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Friday, August 13, 2010
Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition; the V8 Vantage N420 which brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range.
Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.
The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from the company’s experiences at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. In the 2006 running of the annual Nürburgring endurance classic amongst a field of mostly motorsport homologated cars, Aston Martin entered a near-standard, road-registered V8 Vantage. Driven by a team of employees, including Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, the V8 Vantage – named ‘Rose’ by the team – finished 4th in class and 24th overall from a field of more than 200 specialised racing cars.
Since then Aston Martin has returned every year to compete in this gruelling endurance race, scoring a string of class victories and podiums with road-registered V8 and V12 Vantages and most recently the new four-door Rapide. Not only has this racing success spawned a burgeoning V8 Vantage GT4 customer programme run by Aston Martin Racing, but lessons learned in racing at the Nürburgring has led to aerodynamic and other performance developments being fed back into Aston Martin’s road cars.
A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive, while also offering a 27kg weight saving – achieved through the application of carbon fibre – over the standard V8 Vantage.
On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and ‘Graphitic’ tailpipe finishers complete the co-ordinated look.
Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara® steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with ‘Race Track’ stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.
Cementing the Vantage N420’s credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage’s renowned poise, balance and long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.
Production of the V8 Vantage N420 begins this month, with deliveries commencing in August and prices starting from £96,995.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
BMW has seen some rather odd looking cars roll off the production line over the past 10 years, but Khalfi Oussama’s new X9 off roader concept coupe takes oddball beemers to a whole new level. The X9’s massive wheels and excessively wide (not to mention oddly patterned) tyres combined with its color matched side-steps and heavy-duty crash plates front and rear definitely showcase the car’s intentions. At first glance, this concept car BMW X9 seems more suited to Hollywood than the actual driving in the streets. This will be used on any type of a car engine, is currently no detailed information, but because everything is the result of imagination, so anything is possible. As we know, attractive design and powerful engines rely on each other, but both a model of success in both play an important role.
Strange about the design of rich people sometimes go far beyond the imagination of car makers imagination, which launched in recent weeks from so many works on the concept car design is evident. This BMW concept car designed for 18-year-old X9 designer seems a lot of experience in automotive design, as he had also drawn up before several other models, futuristic design sketches, including BMW and Ferrari models.
The BMW X9 Concept blends the sporty bodylines of a coupe with the rolling stock of an off roader much like BMW’s chunky yet sporty looking X6 soft roader. The BMW X9 coupe also carries a new interpretation of BMW’s signature kidney grille, although Oussama’s version is considerably smaller than the current flock of BMWs. The grille sits alongside a set of unique twin-headlights, as well as a pair of tiny foglights that are set into the bumper.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The 2009 CX-7 adds minor enhancements to its standard and optional features. All models receive MP3 capability and an auxiliary audio input jack as standard equipment. Sport models add leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Grand Touring trim adds auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and side turn signals integrated into the exterior mirror housings. Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and Sirius satellite radio are added to the Technology Package and Moonroof. It features performance worthy of a sportscar, but also offers room and space for five. The four-cylinder CX-7 offers more horsepower and torque than most of its V6-equipped competitors. The 66-degree windshield angle is sleeker than many sportscars. Distinct character lines run through the A-pillars and along the edges of the hood to the front fascia.
The side profile sports an aggressively rising belt line, a curved roof and prominent fender arches, producing Mazda's unique signature. A tapered cabin rests securely on the lower body's broad shoulders. From the rear, the detailed round motif tail lamp and large dual exhaust outlets.
This distinctive overall exterior design is well balanced with the aerodynamics of the vehicle. CX-7's shape is aerodynamically efficient with best-in-class performance for coefficient of drag (0.34 Cd). While it provides outstanding aerodynamic performance, this exterior design does not compromise craftsmanship. Panel and component part-gaps are flush and tight. Wiper arms are configured to match the surrounding cowl design and minimize wind noise.
An advanced and sporty image was pursued in designing the interior. For the two-tone trim, the side surface two-tone graphic reaching from the front doors all the way to the cargo space stylishly harmonizes with the kicked-up beltline of the exterior side view. A high level of craftsmanship completes the interior design. The chief designer mapped out the CX-7 with ample space for five occupants. The lockable center console can swallow a compact laptop computer and space is provided for coins and sunglasses. Front door pockets are handy locations for beverage bottles. Two cup holders in the center console offer a stable place to carry large containers without interfering with shift lever operation. A pocket attached to the front seatback is ideal for maps and brochures. The heart of every Mazda is its spirited powertrain. Under the hood of the CX-7 is a version of the turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine, similar to that fitted to the MAZDASPEED3. Engineered to deliver high performance at all speeds, along with low exhaust emissions and excellent fuel economy. Key building blocks are aluminum block and head construction with forged internal components - crankshaft and connecting rods for long-lasting durability. Balance shafts curb noise and vibration. A large air-to-air intercooler and direct fuel injection cools temperature inside the cylinders.
Advanced transmission and drive components pass the engine's power cleanly to the pavement. The six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission provides the full manual control demanded by assertive drivers.
Sensors monitor engine information, individual wheel speeds, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) operation, and the CX-7's standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to optimize torque distribution. Whether the driving conditions are dry and fast or slippery and moderately paced, exceptional handling is assured.
In front, a perimeter frame mounted to the unibody through six rubber isolators supports the powertrain, the engine-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering and a low friction MacPherson strut suspension system. To minimize cargo-compartment intrusion, the rear spring is positioned between the lower lateral member and the cross member that anchors rear chassis hardware to the unibody. The damper is located between the wheel hub and the unibody to provide excellent motion control with minimal friction. CX-7's rigid unibody uses the Mazda Advanced Impact Energy Distribution and Absorption System to realize high levels of collision safety and helps to protect occupants in various accident situations, including front, side and rear impacts.
A special sensor anticipates a roll-over and inflates the side-curtain air bags early to guard against injury, maintaining inflation for approximately six seconds to help keep limbs out of harm's way. Front occupant restraints have pretensioner and load-limiter mechanisms to maximize their effectiveness. To delight, the Mazda CX-7 offers a wealth of entertainment gear. Another convenient feature available on the Grand Touring model is the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System. Without removing the card-shaped device from one's pocket, doors can be unlocked and the engine can be started (or stopped). Also, the front-seat power windows can be operated from outside the car, and the optional moonroof can be opened and closed. Some of the highlights of the standard features on the base Sport model are manual air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, retractable key, cruise control, MP3 capability, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and six air bags. The Touring edition adds leather trim (seats, steering wheel, shift knob), power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats and a retractable cargo cover. In top-line Grand Touring trim, CX-7 is equipped with features such as leather with a black sport seat stripe, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, fog lamps, body-color mirrors, chrome door handles, automatic interior climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and side turn signals integrated into the exterior mirror housing.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Buckle up now so we can tell you the whole story. It all started almost a decade ago when the owners of mundane 70's style home built on the border of a nature preserve in Gnigl near Salzburg, turned to architect Markus Voglreiter with a crazy idea; transform their home into something that resembles a car and more specifically, the original VW Bug. Their dream came true with the completion of the project in 2003. And was completed in 2003 and 2007 respectively. Both the structures feature car-dork details like suspension-themed interior columns, exterior “tires,” and headlight-shaped windows.
In addition to its unique styling that includes some snazzy details like the headlamp shaped windows and suspension spring-themed columns inside, the "Auto Residence" is also eco-friendly making use of what Voglreiter describes as "a 3-liter energy heating and insulation technique that optimizes all current building technologies, drastically reducing energy consumption. Apparently, the VW Bug-inspired home was a hit in Austria as four later, Voglreiter went ahead and designed a larger in size -and dare we say sportier looking- version in the form of a restaurant and bar called the "The Car . Das Auto". Located north of Salzburg, the car-shaped restaurant is said to have cost approximately €1.6 million to build.
With Delhi being added to the Grand Prix circuit in 2011, Force India are learning and may well be a team to reckon with by the time the Delhi Grand Prix arrives. The team has just signed a five year agreement with Mercedes for engines, and a partisan Indian crowd in Delhi may make a large impact at the event.
The participation in, and rise to prominence of an Indian team in F1 is in marked contrast to China, which despite having hosted the F1 in Shanghai for the past few years, does not field a competing team. This is somewhat surprising, given that both China and India are poised to be the world’s largest auto markets in the next two to three years, with more vehicles having been sold last year in China than in the United States for the first time.The Chinese logic for hosting the event, but not participating, seems a little skewed. The Chinese government pays Formula One about US$50million each year to host the Shanghai event, yet the country has not followed that up with a competing presence, cars or drivers, in the rest of the series. The prices to attend the Shanghai event also seem bizarre if China wants to use it to promote its auto industry.
Shanghai wages averaging at about US$500 a month, that’s equivalent to the price of the cheapest ticket on offer for the Shanghai F1. You would need to charge US$4,000 to attend the Indianapolis 500 in the United States to achieve a similar disparity. So while Force India prepares the world for Indian cars and trucks Tata having already acquired global brands Jaguar and Land Rover, and about to launch Tata as a brand name in Europe and the United States through the Nano and its trucking division – the Chinese are just not getting on board. It’s a curious state of affairs, especially since F1 have apparently re-signed with Shanghai to host the event for another seven years. US$50 million seems a lot to pay for a one off annual event that the local Chinese cannot generally afford to attend, in which no Chinese team participates, in a 17 race series which is broadcast globally and attracts hundreds of millions of viewers.
Force India meanwhile are pushing forward at the top end the concept of Indian vehicles as reliable, and developing India as a manufacturing brand in auto that will assist its national auto manufacturers integrate into and penetrate international markets.
The 2010 saab 9-5 skin distinctive styling with a bold front end and a sleek profile. Overall, the project is pretty much what we estimated but there are several interesting touches such as blackened A-pillars and night decrease across the top of the border windows. At the rear, the sloping C-pillars help to give 9-5 a dramatic appearance which extend helped by obvious LED taillights.
Inside, the lodge boasts traditional Saab plan cues such as a “7″ console, phobia air vents, and a midpoint console-mounted ignition. Other styling touches embrace glossy black embellish, aggressively bolstered seats, and a thick-rimmed steering controls. On the options slant, we can think a rear seat entertainment organism, bi-xenon headlights, a Harman Kardon audio order, keyless opening, and a large 8-inch navigation order from Panasonic.
Basing on a sportier account of GM’s Epsilon II platform, the 2010 saab 9-5 rides on a 2.84 gauge (111.8″) wheelbase which should offer masses of span in the passenger compartment. The swell in room also extends to the truck, where goods post trial a healthy 513 liters (18.11 cubic feet).
Engine options will compose a three turbo charged petrol units: a 1.6-liter four cylinder with 160hp, a 2.0-liter four cylinder with 210hp, and a 2.8-liter V6 with 300hp. Diesel brawn will be provided by two 2.0-liter units which will fabricate 160 hp and 190 hp. Eventually a petrol-electric fusion is projected, as is a biofuel paradigm.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante , works on a petrol engine that runs with a speed of 6500 rpm and that has a 6L and 48v petrol capacity.
Fuel consumption of 7.225 kmpl on highways and 4.675 kmpl in city can be achieved with 2010 DBS Volante car that has 6 manual gears.
Following are the parts present in 2010 DBS Volante, Battery Saver, Front Power Outlet, Battery, Traction Control, Rear Limited Slip Differential, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Vehicle Stability Control System, Brake Assistance, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Hard Drive, In-Glass Radio Antenna, Automatic Climate Control and Analog Clock.
Tachometer, Cruise Control, Tire Pressure Monitor, Engine Start and Stop Button, Electroluminescent Instrumentation, Engine Start and Stop Button, Electroluminescent Instrumentation, Trip Computer, Front Map Lights, Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk, Carbon Fiber Trim Located On Doors and Door Handles, Leather Steering Wheel, Front Floor Mats and Power Windows are present.
2010 DBS Volante is made available in the 10 colors of Almond Green, Amethyst Red, Custom Exterior Color, Emerald Green, Fire Red, Glacial Blue, Hammerhead Silver, Hardly Green, Jet Black, Lightning Silver .
Dimensions of 2010 DBS Volante are 1280 mm of height, 4722 mm of length, 1905 mm of width and weight is 1810 kgs with 5 seating capacity and 4 doors.
Technical Specification
* Body
o Two-door convertible body style with 2+2 seating
o Bonded aluminium VH structure
o Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body
o Extruded aluminium door side-impact beams
o High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps (main beam)
o LED rear lamps and side repeaters
* Engine
o All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5935 cc V12
o Compression ratio 10.9:1
o Front-mid mounted engine, rear-wheel drive
o Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with active bypass valves
o Max power: 380 kW (510 bhp / 517 PS) @ 6500 rpm
o Max torque: 570 Nm (420 lb.ft) @ 5750 rpm
* Performance
o Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.3 seconds
o Max speed: 307 km/h (191 mph)
* Transmission
o Rear-mid mounted, six-speed manual gearbox. Rear-mid mounted 'Touchtronic 2' six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system
o Alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
o Limited-slip differential
o Final-drive ratio 3.71:1 (manual) 3.46:1 (Touchtronic)
o Wheels and Tyres
o Front: 8.5" x 20" Pirelli P Zero 245/35
o Rear: 11" x 20" Pirelli P Zero 295/30
* Steering
o Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
o Column tilt and reach adjustment
* Suspension
o Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
o Rear: Independent double wishbones with anti-squat and anti-lift geometry, coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers
o Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Track mode
* Brakes
o Front: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 398 mm diameter with six-piston callipers
o Rear: Ventilated carbon ceramic discs, 360 mm diameter with four-piston callipers
o Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Track mode
o Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
o Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
o Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
o Traction control
* Dimensions
o Length: 4721 mm (185.9")
o Wheelbase: 2740 mm (107.9")
o Width:
+ 1905 mm (75") (exc. Mirrors)
+ 2060 mm (81.1") (inc. Mirrors)
o Fuel tank capacity: 78 litres (17.2 Imp.galls, 20.5 US galls)
o Height: 1280 mm (50.4")
o Weight: 1810 kg
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