable craftsmanship. Traditional features like the bulls-eye air vents and the organ stop controls are exquisitely framed by brilliant wood veneers on the fascia, upper door trim, and the front and rear consoles. Premium grade leather hide is employed in used for all soft surfaces. Bentley Continental Flying Spur is equipped with a range of safety features such as six airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and retraction systems for all seats, front passenger seat occupant detection system, self-adjusting air springs and electronic dampers, and largest front brakes to be found on any passenger car in the world

Bentley Continental Flying Spur Technical Specifications
ENGINE
Engine Capacity 5998cc
Bore / Stroke 84mm / 90.2mm
Max. Power 552bhp / 560PS / 411kW* @ 6100rpm
Max.Torque 650Nm, 479 lb-ft @ 1600rpm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Emission Level EU 4 / LEV 2
Fuel 98 (95) RON
DRIVELINE AND TRANSMISSION
Continuous all-wheel drive
6-speed automatic transmission
CHASSIS
Continuous, electronic variable damping control and self-levelling, air suspension with manual driver adjustment facility for ride height and damper settings
PERFORMANCE
Max. Speed 195mph / 312km/h
Acceleration
0 - 60mph 4.9 seconds
Acceleration 0 - 100km/h 5.2 seconds
* Power ratings are based on 98 RON fuel
FUEL CONSUMPTION
EU DRIVE CYCLE
Urban 10.7mpg 26.4 litres/100km
Extra-Urban 22.2mpg 12.7 litres/100km
Combined 16.0mpg 17.7 litres/100km
WEIGHTS AND VOLUMES
Kerbweight
2475kg 5456 Ib
Gross Vehicle Weight
2940kg
6482 Ib
Boot Volume
475L
0.47m³ (16.7 cu. ft)
Fuel tank capacity 90L
19.8 Gallons / 23.8 US Gallons
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 5307mm 208.94 in
Width across body 1916mm 75.43 in
Width across mirrors 2118mm 83.39 in
Height 1479mm 58.23 in
Wheel Base 3065mm 120.67 in
Turning Circle (kerb to kerb) 11800mm 464.57 in
Front Leg-room 1054mm 41.50 in
Rear Leg-room 980mm 38.58 in

Honda's FXC Concept

2007-07-03T21:38:00.000+05:30

Five words tell you everything about the FXC Concept, Honda's bid to produce the car of the future based on fuel cell technology.
"This is not a fairytale," the car's creator, Yozo Kami, says. It looked like a dream machine when it was rolled into the spotlight at the Tokyo motor show last year but since then Honda has been flat-out transforming that dream into a reality.
It is now planning to have a fleet of FCX Concept cars on the road in the US and Japan in 2008. Honda is one of several car makers who can see that using hydrogen as a fuel, and building cars which generate their own power to run electric motors, is emerging as the best long-term solution.
Unlike the BMW Hydrogen7 we revealed in CARSguide last week, Honda is using fuel cell technology. The BMW has a monofuel combustion engine that runs on hydrogen and petrol. But while there is still no hydrogen supply network and generating the gas is costly without a carbon-neutral program, Honda is working on systems that use solar power or tap into a household gas connection for refuelling.
It has run its original FCX fuel cell program for more than five years and put 35 cars on the road in the US, but has much bigger plans for the FCX Concept, which was previewed in California last week.
It will build and lease a fleet of cars from 2008 and there is every chance that 100 cars will be involved. No one is talking about the cost or terms of the lease, but Honda will copy GM's work with its EV-1 electric car and eventually plans to dissect or crash all the cars at the end of the real-world laboratory trial. Honda has plenty of experience with electric and fuel-cell cars, after starting plug-in work in the 1980s, but the FCX Concept is a big leap forward.
It is similar in size to today's Accord Euro and is a four-passenger sedan with a top speed of 160km/h and a range of 330 kilometres. It has hydrogen fuel tanks in the tail, the car's fuel-cell stack - which generates power when it combines hydrogen with oxygen from the air -- is set down the central spine, and there is a single-speed gearbox and cooling system in the nose.
It all looks very normal, but also quite futuristic with a sleek shape and a giant windscreen over a short nose.

Honda had a pair of FCX Concept cars in California and both had leather trim, airconditioning, a sound system and anti-skid brakes. The production cars will grow airbags and more and Honda says they will pass all current and future certification trials, including crash tests. It is a big project for Honda. "This fuel-cell technology has a very high potential to become the alternative technology to replace the traditional piston engine," says Kami, Honda executive chief engineer.
Kami's team has developed a car very similar to today's family sedan, apart from a single-speed front-wheel drive transmission - only one gear is needed because an electric motor has huge torque and also spins to 12,000 revs - and a single dial in the dash that gives speed, hydrogen use and range.
There are still plenty of problems to overcome, from hydrogen supplies to the cost of the exotic materials used in the fuel cell stack.
Kami is not forecasting a wholesale switch to fuel-cell transportation, but believes it will run in parallel with plug-in electric cars for cities and some petrol-powered machines for long-distance work and performance driving.
Honda provided the proof on the FCX Concept when it rolled a pair of cars onto the track at Laguna Seca in northern California last week. We have driven a number of concept cars over more than a decade and most drive like mobile science experiments. In other words, they are usually slow and flimsy and often very poorly finished.
Some are so fragile they are limited to just 40km/h, but Honda was keen to seen the FCX Concepts running at 140km/h and more over a short test track, which also included the parts of the Laguna road race course and some of its access roads.
The cars looked real, felt real and drove surprisingly like a regular production car.
The boot is small, but that is down to the hydrogen fuel tanks, which also limit a driver's rear vision. The view over the short nose is very 21st-century and the dash is also futuristic, with the big central dial and a single lever to choose between park, forward and reverse. When you hit the start button there is some whirring and gurgling as the fuel cell goes to work, but otherwise the car
is silent. Move away and there is only a distant hiss from the tyres.
It is much more reminiscent of a jet aircraft than a car, right down to the smooth and seamless surge of power. But floor the accelerator and the FCX Concept sounds like a hyper Hoover. It whines and screams as it pushes - with a speedo marked in miles per hour - to 40mph, 60, 80 and beyond.
Honda does not give a 0-100km/h sprint time but it should be in the respectable 10-second range and the top speed claim of 160km/h is realistic. Even better, the FCX Concept rides and handles like a real car.
It's capable of squealing the tyres in a tight turn. The powertrain is nice, but the car is rough and ready and the suspension would embarrass the worst Korean carmaker.
Nevertheless, as the sun set over Laguna Seca we could see the dawn of a new day. The fuel-cell car is coming and the future is looking surprisingly bright. The FCX Concept is a car we'd be happy to drive today. And Honda promises it will be even better in 2008.

Ferrari’s 2007 formula one car

2007-07-03T21:29:00.000+05:30

Ferrari’s 2007 formula one car
Felipe Massa and Kimi raikkonen’s F1 car -tech Spec
Carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structureFerrari longitudinal gearbox, Limited-slipdifferential, Semiautomatic sequential electronically, controlled gearbox - quick shift
Number of gears: 7 +ReverseBrakes: Ventilated carbon-fibre discSuspension: Independent, push-rod activated,torsion springs front and rearLength: 4545 mmWidth: 1796 mmHeight: 959 mmWheelbase: 3135 mmFront track: 1470 mmRear track: 1405 mmWeight with water, lubricant and driver: 600 kgWheels (front and rear): 13″
Engine
Type: 056

Number of cylinders: 8

Cylinder block in cast aluminium: V 90°

Number of valves: 32 Pneumatic distribution

Total displacement: 2398 cm3

Piston bore: 98 mm

Weight: 95 kg

Electronics: Magneti Marelli

Fuel: Shell V-Power ULG 62

Lubricant: Shell SL-0977

What’s New in 2007 Formula One?

2007-07-03T21:28:00.000+05:30

What’s New in 2007 Formula One?
Drivers:
You will not find Schumi in 2007 Ferrari as he retired, will not find Kimi Raikkonen in silver and black dress as he moved to Ferrari but you will find the world champion in silver and black dress as Alonso moved from Renault to Mclaren. Another interesting moved from Williams to Red Bull. Four New drivers Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen, Robert Kubica and Nico Rosberg are making their F1 debut.
Teams and Engines:
FIA to cut the cost made by the teams has stipulated engines must reamin unchanged till 2010. In a bid to improve efficiency and to stop the endless quest for more revs as a way of finding extra power, the 2.4-litre V8s will no longer be permitted to develop more than 19,000rpm.And while the drivers have to use the same engine for two race weekends, that does not apply to Friday practice - so any failure then would not result in a 10-place grid penalty as it did last year.Red Bull has switched from Ferrari to Renault engines whereas Spyker who used Toyota last year have switched to Ferrari. Toro Rosso and Williams who used Cosworth last year has now moved to Ferrari V8 engines and Toyota engines respectively.
Tyres:
The biggest technical change has stemmed from the withdrawal of tyre supplier Michelin, winner of the last two world titles. That means Bridgestone is the only supplier. For your reference after the controversial last year US grand prix Michelin has decide to exit the sport.
Race weekend and Safety:
There is the prospect of much more on-track action for spectators at the tracks following a couple of tweaks to the rules. Following an agreement to limit testing between races, the two Friday practice sessions have been extended from 60 minutes to 90, and teams will be allowed to do unlimited mileage. They will be encouraged to take a full part in these sessions by the already discussed rule that means drivers will not be punished for engine failures in Friday practice.
The safety-car rules have also been changed. When it is deployed, drivers will no longer be allowed to dive into the pit lane for a quick fuel-and-tyre stop until they are all lined up behind the safety car and the message “pit lane is open” is deployed on the timing monitors. Any driver doing so will be hit with a 10-second time penalty - although there are likely to be cases when teams judge the advantage to be won from an early pit stop will outweigh the penalty. A second change will allow lapped cars that are positioned between the leaders to overtake the safety car and rejoin the queue after gaining back their lost lap.

Things to know about Formula one!

2007-07-03T21:25:00.000+05:30

Things to know about Formula one!
India and the Formula one:
India has long been on the Formula one’s radar, with Hyderabad considered as a potential race venue but as the Chandrababu Naidu chief backer of the project was voted out in the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections India’s Formula one dream remains the dream till 2007.
India’s history with formula one has been great, India’s first Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan made his debut in 2005 with Jordan (now midland), he is now the test driver for william. In 2004, TCS provide IT and engineering services for the development of the Ferrari‘s Formula 1 racing car. But as India clocks more than 9% GDP I believe things will change in future. India could host a grand prix in Delhi as early as 2009, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said on January this year. India’s Kingfisher Airlines owned by Vijay Mallya, inked a multi-year partnership deal with Toyota Motorsport to be an official partner of the Toyota F1 Racing team in January 2007 “The government of Delhi I think really wants Formula One in India and I am optimistic that maybe we will be able to host our first race in 2009″ Mallya said.
Overview:
Formula One, abbreviated to F1, and also known as Grand Prix racing, is the first class of auto racing. The F1 world championship season consists of a series of races, known as Grand Prix. A Formula One race takes place over an entire weekend, with two free practice sessions on friday, a practice session and a qualifying session on Saturday, and the race on Sunday. The qualifying session takes place to determine the running order at the beginning of the race. A driver or car that sets the fastest time qualifies at the front of the grid and is said to be on pole position. For the year 2007 only 11 teams have entered for the formula One world championship, each entering two cars for a total of 22 cars, while the regulations place a minimum limit of 20 cars and maximum limit of 24 entries for the championship. Unlike the motoGP, F1 gives room for strategy throughout the race, drivers will make one or more pit stops in order to refuel and change tyres and driver’s one false decision may cost him the race.
Circuit and Scoring:
The circuit parameters are the pole position, length, longest straight, left turns, right turns and its width. Races are usually 305 kilometres long (apart from the Monaco Grand Prix, which is 78 laps / 260.5 km), though occasionally some races are truncated due to special circumstances. The top eight drivers and their respective teams of a grand prix get points in this pattern 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis (the race winner receives ten points, the first runner-up eight, and so on) The results of each race are combined to determine two annual World Championships, one for drivers and one for constructors.
Cars:
FIA is the governing body which regulates the formula one race. Though manufacturers can make cars of any power FIA emphasizes the safety and has made many precautions to avert accident for these high speed cars. A wide variety of technologies – including active suspension, ground effect aerodynamics and turbochargers – are banned under the current regulations. F1 cars are said to be the most technically advanced one prevailing in the world. Manufacturers have been pumping millions of dollars for this race. Although teams rarely disclose information about their budgets, it is estimated that they range from US$66 million to US$400 million each.Prominent Drivers and their Cars:
Michael Schumacher - Ferrari: Popularly known as ‘Schumi’ is the all time favourite of F1 race. He is the most successful ever in history of formula one. Michael Schumacher and Ferrari have won five consecutive drivers championships and six consecutive constructors’ championships between 1999 and 2004. Schumacher set many new records, including those for Grand Prix wins (91), wins in a season (13 of 18), and most drivers’ championships (7). Once it was happened due to the dominanceof Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, Formula One Viewing figures dropped creating an embarrassment for the sport; such was the dominance of the schumi.
Feranando Alonso – Mclaren Mercedes: The one who gave tough fight to the king of F1 – schumi. 2005 and 2006 world champion Alonso moved from Renault to Mclaren for the 2007 season. Mclaren unveiled its new car MP4-22 on January 15. Alonso said that the MP4-22 is the nicest car he has ever had. Alonso will defend the title with this new car and he partners a newbie Lewis Hamilton.
Massa – Raikkonen – Ferrari: Massa joined Ferrari last year and partnered schumi. With three pole positions and two race wins in first year and finishing third in overall drivers’ championship Massa has become the nominee for the 2007 championship. Massa’s new partner Kimi Raikkonen moved to Ferrari from Mclaren. But unlike Massa last season was not good for Kimi, he finished fifth and failed to secure a single win in the season. But with the new Ferrari he might bounce back in2007.
Toyota’s Ralf Schumacher, Renault’s Fisichella, Red Bull’s Mark webber, Honda’s Jenson Button and Barrichello might look for championship in the post Schumacher era.
Alonso’s partner Lewis Hamilton, Fisichella’s partner Kovalainen,William’s Nico Rosberg and BMW’s Robert Kubica are the four newcomers who have the potential to become superstars.

Formula one’s Indian Driver!
Narain Karthikeyan is the India’s first Formula One driver. He made his debut in 2005 with the Jordan team. He is currently a WilliamsF1 test driver. He achieved his first points in the 2005 United States Grand Prix under uncertain circumstances as all but three teams pulled out due to an argument over tyre safety. Karthikeyan finished 4th besides the controversial USGP, Karthikeyan’s highest finish was 11th place. In an unlucky end to his 2005 season, Karthikeyan crashed his Jordan into a wall at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. Because the Jordan team was taken over and renamed Midland for the 2006 season, the management change prompted some doubt over Karthikeyan’s future at the team. Near the end of 2005, Karthikeyan announced he would not be driving for Midland the following year due to their demand of USD11.7 million to secure his seat on the team. For the 2005 season he secured 5points lagging behind his 2005 team partner by 2 points. He was ranked 18th for the overall 2005 season out of 24 drivers. Williams confirmed Narain as their fourth driver in 2006. He has been retained as a test driver for Williams in 2007 also. Karthikeyan’s main sponsors are the Tata Group, India’s second largest business conglomerate, and state-run refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp.
2006 clashes…
At Indianapolis US grand Prix only three out of ten teams raced when their Michelin tyres were deemed unsafe for use and the sport created controversy throughout the year. 2006 season was highlighted by the rivalry between Alonso and Schumacher, who each won seven races. The championship was decided in the last race. At last Alonso won title again edging out schumi by 13 points. Alonso and Renault retained the title. Seven times World Champion Schumacher retired at the end of 2006, after 16 years in Formula One. Alonso’s honeymoon with Renault ended in 2006 as he moved to Mclaren – Mercedes for the 2007 season.

2007 F1 race calendar
DATE GRAND PRIX
18-Mar AUSTRALIA
8-Apr MALAYSIA
15-Apr BAHRAIN
13-May SPAIN
27-May MONACO
10-Jun CANADA
17-Jun UNITED STATES
1-Jul FRANCE
8-Jul GREAT BRITAIN
22-Jul GERMANY
5-Aug HUNGARY
26-Aug TURKEY
9-Sep ITALY
16-Sep BELGIUM
30-Sep JAPAN
7-Oct CHINA
21-Oct BRAZIL

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300

2007-07-03T21:21:00.000+05:30

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300
Suzuki’s Hayabusa was the fastest motorcycle (Claimed top speed of about 321KPH for 1999 models) before the 2001 detuning agreement. From the 2000 and 2001 models top speed of the Hayabusa is restricted by the engine management system. Suzuki’s Hayabusa is now challenged by BMW K1200S, Kawasaki ZX-12R and Kawasaki ZX-14R but Kawasaki or Honda or Ducati or BMW cannot claim their bikes as the fastest production motorcycle in the world because the Hayabusa will retain that title until the detuning agreement has been lifted - if ever. Suzuki has rolled out 2007 variant of Hayabusa named GSX 1300RZK7. The 2006 model of Hayubusa is popularly known as GSX 1300RK6. Hayabusa’s may be costly but know that you may not be able to afford a Buggati Veyron 16.4 - the world’s fastest production car which is around Rs 8crore, but for a price of around Rs 10 lakh or the price of two Maruti Swift, you can have the world’s fastest production bike – for your garage. Here’s the technical specification of limited edition of Hayabusa 2006 model.

Engine: 1299cc, 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled,

DOHC, 16-valve,

TSCCBore Stroke: 81.0 x 63.0mm

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Fuel System: Keihin/Denso Fuel Injection

Lubrication: Wet sumpIgnition:

Digital/TransistorizedTransmission: 6-speed,

constant meshFinal Drive: #530 chain

Overall Length: 2140mm (84.3 in.)

Overall Width: 740mm (29.1 in.)Overall Height: 1155mm (45.5 in.)

Seat Height: 805mm (31.7 in.)

Ground Clearance: 120mm (4.7 in.)

Wheelbase: 1485mm (58.5 in.)

Dry Weight: 217kg (478 lbs.) 218kg (480 lbs.)

CA. modelSuspension

Front: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable spring preload, 14-way adjustable rebound damping and 13-way adjustable compression damping

Suspension Rear: Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, 22-way adjustable compression & rebound dampingBrakes

Front: Dual hydraulic discBrakes

Rear: Single hydraulic disc

Tires Front: 120/70-ZR-17

Tires Rear: 190/50-ZR-17

Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 liter (5.5 gal.) 19.0 liter (5.0 gal.)

CA. modelColor: White/Silver

Yamaha YZF R6

2007-07-03T21:19:00.000+05:30

Yamaha YZF R6
Yamaha YZF R6, Suzuki GSX R600, Kawasaki Ninja ZX - 6R, Honda CBR 600RR, Suzuki GSX - R600 and Triumph Daytona 675 are popular sportsbikes competing for supersport world championship. These are dream machines bikes for every sportsmen. The road legal versions of these sports bikes have wafer thin differences from their race siblings and continues to be a dream bike for every bike enthusiast. Here’s the specification of Yamaha YZF R6 race bike, we can only understand the petal disc design(featured in TVS apache RTR 160) . Still titanium valves, deltabox chassis etc a long list to know and feel.
Yamaha’s popular sportsbike YZF R6
Engine
Engine type Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, forward inclined, parallel 4-cylinder, 16-valves, D0HC
Displacement 599 cc
Bore x stroke 67.0 x 42.5 mm
Compression ratio 12.8:1
Maximum power With direct air induction: 97.8 kW (133 PS) @ 14,500 rpm / Without direct air induction: 93.4 kW (127 PS) @ 14,500 rpm
Maximum torque With direct air induction: 68.0 Nm (6.93 kg-m) @ 12,000 rpm / Without direct air induction: 66.0 Nm (6.73 kg-m) @ 12,000 rpm
Lubrication system Wet sump
Carbutator Fuel injection
Clutch type Wet multiple-disc coil spring
Ignition system TCI
Starter system Electric
Transmission system Constant mesh, 6-speed
Final transmission: Chain
Fuel tank capacity 17.5 litres
Oil tank capacity 3.4 litres

Chassis
Chassis Aluminium die-cast Deltabox
Front suspension system Telescopic fork
Front travel 120 mm
Rear suspension system Swingarm (link suspension)
Rear travel 120 mm
Front brake Dual discs, Ø 310 mm
Rear brake Single disc, Ø 220 mm
Front tyre 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear tyre 180/55 ZR17M/C (73W)

Dimensions
Length (mm) 2,040 mm
Width (mm) 700 mm
Height (mm) 1,100 mm
Seat height (mm) 850 mm
Wheel base (mm) 1,380 mm
Minimum ground clearance (mm) 130 mm
Dry weight (kg) 162 kg (with single seat 161 kg)

Yamaha YZR-M1

2007-07-03T21:14:00.000+05:30

Yamaha YZR-M1

Here’s the Technical specification of 5 time motoGP champion Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha meant for the 2007 racing season
Engine
Engine type:Liquid-cooled, in-line, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke with 16-valve DOHC

Displacement:800cc

Ignition:Magneti Marelli with adjustable mapping - NGK spark plugs
:Fuel injection
Lubrication system:Wet sump - Motul Oils
Data recording:2D
Maximum power: Around 200hp
Maximum speed: In excess of 320 km/h
Transmission
Type:6-speed cassette-type gearbox, with alternative gear ratios available
Primary drive:Gear
Clutch:Dry multi-plate slipper clutch
Final drive:Chain
Chassis and running gear
Frame type: Twin-tube aluminium frame, multi-adjustable steering geometry, wheelbase, ride height, with aluminium swingarm
Front suspension:Fully-adjustable Öhlins inverted telescopic forks
Rear suspension:Braced aluminium swingarm with single Öhlins shock and rising-rate linkage
Front/rear wheels:16.5 inch front, 16.5 inch rear, available in a variety of rim widths
Front/rear tyres:Michelin, 16.5 inch front, 16.5 inch rear, available as slick, intermediate, wet and hand-cut tyres
Front brake:Twin 320mm carbon discs with radial mounted four-piston Brembo calipers
Rear Brake:Single 220mm ventilated stainless steel disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper
Weight:148kg, in accordance with FIM regulations
Fuel capacity:21 litres, in accordance with FIM regulations

The Logan From Mahindra-Renault

2007-07-03T21:12:00.000+05:30

The Logan is Here!
Overview:
Logan is one of the cars which have created much anticipation in Indian automotive industry. Logan is one of the cheapest car ever produced by an european manufacturer but when comes to India Renault is able to save 15% of the estimated cost. Mahindra has helped Renault not only to cut down the cost but also to launch ahead of Maruti Suzuki SX4. Mahindra Renault has launched Logan in India with three engine options and both the partners have great expectations for the Logan. In India already the mid segment market is dominated by Hyundai verna, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai accent, Honda city, Tata indigo, Maruti baleno and entry level sedan Ford Ikon and Maruti Esteem. Will the Logan give its peers a jitter? Let’s see…
Engine and Fuel efficiency:Indian petrol Logan is fitted 1.4L, 75hp and 1.6L, 84.5hp engine whereas the diesel is powered by 1.5L, 65hp CRDi (Common Rail Direct Injection). Instead of 105bhp 1.6L engine Renault has choosen less powered 84.5bhp, 1.6L petrol engine for India also the Indian diesel variant is de-powered by 5hp than its European counterparts but still torquier than most of its indian peers. But petrol logan is less powered and less torquier when compared to Fiesta, City, Accent, verna and Indigo. Mahindra earlier created an entry level SUV segment with its bolero and I believe it intends to follow the same with petrol Logan. Mahindra’s petrol Logan in sub mid segment category will take on match Ford Ikon and premium hatchbacks like Getz and Swift. At the same time its diesel Logan will take on true mid segment cars. Company officials claim that the Indian version of Logan is a fuel-efficient vehicle. The company claims it will return an average of 16 to 19 km per litre in Common Rail Diesel engine and 10-13 km per litre with petrol engine.
Design and Dimensions:Already the European logan is the most spacious sedan of its class, the indian logan is wider by 7mm than its European version. Really Mahindra Renault Logan is the wide-body car if you want a spacious car then you can blindly choose Logan, no other car in its class can match its spacious nature. But Logan will struck with Indian roads because of its 155mm ground clearance. I don’t know why if luxury makers like BMW is raising ground clearance and tweaking suspension for its Indian variants, then why a low cost maker like Mahindra – Renault brings the same vehicle to the deterring Indian roads.
Engineering and Pricing:
Logan comes in 1.4L GL/GLE, 1.6L GLS and DLE/DLS 1.5 diesel variant. GL is the base variant while GLS/DLS is the premium variant. Features such as rear defogger, power windows, glove box light, trunk room light and rear head restraints are found only in premium variant. Logan’s much praised air conditioning will face a tough battle with Indian summer. LCD display Instrument cluster features gauges which is seen in all cars, a computer which calculates average consumption, average speed and distance to empty is only for premium drivers.
Safety and Security:
For this money logan offers airbag for driver apart from the honeycomb dashboard which protects you in case of front impact and cross member at the rear which protects you in case of rear impact. Every manufacturer should follow this kind of safety feature and must protect Indians as Europeans. Remote door locking and central locking are only for premium buyers. Remote fuel lid opener is standard in all variants but there is no remote boot control even for premium customers.
Colours:
The Logan will be available in six colours, namely Toreador Red, Fiery Black, Sahara Beige, Mist Silver, Turf Green and Diamond White (as opposed to our prediction).
Pricing:
The price of the 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre petrol versions of Logan will start from Rs 428,000 (ex-Mumbai), while the 1.5 litre diesel versions will be available in the range of Rs 547,000 and Rs 644,000 (ex-Mumbai). The ex-Delhi price of the Logan will start at Rs 435,000 to Rs 576,000 for the two petrol variants and Rs 554,000 and Rs 651,000 for the two diesel variants. Logan is very reasonably priced and is sure to give trouble to other manufacturers. At present other manufacturers denied announcing any price discounts but expecting this in near future.
Verdict:
Yes, the true champ is here! The 1.4L petrol Logan may lure customers of Ford Ikon and 1.5L CRDi diesel variant will give Ford’s, Honda and Tata a Jitter. Regarding the 1.6L petrol logan Mahindra –Renault may target Fiat Palio stile 1.6L sport hatchback, but to match other mid size cars like Honda city it has to revamp Logan to get a decent response. It is true that Mahindra – Renault has brought India a great car but I believe they have made it in a hurry – the poor ground clearance may spoil its ambitious plans. Also it is evident from www.mahindrarenault.com

Chevrolet’s Optra Magnum diesel.....a more serious Chevrolet..

2007-07-03T21:11:00.000+05:30

Chevrolet’s Optra Magnum diesel
a more serious Chevrolet..
General Motors may have lost the top spot to Toyota in North America but in India it is growing exponentially and it is far better than its international peers. When Honda and Toyota is drawing plans for India, already Chevrolet has become a serious player in India. While Chevrolet’s Spark and Aveo – UVA is to take on Maruti and Hyundai, Chevrolet’s upcoming products - the ‘captiva’ SUV will take on Honda CR-V and the ‘epica’ sedan will take on the Honda accord and Toyota Camry.. Now General Motors has decided to grip its stands in all segments. General Motors has launched the diesel optra to strengthen its grip in the D segment. The optra magnum is offered in three variants i.e. max, LS and LT variant (LT is the higher variant).
Engine and Powertrain:
Long awaited diesel mill finally finds a place in the optra’s hood. The 2.0L, 16V TCDi engine (Turbo Charged Common Rail Direct Injection) which pumps out 120.5PS at 3000rpm and maximum torque of 314Nm at 2125rpm. Both these figures are greater than its competitors Skoda Octavia and Hyundai Elantra. General Motor claims the optra magnum can reach a maximum speed of 190kph and Chevrolet’s dealer claim optra magnum will deliver 14kpl. The engine struggles little bit in the bottom end, noisy in the top end but the mid range could be the optra magnum’s biggest USP. 5 speed manual transmission is only offered for the new Chevrolet’s optra magnum. Unlike the petrol optra, the gears are sharp and the gear shift is smooth.
Design and Engineering:
What’s new?
SR-V like front end for the new optra magnum
New optra magnum features large front grille and wraparound headlamps also the huge bumpers incorporates the airdam and fog lamps
Other changes in the new optra diesel includes new doors and mirror mounted indicators
new three-tone dashboard looks along with light colours and faux wood makes the optra magnum far more upmarket
Ride is more comfortable in the optra magnum than the petrol optra as the suspension is fine tuned for the optra magnum.
Reduced ground clearance and increased length when compared to petrol optra
For the new Optra Magnum though the GM has retained the width and the height, length is increased by 25mm. The diesel optra’s ground clearance is 165mm compared to its petrol sibling which has 173mm. Optra Magnum features Disc brake on all wheels and for the higher end variant of Magnum GM offers alloy wheels. Suspension for the optra magnum is through Mcpherson strut with anti roll bar and twin tube gas filled shock absorber in both front and the rear. With the fine tuned suspension the diesel optra magnum scores over the skoda Octavia in ride but in handling Octavia still leads Hyundai Elantra and the new optra magnum. GM calls the safety system for the new optra magnum as X-PRO system. ABS and Dual airbags are only for the optra magnum higher end LT variant. Impact proof bumpers and rear integrated fog lamps are additional safety features.
Verdict:
The optra petrol version despite being priced lower than the competition by over half-a-lakh was left behind, mainly due to GM’s reputation of poor after sales service. Much worse is the case for the spark. Though the segment leader is also worse in after sales service (both Chevrolet and Skoda ranked 8th and 9th in JD power Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI)). GM has to learn lessons from Fiat – even the excellent products can fail if the service is bad and it is difficult to change the image once it gets the bad reputation. The real test for General Motors India is in not bringing good products but lies in developing good service network. Over a period Skoda has built a strong image as a diesel maker among Indian customers. To make strides in this segment, GM has to break this mould and optra magnum is certainly a good beginning to break the mould.
The ex-showroom Bangalore price of the optra magnum will vary between Rs 8.77 lakh and 9.02 lakh. Optra Magnum is thus cheaper and a more attractive offer. Optra Magnum is available in seven attractive colours – icy blue, intense black, Casablanca white, sparkling diamond, blazing red, cashmere and platinum metallic.
General Motors India ambitious plan:
General Motors plans to launch another small car in India soon. GM which is eyeing 10% market share by 2009 has already slot in the India’s top 5 car sellers with mass segments cars like aveo-UVA and Chevrolet spark. GM aims to become a top 3 player in India. General Motors 2nd small car will be produced in its India’s second plant at Talegaon which will be commissioned by the middle of 2008. Chevrolet 2nd small car is expected by the end of 2008. Chevrolet will also launch petrol versions of the Magnum with 1.6 and 1.8 litre power trains would follow next year, while the much expected captiva SUV would be launched by the end of the 2007.

Toyota Vios and Fiat Linea

2007-07-03T21:08:00.000+05:30

Toyota Vios and Fiat Linea
Two hot sedans for India:
The big majors are eyeing mid size segment though rolling out small cars is their core aim. Maruti has rolled out its SX4 sedan and Mahindra – Renault has rolled out Logan to grab their share in this segment. Soon this segment will welcome two new sedans – from Fiat and Toyota. Both Toyota and Fiat are hoping niche market share in Indian automotive industry by 2010 and this will be their first foray into voluminous sedan segment (2nd fastest growing). Toyota has exhibited its 3rd generation ‘Vios’ in recently held Bangkok motor show and Fiat has launched its ‘Linea’ sedan in Turkey. Let’s see what Vios and Linea has?
Engine and Powertrain:
Toyota’s Vios:
Toyota Vios is almost same as the Toyota’s much popular yaris sedan and Belta. These cars are much popular in Australia and Japan. The 2nd generation Vios is the segment leader in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Toyota Vios is Thai Car of the Year 2003. The Vios will head India via CKD (Completely Knocked Down unit) route.
Toyota Vios is powered by a Toyota’s proven NZ series engine. The 1.5L, 1NZ-FE engine which powers the vios develops 80KW (109hp) and a maximum torque of 142Nm at 4200rpm. The same engine is used for the 2nd generation Vios. The 2nd generation Vios is well known for its frugal and clean nature and will lure Indian customers if it delivers the same in India. The Vios is complained for its underpowered nature and the Vios turbo is available only in Thailand. The turbocharged 1.5 liter engine with an air-to-air intercooler produces 143 PS with light boost. If Toyota brings this vios to India it will surely rock but the chances are less.
Fiat’s Linea
For the turnaround of Renault – Nissan its Carlos Ghoshn, while for the Fiat Its Marchionne’s - the man who mastered the new generation Fiat. Linea is one of the products of new generation Fiat and it’s derived from the Fiat’s much popular hatchback Grande Punto
Two engines are available at present: the 1.4 petrol delivering 77 bhp and the 1.3 Multijet diesel with a power output of 90 bhp. Linea may also be powered by a1.4L Turbo T-jet, petrol engin delivering 120 bhp and a much powerful 1.9L JTD engine (uniJet Turbo Diesel is Fiat Group’s term for its current common rail turbodiesel engine). Fiat may consider other engine options too but an engine from FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) family and Swift’s, Punto’s 1.3L Multijet diesel is for sure. Manual as well automatic gearboxes will be offered.
Styling and Engineering:
Fiat Linea
For making a sedan take a popular hatchback give it a boot and doors that is what clever engineering in modern automotive industry. Fiat follows the same for its Linea but its not just a extended version of popular Punto hatchback.
Fiat Linea clearly has an international vocation; it was designed by the Fiat Style Centre, and its exterior styling is elegant, dynamic and typically ‘Italian’. The aim was to appeal to the public with uncluttered, smooth lines which confirm the new Fiat family feeling (from the Grande Punto to the new Bravo), while they offer a new reading of the stylistic elements of the great Italian motoring tradition in the saloon segment. This extraordinary stylistic heritage has now produced the Fiat Linea, a 4-door saloon that is sleek and elegant, but with generous dimensions that put it at the top of its class: it is 4.56 metres long, 1.73 metres wide, 1.5 metres tall and has a wheelbase of 2.6 metres, as well as a 500 litre luggage compartment.
The same attention went into the styling of the interiors of Linea, where the lines are harmonious and balance well with the exterior, creating a friendly, light-filled environment that provides an amazing amount of room and superior comfort, where ergonomics and space for the driver and passengers are concerned. And it is in terms of the quality, comfort, practicality and enjoyment of the interior that the Fiat Linea aims to make the difference, backed up by the refinement of the materials and by the colour combinations, as well as the attention paid to every detail and to the assembly. Designed for an elegant, refined clientele with plenty of personality, the Linea is agile and enjoyable to drive in all situations.
Toyota Vios
Unlike the Fiat Linea, Toyota Vios is not an eye catcher. Vios derives most of its design cues from its big brother Camry. After the Hyundai verna, this kind of sedans with short overhang is familiar in India. Vios looks bulky from the front with large grille and large headlamps. The hood lines flows through the grille to large front bumper. The body coloured wing mirrors integrates indicator lamps. Curvaceous but not so large tail lamps just touches voluminuous boot.
The 3rd generation Vios which is to be launched has almost identical dimensions (4300mm*1700mm*1460mm) to Honda City. Similar to the corolla, you can expect decent space for rear passengers and not for the Driver and the front passenger from the vios. Accessibility to instruments and storage space are only for those with pixie hands also the Thai auto journals criticized vios for its noisy passenger cabin. Though in JD power initial quality study (IQS) vios finds a position, it is ranked below Honda city. But don’t forget Vios is much powerful and frugal than city.
Similar to the recently launched Chevrolet spark Toyota Vios’s instrument binnacle is set in the centre of the dash. This arrangement not only leaves most of the dash clean and uncluttered, it also allows the instruments and warning lights to be at a distance and an angle that allows the driver to read them with minimal eye movement. But some dislike and prefer a conventional location.
Safety and Special Features:
Fiat Linea:
The Fiat Linea is equipped with a reliable suspension layout which guarantees very easy, precise steering, excellent roadholding and the best possible comfort for passengers: an independent MacPherson system at the front, and semi-independent wheels connected by a torsion axle at the rear. Regarding the safety - Stable, effective braking, good acceleration guaranteed by the engines and predictable handling, get the Fiat Linea out of even the most critical situations. Linea is also very well equipped where passive safety is concerned, a fact borne out by the presence of airbags; it also adopts a number of innovative technical elements that ensure the driver always has total control of the car (active safety): latest generation ABS, complete with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and, optionally, the sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stability Program). ESP is supplemented by the ASR/MSR, a system that prevents front wheel skidding in acceleration and deceleration, enabling the Fiat Linea to move effortlessly on low grip road surfaces. The ESP includes the Hill-Holder, a device that lets you stop and start on uphill roads without having to pull the handbrake.
The range also proposes equipment worthy of a higher segment, such as certain sophisticated climate and infotainment devices that improve the comfort and quality of the time spent on board: from automatic climate control, the Blue&MeTH system with USB port, a radio with CD-player (including MP3 files) and Cruise Control, down to rain, dusk and parking sensors. In other words, there are endless possible combinations which may convert Fiat’s Linea an excellent value for money (if correctly priced) and the best price-content ratio.
Toyota Vios:
The safety features and equipments in Vios are on par with sedans of its class available in India. The rigid (40% High tension steel) and light body vios chassis assures agility and stability. ABS with EBD used to control this 1tonne vehicle. Mc pherson strut is used at the front and torsion beam suspension at the rear. Rear seats are provided with ‘S’ shaped springs to minimize fatigue over long distance traveling. Audio controls are embedded in the steering wheel.
A revolution ahead:
Fiat aims to slot in top 10 car manufacturers by 2010 and Toyota to sustain the No 1 mark both has to tap one of the fastest growing market India and they seems to have ambitious plans for India. Fiat expects to sell 50,000-60,000 units on an annual basis by 2012. The current C-segment in India is around 2,00,000 units, which is expected to double in 5 years and Toyota eyes 10% market share 2010 and 15% market share by 2015. Both Toyota and Fiat has immense potential in manufacturing great cars, all they have to do in India is to launch their popular products here, if they want to be a volume player. Through Linea and Vios – Fiat and Toyota I’m sure that they can reach their target.
Toyota Vios will take on Maruti Suzuki’s SX4, Chevrolet Aveo and segment leader Honda city and vios is expected to hit our shores by the end of this year or early 2008. For the Linea, Fiat has launched the saloon in Turkey in the price range of 15,000 – 21000 liras (Rs 4,61,981 – Rs6,46,774) and if it is priced in India in the same range, Linea will take on SX4, Aveo, Fiesta and City. A wide variety of engines is available for the Fiat India to power Linea hence the possibility of Fiat’s positioning Linea against Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia cannot be ignored; Linea can be positioned between the upper C-segment and the entry D-segment sedans. With Linea’s design cues heavily derived from Audi, it has the potential to match them.

2007 Ferrari 599 GTB

2007-06-24T13:49:00.000+05:30

2007 Ferrari 599 GTB
Year-2007
Make-Ferrari
Model-599 GTB
Engine Location-Front
Drive Type-Rear Wheel
Weight-3482 lbs 1579.4 kg
Introduced At-2006 Geneva Switzerland

Performance
0-60 mph-3.7 seconds.
Top Speed-205 mph 329.8 km/h

Engine
Engine Configuration-V-65-degree
Cylinders-12
Aspiration/Induction-Normal
Displacement-5999.00 cc 366.1 cu in. 6 L.
Valves-48 valves. 4 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain-DOHC
Horsepower-620.00 BHP (456.3 KW) @ 7600.00 RPM
Torque-608.00 NM (448.3 Ft-Lbs) @ 5600.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio-5.6 LB / HP
HP / Liter-103.3 BHP / Liter
Redline-8400
Bore-3.62 in 91.9 mm.
Stroke-2.96 in 75.2 mm.
Compression Ratio-11.2:1
Fuel Type-Gasoline - Petrol

Standard Transmission
Gears-6
Transmission-Manual-F1 Style

Dimensions
Seating Capacity-2
Doors-2
Exterior
Length-183.701 in 4666 mm.
Width-77.201 in 1960.9 mm.
Height-52.601 in 1336.1 mm.
Wheelbase-108.301 in 2750.8 mm.
Front Track-66.501 in 1689.1 mm.
Rear Track-63.701 in 1618 mm.

Brakes
Front Brake Size-13.901 in 353.1 mm.
Rear Brake Size-12.901 in 327.7 mm.

Tires / Wheels
Tires-Front : 245/40R-19

Lamborghini 2007 IMSA Gallardo GTV

2007-06-24T13:42:00.000+05:30

The breathtaking IMSA Gallardo's visual attraction is unmistakable. Thanks to its progressive and intuitive technology, this extraordinary sports car also has fascinating inner values to its name.
Despite its state-of-the-art complexity, the midengine sports car's technology is absolutely suitable for everyday use. For example, the exciting 5.0L V10 featuring more than 600hp and satisfying any desire for superior performance by means of a torque that will send cold shivers down your spine while promising astounding reserves. The performance-increased power train's manufacturing and quality control is processed by high-end machines which are elsewhere applied for Formula 1 purposes only. Thereby, the standard product's precision is further outdone. Any customer may watch the machines' precise and filigree 'dance' online. The 4WD system is laid out in a sporty fashion and will guarantee driving fun even in adverse weather conditions.
Without interfering with the original line, the body-kit conscious of tradition is harmonically absorbed by the body in order to make it complete. The IMSA's design makes sportiness and exclusive appearance follow exactly the same line. The double-spoke rims featuring central locking do unconditionally obey this concept. The precisely adjustable sports chassis will be tuned according to the customer's wishes. Brakes being provided with well thought-out safety reserves guarantee a deceleration with racing car qualities. Almost passionately, the eight and six piston callipers embrace the luxuriously dimensioned discs. The finest materials are to be found in the interior. Fragrant leather, comfy alcantara, high quality aluminium and CFRP come together in a haptic climax. – After comprehensive advisory, tailored to the customer's wishes. – IMSA – Italian temperament and German engineering unified for the highest of qualities.
2007 IMSA Gallardo GTV
Year-2007
Make-Lamborghini
Model-Gallardo GTV
Tuner-IMSA
Engine Location-Mid
Drive Type-4WD

Engine
Engine Configuration-V
Cylinders-10
Aspiration/Induction-Normal
Displacement-5.00 L 305.1 cu in. 5000.6 cc.
Horsepower-611.00 HP (449.7 KW)
HP / Liter-122.2 BHP / Liter
Fuel Type-Gasoline - Petrol

Standard Transmission
Gears-6
Transmission-Manual

Dimensions

Fuel Capacity-23.8 Gal
Seating Capacity-2
Doors-2
Exterior
Length-169.301 in 4300.2 mm.
Width-74.801 in 1899.9 mm.
Height-45.901 in 1165.9 mm.
Wheelbase-100.801 in 2560.3 mm.
Front Track-63.901 in 1623.1 mm.
Rear Track-62.701 in 1592.6 mm.

Steering-Power Steering
Turning Circle-37.701 ft

Brakes
Front Brake Size-365.001 mm 14.4 in.
Rear Brake Size-335.001 mm 13.2 in

Nissan Bevel Concept: Nissan's new-age SUV

2007-06-24T13:40:00.000+05:30

At first blush, the Bevel looks like a next-generation Cube concept. But Nissan describes the Bevel as a "dynamic, multipurpose vehicle" designed for "male empty-nesters actively engaged in hobbies, recreation, and community service." Talk about your market niche.If the Rouge is a smaller, RAV4-fighting Murano, the Bevel looks like a smaller, sub-Xterra, albeit more a crossover than hard-core SUV. Nissan North America in La Jolla, California, designed the Bevel with asymmetric styling (coincidentally, like the Japanese-market Cube), high-utility three-zone interior and glass roof-mounted solar panels and drive-by-wire steering, throttle, and brakes. The Bevel is substantially larger than the Cube (which Nissan/Renault chief Carlos Ghosn promised would be built for left-hand-drive markets in its next iteration and is expected to launch in the U.S. for the 2009 model year). The Bevel's engine compartment is designed for a V-6/electric hybrid drivetrain, Nissan says. To sum up, Nissan has an intriguing design for a potential future product

The Maserati MC 12XX by Edo competition

2007-06-24T12:54:00.000+05:30

The Maserati MC 12XX by Edo Competition features a 6.3-liter V12 engine with 800 bhp, same as the Ferrari FXX.
Modifications:
· power increase 170 bhp – contains new steel cylinder and piston, bored to 6.3 liters (same as Ferrari FXX ), new camshafts, new titan valve springs, new titan connecting rods, new oil cooling piston pipes, new exhaust manifolds, sport catalytic stainless, sport catalytic converter, sport air filter, air-ram system, fuel cooling system, new clutch, all bearings new, new oil pump, new gaskets, and dyno running with all work
· sport catalytic converter stainless with two level switch controlled sound system, new tail pipes in carbon
· volume of the exhaust per button push adjustable
· ceramic sport break system with 396 mm brake disc front and 360 mm brake disc rear, special brake pads in front and rear l/i
· wheels can be painted in different designs
· tire-air-pressure control system shows pressure and temperature per wheel
· headlamp-cover hand made form makrolon
· design modification outside for example complete different color
· independently adjustable dumping technology – rebound and compression dumping like FIA – GT MC12
air-in-take from carbon
· 220 lbs reduced weight
· new racing wheels front 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR19 Michelin, rear 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR20 Michelin
2007 Edo Competition MC12 XX
Year-2007
Make-Maserati
Model-Competition MC12 XX
Tuner-Edo
Engine Location-Mid
Drive Type-Rear Wheel
Weight-2720 lbs 1233.8 kg

Performance-0-60 mph-3.2 seconds.
Top Speed-242 mph 389.4 km/h

Engine
Engine Configuration-V-65-degree
Cylinders-12
Aspiration/Induction-Normal
Displacement-6262.00 cc 382.1 cu in. 6.3 L.
Horsepower-800.00 BHP (588.8 KW) @ 8500.00 RPM
Torque-576.00 Ft-Lbs (781.1 NM) @ 5800.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio-3.4 LB / HP
HP / Liter-127.0 BHP / Liter
Fuel Type-Gasoline - Petrol

Standard Transmission
Gears-6
Transmission-Manual

Dimensions
Doors-2
Exterior

Length-202.501 in 5143.5 mm.
Wheelbase-110.201 in 2799.1 mm.

Suspension
Suspension-110

Steering-Rack and Pinion

Brakes
Front Brake Size-396.001 mm 15.6 in.
Rear Brake Size-360.001 mm 14.2 in.

Tires / Wheels
Tires
Front : 265/35 ZR19 Michelin
Wheels
Front : 10 x 19

2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

2007-06-24T12:47:00.000+05:30

The definitive version of the gorgeous exclusive Alfa 8C Competizione, Gran Turismo car that is to be produced in a limited edition makes its debut in Paris. The car, designed by Alfa Romeo, is directly derived from the concept car that aroused such admiration at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and has benefited from the best technical and industrial know-how that the Alfa-Maserati Sports Centre can offer. The cooperative venture between both manufacturers was conducted with a view to ensuring integration between the Alfa Romeo design departments and the Maserati production departments.
The 8C Competizione is inspired by Alfa Romeo's glorious past, projecting its brand values of technology and emotion into the future. The historical allusions begin with the evocative name, recalling the great sporting tradition of Alfa Romeo. The 8C code was used to identify cars (racing and on-road) of the Thirties and Forties equipped with the revolutionary eight cylinder engine produced by the famous designer Vittorio Jano. The term ‘Competizione' is intended as a homage to the ‘6C 2500 Competizione', a sports coupé driven in 1950 by the duo Fangio and Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race.
The name, ‘8C Competizione' is not an arbitrary invention but a distinctive mark of Alfa Romeo's own sporting history. A veritable legend that has arisen out of the innumerable victories won on circuits throughout the world through the skill of men and their passion for racing, engine research and advanced technology and a reawakened taste for new challenges.
This link with the values of Alfa Romeo's history adds extra poignancy to the term ‘Competizione'; when projected into the future it represents the sense of constant dynamism that distinguishes a brand engaged in a quest for excellence, increased competitiveness and technological innovation. This is the explanation behind the role of the new car, which is not a point of arrival but a point of departure designed to reaffirm Alfa Romeo's unique place in the world: its ability to match a thrilling shape to driving satisfaction.
Styling and aerodynamics: tradition and innovation
The attractive shape created by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre makes this car with its two bucket seats unique in the Gran Turismo scenario. The designers have worked hard to ensure that the aerodynamic and performance demands have not altered the car's original concept. The style maintains an incredibly clean shape, uncluttered by any element interfering with the overall harmony.
The solutions introduced on the Alfa 8C to achieve the highest levels of aerodynamic efficiency are not limited to the shape. Air wraps around the car and follows its natural course, unhindered by corners and unevenness. All the pillar and glass surfaces and profiles together with the door mirror shape and position have been optimised by mathematical modelling and also by wind tunnel tests and tests on actual models. Much attention has been devoted to the creation of a ground effect that has allowed a negative Cz (lift coefficient) to help increase stability at high speed, as on racing cars.
The compact dimensions concentrate the aggression of a car designed to ensure maximum driving efficiency.
The car surfaces are highly sculpted and skilfully moulded. In detail, the body is given extra dynamism by the horizontal furrow cut into the side above the front wheelarch. The big wheels and powerful musculature of the rear wings emphasise the model's personality and strength without detracting from the lines that flow smoothly, almost as though to underscore the formal good looks of the individual exterior details: the drop-shaped headlight embedded, gem-like, in the front wing, the led tail-lights that are a blend of technology and rationalism, the spare door handle. The front end still displays the distinctive Alfa Romeo traits, with a new interpretation of the ‘whiskers' and shield.
The innovative shape heralds the details and proportions of future Alfa Romeo cars but is also redolent with past thrills and historical allusions: the 33 Coupé Stradale, the Giulia TZ and many other great names of motoring history. The Alfa Romeo style centre also developed new colours to emphasise the shape of the 8C Competizione that match the car's sinuous shape while also suggesting modernity and a hint of technology.
8 cylinder 4.7 engine: Italian ‘belcanto'
The engine is the beating heart of any Alfa Romeo. In this case it takes the form of a brand new 90° V 8 cylinder unit with a cylinder capacity of 4691 cc that was designed with one aim in mind: to ensure extraordinary performance while still offering a smooth drive and being usable in all circumstances, from the track to city traffic.
The top engine performance figures may be summarised as a maximum power output of 450 bhp at 7000 rpm, a peak torque of 470 Nm at 4750 rpm and a top speed of 7500 rpm.
The layout of internal fluid movements and the cylinder head cooling system is designed to achieve high duct permeability and effective intake load cooling to maximise volumetric efficiency and engine performance.
Harmonisation of the intake and exhaust geometry together with the introduction of continuous variable valve timing on the intake camshafts and optimisation of the combustion chamber and engine calibration means that 80% of torque is available from 2000 rpm.
In sporty driving conditions over mixed routes, the power unit offers impressively short response times due to the high permeability of the intake duct and the low inertia of the flywheel-twin plate clutch system.
A crankshaft with counterweights at 90°, fully balanced through careful selection of connecting rods and pistons, ensures the engine runs with low vibration levels.
The engine block and base assembly is in aluminium with 5 main bearings to ensure the structure is very rigid with little loss due to friction. The cylinder heads are also in aluminium alloy.
All the ducts (water, oil, secondary air) are cast directly into the engine to produce a system with great rigidity, low dimensions and guarantees of safe installation, i.e. great reliability.
Casting accessory systems into the main engine casting and the use of very rigid, thick-walled components ensures that little noise radiates from the engine and the components are very reliable.
Longitudinal engine packaging has also received particular attention, as evidenced by the introduction of a single chain timing system that guarantees exceptional lifetime dependability.
Special attention has also been devoted to the acoustic definition and tuning of the intake and exhaust in the quest for a sound timbre that enhances the car's character and makes it unmistakable. The result is a full, distinctive sound, emphasised by the permeable intake system and an exhaust system with electronically controlled valves that enhance the car's sound without infringing any type-approval or environmental constraints.
Transmission, robotised gearbox and self-locking differential
The engineers used a layout familiar from other Alfa Romeo cars on the 8C Competizione: the transaxle architecture with gearbox at the rear that is an acknowledged asset of Alfa Romeo cars. This layout allows outstanding dynamic performance while also offering the active safety for which Alfa Romeo cars are fabled.
The engine-gearbox unit is designed in accordance with a transaxle configuration that ensures the weight distribution is very effective for vehicle handling. Due to the small axial engine size and the integration with frame components from the drawing board, the entire power unit can be housed well back to ensure the required sporty configuration.
The 6–speed gearbox with computerised speed selection by means of levers behind the steering wheel is designed to ensure ultra-slick gear shifts and may be used in Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice modes. The self-locking differential allows acceleration and stability to be managed with extraordinary efficiency in all situations.
Suspension, wheels and braking system
In the very best Alfa Romeo tradition, the engineering is directly derived from the race track. The suspension on the new model is no exception, with a double wishbone layout, forged aluminium axle carrier and arms and extra strut for toe-in control.
The braking system offers perforated, ventilated discs with aluminium brake callipers to ensure prompt, effective braking even with heavy use. To ensure the car stays glued to the road, it is fitted with 20' tyres specially developed to ensure outstanding performance: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, fitted on perforated rims in fluid moulded aluminium to ensure lightness and maximum brake ventilation efficiency.
To ensure the car is entertaining and safe in any driving condition, the 8C Competizione comes with the latest Alfa Romeo VDC, an advanced stability and traction control system to ensure the driver feels at one with his car.
Rigid, light structure
A rigid, light structure is the rule when configuring a good high performance car. This is also the guiding principle behind the 8C Competizione. In detail, the compact frame is in steel to achieve the greatest torsional rigidity to ensure an accurate, safe drive at all times while the body is in carbon fibre. This choice was motivated by the need to minimise weights while also optimising the car's centre of gravity for better agility and handling on demanding routes.
Interiors: personality and technology
The car's distinctive look comes from extensive use of composite materials on the facia and interior panels. This is a technical choice but also reinforces the car's spirit and emphasises its personality. The same thinking lies behind the adoption of anatomical seats made out of carbon fibre that can be adjusted and customised on the basis of the driver's physical characteristics (a facility previously reserved for racing cars).
Everything is designed and produced to ensure the greatest user-friendliness for the driver and whoever is lucky enough to share the thrill: relaxed driving position, intuitive instruments that are always visible, robotised gear levers secured to the steering column and easy to reach without removing your hands from the sporty steering wheel.
The carefully-crafted and detailed finish naturally allows the car to be customised to the driver's taste and a choice of different interior environments is available.
The absolute satisfaction of a sporty drive
To see it is to love it: wide tyres, low-slung ride and styling of poised aggression. To die for, in fact. Hear the engine and weep: a full, convincing throaty roar. Now all that remains is to sit behind the wheel, engage first gear and you are off to try out your Alfa 8C Competizione. You are left with one doubt: how will you drive a sports model whose bonnet conceals a 4700 cc eight cylinder engine hat unleashes 450 bhp of power and 470 Nm of torque when you touch the accelerator. The unexpected answer is: with great ease - even more easily, simply and instinctively than your normal car in fact. Provided you allow yourself the time and satisfaction (because this is about pleasure, after all) of getting used to the more direct controls and prompter responses: the sort you could only expect from a true sports car on mixed routes or – even more so – on the track where speed and transverse acceleration are much more controllable.
The new Alfa 8C Competizione is self-avowedly an Alfa in its uncompromising sense of control and driving satisfaction. Driving comfort and dynamic behaviour have always been specific features of Alfa Romeo cars: on this car, they amount to a real strength.
Alfa 8C Competizione: a legendary name for a unique car
Since the very beginning, the Alfa Romeo spirit has been driven by a constant quest for technical perfection, achieving performances that are better and better. This is all about the engine: the beating heart of every Alfa Romeo car. Racetracks throughout the world have provided the perfect backdrops for truly unique technical and technological progress, with Alfa Romeo always occupying the highest position on the winners' podium.
The key to Alfa Romeo's engineering prominence was the 8 cylinder engine developed during the first half of the Twenties by a young engineer named Vittorio Jano. His original brief was to revise the 6 cylinder engine to meet the needs of standard production model buyers and also to stand up to the competition offered by rival manufacturers in races.
The first 8C was tested in 1923, with the P1, already fitted with a compressor and twin spark ignition, and then the P2. Its debut could not have gone better: in 1925 the Alfa Romeo P2 won first place in the first World Championship. The positive effects of these innovations were not restricted to the engines of production cars but the glory of this result was included in the ‘Alfa Romeo – Milan' badge in the form of the laurel crown that was to adorn all Alfa Romeo cars from that day on.
At the beginning of the Thirties, the powerfully reliable 8 cylinder engines – now in light alloy – purred like cats under the bonnets of stylish cabriolets and coupes (whose bodies were built by the Milanese Zagato and Castagna) and roared like lions in the dust of races such as the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, that added to the impressive list of victories. The thrilling wins achieved by the Alfa Romeo 8C in 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934 at Le Mans deserve special attention (the car was later called the ‘Le Mans' in the wake of these great successes).
The 8 cylinder engine achieved its technical peak in the Alfa Romeo Tipo B engine, known as the ‘P3' to highlight its technological relationship with the P2. Campari, Nuvolari, Caracciola, Borzacchini, Marinoni, Guidotti and Fagioli were just some of the champions who owed their successes to the 1932 and 1934 versions of the 8C engine in the face of the challenges posed by the most prestigious circuits in the world.
The continual progress and consistent technical research culminated in the 8C 2900, the unbeaten star of racing from the Mille Miglia to the Le Mans 24 hour. The car, an extremely stylish 8C with its body built by Touring especially for Le Mans, was driven peerlessly by its driver Biondetti. This engine was exceptionally long-lived: an 8C 2900 B driven by Biondetti and Romano won the Mille Miglia again in 1947, proving yet again and over an exceptionally arduous route, that Alfa Romeo engines were possessed of truly extraordinary power and reliability.
World War II only halted the victorious progress of the 158 for a short period. The legendary ‘Alfetta', a distillate of superlative automotive engineering qualities, first saw the light in 1946. In the words of Juan Manuel Fangio, driving this 8 cylinder car was like ‘holding the bow of a Stradivarius in your hands'. First the 158 and later the 159 brought Alfa Romeo laurels in the first two modern Formula 1 world championships, with Nino Farina in 1950 and with Fangio in 1951.
After the Formula 1 victories, Alfa Romeo decided to withdraw from racing to devote itself to the demands put on it by its latest arrival, the 1900 and later the Giulietta range. 1967 saw the return of the powerful 8 cylinder engine fitted to racing 33 models and responsible for the attractive, resolute shape of the road version of the 33. This car also enjoyed a very encouraging racing debut, with Teodoro Zeccoli taking top position on the winners' podium after the uphill race in Fleron, Belgium, in a 33/2 Sport Prototype.
Other 33 cars met with considerable success on tracks and circuits throughout the world during the Seventies. This technical perfection was transferred to standard production cars such as the Montreal, a car of great prestige and performance, whose 8 Cylinder engine was derived from the unit fitted to the 33 models used for racing. In 1977, the 8 cylinder engine was fitted to a limited series of the Alfetta GTV, produced by Autodelta which thus continued the sporting tradition applied to engine production.
Now the legendary heart of that engine comes back to beat under the bonnet of the new Alfa 8C Competizione.
2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Year-2007
Make-Alfa Romeo
Model-8C Competizione
Engine Location-Front
Drive Type-Rear Wheel
Body Material-Carbon Fibre
Production Years for Series-
Introduced At-2006 Paris Mondial De L'Automobile

Engine
Engine Configuration-V
Cylinders-8
Aspiration/Induction-Normal
Displacement-4700.00 cc 286.8 cu in. 4.7 L.
Valves-32 valves. 4 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain-DOHC
Horsepower-450.00 BHP (331.2 KW) @ 7000.00 RPM
Torque-470.00 NM (346.5 Ft-Lbs) @ 4750.00 RPM
HP / Liter-95.7 BHP / Liter
Redline-7500
Main Bearings-5
Fuel Type-Gasoline - Petrol
Block-Aluminum
Head-Aluminum

Standard Transmission
Gears-6
Transmission-Automatic

Computerised speed selection. Paddle controls

Suspension
Suspension-Coil springs, double wishbones with variable gas dampers

Tires / Wheels
Tires-Front : 245/35 20

Subaru Unveils All-New Impreza at the New York International Auto Show

2007-06-24T12:34:00.000+05:30

Subaru announced the unveiling of its all new Subaru Impreza at the New York International Auto Show, which will be held from April 6th through 15th, 2007. The third-generation Impreza will hit the market around the world starting this summer.
Developed around the product concept of new, more refined designs for comfort, the latest Impreza incorporates sophisticated styling and rich interior design, roominess and space, and outstanding comfort and utility, while offering a pleasant and safe ride enhanced by Subaru Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) with the Horizontally-Opposed engine.
Advanced Core Mechanism
The new Impreza showcases a redesigned chassis, body construction and drivetrain, as well as substantially improved overall performance, under the theme 'Only Subaru can deliver such attractive performance and values.' It also provides a pleasant ride with ease of handling and integrates performance with advanced safety and environmental considerations.
The newly designed double-wishbone rear suspension effectively absorbs shocks from road surfaces, ensuring high levels of ride comfort and agile handling. The lower center of gravity, enabled by the Boxer engine, has been enhanced by mounting the engine slightly lower in the chassis, thereby further improving stability. Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), available on a wider grade range of the Impreza lineup, increases active safety.
Engines and Transmissions
The 2.5-liter Boxer engine features ideal power output characteristics under a practical range of driving speeds through improved mid- to low-end torque. The engine has also been modified to improve emissions and fuel efficiency. The 2.5-liter SOHC normally aspirated engine adopts a new intake port and other design changes that make improved low-end torque and fuel efficiency possible. Improved emissions were realized by a new catalyst system that optimizes catalyst efficiency.
Incorporating a newly designed intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger, the 2.5-liter DOHC turbocharged engine delivers improved mid to low-end torque and fuel efficiency. Transmissions, both manual and automatic, were modified for faster, more responsive shifting and better maneuverability.
Exterior Design
Refined styling is highlighted by a perfectly proportioned body, well calculated panel curves that reflect light and shadow in harmony, and quality details. Sweeping character lines on both sides express a sense of speed and individuality. A sporty image is underscored by projecting front fenders and rear quarters. Projector lamps, used in the headlights, give a dynamic three-dimensional appearance.
The 2008 Impreza is available in 4-door and 5-door versions.
Interior Design
Spacious and open interior provides comfort and improves visibility. Aluminum-look insets in the center panels and door trim add a sporty feel and airiness. The navigation screen, as well as the vehicle information and audio displays are placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality. High-grade, double-stitched seat fabrics provide a feeling of quality.
Source - SubaruSUBARU DEBUTS ALL-NEW 2008 IMPREZA 2.5i AND IMPREZA WRX
· 2008 Imprezas Boast All-New Styling and Two New Body Styles
· New and More Refined Interior Delivers Improved Comfort, Space and Utility
· Available Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Subaru today unveiled the all-new Subaru Impreza 2.5i and its performance icon cousin, the Impreza WRX at the New York International Auto Show. With new, more sophisticated styling and two new body styles, a 4-door sedan and a 5-door model, the Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX breathe new life into the compact performance market. The new Impreza models take a giant leap forward in terms of comfort and utility, while delivering the handling, performance and Subaru Symmetrical AWD that made the original Impreza such a success. Also new for 2008, is the availability of Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) on both the Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX.
In 2001, Subaru changed the face of the performance market with the introduction of the original WRX, a car that could deliver turbocharged, rally-bred performance in any driving condition. The all-new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX follows that lead with an all-new breed of AWD performance car. The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX now rides on a 3.7 inch longer wheelbase (103.1 inches) that improves ride, interior space and utility.
The new WRX is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four Boxer engine delivering 224 horsepower and 226 Lb.-ft. of torque and is 50 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. The engine has been modified to produce more torque at lower rpm. With its broader and richer torque curve, the 2008 WRX delivers a smooth stream of power, improving drivability and fuel efficiency.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING
The new Impreza chassis has improved rigidity and ride comfort with the addition of high tension steel at key structural points. The new design results in a lower overall weight for the body while he longer wheelbase allows for improved ride dynamics as well as increasing interior room and lowering levels of Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
To further improve handling, the engine is now placed slightly lower in the chassis, lowering the Impreza's center of gravity. In addition, the new chassis improves crash worthiness and provides crisper handling and a stiffer platform. While the new Impreza WRX remains a driver's car, the new WRX represents a better combination of capabilities, maximizing performance, comfort and delivering an advantage over the competition.
In conjunction with the new chassis, the Subaru Impreza and WRX feature an all-new double-wishbone rear suspension. The suspension allows for less intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wider and deeper luggage compartment. The new suspension also delivers improved ride refinement, decreased road noise, and a quieter cabin.
MODERN EXTERIOR DESIGN
The all-new 2008 Impreza and Impreza WRX are now available in two new body styles, a 4-door and a 5-door. The new 5-door design is clean and elegant, with a sweeping single curve roofline that flows into an aerodynamic rear spoiler. An all-new frontal design features the new spread wing logo design at the top of the widened grille. The new grille creates a connection to the Subaru aircraft heritage and places a focus on the Subaru star cluster logo.
Both exterior designs focus on detail touches such as the new clear rear lenses on the 5-door, distinctive curved fog lamps and an inward sweeping chrome embellishment that flows the grille design into the bumper. An aggressive lower spoiler adds to the sporting character of the design.
The 5-door features a distinctive character line that sweeps upward at the rear, giving the car an agile look. The short rear overhang, new clear rear taillamp lenses and a vertical chrome bar combine to integrate the side character line into tail.
The 4-door Impreza and Impreza WRX are unique to the North American market. The new 4-door is 4.5-inches longer than the previous sedan and 6.5-inches longer than the new 5-door models. The extra space provides for a much larger trunk that can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. The rear seats feature a 60/40 rear split folding mechanism that further enhances cargo capacity. On new 5-door Impreza models, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seats in the upright position
The design of the 4-door models creates an improved road presence, with a wider and sharper front design giving way to a crisp side body crease. The rear of the 4-door Impreza is set apart by red lamp lenses and a chrome strip below the trunk line that visually widens the tail.
On WRX models, a new available aero kit denotes the WRX rally car heritage. The 5-door WRX features a rear under body diffuser and single chrome exhaust pipe. The 4-door WRX features dual chrome exhaust tips and a rear trunk spoiler.
RICH INTERIOR DESIGN
The interior design of the 2008 Impreza places a new emphasis on comfort and space. The new sweeping twin cockpit embraces occupants and brushed aluminum look insets flow into the center stack. The center console shape adds to the airiness of the cockpit design, aided by the sculpted door panels and improved headroom. The door panels house molded recesses that can accommodate 24-oz. soft drink bottles, as well as loose items.
Despite retaining the same exterior width as the previous generation Impreza, the new 2008 Impreza features an interior with two inches more front shoulder room than before.
An available navigation and information center is the focal point of the center console. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices that can be displayed on the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked. The navigation screen is placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality. The interior of the new Impreza was designed to provide a feeling of quality with special emphasis placed on double-stitched fabrics and high-grade interior plastics.
New for 2008 are framed windows that allow for improved body rigidity and provide for a quieter interior with better sealing for the windows. Larger door openings provide improved ingress and egress and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access. The rear seatback angles have been reclined for improved rear comfort. Rear seat legroom is also significantly increased.
ENGINES - IMPROVED TORQUE, BETTER ECONOMY
The 2.5-liter and 2.5-liter turbocharged flat fours have been modified to improve both emissions and fuel efficiency while maintaining the same high performance standards delivered by the current Impreza and Impreza WRX. Modified torque curves on the both engines are tuned for improved low-rpm acceleration and improved drivability.
The new 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine delivers 170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm. Low end torque and fuel efficiency for the 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine were improved by the addition of a new intake port. Improved emissions were realized by a new catalyst system that optimizes catalyst efficiency.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine in the WRX delivers its maximum torque and horsepower earlier than the previous model, with 224 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,800 rpm, a full 800 rpm earlier than the previous generation WRX. Low end torque and fuel efficiency was improved through the addition of a new intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger.
SAFETY
The 2008 Impreza continues Subaru's legendary safety and crash worthiness record. New for 2008 are standard side-curtain airbags and available Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) . Also standard is the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS), with front seat head / chest side impact air bags (SRS) and a driver's side front air bag that deploys according to the driver's proximity to the steering wheel, as measured by a sensor on the seat track. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight on the passenger seat – first determining if it is
occupied, and if so by a child or adult – to control air bag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features a new 'Airbag' indicator light.
The new 2008 Impreza utilizes the Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure with front and rear crumple zones. The new 2008 Subaru Impreza also incorporates 3-point seatbelts for all seats (height-adjustable for outboard positions); front seatbelts with electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters, 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and active front seat head restraints (Not available on WRX Performance Seats) to help reduce whiplash injury in a rear collision.
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX
Year-2008
Make-Subaru
Model-Impreza WRX
Body Style-5-Door Hatchback
Engine Location-Front
Drive Type-AWD
Weight-3142 lbs 1425.2 kg
Introduced At-2007 New York Auto Show

Engine
Engine Configuration-O
Cylinders-4
Engine-Boxer engine
Aspiration/Induction-Turbocharged

Turbocharged/intercooled
Displacement-2.50 L 152.6 cu in. 2501.1 cc.
Valvetrain-DOHC
Horsepower-224.00 BHP (164.9 KW) @ 5200.00 RPM
Torque-226.00 Ft-Lbs (306.5 NM) @ 2800.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio-14.0 LB / HP
HP / Liter-89.6 BHP / Liter
Fuel Type-Gasoline - Petrol

Standard Transmission
Gears-5
Transmission-Manual

Optional Transmission
Gears-4
Transmission-Automatic

with SPORTSHIFT manual control

Dimensions
Fuel Capacity-16.9 Gal
Seating Capacity-5
Doors-5
Exterior
Length-173.801 in 4414.5 mm.
Width-68.501 in 1739.9 mm.
Height-58.101 in 1475.8 mm.
Wheelbase-103.101 in 2618.8 mm.

Suspension
Suspension
Front : Independent. Strut-type with lower L-arm
Rear : Independent. Double-wishbone with upper A-arm

Steering

Rack and Pinion with Power Assist

Tires / Wheels
Tires-205/50 R17 all-season
Wheels-17 x 7.0JJ aluminum alloy

SUBARU DEBUTS ALL-NEW 2008 IMPREZA 2.5i AND IMPREZA WRX

2007-06-24T12:21:00.000+05:30

· 2008 Imprezas Boast All-New Styling and Two New Body Styles
· New and More Refined Interior Delivers Improved Comfort, Space and Utility
· Available Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Subaru today unveiled the all-new Subaru Impreza 2.5i and its performance icon cousin, the Impreza WRX at the New York International Auto Show. With new, more sophisticated styling and two new body styles, a 4-door sedan and a 5-door model, the Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX breathe new life into the compact performance market. The new Impreza models take a giant leap forward in terms of comfort and utility, while delivering the handling, performance and Subaru Symmetrical AWD that made the original Impreza such a success. Also new for 2008, is the availability of Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) on both the Impreza 2.5i and Impreza WRX.
In 2001, Subaru changed the face of the performance market with the introduction of the original WRX, a car that could deliver turbocharged, rally-bred performance in any driving condition. The all-new 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX follows that lead with an all-new breed of AWD performance car. The 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX now rides on a 3.7 inch longer wheelbase (103.1 inches) that improves ride, interior space and utility.
The new WRX is powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four Boxer engine delivering 224 horsepower and 226 Lb.-ft. of torque and is 50 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. The engine has been modified to produce more torque at lower rpm. With its broader and richer torque curve, the 2008 WRX delivers a smooth stream of power, improving drivability and fuel efficiency.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING
The new Impreza chassis has improved rigidity and ride comfort with the addition of high tension steel at key structural points. The new design results in a lower overall weight for the body while he longer wheelbase allows for improved ride dynamics as well as increasing interior room and lowering levels of Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
To further improve handling, the engine is now placed slightly lower in the chassis, lowering the Impreza's center of gravity. In addition, the new chassis improves crash worthiness and provides crisper handling and a stiffer platform. While the new Impreza WRX remains a driver's car, the new WRX represents a better combination of capabilities, maximizing performance, comfort and delivering an advantage over the competition.
In conjunction with the new chassis, the Subaru Impreza and WRX feature an all-new double-wishbone rear suspension. The suspension allows for less intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wider and deeper luggage compartment. The new suspension also delivers improved ride refinement, decreased road noise, and a quieter cabin.
MODERN EXTERIOR DESIGN
The all-new 2008 Impreza and Impreza WRX are now available in two new body styles, a 4-door and a 5-door. The new 5-door design is clean and elegant, with a sweeping single curve roofline that flows into an aerodynamic rear spoiler. An all-new frontal design features the new spread wing logo design at the top of the widened grille. The new grille creates a connection to the Subaru aircraft heritage and places a focus on the Subaru star cluster logo.
Both exterior designs focus on detail touches such as the new clear rear lenses on the 5-door, distinctive curved fog lamps and an inward sweeping chrome embellishment that flows the grille design into the bumper. An aggressive lower spoiler adds to the sporting character of the design.
The 5-door features a distinctive character line that sweeps upward at the rear, giving the car an agile look. The short rear overhang, new clear rear taillamp lenses and a vertical chrome bar combine to integrate the side character line into tail.
The 4-door Impreza and Impreza WRX are unique to the North American market. The new 4-door is 4.5-inches longer than the previous sedan and 6.5-inches longer than the new 5-door models. The extra space provides for a much larger trunk that can accommodate three Tour-size golf bags. The rear seats feature a 60/40 rear split folding mechanism that further enhances cargo capacity. On new 5-door Impreza models, the wide and flat load floor can accommodate two Tour-size golf bags with the rear seats in the upright position
The design of the 4-door models creates an improved road presence, with a wider and sharper front design giving way to a crisp side body crease. The rear of the 4-door Impreza is set apart by red lamp lenses and a chrome strip below the trunk line that visually widens the tail.
On WRX models, a new available aero kit denotes the WRX rally car heritage. The 5-door WRX features a rear under body diffuser and single chrome exhaust pipe. The 4-door WRX features dual chrome exhaust tips and a rear trunk spoiler.
RICH INTERIOR DESIGN
The interior design of the 2008 Impreza places a new emphasis on comfort and space. The new sweeping twin cockpit embraces occupants and brushed aluminum look insets flow into the center stack. The center console shape adds to the airiness of the cockpit design, aided by the sculpted door panels and improved headroom. The door panels house molded recesses that can accommodate 24-oz. soft drink bottles, as well as loose items.
Despite retaining the same exterior width as the previous generation Impreza, the new 2008 Impreza features an interior with two inches more front shoulder room than before.
An available navigation and information center is the focal point of the center console. In addition to an input for MP3 players, the center console also includes video jacks that can accommodate portable gaming devices that can be displayed on the navigation screen when the vehicle is parked. The navigation screen is placed at the top of the dashboard for improved visibility and functionality. The interior of the new Impreza was designed to provide a feeling of quality with special emphasis placed on double-stitched fabrics and high-grade interior plastics.
New for 2008 are framed windows that allow for improved body rigidity and provide for a quieter interior with better sealing for the windows. Larger door openings provide improved ingress and egress and the rear doors open 75 degrees to allow for better rear seat access. The rear seatback angles have been reclined for improved rear comfort. Rear seat legroom is also significantly increased.
ENGINES - IMPROVED TORQUE, BETTER ECONOMY
The 2.5-liter and 2.5-liter turbocharged flat fours have been modified to improve both emissions and fuel efficiency while maintaining the same high performance standards delivered by the current Impreza and Impreza WRX. Modified torque curves on the both engines are tuned for improved low-rpm acceleration and improved drivability.
The new 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine delivers 170 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm. Low end torque and fuel efficiency for the 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine were improved by the addition of a new intake port. Improved emissions were realized by a new catalyst system that optimizes catalyst efficiency.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four Boxer engine in the WRX delivers its maximum torque and horsepower earlier than the previous model, with 224 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2,800 rpm, a full 800 rpm earlier than the previous generation WRX. Low end torque and fuel efficiency was improved through the addition of a new intake manifold, intercooler and turbocharger.
SAFETY
The 2008 Impreza continues Subaru's legendary safety and crash worthiness record. New for 2008 are standard side-curtain airbags and available Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) . Also standard is the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS), with front seat head / chest side impact air bags (SRS) and a driver's side front air bag that deploys according to the driver's proximity to the steering wheel, as measured by a sensor on the seat track. In the passenger side front seat, a sensor module detects weight on the passenger seat – first determining if it is
occupied, and if so by a child or adult – to control air bag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard features a new 'Airbag' indicator light.
The new 2008 Impreza utilizes the Subaru Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure with front and rear crumple zones. The new 2008 Subaru Impreza also incorporates 3-point seatbelts for all seats (height-adjustable for outboard positions); front seatbelts with electrically triggered pre-tensioners and force limiters, 4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and active front seat head restraints (Not available on WRX Performance Seats) to help reduce whiplash injury in a rear collision.

2008 Subaru Impreza
Year-2008
Make-Subaru
Model-Impreza
Body Style-5-Door Hatchback
Engine Location-Front
Drive Type-AWD

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Body Material-Rudolf Bauer
Weight-3053 lbs 1384.8 kg
Introduced At-2007 New York Auto Show

Engine
Engine Configuration-O
Cylinders-4
Aspiration/Induction-Normal
Displacement-2.50 L 152.6 cu in. 2501.1 cc.
Horsepower-170.00 HP (125.1 KW) @ 6000.00 RPM
Torque-170.00 Ft-Lbs (230.5 NM) @ 4400.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio-18.0 LB / HP
HP / Liter-68.0 BHP / Liter
Fuel Type-Gasoline - Petrol

Standard Transmission
Gears-5
Transmission-Manual

Optional Transmission
Gears-4
Transmission-Automatic

with SPORTSHIFT manual control

Dimensions
Fuel Capacity-16.9 Gal
Seating Capacity-5
Doors-5
Exterior

Length-173.801 in 4414.5 mm.
Width-68.501 in 1739.9 mm.
Height-58.101 in 1475.8 mm.
Wheelbase-103.101 in 2618.8 mm.

Suspension
Suspension
Front : Independent. Strut-type with lower L-arm
Rear : Independent. Double wishbone with upper A-arm

Steering

Rack and Pinion with Power Assist

Tires / Wheels
Tires-205/55 R16 all-season
Wheels-16 x 6.5JJ aluminum alloy

Nissan Armada 2008

2007-06-22T15:56:00.000+05:30

Improved 2008 Armada Refined and Rugged For On and Off-Road Family Adventures
Nissan Armada powers into 2008 with improvements that add to its appeal as the full-size family SUV. With a more luxurious and refined interior, enhanced technology features, new exterior style, new colors and new option packages, Armada continues its award-winning ways.
The 2008 Armada features a new front fascia, new headlamp and fog lamp designs, new one-piece roof rack design, revised rear fascia, 20-inch wheel and tire package (LE only) and two new exterior colors – Desert Stone and Timberline.
Inside the new SUV offers a 3rd row power folding 60/40 seat (optional LE), new interior colors and fabrics, new gated shifter, new woodgrain accents (LE only), heated steering wheel (LE only), a lockable glove compartment and revised steering wheel and combination meter illumination. New technology enhancements include an Intelligent Key with twist start (standard LE, optional SE), enhanced Bose® sound system with Music Box hard drive and 3rd row speakers and amplifier (standard LE, optional SE), Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System (standard on LE), improved available Nissan Navigation system with a XM® NavTraffic™ system with real-time traffic information (XM contract required) and a larger 8.0-inch screen for the optional DVD Entertainment Package.
'With its enhanced appearance and functionality, the 2008 Armada is more worthy than ever of Nissan's flagship SUV status,' said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.
'Between its exterior style, luxurious interior, utility features, seating for eight, available technology features and environmentally-conscious Flexible Fuel Vehicle option, Armada is the complete package,' he continued.
With customer-friendly features like three-row, eight-passenger seating, ample 2nd row leg room, roof-mounted curtain air bags for all three rows and up to 9,100-pound maximum towing capacity, Armada has been awarded the top honors in two customer opinion-based studies - buyer-perceived overall quality by the Strategic Vision research firm in the Large SUV class of its 2006 Total Quality Index, and 'Most Appealing Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle' by J.D. Power and Associates' 2006 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study.
Armada's strength comes from a 5.6-liter V8 producing 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, with available Flexible Fuel Vehicle technology (FFV), allowing drivers to use traditional gasoline or an alternative fuel such as E85, a mix containing 85 percent renewable ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
Distinguished Exterior Image
Armada's distinctive styling mixes modern cues with traditional ruggedness, only enhanced by the aggressive new front fascia styling with new front fog lamps, new halogen headlamp design, new one-piece roof rack design and new front and rear body-color fascias. New 20-inch wheels complete the look (LE model).
With a wide stance, long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs, Armada expresses its stability, maneuverability and exceptional cargo room with one glance. The headlamp, grille and hood design offer a powerful front look, while the A-, B-, C- and D- pillars offer a tight, polished aspect to the body structure. The new rear fascia and tailgate area, with sturdy bumper design provide a 'reinforced' look and project Armada's structural integrity.
Additional exterior features include a large body-color grille (SE, metallic finish on LE), chrome front door handles, chrome dual power-adjustable heated side mirrors (with power folding, puddle lamps and integrated turn signal on LE models), side step rails, privacy glass for the 2nd and 3rd rows and rear tailgate (power tailgate optional on SE, standard on LE), separate tailgate opening glass, manual flip-out rear quarter windows (power-operated on LE models) and new-design full roof rack with cross bars. All models are also offered with a standard rear bumper-mounted rear proximity sensor system (back-up obstacle warning), and a front proximity sensor/sonar system is also available.
A Versatile Interior for Active Lifestyles
Armada's interior is highly functional and ergonomic, without sacrificing style and ruggedness. New interior colors and materials set off the 2008 model, with an available 3rd row power folding seat (LE), heated steering wheel (LE), new steering wheel illuminated controls, revised combination meter colors and designs, new gated shifter design, lockable glove compartment and new wood grain accents (LE). New available technology features include revised audio system with 3rd row audio speakers and amplifier (LE), Intelligent Key with twist start (LE, optional SE), Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System (standard on LE), a larger 8.0-inch screen for the optional DVD Entertainment Package (up from 7.0 inches) and an improved Nissan Navigation system with a XM NavTraffic system with real-time traffic information (XM contract required).
Room and versatility is important to large SUV customers, and Armada delivers ample 2nd row leg room, up to 8-passenger seating, standard fold-flat 2nd and 60/40 split fold-flat 3rd row seats, fold flat front passenger seat with cup holders and recessed work area and large cargo space behind the 3rd row seat. More utility and storage space is offered by a full-length overhead console with six map lights, center console with large storage capacity, multiple pockets and bins throughout the cabin, up to 14 cupholders and four 12-volt power outlets (two in front, one 2nd row, one for cargo area).
In front, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and available 6-way adjustable front passenger's seat provide comfort and luxury, and Seton leather-appointed seats are available in the 1st and 2nd rows (standard LE, optional SE). 3rd row occupants are placed higher than the 2nd row to facilitate easier conversation and better visibility for the occupants. Other luxury features include standard dual zone climate control, rear air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and AM/FM/6CD audio system with steering wheel controls and mp3 playback capability.
Also available are fold-flat 2nd row captain's chairs with an innovative, removable 2nd row center console and an 11-speaker Bose® audio system with dual media capability, allowing use of radio and CD at the same time (headphones must be used to listen to second audio source) and RearView Monitor.
Full-Size Foundation and Adventure-Ready Driveline
2008 Armada features the rugged F-Alpha fully boxed frame and 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with coil-over shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, combining on- and off-road comfort with responsive handling characteristics.
The independent rear suspension design, with its minimal intrusion into the interior, maximizes space, and an automatic rear air leveling system (optional SE, standard LE) improves stability and ride comfort when towing or carrying heavy cargo. The system automatically adjusts air pressure in the suspension bladders to maintain a uniform ground clearance and departure angle.
The heart of every Armada is its 317 horsepower 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine with 385 lb-ft of torque. The V8 is tuned to provide nearly 90 percent of the engine's torque below 2,500 rpm – where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed off-road driving. Available Flexible Fuel Vehicle technology allows drivers to use traditional gasoline or an alternative fuel such as E85.
Assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., the Armada's Nissan Endurance V8 includes advanced features such as an aluminum engine block with cast iron cylinder liners, chain-driven dual overhead camshafts with silent single-stage timing chain, and electronic drive-by-wire throttle for precise control. For greater efficiency through reduced friction, the V8 uses graphite-coated pistons, microfinished forged steel crankshaft and microfinished camshafts. When equipped as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle, the 2008 Armada features a common fuel tank designed to run on varying blends of gasoline with ethanol or other fuel, resulting in a reduction of CO2 greenhouse gas and playing a key role in the long-term U.S. energy strategy. Standard on every 2008 Armada is a reinforced electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, which revises shift patterns accordingly. The transmission features a unique gear set for use in high torque situations, an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and, for improved shift quality, an advanced powertrain management program. A 28-gallon fuel tank provides excellent driving range. Tow Package-equipped Armadas (optional SE, standard LE) offer a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,100 pounds (when properly equipped). The Tow Package includes a lower rear axle ratio (to 3.357), heavy duty radiator and battery, 7-pin wiring harness plug, trailer brake pre-wiring, receiver hitch and rear suspension air leveling system.
4-wheel drive Armadas maximize traction on- or off-road with an advanced full-time automatic control system, which under normal driving conditions operates in two-wheel drive mode, but can instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand). A two-speed electronic transfer case allows the driver to select between auto, full-time 4-wheel drive and 4LO, which provides enhanced low speed driving force and hill descending ability.
Standard on Armada is a 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
New for 2008 are machine-finished aluminum-alloy 20x8-inch wheels with P275/60R20 Michelin tires on Armada LE models, while SE models continue with aluminum-alloy 18x8-inch wheels with P265/70R18 Conti-Track tires.
A Focus On Safety and Security
2008 Armadas offer an extensive list of safety features, including standard roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side-impact and rollover head protection for outboard positions in all three rows. The Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor is standard on all Armadas and front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags are standard on LE and optional on SE.
Also standard on Armada are front seat Active Head Restraints, 3-point front seat belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position), the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and Zone Body construction with front and rear crushable zones.
For additional safety and security, Armada is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Security System (VSS).
Choices of Models and Equipment
For 2008, Armada is offered in SE and LE models, with 2-wheel or advanced 4-wheel drive systems.
All Armadas feature the 317-horsepower 5.6-liter Nissan Endurance V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension and fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, full-length overhead console, step rails and rear sonar sensors to aid in close parking situations.
Option packages for SE include the Driver Package, with Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio (subscription required), RearView monitor, power tailgate, front fog lamps and front sonar system; auto-dimming rearview mirror with universal garage door opener and compass; Premium Package, which includes all content in the Driver Package and adds an Intelligent Key with twist start, heated Seton leather-appointed seats with driver memory function and 6-way power adjustable passenger seat; Tow Package; Sunroof Package; rear DVD Entertainment Package with 8-inch screen; and Captains Chairs Package, with 2nd row captains chairs and removable center console replacing the 2nd row split bench seat.
The Armada LE adds a higher level of luxury appointments, including the contents of the Driver, Premium and Tow Packages; a lockable glove compartment; special wood-tone trim; power folding mirrors with heat, power adjust, auto dim and integrated turn signal; metallic-finish grille; power liftgate; and new 20-inch wheel and tire package.
Armada LE packages include the Sunroof Package; Captains Chairs Package; DVD Entertainment Package; and Technology Package, which includes the Nissan Navigation system with a XM NavTraffic system with real-time traffic information (XM contract required), power folding 3rd row seat and Bluetooth® hands-free phone system. Two new exterior colors are offered for 2008, Desert Stone (tan) and Timberline, adding to the full slate of Blizzard (white), Galaxy Black, Silver Lightning, Smoke (dark silver), Red Brawn and Majestic Blue. Sand and Graphite are the two interior colors available

2008 Nissan Armada
Year-2008
Make-Nissan
Model-Armada
Engine Location-Front
Drive Type-Rear Wheel (standard), 4WD
Body Material-Body-on-Frame
Weight-5302 lbs 2405 kg
MPG City-13
MPG Highway-19
Introduced At-2007 Chicago

Engine
Engine Configuration-V
Cylinders-8
Engine-VK56DE
Aspiration/Induction-Normal
Displacement-5.60 L 341.7 cu in. 5600.5 cc.
Valves-32 valves. 4 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain-DOHC
Horsepower-317.00 HP (233.3 KW)
Torque-385.00 Ft-Lbs (522.1 NM)
HP to Weight Ratio-16.7 LB / HP
HP / Liter-56.6 BHP / Liter
Redline-6000
Bore-98.00 mm 3.9 in.
Stroke-92.00 mm 3.6 in.
Compression Ratio-9.8:1
Fuel Type-Gasoline - Petrol
Block-Aluminum
Head-Aluminum

Gear Ratios
1st Gear-3.827
2nd Gear-2.368
3rd Gear-1.520
4th Gear-1.000
5th Gear-0.834

Standard Transmission
Gears-5
Transmission-Automatic

With overdrive
Final Drive-2.937

Dimensions
Cargo Volume-97.10 cu. ft.
Towing Capacity-9100.001 lbs
Fuel Capacity-28.0 Gal
Exterior
Length-206.901 in 5255.3 mm.
Width-.801 in 2001.5 mm.
Height-77.801 in 1976.1 mm.
Wheelbase-123.201 in 3129.3 mm.
Interior
Front Headroom
-.001 in 1041.4 mm.
Rear Headroom-40.001 in 1016 mm.
Front Legroom-.801 in 1061.7 mm.
Rear Legroom-41.901 in 1064.3 mm.
Front Hip Room-61.31 in 1557.3 mm.
Rear Hip Room-60.11 in 1526.8 mm.
Front Shoulder Room-65.101 in 1653.6 mm.
Rear Shoulder Room-64.501 in 1638.3 mm.

Suspension
Suspension
Front : Double-wishbone
Rear : Double-wishbone independent

Steering

Rack and Pinion with Speed Sensitive Power Assist
Steering Overall Ratio
20:1
Turns lock to lock
3.60
Turning Circle
40.801 ft

Brakes
Front Brake Size-12.601 in 320.1 mm.
Rear Brake Size-12.601 in 320.1 mm.

Tires / Wheels
Tires-P265/70R18 BSW Conti-Trac SUV tires
Wheels-18 x 8.0JJ aluminum-alloy, Painted finish
Spare Tire-Full-size

General Motors Camaro coupe concept's

2007-06-21T22:55:00.000+05:30

Of course! A convertible! It's as obvious as the response General Motors expected last year when it posed the question, "Should we build a new Camaro?" in three glorious, 1:1-scale Detroit-show dimensions.
Look at the Camaro coupe concept's top, or the original 1969 Camaro to which it pays homage, and you'll see it's easy to slice it off without compensating for too fast a fastback. It's easy if you picture it or photoshop it as we did months ago. It wasn't as easy for Tom Peters, director of rear-drive design and chief of design for the Camaro convertible, last year's coupe, and, not coincidentally, for the C6 Corvette.
"It's amazing how many people think that's all you do," Peters says. "Probably every surface is changed, say, two or three inches down from the door-cut back all around. Even the spoiler looks like the one on the coupe, but it's not."

Rear fenderlines drop off from the horizontal surface to the vertical surface a couple inches farther out than on the coupe to keep proportions good. If showing a Camaro convertible concept at the 2007 Detroit show seems obvious, that's only from your armchair.
It may not be so obvious as it is necessary. Chevy will launch the Camaro coupe in late 2008 as a 2009 model; then to battle the other Ford Mustang body style, it'll launch the Camaro convertible about spring of 2009. We're still awaiting official word from Chrysler on a ragtop version of the 2009 Dodge Challenger, but that's another no-brainer.
"The overall car statement is," Peters says, "whereas the last one was pure, design-statement, performance-oriented, this one has more of a fun, sporty, kind of personality to it. And that's appropriate. That's what Camaro's been in the past; that's what these types of cars have been in the past. Sporty, fun, and all the way to the serious performance."

As the concept makes the rounds of car shows following its Detroit debut, GM Australia is hard at work on the production car. Expect thicker sills and tunnels and added cross-bracing to give the convertible's unibody coupelike stiffness.Doing another Camaro concept also gave Peters's crew the chance to work on different colors and textures. The convertible concept has charcoal SS stripes over a lustrous Hugger orange paint job-the stripes are so dark they appear black under certain light. You might think of the 1969 Camaro RS/SS Indy 500 official pace car, which has orange stripes on a white body.

The retro houndstooth-pattern seats of the 2006 coupe are replaced with leather moderne. "The biggest, most obvious differences are in the color and trim," says Micah Jones, who designed both concept interiors. "The metal finishes, the finishes of the accent panels, the seats are even a little different color." The two back seats are about six inches closer together to make room for the tonneau cover. As in last year's coupe, the front seat tracks are on the center console and on the rocker panels instead of the floor for better rear-seat foot space

"Having the top down exhibits a bit more confidence for the driver and more confidence to the interior. That's why the interior has a lot more of a bold presence. With the white seat-facing and the gloss-white accent panels, it conveys a more expressive sense." Details bring the convertible just slightly closer to the production model. "There are just a few things, like the clarity of the gauges; some of the color breakups are closer."Circular gauges in square frames seem certain for production. Jones has modernized this retro look, with the metal of the gauge-surround "pressing" through the leather skin. Metal pieces fit flush with leather throughout the interior. The large, round gauges now are white-faced, with black chrome numbers and a red anodized needle, for more clarity, versus the coupe's turned-aluminum face with chrome numbers. There's a blue glow circling the convertible's gauges, and the only reference inside to the orange paint is the seat stitching. The deep-dish three-spoke steering wheel and Rallye Pack-inspired four-pack gauge cluster at the base of the floor console, fortunately, returnThe six-speed manual's gearshift looks like a piece of sculpture, and the chrome seatbelt buckles are designed to look like the iconic belt buckles in late 1960s GM cars

Building a second Camaro concept also gave Peters and his gang a chance to try modern rallye-style wheels evocative of those on the early cars. They're 21-inch front, 22-inch rear, as on the coupe. The wheels repeat the body paint color with a thin, orange line around the outer edge, a subtle nod to redwalls available circa 1969

While the sliver-blue 2006 coupe is a handsome car, the orange convertible, especially with those thick charcoal stripes, just pops off the page. Dodge's more literally retro orange Challenger concept had a slight edge in public response last year. It probably would've gone the other way if the first Camaro concept had been painted Grabber orange. The car also looks trimmer than the coupe, and it's hard to tell whether paint color or lack of a top is the reason. Orange paint surrounding the grille makes the grille look like more of a face, like something out of Pixar's "Cars."
Color choice is the most subjective factor of all. GM designers and modelers have 1:18-scale models of the coupe concept (on sale to the public any day now), and many have already painted and modified their small cars the way they plan to order them. Peters and Jones want black paint, with black interior, no stripes for Peters, and with chrome-lipped black wheels and a colored interior for Jones. Both would lower the suspension about an inch.
Peters is sure we'll see a hideaway headlamp kit at SEMA around 2009 and won't rule out doing a production version with them-it's a fashion trend that could return. Chevy, like Ford with its Mustang, plans a wide variety of trim and color combos to take advantage of the broad palette available on the early models. Like the 2008 Boss and Bullitt Mustang, you can expect special-edition Camaros through the years to keep the design fresh.

And you also can expect the same variety of engines for the convertible as for the coupe. The convertible concept has last year's ram-air 6.0-liter LS2 engine, rated 400 horsepower and with Active Displacement Management and an exhaust note that makes a sensuous, throaty burble. Built on the next-generation Holden/Zeta architecture, the car has independent rear suspension. It's likely the base engine will be the DOHC 3.6-liter V-6, not the 3.9-liter pushrod V-6.
The best news is, size the tires down to a "normal" 18 or 19 inches, and you're looking at the convertible you're likely to find in dealerships in 2009.

AUDI RS 4 CABRIOLET

2007-06-21T22:49:00.000+05:30

AUDI RS 4 CABRIOLET COMING TO U.S. FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR
Audi of America, Inc. announced today that the RS 4 Cabriolet model will come to U.S. showrooms as a 2008 model, and the RS 4 sedan will have new features and option packages. Approximately 300 of the limited-production RS 4 Cabriolets will be sold in the U.S. The RS 4 Cabriolet models will arrive in fall of 2007. Pricing and equipment for the 2008 RS 4 Cabriolet will be announced at a later date.
The RS 4 Cabriolet shares the same high-revving 4.2 V8 FSI engine found in the RS 4 sedan. It produces 420 hp at 7,800 rpm and 317 ft-lbs. of torque at 5,500 rpm. Like the sedan, the Cabriolet will only be available with a six-speed manual and quattro® all-wheel drive featuring the asymmetrical dynamic torque split. Like the sedan, the Cabriolet will have 19' RS 4-style alloy wheels with 255/35/19 performance tires, a four-link front and trapezoidal-link rear sport-tuned suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), and 14.4' front and 12.8' rear brake rotors.
The RS 4 sedan also gets some new and unique features for 2008. Two new option packages, the Titanium package and Audi exclusive package, will be available. The $750 Titanium package consists of titanium colored 19' RS 4-style alloy wheels, black front grille, black side window moldings, black interior headliner, and piano black interior trim. The $3,800 Audi exclusive package has Crimson red leather seat centers (black leather side bolsters and head rests) and door trim, contrasting red seat piping, red stitching on the shift boot and steering wheel, piano black interior trim, carpeted floor mats with RS 4 logo and contrasting piping, and Audi exclusive badging. Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth will become standard equipment on the RS 4 sedan

Mercedes 63 AMG Models

2007-06-21T22:47:00.000+05:30

550 hp / 404 kW and a Top Speed of up to 330 km/h for all Mercedes 63 AMG Models
Even more power for all Mercedes 63 AMG models: BRABUS presents its B63 S engine tuning, which boosts power output of the high-revving 6.2-liter V8 to 550 hp / 404 kW and peak torque to 650 Nm. With a sprint time from rest to 100 km/h of just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 330 km/h a CLS 63 AMG with B63 S tuning turns in performance worthy of a true super sports car.
The BRABUS power kit comprises newly programmed engine electronics with special mapping for injection and ignition. But that's not all: The intake side features a sport air filter for improved supply of combustion air. The exhaust side features high-performance metal catalysts with low back pressure that also ensure that the tuned V8 engine meets stringent EURO IV emission limits.
In order to transfer the increased power to the road with minimum slip BRABUS recommends the BRABUS locking differential for all Mercedes 63 models with rear wheel drive. The diff lock has a locking rate of up to 40 percent.
The BRABUS B63 S performance kit is available for all Mercedes 63 AMG models. With 550 hp / 404 kW the ML 63 accelerates in 4.9 seconds from 0 -100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 275 km/h in combination with the BRABUS V/max unit.
This extraordinary performance represents a good argument for modifications to tires, suspension and brakes. Depending on the Mercedes 63 AMG model in question BRABUS offers custom-tailored tire/wheel combinations up to size 11Jx23 with tires up to 315/25 R 23 in size. To further improve the already excellent handling characteristics BRABUS has developed a control module for the ABC suspensions that lowers the ride height by some 20 millimeters. BRABUS sport stabilizers reduce body roll and optimize turn-in.
The BRABUS high-performance brake system offers stopping power and endurance normally only found in purebred sports cars. It is available for all Mercedes 63 AMG models, upon customer request even in a special version with ceramic discs. The front axle features 380 x 36 millimeter discs and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. The rear axle is fitted with six-piston fixed calipers and 355 x 28 mm brake discs.
The list of BRABUS exclusive interior accessories ranges from genuine carbon-fiber trim and scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo to ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels and a speedometer with 360-km/h dial.
Upon customer request the company-own upholstery shop crafts especially exclusive BRABUS interiors from a combination of especially soft yet highly durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara

THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC LIGHTNING TECHNOLOGY

2007-06-21T22:44:00.000+05:30

In 2006, The Lightning Car Company set out to develop electric technology for a luxury British sports car with a view to creating a super car with outstanding presence, power & performance.
Powered by NanoSafe™, the electric Lightning GT, features an impressive 700 bhp powerful acceleration and a top speed capability of more than 130mph. In short, the electric Lightning will be a difficult proposition to beat.
By combining classic, British sports car design with racing car technology and state of the art battery power & electric motor innovation, the Lightning has been designed and developed in the UK with exhilarating performance front of mind.
Whilst its head-turning looks will appeal to the most discerning of drivers, unlike other sports cars the Lightning is also easy on the conscience. With virtually no polluting emissions, this energy-efficient car will use clean technology for the ultimate green rating. Following production of several Lightning petrol prototypes, the electric Lightning GT, Sports and Extended Range versions are now available to pre-order.
FEATURES
· Ultra smooth 100% electric power (700+bhp) immediately from zero rpm
· 10 minute charge time for over 250 miles of motoring (GTSE model)
· Uncompromising performance with 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds (GTS model)
· State of the art NanoSafe™ battery system and Hi-Pa Drive™ electric motor technology
· Full regenerative braking so the battery receives charge every time you slow down, travel downhill or simply coast
· Commanding presence of carbon fibre/Kevlar hand-crafted bodywork
· Clean technology means no congestion charge or road tax and the ultimate A grade green rating
· Phenomenal economy up to 10 x cheaper to run than petrol
· Safer with no large fuel tank, thermally stable batteries and a bodywork structure similar to that used in F1 to protect the driver
· Luxury spec. interior – incorporating sat nav, ipod interface and virtual engine sound
ELECTRIC LIGHTNING TECHNOLOGY
Hi-Pa Drive™ from PML Flightlink Ltd
Hi-Pa Drive™ is a real revolution in motor technology and it's a British innovation to boot! With its integrated motor and drive electronics in one single unit it produces an ultra high power density - up to 20 times more than conventional systems.
The compact, energy-efficient, electric wheel motors produce unrivalled levels of torque with internal heavy-duty tapered roller bearings that can withstand heavy radial loads for robust use. Yet they achieve the power to weight ratio important for the performance sports car capability of the Lightning
Other features include total weather proofing, total energy transfer and several levels of redundancy, so any single failure will not prevent the vehicle from operating safely.
Carbon fibre/Kevlar® composite technology in association with Amber Composites and Technical Resin Bonders
The Lightning bodywork will incorporate aluminium honeycomb crushable impact cells. This composite monocoque structure uses the same technology that is used in Formula 1 motor racing to protect the driver. This material will be used in the front, rear and sides of the car s well as around the battery area
Regenerative braking
Upon braking, the car's kinetic energy is converted to heat through friction - throwing away the energy that was previously used to accelerate. In city driving, about 30 percent of a typical car's engine output is lost to braking.
When an electric vehicle is decelerating, it does not create friction and useless heat in order to slow down. Instead it reverses its electric motor turning it into an electric generator, creating electricity which is fed back into the battery and stored for future use. In fact any time an electric vehicle decelerates it causes the system to use the vehicle's momentum to generate electricity.
NanoSafe™ from Altairnano Inc.
Until now, battery technology has hindered electric vehicle innovation. In 2000, US company Altairnano Inc. established a research programme to create an ultra safe, high power battery using cutting-edge Nanotechnology. The result of their hard work is the NanoSafe™ battery.
· SAFER - NanoSafe™ batteries use nano titanate materials instead of graphite which makes them far more thermally stable - there are no toxics or heavy metals used in NanoSafe™ batteries.
· LONGER-LASTING - NanoSafe™ batteries have a life expectancy of 12+ years, versus the 3-5 year life of other batteries. NanoSafe™ can retain up to 85% charge capacity after 15,000 charges.
· FASTER CHARGE - NanoSafe™ batteries can be recharged in approximately 10 minutes, rather than the hours required by many other rechargeable batteries.
· MORE POWERFUL - With instantaneous power even at extreme temperatures, NanoSafe™ batteries deliver power per unit weight and unit volume several times that of conventional Lithium-Ion batteries.

Suzuki Stratosphere 2006

2007-06-17T14:38:00.000+05:30

Suzuki's profilation of this bike
A crystallization of next-generation technologies refined through human senses.

The concept model Stratosphere is Suzuki´s compilation of next-generation technologies that can enrich the ´joy of riding´, ´joy of operating´ and the ´joy of ownership´ that people seek from motorcycles.
General information
Model: Suzuki Stratosphere
Year: 2006
Category: Prototype / concept model
Rating: 66.4 out of 100.
Engine and transmission
Displacement:-1400.00 ccm (85.43 cubic inches)
Engine type: In-line six

Stroke:4
Ignition:Digital
Starter:Electric
Cooling system:LiquidTransmission type

final drive:Chain
Physical measures
Overall height:1,150 mm (45.3 inches)
Overall length:2,100 mm (82.7 inches)
Overall width:720 mm (28.3 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Front brakes:Double disc
Front brakes diameter:180 mm (7.1 inches)
Rear brakes:Single disc
Rear brakes diameter:120 mm (4.7 inches)

Peraves Monotracer

2007-06-17T14:33:00.000+05:30

Peraves Monotracer
Designer: Swiss Manufacturer Peraves

Status : Being limitedly produced (100 units each year)

Engine: BMW 1200 CC, 130 hp

Credibility: Combines the aptitude of a car and a bike

The Peraves Monotracer combines the features of a sports bike and a sports car and if any of you doubt it, just as a substantiation, it took Peraves some 90 prototypes and 12 million kilometers to be sure that they live up to the rumored repute . When the driver dives into a corner a retractable stabilizer wheel is positioned in less than a half a second, enabling the bike to lean up to 52 degrees more, than most sport bikes in their lifetime

The Embrio

2007-06-17T14:28:00.000+05:30

The Embrio
Designer: Canadian multinational Bombardier

Engine : Complex hydrogen fuel cell

Status : Prototype

Credibility: Single wheeled, emits only water vapor

The Embrio from Bombraider is a prototype, which could become avirtual reality somewhere around 2025 for this technology is too ultramodern considering the present generation bikes. It sports a single wheel and is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which creates power by mixing hydrogen and oxygen, creating only water as a by-product

Detonator V4 6.0

2007-06-17T14:27:00.000+05:30

Detonator V4 6.0
Designer : Daniel Simon

Engine: 6 liter, 4 Cylinder

Status: Concept/Sculpture

Credibility: Bears no semblance to any existing concepts

The, ‘too hot to handle’, Detonator V4 6.0, is a mere sculpture with no intention of being a functional bike. This machine looks like a crossover between a chopper and an automotive soldered android and hmmm! It reminds me of those big pizza cutters

The Saga

2007-06-17T14:25:00.000+05:30

Designer: Paul Yang and Larry Nagel

Status : Project Motorcycle

Credibility: It was a first time project, which only took seven months for completionPaul Yang wasn’t a designer by profession and he merely fluked it to join hands with the famous Larry Nagel but the amateur status of Paul did not prove to be a hindrance by any means. Indeed, a first time project bike conventionally takes 18 to 24 months for completion and these two managed to produce a moving guzzler mere seven months which talks highly about the efficiency and dedication of this Duo

The V-Rex

2007-06-17T14:22:00.000+05:30

The V-Rex
Designer : Tim Cameron

Engine: Harley Davidson Revolution V-Twin engine

Status : Being Mass-Produced

Credibility : It took a leap from the computer screen to metal and rubberFor Tim Cameron, the Australian designer of this bike, it was a mere ‘dream bike’ for he thought dreams were the only place where he would ride it, but as they say destiny drives us all, this bike had to become a reality. Tim Cameron’s dream were given realistic proportions by the 200mph ‘Y2K’ jet turbine-powered bike fame Christian Travert and now the experts dub it as the most startling motorcycle design ever seen

The Renovatio

2007-06-17T14:20:00.000+05:30

Designer : Ed Jacobs

Engine: 135 hp, V-twin engine, specially designed by Katech

Status : Pre –Production

Credibility: Easy to upgrade and reconfigureConfederate Motorcycles lead designer Ed Jacobs designed this drastic bike concept with large attachment points easily available on the engine ensuring improvements and assorted configurations at ease.

Powered by a V-Twin engine, it produces 135 hp at 125ft/lbs of torque. Confederate is confident about this unique concept it has developed and it plans to produce it some time this year

The Hyanide

2007-06-17T14:14:00.000+05:30

The Hyanide
Designer : Oliver Keller and Tillman Schlootz

Engine: 60hp, 500cc liquid-cooled single-cylinderStatus :

One fifth of a scale model / currently not going into production

Credibility : Potent for any terrain, courtesy of its flexible rubber treads Designed for last years Michelin Design Challenge, the Hyanide impressed on and all with its amazing ability to conquer any terrain. Its flexible rubber treads could pull the machine through, even if its slightest part is touching the ground. We have had no news of it since then but we are just hoping that the Germans decide to send it to the production floor

Scoot

2007-06-17T14:12:00.000+05:30

Scoot is an electric scooter concept by Dutch firm GRO design, and it costs less than two cents per mile to get you where you want to go. It's powered by a lithium battery that takes about six hours to charge up. Even though this is just a design concept so far, someday it might be a great way to save yourself a little money getting from here to there.

Volkswagen Gx3

2007-06-17T14:07:00.001+05:30

The wacky GX3, the second small and athletic but eco-friendly concept to come from Volkswagen--the first was the EcoRacer from the 2005 Tokyo motor show. The roofless, three-wheeled GX3--which is essentially the lovechild of the EcoRacer and a street bike--is even more basic than the Tokyo concept, with motorcycle-style headlights, no windshield, composite body panels, and twin roll bars into which are set LED taillights. The GX3's two passengers sit shoulder-to-shoulder in the doorless, roofless cabin protected by racing-style harnesses but, um, no hint of air bags

It is powered by a barely muffled, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mounted transversely behind the seats that sends its 125 hp and 112.5 lb-ft of torque to the chain-driven, foot-wide rear tire via a six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen claims the 1257-lb trike can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds and get 46 mpg (presumably not at the same time). Even more impressive is the GX3's claim of 1.25g cornering capability

Piaggio Mp3

2007-06-17T13:49:00.000+05:30

No, it's not an mp3 player—this odd-looking scooter has three wheels. Two of those 12-inch wheels are in the front, and they can tilt independently up to 40 degrees, giving the Piaggio MP3 better stability and braking. The little crotch rocket, built by the same company that brought us the iconic Vespa motor scooter 60 years ago, is available in a choice of either a 125cc or a 250cc four-stroke liquid-cooled engine. You don't even need a kick stand for it, either.

Honda Automatic bike-Dn 01

2007-06-17T13:46:00.000+05:30

A large-size sports motorcycle concept model, DN-01*, equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a water-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, V-type, 2-cylinder, 680cc engine. Honda will continue the development of DN-01 with the goal of introducing it to the market in the near future.

The newly adopted hydraulic mechanical continuously variable HFT (Human Fitting Transmission) system features two types of full automatic modes as well as a 6-speed manual mode which the rider operates through buttons located on the handle. Moreover, this is the first hydraulic mechanical continuously variable transmission system in the world to be equipped with a lock-up mechanism, which improves the fuel efficiency while offering a smooth ride without feeling the shock normally associated with gear shifts, even when cornering. With the HFT, the DN-01 achieves more easy-to-operate and comfortable riding than currently available sports model motorcycles

Ridingsun-michelinbaal3 Track mind

2007-06-17T13:41:00.000+05:30

The Baal treaded motorcycle design concept from the 2006 Michelin Design Challenge, currently being held at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.Along with the similar Hyanide concept, these bike-like vehicles combine a single tank tread with a bike-like riding position.Since there's no front wheel to turn, I'm curious about how one steers them. The Michelin site says both hands and feet are involved, but exactly how is unclear.

Ducati Desmosedici RR

2007-06-17T13:39:00.000+05:30

Technical Specifications
Engine:- Type L-4 cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, Desmodromic, 4 valves per cylinder, gear driven camshafts
Displacement:- 989 ccPower More than 200 HP @ 13,500 rpm*Torque n/a
Fuel injection Four 50 mm Magneti Marelli throttle bodies, 12-hole "microjet"with injectors over throttle, manual idle control;
Exhaust '4 into 2 into 1'vertical exit exhaust/silencerEmissions Euro 3
Trasmission Gearbox 6-speed; Cassette typeClutch Dry multi-plate slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated Syspension
Body:- Full carbon fibre bodyworkFrame Tubular steel trellis hybrid, carbon fibre seat support, aluminium swingarm
Front Suspension:- Ohlins 'FG353' PFF forks USD 43 mm pressurized, with preload, rebound and compression adjustment, TiN coated sliders
Front Wheel:- Marchesini forged and machined magnesium alloy wheels, with 7 spoke design as GP6
Rear Suspension:- Ohlins rear shock, with rebound, low/high speed compression adjustment, and hydraulic preload adjustment
Rear Wheel:- Marchesini forged and machined magnesium alloy wheels, with 7 spoke design as GP6Tyres Bridgestone
Front Brake:- Two Brembo radial "monoblock" callipers with four 34 mm pistons; two semi-floating 320 mm x 6 mm discs, with machined flange: the same as GP6 wet race set-up
Rear Brake:- 240 mm fixed disc, calliper with two 34 mm pistons
Fuel tank:- aluminium alloyDry Weight n/aInstruments
New lightweight Corse electronic multifunction dashboard with LCD 'bar' graph tachometer, trip/odometer, anti-theft immobilizer, lap time measurement, oil pressure, fuel reserve, EOBD, clock, air temperature, rev counter.

The Dacoit

2007-06-17T13:25:00.001+05:30

The Dacoit
Designer: Nitin KhosaStatus

: Concept bike

Credibility: Devil Personified

Nitin Khosa designed this amazing concept to satiate a thirty plus individual who was looking to redeem his attitude and youth with a stunning, aggressive, and evil looking bike. Khosa answered his cause by creating the Dacoit (a class of robbers in India who act in gangs and are usually armed and dangerous). The face of the bike depicts an evil figure whose eyes/headlights are peeping from underneath the hood

BMW IMME 1200D

2007-06-17T13:23:00.001+05:30

BMW IMME 1200Designer : Nicolas Bubar and Yves Dufeutrelle from ISDStatus: PrototypeEngine : A 150 hp engine based on the BMW 1200 BoxerCredibility: A startling concept evolved by two rookie designers Nicolas Bubar (22) and Yves Dufeutrelle (24) are design students at the international school of design and they thought that a sports bike based on the BMW 1200 boxer would be good idea. Tell you what folks; it definitely was a good idea for the IMME 1200 would now be presented at the next Munich Motorcycle Show at BMW stands

VICTORY

2007-06-17T13:16:00.000+05:30

Victory unveiled their striking Vision 800 concept bike Friday at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, and we were surprised to see that it is a huge departure from the tradtional, cruiser-style bikes that are the company's mainstay.
The first thing that you'll notice is the styling - for good or bad, the Vision looks unlike any bike we have seen before. The organic-looking shapes seem to be something right out of a radical design school student's portfolio, and indeed they may be.
If the styling is surprising, the specifications are even more so, especially considering their departure from the Victory norm. The Vision is powered by an 800cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, and power is transferred through a fully-automatic CVT (constantly variable transmission) - the bike is devoid of both foot controls and clutch, with brake levers on both handlebars.We're not sure exactly what this bike means for Victory - it's such a huge jump outside the realm of their typical V-Twin powered cruisers. It's obvious that they are trying to emulate the major Japanese OEMs, who often unveil radical concept bikes featuring unusual new technology, and then incorporate these concepts piecemeal into their existing range. Is this Victory's attempt to gain respect as a "real" manufacturer, or will we actually see something similar to the Vision in production form? Only time will tell

Chrysler Tomahawk

2007-06-17T13:08:00.000+05:30

Designer: Daimler ChryslerStatus:

Production readyEngine:

V 10Credibility:

A sculpture that can be riddenChrysler Tomahawk for me is the ‘Big Daddy’ of all motorcycles. You ask me a reason and I have one many; for a V10 engine, which makes it capable of producing 500 horses powers it, is the foremost of them all. With a capacity of 8.3 liters and a ten-cylinder engine, it can literally fly at 400 mph.

Hats off to Daimler Chrysler for making this bike reach the production floor !

TOM HAWK DODGE
The object of desire for many at the North American International Auto Show this week has been Mark Walters' obsession for the past five months.
Walters is the Chrysler Group designer responsible for the Tomahawk four-wheeled motorcycle concept vehicle that made its debut Monday in Dodge's concept vehicle press conference.
"If I wasn't sleeping, I was working on it. If I was sleeping, I was dreaming about it," Walters said. "I actually had dreams of the CAD screen."
The Tomahawk caused by far the biggest buzz at this year's show, drawing eyes away from the other Dodge concepts on the same stage. Who would have thought that normally conservative auto executives would take their biggest car engine - a V-10 -- and essentially build a motorcycle around it? And even if they did, who would have thought it would have turned out so… so… so damned sexy?

Under that highly polished steel and aluminum are some pretty cool engineering innovations. For example, the bike itself has no frame. Everything is either anchored to the engine block or anchored to something that is anchored to the block. The dry-sump engine is an 8.3-liter, 20-valve V-10. It produces 500 horses and 525 lb-ft of torque. And since this bike only weighs 1500 lbs, in theory it could reach a top speed of 400 mph.
Because the Viper engine is notorious for its heat output, Walters had to modify the engine to force air through, even when the bike is not moving. In front of the steering post sits a cooling fan that runs 1.5 times engine speed. The surface area of two aluminum radiators was maximized and an air induction system that forces heat out of the back of the bike was specially fabricated out of stainless steel. Areas of the engine that are most likely to come in contact with tender human flesh have been lined with a special fabric heat shield that further directs the flow of heat out of the ducts. The header lengths are intentionally uneven to enhance the sound out of the muffler. Walters said the trade-off for getting such a cool sound was to sacrifice 5 horsepower.
The output shaft is transverse and oversized but hollowed to reduce weight. The transmission consists of a two-speed gearbox with a double-disc, dry-plate clutch with a small-diameter flywheel. The drivetrain consists of dual 110-link motorcycle-style chains without a tensioner.
The suspension and handling are the unique to the bike in order to give all four wheels independent suspension, according to studio engineer Stephen Lim. The suspension is comprised of outboard parallel upper and lower control arms mounted via ball joints to aluminum steering uprights and hubs. Steering arms both push and pull the front wheel.
The wheels have 20-inch perimeter-mounted drilled machined stainless steel rotors. There are two custom designed inverted brake calipers per wheel. The rear wheel has 20-inch perimeter-mounted drilled cast-iron rotors and one inverted brake caliper per wheel.
Parts of a phenomenon
The single biggest part of the bike is the billet aluminum where the driver sits. It started at 750 and was precision milled down so that it now weighs just 28 pounds and is 4 millimeters thick.
Under the seat is a "brain box" computer controller similar to what is used in a standard fuel-injected auto - this one was borrowed from a racing Viper, of course.
Walters said the tires were custom made by Dunlop, and a computer circuit board design was cut into the rubber as tread to emphasize the fact that the entire bike was designed on the computer using Alias/Wavefront Studio Tools software. Walters admits the design itself "takes a little from all kinds of motorcycles and weapons systems and heavy equipment as well," but the shape was dictated by the challenge of getting a human body around a V-10 engine.
An hour or so after the introduction, Walters finally got a chance to catch is breath. With the bulk of the press corps off chasing other stories, car guys from other companies gathered around to gawk and gasp at the polished steel and aluminum. One man with a strong English accent struck up a conversation with a Volkswagen executive, and praised Chrysler's management for allowing their people to take a chance on a vehicle that may never earn the company a dollar.
"It's projects like this that designers dream about.

Maintainance tips 4r ur car

2007-06-16T23:17:00.000+05:30

Maintainance tips 4r ur car

It's great to save money by changing your own oil and performing other minor service that doesn't require much in the way of special skills, tools, or knowledge. Oil changes are still easy enough to grapple with, even on a $90,000 Mercedes. But as cars have grown in complexity, things that used to be considered "basic repairs" that could be handled by the backyard mechanic are increasingly best left to the pros - even if there's a strong temptation to save some money by attempting them yourself.An excellent example of this is brake service, which has become much more precision-intensive than it used to be. Unless you have a high-quality torque wrench and know how to use it, damaging expensive parts like brake rotors (and aluminum alloy wheels) by overtightening the lug nuts is remarkably easy to do and very commonly done. People thinking they'd save a couple bucks by installing new brake pads themselves wind up at their dealer complaining about vibrations coming through the steering wheel and other maladies that are frequently caused by having over-torqued the lug nuts and thus warping the $150-a-piece rotors.Have you got a dial indicator or micrometer to measure the thickness of those rotors to see if they ought to be replaced? Disc brake rotors used on late model cars often have less material (to save weight) and thus can't be "turned" as often as people are used to. How about a special lathe to "turn" the rotors while they're on the car - as specified by the shop manual and recommended service procedures for many new vehicles? If you don't do it that way or have them "turned" by a local machine shop, off the car, the results may not be good. If the car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, additional considerations will come into play. Do you know how to properly handle all that? If not, leave it alone, unless you like squeaky brakes that might not work right when you need them to.The fuel system on a modern car is another area where it's often best to leave well enough alone. In the "good old days" carburetors were easy enough to adjust if you followed the instruction in the shop manual and had some basic mechanical aptitude. The idle speed was controlled by a simple screw: in for a faster idle, out to slow it down. Setting the choke was no big deal. And cleaning was even easier, since all it took (short of a complete teardown) was a spray can of carb cleaner. Modern fuel injection systems are not like that at all. They are delicate, complex systems - and easily messed up if you don't know exactly what you're doing. Do you comprehend the functions of the Mass Airflow Sensor? Throttle Position Switch? Idle Air Speed Controller? Cold Start Enrichment Circuit? Can you diagnose each of these components - and isolate a potential problem? If not, resist the urge to start taking things apart as firmly as you would the advances of Anna Nicole Smith. The odds are much greater that you'll make whatever's wrong worse instead of fixing that erratic idle or hesitation problem. Cleaning a modern FI system also requires special power-flushing equipment to do it right. And remember, most of these cars have an injector for each cylinder - so eight for a V-8 - as opposed to just the one carburetor used in Ye Goode Olde Days.Even basic stuff like swapping out spark plugs can be a real challenge on a late-model vehicle due to the incredibly cramped confines of the engine compartment. Before you begin pulling off plug wires (if the car even has plug wires; most new cars don't) make sure you'll be able to get them back on again. As for the plugs, don't make the awful mistake of getting one cross-threaded because you couldn't see what you were doing, or the angle was so tight. Few things are as teeth-gritting miserable as having to get a cylinder head Heli-coiled (often requiring its removal from the engine), a job that can cost hundreds of dollars because a $2.99 spark plug was inserted improperly and stripped the threads. If the head is aluminum - common on late-model vehicles - it is especially easy to strip the threads. Also be aware that it's all-too-easy to get grit and grime on the tip of a spark plug that you're fumbling with, trying to find the hole. Now you've pushed debris into that cylinder, which could (and probably will) result in major damage.The last area of danger it's best to steer clear of is electronics. Twenty years ago wiring harnesses were pretty simple - and even if you toasted one, it didn't necessarily mean the car had become 3000 pounds of redneck lawn art. Today, even improperly jump-starting a late model, computer-controlled vehicle can have absolutely disastrous consequences due to voltage spikes that ruin delicate electronics. So can poking around under the dash, pecking at parts whose function and purpose you can't begin to fathom. If a problem develops, get thee to a dealer - or to a shop with personnel trained and equipped to diagnose and repair what ails thee. Short-circuit the brain box on a new car and finding out the cost to replace it might leave you like Fred Sanford, clutching your chest, awaiting the Big One.But don't despair. The flip side to all the above is that new cars are for the most part marvels of reliability that, compared to the cars of the past, don't require anywhere near as much hand-holding to keep on keeping on. Remember that before computers and fuel injection came along, it was typically necessary to get at least a minor tune-up (plus, timing and adjust the carb) once a year. Now it's once every three or four, and spark plugs generally go for 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Some don't need to be changed more often than every 100,000 miles. In the past it was once a year or 12,000 miles. No more fussy carburetors that need to be fiddled with every six months, either.CHANGING CAR OILAre you puzzled about the types of motor oil available? Wondering if you're choosing the right one for your car? Here's a crash course, so to speak:Multi-viscosity or straight-weight. Multi-viscosity oils are those denoted by two numbers with a 'W-' in between (for example, 10W-30 or 20W-50). The 'W' originally stood for winter, as oils were developed to compensate for the wear due to the vast temperature ranges then. They're almost exclusively used today rather than straight-weight (monograde) oils. Multi-viscosity oils use polymer additives to change the natural consistency of oil as it's heated, preventing it from thinning out as much as it otherwise would.The only downside to this is that some of the additives used to improve viscosity at high temperatures can also leave sticky deposits. Oil companies have mostly eliminated such problems by adding detergents to oil, along with rust inhibitors and antioxidants. Some precise performance engines will still require straight-weight oil, but all newer vehicles are designed for multi-viscosity oil and require it, else your warranty will probably be void.What the numbers mean. The numbers in motor-oil nomenclature refer to the viscosity (thickness) of the oil. A higher number corresponds to thicker oil, while a lower number refers to thinner oil. The numbers themselves are supposed to correspond to a set of real, measurable qualities in the oil, one of which is the viscosity index. In multi-viscosity oils, the left number refers to cold behavior of the particular oil, while the right number refers to its hot (100 degrees Celsius) behavior. So, for instance, 5W-30 oil would flow well when cold like 5-weight oil, but protect at high temperatures like 30-weight oil.Do oils vary much by brand? Yes. The 5W-30 oil from one company might equal 10W-40 oil from another company in viscosity, because there might be a difference in some of the other properties of the oil, like its flash point (at what temperature it ignites). The numbers in multi-viscosity oil also don't tell anything about how viscous the oil is at normal engine operating temperatures, as opposed to extremes. The best advice here is to choose a familiar brand, and experiment with other major brands if you think it's too thin or too thick. Never mix brands or different weights. Wait until an oil change.What about synthetics? Synthetics are better in every way, but they are much more expensive. They offer better high-temperature resistance and better low-temperature flow, and they leave nearly no deposits. Prices for synthetics are coming down, though, and there are also blends that combine synthetics with traditional mineral oils. Because synthetics flow and penetrate much better than regular oils, a change to synthetic oil will sometimes reveal leaks you didn't know existed..As your car ages and becomes a high-mileage vehicle, many experts recommend that you change to thicker oil than is normally used. Over time, gaps between parts in the engine become larger, enabling less oil to reach critical parts. Ask a mechanic familiar with your model vehicle or ask the dealership if you should change the type of oil for your vehicle beyond 100,000 miles.The underlying message is that all oil is not the same. Making sure you use the correct viscosity rating is just the start. The quality and characteristics of oils can vary greatly by brand, too.MORE TIPSYou wash it, you wax it, you fill it with gas. You're done, right?Not so fast. Your car needs more attention than those basics. Just as we all need a yearly checkup with the doctor, your car needs someone to check its vital signs and uncover any problems that might be brewing under the hood.You can perform many of these checks yourself, with a little familiarity. . "Manufacturers change the basic guidelines based on a number of different things."What should you focus on when checking things out yourself?Oil: Most manufacturers recommend that you change oil every 3000 miles, which seems to be too often for many people. "Use that number as the minimum mileage, and 7500 miles as a maximum," suggested "For your particular car, you should use judgment based on how you drive the car."If you're doing a lot of typical driving, such as stop-and-go city driving, commuting, or mostly short trips, . For mostly highway driving and longer trips, you can stretch it out to 7500 miles. And if you use your car infrequently, base the change interval on time, rather than miles. "Oil loses its lubricating properties even when it's just sitting there in a cold engine,"Transmission: In this case, it's safe to stick with recommendations, says Clark. The one exception is if you're towing even a light utility trailer. "That really increases transmission heat," Clark notes. "You should consult with a professional if you're towing a lot. You may even want to add another cooler to the transmission." In any case, always remember to replace the fluid filter with each fluid change,Tire rotation: It seems like something only car enthusiasts do, but rotating your tires gives them a longer lease on life,"Tires wear at different rates - front-drive vehicles wear their tires down more rapidly than rear-drive cars, for example." Rotating spreads that wear out evenly among all four tires. Most manufacturers and tire shops call for rotation every 5000 to 10,000 miles, a good schedule to stick with,Coolant: Here, it's especially critical to follow recommendations, Old coolant can lose its anti-corrosion properties, and today's aluminum radiators can be expensive to replace. "Some newer technology allows you 100,000 miles between coolant changes, and some manufacturers recommend a two-year change interval," Whatever the recommendation, make sure you dispose of coolant safely, as it's poisonous to children and pets. Wiper blades: This one's simple. "When you can't see very well at all, that's a clue to replace blades," Severe winter weather wears out blades quickly - road salt and ice being the chief culprits - so you may need more frequent replacements in frosty weather. One way to keep blades longer is to keep your washer reservoir full: "Plenty of liquid will keep the blades in better shape,

Demon on the loose

2007-06-16T22:55:00.000+05:30

Chrysler's recent crop of concept cars hasn't been approved for production - but that didn't stop the company from letting the press get their hands on them for a spin.
The automaker brought an assortment of show cars - a handful from each category - out on a warm spring afternoon, some just to sit and look pretty, but most for us to actually slip inside and drive down the tony waterfront in Grosse Pointe, Mich.The selection covered quite a range, from entry-level roadsters to high-line sedans, as well as a variety of Jeeps and trucks.

"We try to strike a balance," explains Joe Dehner, the new design vice president at Chrysler, between the pure fantasy cars, with their wild and fanciful shapes, and "the stuff that's more disciplined, with show car flair (tempered by) the potential to make it onto the showroom floor."

For those who've been wondering about the name of Chrysler's new owners, Cerberus, it refers to the three-headed guard dog of Hades, from Dante's Inferno. We don't know if that's a reference to what the troubled automaker will be facing in the future, but perhaps it's appropriate that the star among recent Chrysler show cars was named Demon.

Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, last February, it's Chrysler's take on the classic, entry-level roadster. Think Mazda Miata or Pontiac Solstice.

Under the skin, the Demon shares roughly the same chassis as found in the current production model, the Chrysler Crossfire, but the roadster show car features a smaller, 2.4-liter in-line four engine.

Firing it up, the Demon let out a nice little burble through an exhaust system unfettered by a catalytic converter. We struggled to get the manual transmission into gear - a sin forgivable in a prototype which had to make its borrowed drivetrain fit whichever way possible. In production form, we'd expect to see a reworked version of the four, which would boast more than enough power for such a lightweight vehicle. (We'd also hope that Chrysler would consider at least one up-market drivetrain option, much as Pontiac as done with the Solstice, however.)

As with the drivetrain, the borrowed steering package was a little notchy and not quite ready for prime time, but the overall feel of this Demon on the loose was perfect for a cool, sunny spring day. While this may officially be described as a concept car, it has the feel of something getting ready for production. And perhaps for good reason, according to Dehner.

While there's been no formal decision, designers had a clear mandate. "The idea behind it was to do an entry-level sports car that, if it were to get approval, could get into production very quickly," Dehner explained, pointing to the Crossfire, which went from concept to production in barely 18 months.

If the Demon gets the go, insiders hint that it would likely share its platform and key components with another entry-level Chrysler minicar. The most probable? The production version of the Hornet show car. The U.S. maker is developing that as part of a joint venture with the Chinese automaker, Chery, and it could reach showrooms by 2009. We're hoping like the devil to see a production Demon around the same time.

Nassau

2007-06-16T22:53:00.000+05:30

Now that Chrysler's trans-Atlantic marriage is ending in divorce, there's less reason for the automaker to worry about pushing into luxury territory, where it would have otherwise bumped up against Mercedes-Benz. But is the Nassau show car a sign of things to come?

Launched at the North American International Auto Show, in January, it's a striking alternative to the more macho 300 sedan, upon which the Nassau is based. Rather than the current production sedan's sharp edges and massive grille, the Nassau is defined by sweeping curves and an unusual rear that falls somewhere between hatchback and wagon. Perhaps the closest similarity is the tail of the Lexus RX crossover.
The coupe-like four-door features unusual half-pillars between the doors, so windows down, there's an unbroken view and flowing air. Two glass panels sweep the length of the roof, adding to the almost convertible-like feel.

With a 6.1-liter V-8 under the hood, you feel the raw power as soon as you fire the HEMI up. Yet even in concept form, with its ten-spoke, 21-inch wheels, the Nassau is a surprisingly smooth ride. We'd have loved to put our foot into it, but the Chrysler technician, who came along as guardian, cautioned that with the lowered show-car suspension, a pothole could rip out the entire undercarriage. We chose to behave ourselves.

With its huge 120-inch wheelbase, the Nassau is a roomy ride as well. The high-tech interior, with its retro-modern push-button gearshift and iDrive-like controls, is divided into four quadrants by the center console that runs the length of the cabin.

While the Nassau pushes to the edge of production styling, we've got a feeling we'll be seeing significant elements of its design when Chrysler rolls out the next-generation 300 sedan

2007 Audi tt club sportquattro concept

2007-06-16T22:51:00.000+05:30

2007 Audi tt club sportquattro concept
Audi continues its quest to grab a headline every few weeks with the new TT clubsport quattro concept, a sporty rendition of the new roadster now on sale in theU.S.
The concept strips down the TT roadster to an essential racing form, most obviously by cutting away the car's windshield and replacing it with a speedster-style windscreen. Aluminum inserts in the grille (the Audi rings are relocated to the hood) and lower roll bars behind the driver and passenger seat, Audi says, visually flatten the TT's form, giving a more intense stance. Slim LED daytime running lights frame the nose on the concept. Gray exterior shades are highlighted by orange brake calipers.

Other details give the driving environment a flair distinct from the standard TT. The doors are operated by a remote button, not by conventional handles. Smaller mirrors and ultra-low-profile 20-series tires are twinned with a 3.2-inch wider track and larger wheel flares.

In the cabin, the orange highlights applied to the bucket seats, instrument panel and armrest pick up the theme from the brake rotors. Racing bucket seats and four-point seatbelts are outfitted to the car, and aluminum trim decorates the pedals, door pulls, and gear knob. Replacing one of the TT's three circular air vents is a Bang & Olufsen MP3 player.

The most compelling feature of the clubsport quattro is its turbocharger four-cylinder. Tuned to produce 300 horsepower, it's teamed to an S-tronic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive.

Audi says a short production run of clubsports is being considered. We'd expect to hear confirmation of that at this year's Frankfurt auto show.

2008 Volkswagen Touareg2

2007-06-16T22:44:00.000+05:30

Sheets of brittle shale cover the narrow path, loose shards crumbling under our tires. Steadily we inch up the steep embankment, our truck's nose pointing skyward - until, that is, we crest the blind hill. Suddenly, as we rock over the top, we're faced with a dizzying drop.

With a gulp and a gentle nudge on the gas, over we go, but instead of racing towards the canyon below, our new Touareg deftly eases itself down, with the aplomb and control of a mountain goat. All we do is point, and the car does the rest, holding a steady 5 mph, until we're back on level ground.

Volkswagen is not a name one normally associates with off-roading, and for good reason. Until about four years ago, the German marque had ignored the mushrooming sport-utility segment - unless you count the bizarre "Thing" it briefly offered up nearly two generations ago. With the addition of the Touareg, VW boldly entered the fray.

The original Touareg was meant to be anything but a me-too offering. Developed in partnership with Porsche - which brought to market its own adaptation, the Cayenne - VW's version was stylish, sophisticated and costly, starting in the high $30,000 range and running well into the eighties for a full-equipped V-10 TDI diesel model. But for the short-lived Phaeton, it was the most expensive product the automaker ever offered.

So, we were more than a bit curious to see what the designers and engineers at Volkswagen headquarters, in Wolfsburg, might have in store when we received an invitation to visit Barcelona, on the Catalan coast of Spain , for the launch of the Touareg2. The 2008 is an update instead of a complete remake, but with a list of some 2300 changes covering things mechanical, as well as cosmetic, we determined it worth the long flight

Our forest green Touareg, er Touareg2, was waiting for us outside the Omm Hotel, one of the trendy boutique inns popping up all over a city known for its striking architecture. Our route would lead us through dense urban traffic and stop-and-go suburban sprawl, onto the smooth and fast Autovia toll roads and finally into the craggy mountains of Monteserrat.

Our destination? A one-time winery that, the latest owner proudly boasted, had been worked since at least the 13th century. A searing fire had ended that tradition a few years back, so today, the land is made available to off-roaders who can choose the equivalent of a ski resort's bunny hills or black diamond trails. We stuck to the latter, exploring paths likely in use long before Don Quixote began tilting at windmills.

We've always preferred the Touareg to the Cayenne when it comes to both interior and exterior styling. That remains the case with the '08 model. Among the many changes, the Touareg2 gets the latest version of the Volkswagen "face," with its bright crossbar grille flowing into the bumper, wrapping headlights and larger front air intakes that more closely resemble the Porsche's.

The overall aerodynamics of the '08 Touareg have been improved, both visually and in terms of reduced wind drag. There's also a new, sporty rear spoiler that integrates much better into the body. Roof rails become standard. There are new, rear LED lamps. And for 2008, 19-inch wheels and tires become standard on the V-8 and V-10 versions, with optional 20-inch wheels becoming available early in the model-year.

Anyone who might still think of VW as a spartan brand will be in for a pleasant surprise slipping into the Touareg2 cabin. It's a lavish and pleasantly appointed space, with elegant blending of leather, metal and wood. Fits and finishes are well-executed, with no annoying gaps or odd color combinations. Controls are well-placed, gauges easy to read. There's a second and newly-expanded LCD screen between the two main gauges, providing a variety of graphic and textual readouts - wheel angle, for example, when you're in off-road mode.

Seating is plush yet fully supportive, and what we found particularly impressive was the way they kept you in place, whether negotiating seriously rutted trails or blasting down the Autovia. The standard issue driver's seat has twelve-way power adjustability.

More power to you
Two of the three powertrain packages are upgraded, the 3.6-liter V-6 bumping up to 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The 4.2-liter FSI (VW-speak for direct-injection) V-8 now pumps out 350 hp. At a time when mileage-minded buyers are beginning to look seriously at fuel economy specs, the Touareg2's numbers may give some pause. The 2008 numbers aren't available yet, but VW officials hint at a modest improvement over the 2007 numbers for both gasoline engines, the V-6 rated at 14 city and 19 highway, the V-8 just 12/17 mpg.

(Those numbers are down a bit from the 2007 Touareg's ratings, but the EPA has mandated a new testing procedure for 2008 which is lowering all mileage figures. On a comparable basis, the new ute would see a modest gain for the V-6 and V-8 models.)

The best mileage in the lineup, at 15/20 mpg, is delivered by VW's V-10 diesel, which churns out a full 310 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. In real-world terms, you'd have a hard time offsetting the premium you'll shell out for that big oil burner - which starts at $68,320, compared with $48,320 for the V-8 - with any savings in fuel costs. But there are plenty of potential customers that want to do their bit for the environment, even if it doesn't work out well on a balance sheet.

That's not the only reason to consider the V-10, by the way. It's a heavy brute, but this incredibly torquey engine has true, stump-pulling power, whether you're launching off a stoplight, clambering up a steep hill or hauling a heavy trailer. Anyone who recalls the bad old diesels of the '80s will be in for a pleasant revelation.

The V-6 is a reasonable trade-off, though it's got its work cut out hauling a load as heavy as the Touareg - all three models run over 5000 pounds curb weight.

Balancing price and performance, our preference runs towards the V-8. It's got enough to power to push you into your seat and keeps climbing well into Autobahn speeds. The throaty exhaust note is another plus.

Late in the 2008 calendar year, VW intends to drop the V-10, incidentally, and replace it with an all-new 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel. It isn't nearly as beefy, at 225 hp and somewhere in the 400 lb-ft range, VW estimates, but it should deliver mileage that some of today's smaller hybrid SUVs would envy, somewhere in the 30-mpg range. And it will meet the toughest new diesel emissions standards, meaning VW will be able to offer it in all 50 states. (The V-10 is not sold in California and four other states, in the Northeast.) Look for the V-6 TDI to start "well under $50,000," according to U.S. product chief David Goggins

Technologyyyyyyy
On average, those prices are a couple thousand more than on the 2007 Touareg, but for the extra money you get a number of new standard features, some previously offered only as high-price options. There's a new power liftgate, among other things, and sonar parking sensors. Sirius satellite radio is now standard, and comes with a short trial subscription. If you're an audiophile, give serious consideration to the Touareg's new high-line package, made by Dynaudio.

One disappointment was the lack of a Bluetooth system for hands-free phoning, though VW officials promise it's coming. There's now a keyless ignition system, with the requisite Start button.

For many buyers, the only high-tech systems that really matter involve safety, and the Touareg2 boasts a solid package, including traction and stability control, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, six airbags, including rollover-sensing bags for both front and back rows. And thank you, VW, for adopting tire pressure monitors that accurately measure individual wheels. Also, kudos for a new anti-lock braking system that can respond to deep-pack snow and sand.

We're especially fond of the Touareg2's air suspension package, which offers a variety of advantages. It's a particular must for off-roading, as you can readily adjust vehicle height. Even on highway, this self-leveling system boosts handling notably.

Years ago, when VW and Porsche began their SUV joint venture, they collectively decided against a traditional, ladder-frame design. While we wish they'd have come in with a lighter package - even the V-6 tips the scales at well over 5000 pounds - the decision was a clear plus for highway driving, without sacrificing any trail capability, as far as we've seen.

On the Autovia and around town, the Touareg's road manners are incredibly smooth and confident. You feel the heft a bit when charging into a hard corner at 100 mph, but for an SUV, this ute handles such speeds more like a sports car - underscoring Porsche's influence.

On the trails, absolutely nothing held our V-8 Touareg back. The closest we came was on some loose dirt and gravel. But simply backing off the gas for a moment to let wheels and suspension settle down worked wonders and we were soon crawling back up the hill.

Though the features are not unique to VW, hill hold, which prevents you from sliding back when you let off the brake while climbing, and hill descent control, are well integrated here. The latter feature judiciously applies the brakes for you so you roll down even the steepest grade at a steady speed of just under 5 mph.

Surprisingly, VW data show that more Touareg owners go off-road than any other brand, including the trail-savvy Land Rover. That said, the vast majority of Touareg2 buyers will never see anything rougher than gravel. So the updated SUV's on-road performance should be its big selling point, with its off-road capabilities just adding to the package.

Fueling
We do have a few concerns about the Touareg, starting with its fuel economy numbers. These days, whatever sort of vehicle you opt for, it's not something you dismiss lightly. But if mileage matters most, you may simply want to wait for next year's launch of the V-6 TDI.

An even bigger concern involves quality. In its early years this ute had some serious problems; and to their credit, senior VW officials don't deny it. That said, Adrian Hallmark, the CEO of Volkswagen of America, has made quality his top priority and it appears to be paying off. Corporate data - supported by outside research - indicates there's been a fivefold drop in defects over the last two years, meaning the Touareg's quality is about on a par with some Toyotas. Whether VW can maintain this newfound religion with the Touareg2 remains to be seen, but we're hopeful.

When it made its debut, the Touareg threw a bunch of dirt on the image of the VW brand - in a good way. It is big, incredibly versatile and lavishly equipped. It's fun to drive and nice to look at. The Touareg2 is better than the first try. Yes, there are some cautions, but if you're looking for an SUV in this class, this is a must to put on your shopping list.

2008 Volkswagen Touareg2
Base prices: $39,230 (V-6); $48,230 (V-8); $68,320 (V-10)
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 280 hp/265 lb-ft; 4.2-liter V-8, 350 hp/302 lb-ft; 5.0-liter turbodiesel V-10, 310 hp/553 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Length x width x height: 187.2 x 75.9 x 68.0 inWheelbase: 112.4 inCurb weight: 5300 lb (V-8); 5086 lb (V-6); 5825 lb (V-10)
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 14/19 mpg (V-6); 12/17 mpg (V-8); 15/20 mpg (V-10)
Major standard features: Power windows/locks/mirrors; power liftgate; AM/FM/CD/Sirius; power sunroof; tilt/telescope steering wheel; puddle lamps; second-row reading lights; climate control; ultrasonic parking assist system; keyless entry
Safety features: Dual front, side, and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control; tire pressure monitors; Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
Warranty: Five years/60,000 miles

2007-06-08T23:28:00.000+05:30

One of the biggest problems when tuning our cars for max power is the quality of the petrol (gas) we use. Honda enthusiasts are probably most familiar with this as for close to a decade, we have been forced to see Honda's very desirable Type-R models being purely JDM models with generally de-tuned substitutes for the export market. One of the biggest reasons for this is the issue of petrol/gas quality - the Type-Rs are spec'ed for RON100 petrol and few countries outside of Japan has such level of quality for sale in the public petrol/gas stations.This problem with petrol/gas quality also becomes a big problem when we modify our Hondas. Detonation becomes a problem whenever we push for max power when we modify our engines. I was given a rather 'blunt' introduction to this problem when I embarked on my project to soup-up my DA6 Integra more than 3 years ago. I wanted the power level of a H22A but wasn't willing to accept the substantial chasis mods needed to swap one into the car. So I decided to install a blower. I can still vividly remember my first, brutal introduction to the lack of quality in the local Malaysian petrol. We set for a nominal 0.5 bar boost and proceed to do the first dyno run, carefully, to extract the baseline result for tuning. Upon WOT, the check engine light promptly came on and the ECU went into back-up mode. The ECU trouble code read 'knock sensor' - the engine was detonating so badly that the ECU went into back-up mode to save it from destroying itself ! Because I simply bolted the kit on and ran it with the stock 10+ CR, we later estimated my RON requirement went up from around RON95 to an estimated RON99 !! And it is this inability to meet the octane requirement that stopped me from extracting max power from the blower kit - I had to set the wastegate for lowest possible boost in an effort to avoid detonation in the humid hot Malaysian weather

RON rating of course isn't the only property about petrol/gas that is important. My 'Automotive Engines' text-book listed a whole list of important characteristics of a good petrol/gas and this includes things like volatility and purity. A good quality petrol/gas will allow an engine to run extremely smoothly and extract maximum power with minimum stress.

There are of course a huge variety of such petrol additives and petrol modifiers in the market. Some like 'Justice Brothers' are plain octane boosters and are available for sale via the supermarkets. Others are more specialized and are only marketed via specialist tuner shops.Afterburn is a fuel modifier developed by Malaysian tuner specialist Aerotech. Aerotech has been in operation in Malaysia for over 20 years. Their first project car was a HKS turbo-charged Prelude and they have since been building countless cars, from powerful NA Hondas to streetable 700ps Nissan Skyline GTRs. Afterburn is developed to offer the benefit of fuel additive like HKS DHOB but at a much more affordable cost and to work on all types of cars from completely stock ones to wildly modified ones

To develop Afterburn, Aerotech analyzed many different fuel additives currently on the market. This includes both plain octane boosters like Jungle Juice to fuel modifiers like DHOB. Aerotech decided that the HKS DHOB 'approach' was the best, i.e. a fuel modifier that improves the combustion characteristics of the petrol it is added to and accordingly have similar objectives for Afterburn as well. To develop Afterburn, Aerotech tested it on countless cars, ranging from completely stock run-of-the-mill family sedans to LPT (light pressure turbo) 1.6SOHC Civics, 400ps FD3S RX-7, 600ps R33 Skyline GT-Rs and even superbikes like Honda CBR900 and the Suzuki GSXR 750 and 1000s. The results were measured extensively on Dynojet car and bike dynamometers. The original design target for Afterburn was to offer 80% of the effectiveness of the best fuel modifier in the market, HKS DHOB, but at a fraction of its cost. This has been acheived very well with Afterburn registering a clear increase in dyno'ed power at the wheels, ranging from mild (3-4ps) for stock SOHC family sedans to more than 10ps for really souped up supercars like the 600ps R33 Skyline GT-R. In fact, in many cases, the power increase from using Afterburn actually surpassed that from using DHOB ! Other improvements are of course more subjective - vastly improved throttle response and a much smoother and quieter engine. In addition, Afterburn also astonishingly returned improved fuel economy - users routinely reporting as much as 10%-15% improvements with Afterburn added. Optimal mixture ratios for Afterburn is different between NA and forced induction cars - for NA, the optimum mixture is 250ml for each 50litre petrol/gas while for turbocharged and supercharged cars, the optimum mixture is 500ml for each 50litre of petrol/gas. Accordingly Afterburn is packaged in both 250ml or 500ml cans

Technically Afterburn is different from the other fuel additives that Aerotech looked at only in its formulation, i.e. how much of each ingredient and how they are mixed. In this sense, Afterburn do not claim at any new or breakthrough ingredient. Everything that goes to make Afterburn have been used in similar products before. But Aerotech believes they have found the best combination of ingredients and the most effective mixing procedure. What might conceiveably allow Aerotech to achieve this better than large corporations like STP for e.g. might be that Aerotech is a specialist tuner and tested Afterburn on not only stock cars but also many tuned cars as well, from mildly tuned ones to crazily tuned one

A valid concern for any fuel modifiers besides the question of its effectiveness must be whether it has any unwanted side-effects or more crucially whether it will cause any long term damage to the engine and ancilliary systems. In this case, long term testing was carried out internally over a period of more than 6 years on several different cars owned by Aerotech (from a HKS LPT SOHC Civic to a 400ps HKS turbocharged S13 180SX) and no side effects have been found. Confidence in this result can probably be also taken by the fact that the ingredients used in Afterburn have been used by similar products on the market and many of which would have undergone extensive lab tests by their manufacturers.

Afterburn, simply run alternative tanks of pure petrol/gas or petrol/gas with Afterburn. A few things to bear in mind though. The best method of adding Afterburn is to pour the can in just before topping up. This helps mix the Afterburn and petrol more thoroughly. But if you have to add Afterburn into an already full tank, then it will take some time for it to mix completely with the petrol. This will be after around 1-2 kms of driving. Also do bear in mind when doing the 'without test' that the first top-up without Afterburn will still see some residual effects because we can't really run the tank until it's totally empty - there would still be some petrol, perhaps as much as 5litres or more in the tank even when the needle is reading bone dry so it's only after the 2nd top-up that all traces of Afterburn would be gone.

The suzuki Mercury Rising

2007-06-08T23:05:00.000+05:30

"Suzuki is a name to reckon with in the world biking arena. It would not be amiss for the bharatiya janata then to expect a big deal, if not go plain overboard, from the company’s comeback vehicle. So, is the Heat an out and out scorcher or must one cool one’s heels until brand Suzuki truly sizzles up its Indian menu? have a check on the mercury levels."Futuristic. Racy. Profound. Spirited. A few adjectives that only just begin to describe the new Suzuki. No, it’s not the India-bound Suzuki I am referring to here, alas, because the Heat’s quite the opposite. Unlike the new GSX-R600 I just described, the Heat is boring, a bit rural and downright inadequate in terms of styling.“What was the Japanese marque thinking when they gave a go ahead for a bike that looks so drab?” Exactly our thoughts when she was first unveiled at the Auto Expo earlier this year. And for both Suzuki’s sake and mine, I hoped and prayed at the time that she would have something outstanding, something awe-inspiring, something that would have us, and the Indian buying public, look beyond her staid looks and truly want to own one.

The good news is, there’s not one, but there are a few incredible bits about the Heat that will have you hanker after her. And in all the right places too! Want to know more? Read on…STYLE AND BUILDBack to the future...Styling isn’t one of them. If you buy bikes because they look good, there isn’t any point in reading further. But we still urge you to. The Heat comes across as a bike that might have rung a bell among our dad’s generation when they were 20-something, but not one to stir up the style and image conscious, hi-tech cell phone-toting youth you see loitering and littering up the world’s fancy malls.Take the side panel for starters: it’s nicely finished, does manage to gel with the tank (somewhat), and has racy graphics too. But even then it simply fails to strike a chord. No matter what the scale.It’s a similar story with that bulbous and odd shaped tailpiece, which houses one of the biggest tail lamps I have come across. Big is better, they tell me, more so when it’s semi-urban audience you are addressing. The big theme is carried over to the rear mudguard as well. Bring on the dirt roads, I say! The chrome grab rail is another feature that will please village folk - it’s sturdy (perceived to be) and with all those hooking points, is quite practical too. At the front you have a round headlamp, again a very entry-level feature. Suzuki however chooses to disagree here (read box). The front mudguard like its rear counterpart seems bigger than necessary. The tank which is the best bit about the bike’s design, isn’t very inspiring actually, especially with that archaic fuel filler cap. It does have nicely thought-out knee recesses though.The twin pod instrumentation is basic with an optimistic 140kmph speedo and an odometer on the left pod, while the right one houses telltale lights in addition to the fuel gauge. They’re easy to read, the clocks, whether at night or day. The surprising bit about the Heat are her weighted handlebar ends. Now for a bike which is downright basic, machined finished ends do seem a little extravagant. The round rear-view mirrors in the mean time are simply inadequate.

But it’s not just individual design elements that make the Heat look the way she does; but all of it failing to blend and meld together leaves one with the impression of a job carried out in tearing hurry. Also true for the handle lock, which locks only on the left side!Fit and finish, especially the paint job, is superb on the bike. The plastics, be it for the switchgear (which again is quite bare boned), levers or even the instrument console come across as quite up marke

How to wash bikes?

2007-06-08T22:51:00.000+05:30

Washing bikes is a regular routine for better maintenance.

Here is the perfect guideline to wash bikes effectively for a sparkle that last for long.

Say NO to car wash

Never take the bike for car wash as they use high pressure spray, which the bikes cannot resist. The spray will force its way up to the gaskets to make the whole situation worse.

Hand wash your bikes for better results.

Remember to turn your fuel tap off and lay the bike over to give it a good wash underneath.

Do not use paper towels

Although it may sound unpractical, avoid using paper towel to wash, dry or wipe off your bike. Paper towels have small wood chips which may scratch your bike.

Washing SolutionAvoid using any household products like detergents to wash your bike as they are too aggressive. They will strip the wax and dull the finish on black engines or plastic housings. Use any car wash solutions. As for cloth rag or mitt, use pure cotton terry cloth rag or a lambs wool mitt. These materials do not scratch your bike but help to trap the dirt effectively. Spoke wheels, wrinkle black cases, caliper and disk

Clean the spokes with a wide shoelace. Wrap the shoelace a couple of times around the spoke and pull it back and forth over the length of the spoke. Clean those wrinkle black cases with a toothbrush. Open the brake calipers, so that the wheels will roll freely while washing. It also helps get all of the dirt and sand from in between the caliper and disk What is best Wax or Polish?This is a very common question which most of the riders brood on. Lets solve the problem by knowing the difference between them. Polishes owe a very fine grit, which takes off a very small portion of clear coat. Therefore polishes dull the paint. Waxes, have no grit to them. Buy wax that are labeled as "cleaner wax". Cleaner wax has a mild chemical cleaning agent in it, not grit, therefore it does not remove any clear coat, but it can help with pollutants, bug guts...etc. Most bike riders and the Bike service stations prefer Carnauba wax as it protects the paint job from UV rays and pollution.

The finishing touches Do not let the bike sit wet. Wipe it with clean dry cotton terry cloth towels and then lube the chain. Make sure not to use these towels for any other use. Do not even drop them on the ground as the old towels or the one put on the ground may have pine needles, metal shavings, saw dust or anything trapped in the loops that can scratch your bike. If possible try locking these towels in a sealed container. Remember a clean bike is the first step to having a well-maintained bike

Bicycle Traffic Safety

2007-06-08T22:23:00.000+05:30

Bicycle traffic accidents, also called cycling accidents, pedalcycle accidents, bicycle crashes, pedalcycle crashes, and bike-car collisions, can be avoided through understanding why they occur

There are many people who think that bicycling is especially dangerous, not recognizing that cyclists travel more miles per fatality than pedestrians and more hours per fatality than passenger vehicle users

However, saying that cycling is fairly safe on the average does not mean that individuals shouldn't make efforts to make their own cycling more safe. We see a vast difference in the safety of selected groups of cyclists; for instance, children have 720 accidents per million hours while a group of British cyclists averaged just 66 accidents in the same amount of cycling time. We also see strong differences between individuals. Some have frequent, serious falls and/or collisions, and others have few accidents or none. In my 100,000 miles of cycling, I have fallen off of my bike six times, resulting in skin abrasion twice and no visits to the doctor. All of my own accidents, by the way, were due to my own stupidity and could have been easily avoided.

One choice a bicyclist can make is to be fatalistic about the matter and to decide that some cyclists are lucky and others are not, and another choice is to work to prevent future falls and collisions. However, the decision to try to be careful in itself is not safe enough. Many fatalities and injuries occur among those who were trying to be careful, but who weren't following the correct procedures. For example, cyclists who ride on the sidewalk, on wrong side of the road, and at the extreme edge of the pavement are all fearfully trying to prevent injuries, but the methods they employ greatly increase their chances of getting struck by cars.

Analysis of bicycling accidents and of cyclist fatalities demonstrate that cyclists are most safe when they operate their bicycles as vehicles. Motorists scan the highway in front of them and on either side watching for other vehicles. They do not watch as carefully for pedestrians, and they do not anticipate fast-moving bicycles traveling on sidewalks, crosswalks, and shoulders, especially when traveling in the opposite direction from the rest of the traffic

For this reason, bicycle traffic laws are almost the same as those for motor vehicles. All state laws either define bicycles as vehicles or give cyclists the rights and responsibilities of vehicle operators. Unfortunately, police do not enforce these laws, probably on the principle that only the cyclist is likely to be injured. In fact, in some areas, cyclists are encouraged to ride on sidewalks where they are less safe or to use bikelanes which violate the rules of normal traffic behavior.

Requirements for Safe Cycling

Four elements are required to ride a bike safely in traffic: strength, bike handling skill, experience, and knowledge. The knowledge necessary can be learned from the traffic code and from advice from other cyclists, including what I have written here, books and other web pages on cycling in traffic, and personal contact with other riders, if possible. Strength, bike handling skills, and experience will all have to be acquired more slowly and while bicycling. I suggest riding on side streets and country roads with light traffic until comfortable in all three areas. Riding off-road can help with bike handling skills and strength; however, the requirements for cycling on the street and in the dirt are extremely different. Riding on bike paths will probably not be helpful at all. Since I will be talking mainly about how to ride in traffic, let me first talk about strength and bike handling briefly.

How to Obtain Cycling Strength
Strength is built up through exercise. Those who spend time walking, hiking, jogging, skating, cross-country skiing, or playing any sport that requires constant running should have a good base to build on. Nonetheless, muscles will have to adapt to very different strength and energy requirements, and the legs will have to learn new behavior.
For short periods of time, while sprinting through an intersection or climbing a short, steep hill, the legs will be burning energy at a furious pace, while the lungs won't have even had enough time to start breathing hard. At the beginning of the sprint and at the crest of the hill, the legs will be moving slowly, applying great pressure to the pedals, while near the end of the sprint and at the bottom of the hill, the legs will be spinning rapidly, applying much less force to the pedals but just as much energy. Spinning is a whole new ballgame and might be said to mark the difference between a bike rider and a cyclist. It's a light and rapid application of power that results in less fatigue, once the cyclist adapts to it. A coach told me that more than 20 reps in one session of weight-lifting was not a good idea as it was too much strain on the muscles; I told him that, on a bicycle, I was used to as high as 50,000 reps in one day. Adapting to long-distance riding takes even more changes, as the body has to learn how to conserve and expend its energy wisely. Those who have not been active in an aerobic sport that uses the legs will need to build up more slowly because the body is going to because the body is going to have to make even greater changes. The body has the amazing ability to transform itself, but the process takes time. Those who are overweight are going to require even more time and some caution. And those with heart trouble are going to have to be especially watchful.A simple way in which to build up is to ride some distance that is comfortable but not too far at a speed that is fast but not too hard. Breathing so hard that talking is impossible or having to stop and gasp for breath are both signs that the exercise was too difficult. On the other hand, never having to breathe hard is a sign that the exercise is too light, at least after the first couple of weeks. It's necessary to put some effort into cycling, but never so much that it becomes a strain or painful

The daily distance should be increased on a weekly basis, but by no more than half. Ten miles per day is a good target for those interested in health alone. It will take some people a long time to build up to ten miles a day, while others will find themselves able to ride ten miles on the very first day. For weight reduction, fifteen miles a day or more would be recommended (recent studies found that those losing weight burned 2,800 kCal in exercise each week). Those interested in long rides or a bicycle trip should gradually increase the weekend distances while trying to ride ten miles or more daily during the week.

Cycling nearly every day is important physically and psychologically, but don't worry about missing a few days, either on a regular basis or due to bad weather or an illness. To help with finding time to ride, cycling can be used to travel to work or to run errands. If cycling is not possible for long periods due to the weather, walking or other exercises should be substituted

How to Improve Handling Skills

Bike handling skills also have to be developed over a period of time. Those who learned to ride as children have an enormous advantage over late learners. Riding in a straight line is an important first skill; motor vehicles often pass with just a foot or two of clearance, and motorists often honk at cyclists that they see swerving. Other important skills are gear shifting, mounting and dismounting the bike in various ways (especially at a traffic light or stop sign), avoiding stones, holes, or glass on the road, looking back while cycling straight ahead, turning sharply and suddenly, climbing while standing, descending rapidly, and avoiding the bites of dogs or kicking back at them to keep them away. Before riding in much traffic, a cyclist should be comfortable with the bike, even under emergency conditions. As children, we used to play lot of games or perform tricks that were actually bike-handling training rides. An adult learner can do the same thing. A large empty parking lot is an excellent place to practice. Try to maintain a straight line along a painted line, both looking ahead and to the rear, and to swerve to avoid some colored paper cut-outs prepared ahead of time. Practice almost stopping without putting a foot on the ground and then starting again. Practice mounting and dismounting under different conditions, including on slopes. Glancing back while riding straight ahead is difficult to learn, so many will want to get a rear-view mirror. Mirrors are sold which attach to the bike frame, the handbars, the glasses, and the bike helmet

My Safety Rules
Riding safely in traffic involves more than just obeying the traffic laws. I have five sets of rules that I follow when riding a bike:
#Obey the traffic laws.
#Keep alert at all times.
#Be visible day and night.
#Take the least traveled way.
#Keep the bike in good repair.

Obey The Traffic Laws

The Uniform Vehicle Code is designed to help traffic (anything moving on the road) and vehicles (bikes, mounted horses, buggies, wagons, tractors, cars, motorcycles, and trucks) avoid having accidents.
Traffic laws are important because they help people predict each other's behavior. Imagine what it would be like if people could drive their cars in whichever lane they felt like, the way pedestrians walk on whatever side of the sidewalk they feel like. The number of accidents would be very high. Vehicles can move safely and quickly because everyone obeys the same rules.
Some bike riders feel that it is OK for them to disobey the law. By behaving unpredictably, they are endangering themselves and other people. Unpredictable behavior is also very irritating to other vehicle operators (including cyclists) and can create hostility against cyclists in general.

In regard to bicycles, some states define bicycles as vehicles, some as slow-moving vehicles, and some give them all the rights and responsibility of vehicles without being vehicles. If a lawsuit results, these slight differences may be important; otherwise, they mean little. The important part is "all the rights and all the responsibilities of vehicles." "All the rights" means that the cyclist has the same right to use the road as the fellow in the motorhome, whether that fellow thinks so or not. A motorist can use illegal methods to force a cyclist off the road, but nothing in the law says that any vehicle is more important or has any priority. "All the responsibilities" is a reminder that each of us is our brother's keeper. Everyone on the road, including the cyclist, has to obey the traffic laws and has to behave in ways that don't endanger others. Recently, for some strange reason, the codes have started saying "all the duties" which means the same thing.

Keep Alert at All Times
There's a school of thought in driving which expects the driver to always watch out for other people's mistakes. The name for this is usually "defensive driving." Of course, I can't use the term "defensive cycling" because cyclists are already likely to be too defensive and not assertive enough. I suppose we could label it thus: "Always assume that the other guy is an idiot." I concatenate two rules into this one:
Number one: The cyclist must always act as if he owns the road. People judge others by their behavior. Someone that acts fearful or uncertain will soon have motorists yelling and honking. Instead, the cyclist must always act as if he owns the GD road. It's amazing how strong a confident attitude is. Years ago when I was the only cyclist on the road, I found that motorists treated me exactly like a motor vehicle operator because I acted like one. On construction jobs, I have had to direct traffic on temporary basis without a safety vest or flag, and motorists will almost always respond. In fact, I directed traffic as an eleven-year-old boy in the safety patrol, with only rare problems. Number two: The cyclist must always be on the lookout for idiots, cell phone users, dreamers, jerks, and bigots. The cyclist has excellent visibility and can see everything. To that must be added an instant readiness to respond to bad moves, and I've had motorists make them all (I'm writing a separate article on this subject). It must be assumed that any car door could be opened, that the car coming towards the cyclist could suddenly cut across his path, and that the car passing the cyclist could suddenly turn right. These things happen every day in every town. In addition, other bike riders will fail to stop for lights and stop signs; I consider them more dangerous than the motor vehicles. Finally, pedestrians can't hear a bicycle and will step into the road without warning. The bicycle is the most maneuverable vehicle on the road, and all that maneuverability can save the cyclist's life and has saved mine more than once. The statement "eternal vigilance is the price of freedom" must have been written by a cyclist. In remaining vigilant, I don't just depend on my eyes: I use my ears as well. Often my ears will alert me to a speeding car or truck coming from behind which gives me extra time to think ahead

It's important that the cyclist watch out for more than the other people as well. Dogs and other animals can be very dangerous if they tangle with the bike wheels, so the cyclist has to scan the sides of the road as well as watching the traffic. It's also important to keep an eye on the roadway immediately in front of the bicycle. Glass and nails can cause flats, while sand, gravel, boards, exhaust pipes, bricks and rocks, road and bridge cracks, drain grates, and pavement holes and breaks can cause a crash. When descending a steep hill, it's important to keep the speed down on curves, as loose gravel or deep holes could be waiting just around the bend. Watching for all these dangers, plus operating the bicycle while putting out a great deal of energy, keeps the cyclist very occupied with no risk of falling asleep.

Be Visible, Night and Day
One of the excuses that motorists often give for hitting pedestrians and cyclists is that they can't see them. There are two reasons for this (in addition to plain inattention): 1) Most motorists are watching for large vehicles and are not thinking about bicycles and pedestrians, and 2) a cyclist or pedestrian is not a very big object to spot from several hundred feet away, and yet the motor vehicle may be traveling 440 feet every five seconds.

One solution to both problems is the use of bright colors which tend to jolt the motorist into recognition. When I first heard of this idea, I didn't consider it too important; however, I needed a light jacket, and I found a yellow one for just two dollars. It seemed to me that traffic began acting more cautiously around me that very day. I made it my practice to wear yellow or another bright color at all times. In the spring of 1999, my yellow rain jacket was badly ripped. Since I was traveling to work, I just depended on my light-colored work shirts to make me visible. During that summer, it seemed that motorist were getting much more impatient, honking at me, yelling at me, and passing too closely. Then, when I got my new yellow jacket in the fall, I suddenly quit having any problems with traffic at all. It may be my imagination, but I have become more firmly convinced than ever that bright colors -- especially safety colors -- make a lot of sense

At night, it's essential that the cyclist use lights in addition to the reflectors. For commuters, the best front light is the very bright rechargeable lamp. For the day tourer, it's important to carry a small, battery-powered lamp for the trip that ends up finishing after daylight has ended. Unfortunately, many of the lights sold for this purpose are inadequate. For long-distance travelers, those who ride long distances in the country at night, or those whose habits are sporadic, a generator front light is bright and always available for use. Athough not required in most states, I highly recommend a tail light in addition to the rear reflector. The cost is very low and the dependability high. Reflectors are much brighter than lights when motor vehicles are close, so they shouldn't be taken off of the bike. Be sure to carry some spare bulbs for the headlight; however, it is a good idea to swap the regular rear reflector for a larger and brighter one

Take the Least Traveled Road

As the number of vehicles increase on a road, the chance of an accident increases. The more traffic on a narrow two-lane road, the more likely that vehicles will pass the cyclists in both directions at once. On four-lane roads, as the traffic gets heavier, the motorists cease to pay attention or fail to scan for cyclists and pedestrians, instead they focus all their attention on the other motor vehicles. When the drivers are undergoing strain from closely following vehicles, they are less likely to slow down when passing. Under these conditions when turning off of a road, the motorists are likely to turn off at a higher rate of speed and to take less time to scan ahead. In addition, in designing roads for high volume, high-speed traffic, engineers are more likely to forget about bicycles and the need of cyclists to get through the intersection safely. Finally, the greater then number of vehicles, the greater the strain and the smaller the enjoyment for the cyclist

Wherever I live, I take a little time to explore the highways and by-ways, looking for the best routes. That exploration is fun too. I try to have more than one way of getting everywhere; that just makes life more interesting. Traveling on the back road takes a little longer, but it is more enjoyable Keep the Bike in Good Repair
A large percentage of bike accidents happen due to poor maintenance on the bike. Of greatest importance are the brakes (adjusted properly, brake pads and cables good), the wheels (taunt, trued, with tight quick-releases or nuts), and the tires (good condition, properly inflated). On a bike with a coaster brake, if the chain breaks, the brake fails. Other causes of accidents might be from loosed bolts, such as the brake bolt, or from carried items that are not securely fastened. Handlebars and seats can also come loose. A badly adjusted derailleur can cause the rear wheel to suddenly lock. Any rattles or noises from the bike should be investigated. Nuts should be first tighten snug, then given an extra quarter turn to lock.

Conclusion

The rules applying to safe cycling are the same that apply to driving an automobile. Children who are old enough to ride are old enough to learn to ride on the right side of the street and to stop for stop signs. That's what I did as a little boy. Teenagers are old enough to learn all the traffic laws and to travel on the less busy streets and roads