On all modern vehicles there is a computer that controls the way the engine operates, this computer is called Electronic Control Module, or ECM. The purpose of the ECM is to maintain the engine running within emissions limits and at top efficiency. With the very strict emission regulations of today, this is not an easy task to achieve. Precise and constant adjustments to match various conditions of the engine must be made by the ECM in regards to speed, load, engine temperature and others.
How the ECM works:
A number of sensors are available that provide the ECM with the information it needs, such inputs are engine and ambient temperature, vehicle speed and load. The ECM makes adjustments by advancing or retarding the ignition timing, adds or subtracts fuel or increases and decreases the idle speed.
In the exhaust, before the catalytic converter, an oxygen sensor monitors the quality of the combustion produced in the cylinders. The sensor produces a feedback that is then used by the ECM to make fine adjustments to the fuel-air mixture with the objective to reduce emissions. After the catalytic converter, another sensor in the exhaust monitors it’s efficiency
Other additional emission control systems exist, such as the Evaporative System, or EVAP. The objective of EVAP is to prevent vapors of gasoline, from the gas tank, from being released into the atmosphere. There are also a number of sensors and actuators that are controlled by the ECM.
The operation of sensors and other engine components is constantly tested by the self-diagnostic capability of the ECM. If one of the signals is missing or if it’s not in the normal range then the Check Engine light is illuminated and the Diagnostic Trouble Code, DTC, is stored in the memory of the ECM. The Check Engine light will be illuminated also if a mechanical component, such as the EGR valve, fails.
With a special scan tool, the stored code can be retrieved by a technician, that will then know only a direction where to look for. The code doesn’t tell specific information about the failure, certain tests have to be performed for each code, in order to find the exact cause of the problem.
Visit Hiperformer.com today to get your remanufactured engines. Hiperformer Rebuilt Engines are built to last.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Hybrid Cars: List Of Real Drawbacks To Owning A Hybrid Vehicle
As oil prices continue to increase amid depleting supplies and rapid growth in demand, all economies globally are feeling the setbacks of the need to curtail excessive consumption of fuel.
For quite some time, research and development has been actively finding ways on how problems regarding very high demand could finally be eliminated. With the advent of the hybrid car, car owners and users all over the world are now finding relief that indeed there is hope.
A hybrid car is a specially designed and manufactured vehicle that combines the power of the conventional gasoline engine and electricity. In the past, many have referred to hybrid vehicles as electric vehicles.
Technically, a hybrid car could not be classified as purely electric because only about 40% of the energy consumption of the vehicle is from electric sources, in the form of stored electricity in batteries.
Though the wide use of hybrid cars provide hope that in the future, when oil supplies finally and completely runs out, the transportation industry would not feel the drawback. Yes, for now, driving a hybrid auto could equate to a lot of savings on the part of the car owner.
At least, the overall consumption of oil could be significantly lowered. Research is still ongoing so that in the near future, further better versions of the modern hybrid auto could be developed and launched into the market.
However, just like many other predecessor technologies, there are actual setbacks to owning and using a hybrid car. Many people hope that in the coming months or years, people could finally realize a better and more effective hybrid car. Here are the most practical and obvious of those drawbacks.
1. Because the hybrid car technology is still a relatively new car technology, it is just logical that the vehicle is expensive. On the average, a hybrid car these days costs more than the regular and usual cars by around $2,000 to $5,000. That is just right and is expected with the high demand for the car as more consumers get excited about it and manufacturers continue to produce the vehicle models on a limited ability.
2. Any hybrid car needs to allot a significant amount of space for battery. Because the hybrid car needs batteries to keep it going and for the use of some if its functions, the overall weight of the car gets more and more.
3. There are several states in the United States and some other global governments globally that are charging more additional fees and other charges for acquisition and registration.
4. If the hybrid car gets into possible crashes and collisions in the future, there is a risk that the incident would be more tragic. A hybrid car typically and normally has high voltage wires within it.
5. A regular and even simple hybrid car is made of a very complicated car system. Thus, ordinary mechanics would not have the needed and required skills and knowledge to attend to any technical need for maintenance of any hybrid car.
6. Because hybrid cars are still not too rampant and ordinary, buying spare parts may be very hard, if not impossible. Further, costs of spare parts can be very expensive.
7. It is a common knowledge that hybrid cars run slower than regular car models.
By Alex Baumm. Visit the CarClubTalk Car Forum and learn about Hybrid Cars or Car Charity
For quite some time, research and development has been actively finding ways on how problems regarding very high demand could finally be eliminated. With the advent of the hybrid car, car owners and users all over the world are now finding relief that indeed there is hope.
A hybrid car is a specially designed and manufactured vehicle that combines the power of the conventional gasoline engine and electricity. In the past, many have referred to hybrid vehicles as electric vehicles.
Technically, a hybrid car could not be classified as purely electric because only about 40% of the energy consumption of the vehicle is from electric sources, in the form of stored electricity in batteries.
Though the wide use of hybrid cars provide hope that in the future, when oil supplies finally and completely runs out, the transportation industry would not feel the drawback. Yes, for now, driving a hybrid auto could equate to a lot of savings on the part of the car owner.
At least, the overall consumption of oil could be significantly lowered. Research is still ongoing so that in the near future, further better versions of the modern hybrid auto could be developed and launched into the market.
However, just like many other predecessor technologies, there are actual setbacks to owning and using a hybrid car. Many people hope that in the coming months or years, people could finally realize a better and more effective hybrid car. Here are the most practical and obvious of those drawbacks.
1. Because the hybrid car technology is still a relatively new car technology, it is just logical that the vehicle is expensive. On the average, a hybrid car these days costs more than the regular and usual cars by around $2,000 to $5,000. That is just right and is expected with the high demand for the car as more consumers get excited about it and manufacturers continue to produce the vehicle models on a limited ability.
2. Any hybrid car needs to allot a significant amount of space for battery. Because the hybrid car needs batteries to keep it going and for the use of some if its functions, the overall weight of the car gets more and more.
3. There are several states in the United States and some other global governments globally that are charging more additional fees and other charges for acquisition and registration.
4. If the hybrid car gets into possible crashes and collisions in the future, there is a risk that the incident would be more tragic. A hybrid car typically and normally has high voltage wires within it.
5. A regular and even simple hybrid car is made of a very complicated car system. Thus, ordinary mechanics would not have the needed and required skills and knowledge to attend to any technical need for maintenance of any hybrid car.
6. Because hybrid cars are still not too rampant and ordinary, buying spare parts may be very hard, if not impossible. Further, costs of spare parts can be very expensive.
7. It is a common knowledge that hybrid cars run slower than regular car models.
By Alex Baumm. Visit the CarClubTalk Car Forum and learn about Hybrid Cars or Car Charity
Basic Maintenance That Can Make Your Car Last Longer
The future in uncertain, which means most of us are trying to save every buck we can. When it comes to your car, doing some basic maintenance can make it last an incredibly long time. The longer your car last, the longer it will be before you have to spend money on a new one.
Ask anyone about what car maintenance should be done and they will usually blurt out, “Change the oil every 3,000 miles”. Somewhere, a marketing professional is smiling happily. Yes, you should change the oil regularly, but not this often. Even so, there are other steps you can take that will make a world of difference for your car.
Okay, let’s start with oil. The 3,000 mile recommendation is a marketing slogan, not a fact. Oil has become very sophisticated and will usually last 5,000 miles without any problems unless you are putting it under major stress. An even better move is to switch to a synthetic oil like Mobil One. These always will last much longer, often 10,000 miles or more. You can pull up recommendations for your car online. Most manufacturers offer them.
A second critical maintenance step to your car has to do with breathing. Air is a critical part to the combustion process. You need gas. You need a spark. You need air. The air comes into the engine through an air filter. Your engine can start to starve for air if you don’t change out your oil filter. This makes the engine run poorly and puts stress on the system. Stress is bad for a car. Change your air filter every 10,000 miles.
Ask yourself a simple question: Is it good for a machine to run hot? The answer is nearly always that it is not. Most people understand this, yet they also never take any steps to do upkeep on the coolant system of their car. If you want to kill an engine well before its normal lifespan, just neglect the coolant system.
It is important to understand that oil is meant to lubricate, not cool an engine. Your radiator and coolant system is just as important as keeping your oil up. Make sure to adjust your coolant system at the beginning of each summer and winter. When you do, make sure to check the hoses and such so you’ll know if it is performing right. If your car tends to run hot, you should have the thermometer in the coolant system checked.
There you are. Three basic maintenance steps. If you stay on top of them, you are nearly guaranteed to have a car that is going to last a very long time. These days, that counts as money in the bank.
Write By : Dirk Gibson
Ask anyone about what car maintenance should be done and they will usually blurt out, “Change the oil every 3,000 miles”. Somewhere, a marketing professional is smiling happily. Yes, you should change the oil regularly, but not this often. Even so, there are other steps you can take that will make a world of difference for your car.
Okay, let’s start with oil. The 3,000 mile recommendation is a marketing slogan, not a fact. Oil has become very sophisticated and will usually last 5,000 miles without any problems unless you are putting it under major stress. An even better move is to switch to a synthetic oil like Mobil One. These always will last much longer, often 10,000 miles or more. You can pull up recommendations for your car online. Most manufacturers offer them.
A second critical maintenance step to your car has to do with breathing. Air is a critical part to the combustion process. You need gas. You need a spark. You need air. The air comes into the engine through an air filter. Your engine can start to starve for air if you don’t change out your oil filter. This makes the engine run poorly and puts stress on the system. Stress is bad for a car. Change your air filter every 10,000 miles.
Ask yourself a simple question: Is it good for a machine to run hot? The answer is nearly always that it is not. Most people understand this, yet they also never take any steps to do upkeep on the coolant system of their car. If you want to kill an engine well before its normal lifespan, just neglect the coolant system.
It is important to understand that oil is meant to lubricate, not cool an engine. Your radiator and coolant system is just as important as keeping your oil up. Make sure to adjust your coolant system at the beginning of each summer and winter. When you do, make sure to check the hoses and such so you’ll know if it is performing right. If your car tends to run hot, you should have the thermometer in the coolant system checked.
There you are. Three basic maintenance steps. If you stay on top of them, you are nearly guaranteed to have a car that is going to last a very long time. These days, that counts as money in the bank.
Write By : Dirk Gibson
Hibino Qualifies First in Autopolis D1GP
Over the weekend it was a special cocktail of AE86 community love that brought everyone’s favourite Ebisu-jumping-drift master into the number one qualifying spot. Driving Toshiki Yoshioka’s old red NOS-assisted 4A-GE, now painted in a striking coat of matte black (and sporting some wicked bolt on flares), Hibino worked his way into the top spot in preparation for Sunday’s showdown.
Unfortunately the race day was not as kind to him, as the final standings saw him in fourth position, knocked out in the semi by the eventual round winner (and AE86 legend himself) Youichi Imamura driving the Team BOSS Potenza-backed S15 . Fourth isn’t the win but still a position worthy of some praise - especially considering the calibre of top-notch sponsored teams up against him! Well done Hibino! Can’t wait for the exhibition round in Tokyo!
Unfortunately the race day was not as kind to him, as the final standings saw him in fourth position, knocked out in the semi by the eventual round winner (and AE86 legend himself) Youichi Imamura driving the Team BOSS Potenza-backed S15 . Fourth isn’t the win but still a position worthy of some praise - especially considering the calibre of top-notch sponsored teams up against him! Well done Hibino! Can’t wait for the exhibition round in Tokyo!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A1GP - Interview With Aaron Lim of Team Malaysia
A1 Team Malaysia announced yesterday that Aaron Lim will drive for his nation at the next round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. He will be racing at Brands Hatch in the UK from 1-3 May. In this interview Lim talks about his expectations for the weekend and his thoughts on the challenges ahead.
Q. You must be delighted to be racing for A1 Team Malaysia. How do you feel about this?
A. I’ve waited a long time, nearly two years! I couldn’t be happier; it really is a dream come true for me. It is a great opportunity for me to drive in a top level international series with a highly professional team. But not only this, I’ll be driving for my nation and this makes me very proud.
Q. Is A1GP the most competitive series you will have raced in?
A. It is not only the most competitive series that I’ve been involved with, but it also has the highest level of drivers. With ex-F1 drivers like Robert Doornbos and Narain Karthikeyan as well as a current F1 test driver, Vitantonio Liuzzi, and others who have raced in other top level series like Indycars and GP2, I don’t think there’s any other series which such a strong line-up of drivers. Most of the drivers, if not all, have more racing experience than me – but to gain the experience you need to race, so having this opportunity will be a huge benefit to me
Q. What are your thoughts about the track?
A. I have no doubts that it will be very tough. It’s one of the more difficult tracks in the A1GP calendar. The track is technically demanding. By this I mean that there are different types of corner, so you need to have a different approach for each one. If you get the line wrong you’ll lose a lot of time. There is also the famous Paddock Hill bend. This has a blind crest, dropping down through a right hand bend. You have to be brave on the entry, keep the power on, and carry this speed through it. But it’s easy to get it wrong and there’s a big gravel trap waiting to catch you, but if you end up in it you probably won’t get out of it.
Q. What are the biggest challenges for you in the move from just driving the A1GP car to actually racing it?
A. It is the format of racing that is new to me: qualifying, with the single run ‘flying lap’ will be a big challenge, as when you don’t have so much experience, to get everything right on one lap is the toughest thing.
In the rookie session we don’t get to use the PowerBoost button, so that’s another part of my learning. We’ll only have one chance to practice this, which will be in the final practice session and then it will be straight into qualifying. In qualifying you are allowed to use your PowerBoost on one of your four qualifying laps and that should make a big difference to your lap time, so it will be very important for me to understand how to use this to the best effect.
Above all of this, the biggest challenge will be the pitstops. I’ve never done races with pitstops, so it will be my first time. There’s many parts to getting this right: the ‘in’ lap, which you need to do as quickly as possible right up until the line when you must put your speed limiter on; coming into the pitstop area squarely, leaving smoothly and cleanly, getting up to speed as quickly as possible on the ‘out’ lap. There’s a lot more to a pitstop than people think!
Q. How are you preparing for the weekend?
A. It won’t be much different to any other weekend, as I’ve always been in a position to take over from the main driver if he was ill or injured. So I’ve always kept my fitness level high and will keep to my regular training programme
I will be visiting the A1GP simulator in Italy before Brands Hatch, as this is our only opportunity to drive on the track before the Friday morning practice session. I’ll go with the engineer and we’ll be looking to work on the car setup. I have been before but at that time we weren’t focused on this track and I was sharing the simulator time with Fairuz. This time we’ll be concentrating on my driving style, lines and set up to suit me. I’ll also be over in the UK early to make sure I’m acclimatised - the cool weather and time change can affect you mentally and physically for a few days, so I need to make sure I’m fully adjusted to British time and weather.
Q. Do you expect to score points?
A. It would be fantastic if we were able to score points, but I’m going to take each session as it comes, and each race as it comes. I haven’t done a full A1GP race weekend before, so to expect points is ambitious, to finish the race has to be the real goal at this stage.
Q. You haven’t raced for over a season, are you going to do more?
A. As I’m sure you know, you need substantial backing to be able to race at this sort of level – and the grades below this, particularly at my level of racing means that I’d need to be Europe based. I don’t have the funds to do this unless I can find sponsorship. I’m always trying to sort this out, so if something was to be forthcoming I’d be racing as often as I could. The more time I can spend driving and racing the more progress I will make.
Q. And what are your expectations for the weekend?
A. I want to take it slowly and build through the weekend. I have a great relationship with the engineering team, as I do with all the crew members, so I know they’ll really help to settle me in and support me in each session. I’m not looking to be the fastest driver in the practice sessions; I’m aiming to use these to prepare me for the races. If that means we’re running with full tanks, or worn tyres, then that’s what we’ll be doing. My goal is to finish both races. If we can be in the top ten that’s a bonus, but I’m not underestimating the challenge ahead.
Q. What does it mean to you to be racing for your country?
A. I love the concept of A1GP and the way that you represent your nation when you race in the series. It adds so much as you know that everyone at home is willing you on and supporting you. I’m very proud to be Malaysian, so driving a car which carries the national flag of my country, is liveried in its sporting colours and is watched by people at home is very special to me. I can’t wait to be lining up in the drivers parade and just making that step up from rookie driver to THE race driver!
Q. You must be delighted to be racing for A1 Team Malaysia. How do you feel about this?
A. I’ve waited a long time, nearly two years! I couldn’t be happier; it really is a dream come true for me. It is a great opportunity for me to drive in a top level international series with a highly professional team. But not only this, I’ll be driving for my nation and this makes me very proud.
Q. Is A1GP the most competitive series you will have raced in?
A. It is not only the most competitive series that I’ve been involved with, but it also has the highest level of drivers. With ex-F1 drivers like Robert Doornbos and Narain Karthikeyan as well as a current F1 test driver, Vitantonio Liuzzi, and others who have raced in other top level series like Indycars and GP2, I don’t think there’s any other series which such a strong line-up of drivers. Most of the drivers, if not all, have more racing experience than me – but to gain the experience you need to race, so having this opportunity will be a huge benefit to me
Q. What are your thoughts about the track?
A. I have no doubts that it will be very tough. It’s one of the more difficult tracks in the A1GP calendar. The track is technically demanding. By this I mean that there are different types of corner, so you need to have a different approach for each one. If you get the line wrong you’ll lose a lot of time. There is also the famous Paddock Hill bend. This has a blind crest, dropping down through a right hand bend. You have to be brave on the entry, keep the power on, and carry this speed through it. But it’s easy to get it wrong and there’s a big gravel trap waiting to catch you, but if you end up in it you probably won’t get out of it.
Q. What are the biggest challenges for you in the move from just driving the A1GP car to actually racing it?
A. It is the format of racing that is new to me: qualifying, with the single run ‘flying lap’ will be a big challenge, as when you don’t have so much experience, to get everything right on one lap is the toughest thing.
In the rookie session we don’t get to use the PowerBoost button, so that’s another part of my learning. We’ll only have one chance to practice this, which will be in the final practice session and then it will be straight into qualifying. In qualifying you are allowed to use your PowerBoost on one of your four qualifying laps and that should make a big difference to your lap time, so it will be very important for me to understand how to use this to the best effect.
Above all of this, the biggest challenge will be the pitstops. I’ve never done races with pitstops, so it will be my first time. There’s many parts to getting this right: the ‘in’ lap, which you need to do as quickly as possible right up until the line when you must put your speed limiter on; coming into the pitstop area squarely, leaving smoothly and cleanly, getting up to speed as quickly as possible on the ‘out’ lap. There’s a lot more to a pitstop than people think!
Q. How are you preparing for the weekend?
A. It won’t be much different to any other weekend, as I’ve always been in a position to take over from the main driver if he was ill or injured. So I’ve always kept my fitness level high and will keep to my regular training programme
I will be visiting the A1GP simulator in Italy before Brands Hatch, as this is our only opportunity to drive on the track before the Friday morning practice session. I’ll go with the engineer and we’ll be looking to work on the car setup. I have been before but at that time we weren’t focused on this track and I was sharing the simulator time with Fairuz. This time we’ll be concentrating on my driving style, lines and set up to suit me. I’ll also be over in the UK early to make sure I’m acclimatised - the cool weather and time change can affect you mentally and physically for a few days, so I need to make sure I’m fully adjusted to British time and weather.
Q. Do you expect to score points?
A. It would be fantastic if we were able to score points, but I’m going to take each session as it comes, and each race as it comes. I haven’t done a full A1GP race weekend before, so to expect points is ambitious, to finish the race has to be the real goal at this stage.
Q. You haven’t raced for over a season, are you going to do more?
A. As I’m sure you know, you need substantial backing to be able to race at this sort of level – and the grades below this, particularly at my level of racing means that I’d need to be Europe based. I don’t have the funds to do this unless I can find sponsorship. I’m always trying to sort this out, so if something was to be forthcoming I’d be racing as often as I could. The more time I can spend driving and racing the more progress I will make.
Q. And what are your expectations for the weekend?
A. I want to take it slowly and build through the weekend. I have a great relationship with the engineering team, as I do with all the crew members, so I know they’ll really help to settle me in and support me in each session. I’m not looking to be the fastest driver in the practice sessions; I’m aiming to use these to prepare me for the races. If that means we’re running with full tanks, or worn tyres, then that’s what we’ll be doing. My goal is to finish both races. If we can be in the top ten that’s a bonus, but I’m not underestimating the challenge ahead.
Q. What does it mean to you to be racing for your country?
A. I love the concept of A1GP and the way that you represent your nation when you race in the series. It adds so much as you know that everyone at home is willing you on and supporting you. I’m very proud to be Malaysian, so driving a car which carries the national flag of my country, is liveried in its sporting colours and is watched by people at home is very special to me. I can’t wait to be lining up in the drivers parade and just making that step up from rookie driver to THE race driver!
The new four-door Porsche
The 2010 Porsche Panamera finally made its formal debut here at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show, in a nod to the growing importance of the China market to Porsche and other luxury European brands.
The German automaker said the Panamera will go on sale early next year in China, with prices ranging from $270,000 for the Panamera S to $365,000 for the range-topping Panamera Turbo.
The German automaker said the Panamera will go on sale early next year in China, with prices ranging from $270,000 for the Panamera S to $365,000 for the range-topping Panamera Turbo.
The new four-door goes on sale in Europe in September, priced from around $105,000, and will hit U.S. dealers in mid-October, with stickers starting at just under $90,000.
In addition to the normally aspirated and twin-turbocharged V8 models, Porsche is working on V6 and hybrid variants for 2010-11. Company executives said there is no Panamera diesel planned at the moment.
Affluent Chinese are going to pay a serious premium to get their hands on the new Porsche.
Write By : Paul Lienert
In addition to the normally aspirated and twin-turbocharged V8 models, Porsche is working on V6 and hybrid variants for 2010-11. Company executives said there is no Panamera diesel planned at the moment.
Affluent Chinese are going to pay a serious premium to get their hands on the new Porsche.
Write By : Paul Lienert
Thursday, April 09, 2009
BMW 760Li
BMW is redefining the term flagship with its revamped 760i and long-wheelbase 760Li sedans, both of which are powered by an all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission jointly developed with ZF.
The new 12-cylinder engine features gasoline direct-injection technology. Its output is 536 horsepower, with torque peaking at 553 pound-feet. BMW says the powertrain returns a respectable 18 mpg on the European cycle, while enabling 0-60-mph acceleration in less than 4.6 seconds — nothing short of remarkable for a large luxury sedan.
The company is also planning to couple the eight-speed automatic with its Active Hybrid technology, which combines a V8 gasoline engine with an electric motor. BMW says to look for a production-ready 7 Series Hybrid to appear later this year, perhaps at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The automaker continues to develop and fit other emerging technologies as well to the big sedans. Standard equipment on the latest iterations includes Dynamic Damping Control and Dynamic Drive (roll stability). The 760Li also gets a self-leveling air suspension. Both models can be ordered with Integral Active Steering, which features speed-related adjustment of the steering angle on the rear wheels for enhanced high-speed stability.
A dizzying array of high-tech options is available: Lane Change Warning, lane-departure warning, Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go function, Night Vision with detection of individual persons, a head-up display, back-up camera, sideview system, high-beam assistant and adaptive headlights, including Bending Lights, variable light distribution and adaptive headlight range control.
The 760Li gets a 5.5-inch stretch in the wheelbase, with a concurrent increase in rear-passenger head- and legroom. Both models feature opulent cockpits trimmed in napa leather, Alcantara and burr walnut, with a full range of high-end accessories.
Our favorite new feature on the 7 Series: Automatic Soft Close for all doors.
Write By : Paul Lienert
The new 12-cylinder engine features gasoline direct-injection technology. Its output is 536 horsepower, with torque peaking at 553 pound-feet. BMW says the powertrain returns a respectable 18 mpg on the European cycle, while enabling 0-60-mph acceleration in less than 4.6 seconds — nothing short of remarkable for a large luxury sedan.
The company is also planning to couple the eight-speed automatic with its Active Hybrid technology, which combines a V8 gasoline engine with an electric motor. BMW says to look for a production-ready 7 Series Hybrid to appear later this year, perhaps at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The automaker continues to develop and fit other emerging technologies as well to the big sedans. Standard equipment on the latest iterations includes Dynamic Damping Control and Dynamic Drive (roll stability). The 760Li also gets a self-leveling air suspension. Both models can be ordered with Integral Active Steering, which features speed-related adjustment of the steering angle on the rear wheels for enhanced high-speed stability.
A dizzying array of high-tech options is available: Lane Change Warning, lane-departure warning, Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go function, Night Vision with detection of individual persons, a head-up display, back-up camera, sideview system, high-beam assistant and adaptive headlights, including Bending Lights, variable light distribution and adaptive headlight range control.
The 760Li gets a 5.5-inch stretch in the wheelbase, with a concurrent increase in rear-passenger head- and legroom. Both models feature opulent cockpits trimmed in napa leather, Alcantara and burr walnut, with a full range of high-end accessories.
Our favorite new feature on the 7 Series: Automatic Soft Close for all doors.
Write By : Paul Lienert
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Obama Passes Up Tesla Motors - for Now
Tesla Motors had a brush with greatness on Thursday, but it apparently hasn't paid off just yet.
The electric-car startup sent Inside Line an image said to be of President Barack Obama's motorcade driving past the Tesla Motors dealership on Santa Monica Boulevard. The president was in town for an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno — a history-making event, since it marked the first time an acting president appeared on a late-night talk show.
"Obama's motorcade passed by the Tesla showroom on West Santa Monica Boulevard near the 405 this morning!" wrote Tesla spokesperson Rachel Konrad in an e-mail message to Inside Line.
However, Washington insiders know that often there are two presidential motorcades, including one with the president's doppelganger, a double meant to fool would-be troublemakers. It's impossible to verify if this was the real deal, in other words. In any case, the motorcade did not stop, and no deposit was made on a Tesla Roadster or the upcoming Model S.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Secret Service proved to be a stumbling block to Tesla Motors with an ex-president. Bill Clinton expressed interest in test-driving the Tesla Roadster on a recent California visit, but he was whisked away by his security detail before he could slip behind the wheel.
In other Tesla news, the automaker said earlier this week that its upcoming Model S will have "an anticipated base price of $57,400."
"After a federal tax credit of $7,500, the effective price will be $49,900," said Tesla chairman, CEO and product architect Elon Musk in the company newsletter. "Because of tax incentives and relatively inexpensive maintenance and refueling, the lifetime ownership cost will be closer to cars with far lower sticker prices."
Tesla will unveil the Model S prototype sedan on March 26 at the Tesla design studio inside the SpaceX rocket factory in Hawthorne, California.
One way or another, Tesla always seems to be at the vortex of the action.
One way or another, Tesla always seems to be at the vortex of the action.
Taking care of your car’s transmission
In order to maintain you car in a good shape, to offer you the safety as well the performances it was designed for in the first place, taking care of your vehicle’s transmission is a vital thing you should take care of. Modern cars have very complex drive trains, and the transmission being one of the most important elements of it, repairing it because of the in-proper use can be very costly. The most serious operations on a car’s drive train can only be executed in specialized shops, but the casual maintenance operations you can make them yourself.The biggest enemy of the vehicle’s transmission is heat. There are many causes for the heating of the transmission’s elements, and many are related to operating your car under difficult conditions. Racing with your vehicle, towing a load, or repeatedly putting it in drive and reverse for exiting heavy snow or mud can contribute to the overheating of its ensembles.
If you often are forced to operate your car under these circumstances, you can benefit greatly from adding additional cooling to your transmission. Such a cooler will be mounted on the radiator and it will cool the transmission fluid. Because many SUV owners use them to tow heavy vehicles, they came equipped from the factory with such auxiliary transmission coolers.
In the following paragraph you will find a series of tips about properly maintaining your car’s transmission.The most important aspect is to have your transmission fluid checked on a regular basis. Also check for its color. It should be red. If it had turned brown or it has a burnt smell should be changed at once.Before buying transmission fluid, check with your car’s owner’s manual to se the exact type the manufacturer recommends. Never mix two different types of fluid of fluids coming from different manufacturers.The recommended period to replace it is every 2 years or every 24,000 miles, which ever condition occurs first.When you want to put your car in reverse, come to a complete stop first. Changing from drive to reverse while the vehicle is still moving will harm your transmission.
In order to protect vital transmission elements, put the cark into park after you have pressed the brake pedal and pull the emergency brake. By doing this, less stress is applied to the drive train.Always change gears from park to drive only when your engine is at idle.
When towing a very heavy load or when you are climbing abrupt terrain, be sure to disengage the overdrive feature, if your car is equipped with such a option, as it will prevent the car from repeatedly changing gears from and to overdrive. Overdrive is the highest gear in the transmission and it used to allow that vehicle to run at highway cruising speeds with a reduced revs, in order to mainly save fuel and reduce noise. If the automatic gear in your car has a 4-speed transmission with overdrive, the overdrive refers to the 4th gear. The same is with cars with 5-gear automated transmission with overdrive. There is the possibility to have a smaller car, with a 4 or 5 way automated transmission, but without the overdrive function.
Write By : Dennis James
Dennis runs Car Dealer Check which has reviews on Iowa Car Dealers including Des Moines Dealers.
If you often are forced to operate your car under these circumstances, you can benefit greatly from adding additional cooling to your transmission. Such a cooler will be mounted on the radiator and it will cool the transmission fluid. Because many SUV owners use them to tow heavy vehicles, they came equipped from the factory with such auxiliary transmission coolers.
In the following paragraph you will find a series of tips about properly maintaining your car’s transmission.The most important aspect is to have your transmission fluid checked on a regular basis. Also check for its color. It should be red. If it had turned brown or it has a burnt smell should be changed at once.Before buying transmission fluid, check with your car’s owner’s manual to se the exact type the manufacturer recommends. Never mix two different types of fluid of fluids coming from different manufacturers.The recommended period to replace it is every 2 years or every 24,000 miles, which ever condition occurs first.When you want to put your car in reverse, come to a complete stop first. Changing from drive to reverse while the vehicle is still moving will harm your transmission.
In order to protect vital transmission elements, put the cark into park after you have pressed the brake pedal and pull the emergency brake. By doing this, less stress is applied to the drive train.Always change gears from park to drive only when your engine is at idle.
When towing a very heavy load or when you are climbing abrupt terrain, be sure to disengage the overdrive feature, if your car is equipped with such a option, as it will prevent the car from repeatedly changing gears from and to overdrive. Overdrive is the highest gear in the transmission and it used to allow that vehicle to run at highway cruising speeds with a reduced revs, in order to mainly save fuel and reduce noise. If the automatic gear in your car has a 4-speed transmission with overdrive, the overdrive refers to the 4th gear. The same is with cars with 5-gear automated transmission with overdrive. There is the possibility to have a smaller car, with a 4 or 5 way automated transmission, but without the overdrive function.
Write By : Dennis James
Dennis runs Car Dealer Check which has reviews on Iowa Car Dealers including Des Moines Dealers.
Chery Stalls With Another Foreign Partner
Chery Automobile said it has delayed a planned joint venture with Fiat because of the global downturn in car sales.
Chery CEO Yin Tongyao told reporters, "We have slowed down the JV project with Fiat and production will not start this year as previously planned, but we have not shelved the project."
Late last year, Chery and Chrysler officially parted ways on a proposed deal under which Chery was to supply affordable small cars to Chrysler in North America and other markets.
Now, Chrysler has proposed an alliance with Fiat, in which the Italian automaker will take an initial stake of 35 percent and will supply Chrysler with small cars and engines.
Fiat reportedly has pulled out of the Shanghai auto show, too.
Late last year, Chery and Chrysler officially parted ways on a proposed deal under which Chery was to supply affordable small cars to Chrysler in North America and other markets.
Now, Chrysler has proposed an alliance with Fiat, in which the Italian automaker will take an initial stake of 35 percent and will supply Chrysler with small cars and engines.
Fiat reportedly has pulled out of the Shanghai auto show, too.
Write By : Hu Lei
Dongfeng Fengshen
Dongfeng continues to expand and promote its own brand, with the introduction of the new Fengshen sedan, jointly developed with Giugiaro Italdesign. The Fengshen, which revives a name used previously by Dongfeng, will be formally unveiled in April at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show.
The compact sedan is built on a modified version of the old Citroën ZX platform. Under the hood is a 105-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.
The Fengshen will compete in China with the Buick Excelle and the Hyundai Elantra. It will go on sale in May.
The Fengshen will compete in China with the Buick Excelle and the Hyundai Elantra. It will go on sale in May.
Look for additional models, including a coupe and a hatchback, under the Dongfeng brand.
2009 Chery Riich G6
Chery Automobile unveiled two new high-end sub-brands in the run-up to the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show, part of the carmaker's plan to boost profitability and expand into overseas markets.
One of China's larger automakers, Chery added the Riich and Rely brands to its portfolio. The Riich badge will be used on more luxurious models, including the new G6 sedan. Chery said at least five models are planned under the Riich brand, including a sporty coupe and three compacts.
The Rely name will be used mainly on sport-utility vehicles and multipurpose vehicles.
Introducing the high-end models represents Chery's efforts to enter the higher market segments. It also paves the way for the automaker to drive into overseas markets as competition in the domestic market stiffens.
Chery aims to boost its total sales by 17 percent to 419,000 units this year, including 263,000 sold in China and 156,000 for export.
The first model, the Riich G6, rolled off the assembly line at a plant in Wuhu on Wednesday. Equipped with a 192-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 or a turbocharged 168-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, Chery said the car would be on par with the Audi A6L, the most popular business sedan in China.
"The (G6) will play a major role in expanding into the mid-to-high-class segment and compete with premier cars made by foreign rivals," Chery said in a statement.
The self-developed Riich G6 will sell between $26,000 and $32,000. It features double-wishbone suspension with adjustable shocks, bi-xenon headlamps, LED taillamps, a rearview back-up camera, power seats and more.
Chery said the Riich G-series will be followed by M-, X- and Z-series models.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Gas Savings Tips
Do you remember when you could purchase a full tank of gas for less than twenty-five dollars? It seems like that was ages ago. Then, gas mileage was not a big concern of mine. That is no longer the case. I want to save every extra mile per gallon that is humanly possible. I’ll let you in on my top ten secrets on how to increase your gas mileage.
1. Tune your engine. A regularly tuned up car will not only mean a longer life span for your vehicle but can also guarantee better gas mileage. If you follow the recommendations from your car manufacturer, tuning your engine can increase you gas mileage by an average of four percent.
2. Replace your engine oil. Minimizing friction and engine heat and reducing gas consumption can be accomplished by using the proper grade and type of oil. Change your oil according to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. This is a great way to increase your gas mileage by up to two percent.
3. Air filters should be checked and repaired on a regular basis. By changing your filters, you can help burn less gas because your engine’s efficiency increases. More force and energy are created, which means better gasoline consumption for your car. Instead of utilizing reusable air filters, look for quality paper filters when replacing your filter. You could add ten percent to your miles per gallon, simply by replacing filters that have become clogged.
4. Always make sure your tires are properly inflated. In addition to damaging the tire itself, poorly inflated tires can cost you fuel. Looking at the imprint that is on the tire wall is the most accurate way to determine the correct pressure amount. By inflating your tires to the correct pressure level, your gas mileage may increase three percent. Make sure that your gauge is accurate when you check your pressure. Buying a better tire gauge is definitely worth the few extra dollars.
5. Check your wheel/tire alignment. If you wheels or tires are out of alignment, the car will pull to either the right or left. This pulling requires extra energy to continue in a straight line and thus reduces gas mileage.
6. Fill your gas tank using the minimum required octane. For most cars, regular octane is the recommended gas. Buying higher octane gas is a waste of money unless your engine is knocking. Check your owner’s manual for the right octane level and do not buy a higher octane gas.
7. Utilize a fuel injector cleaner or purchase a fuel system treatment. Carburetors, fuel injectors, intake valves, intake courts and combustion chambers commonly have carbon deposits that will form on them. The fuel will vaporize poorly when carbon deposits block the injectors. Such things as fuel cleaners and additives can increase your car’s miles per gallon.
8. Clean the junk out of your trunk. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk, and just leave the basic items required in emergency situations. A lighter car will use less gas.
9. Avoid rooftop carriers and carrying things on the roof. Wind resistance can have a big impact on your mileage.
10. Inspect your gas cap. Check the seal to make sure it is complete and in good condition. It allows gas to readily escape from the car, if it is damaged.
Since the price of gasoline continues to rise, it makes sense to spend the extra time and effort to keep your car well maintained. These tips will help you reduce your gasoline costs and let you use that money on something that you enjoy!
Write by : Jonathon HartmanAuthor Biography - Personal Finance Expert John Hart from Financial Info Hub focuses his efforts providing innovative ideas on the best ways to save money in all areas of personal finance. For a limited time, you can sign up to his financial tips newsletter absolutely free and learn the best strategies for saving money.
1. Tune your engine. A regularly tuned up car will not only mean a longer life span for your vehicle but can also guarantee better gas mileage. If you follow the recommendations from your car manufacturer, tuning your engine can increase you gas mileage by an average of four percent.
2. Replace your engine oil. Minimizing friction and engine heat and reducing gas consumption can be accomplished by using the proper grade and type of oil. Change your oil according to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. This is a great way to increase your gas mileage by up to two percent.
3. Air filters should be checked and repaired on a regular basis. By changing your filters, you can help burn less gas because your engine’s efficiency increases. More force and energy are created, which means better gasoline consumption for your car. Instead of utilizing reusable air filters, look for quality paper filters when replacing your filter. You could add ten percent to your miles per gallon, simply by replacing filters that have become clogged.
4. Always make sure your tires are properly inflated. In addition to damaging the tire itself, poorly inflated tires can cost you fuel. Looking at the imprint that is on the tire wall is the most accurate way to determine the correct pressure amount. By inflating your tires to the correct pressure level, your gas mileage may increase three percent. Make sure that your gauge is accurate when you check your pressure. Buying a better tire gauge is definitely worth the few extra dollars.
5. Check your wheel/tire alignment. If you wheels or tires are out of alignment, the car will pull to either the right or left. This pulling requires extra energy to continue in a straight line and thus reduces gas mileage.
6. Fill your gas tank using the minimum required octane. For most cars, regular octane is the recommended gas. Buying higher octane gas is a waste of money unless your engine is knocking. Check your owner’s manual for the right octane level and do not buy a higher octane gas.
7. Utilize a fuel injector cleaner or purchase a fuel system treatment. Carburetors, fuel injectors, intake valves, intake courts and combustion chambers commonly have carbon deposits that will form on them. The fuel will vaporize poorly when carbon deposits block the injectors. Such things as fuel cleaners and additives can increase your car’s miles per gallon.
8. Clean the junk out of your trunk. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk, and just leave the basic items required in emergency situations. A lighter car will use less gas.
9. Avoid rooftop carriers and carrying things on the roof. Wind resistance can have a big impact on your mileage.
10. Inspect your gas cap. Check the seal to make sure it is complete and in good condition. It allows gas to readily escape from the car, if it is damaged.
Since the price of gasoline continues to rise, it makes sense to spend the extra time and effort to keep your car well maintained. These tips will help you reduce your gasoline costs and let you use that money on something that you enjoy!
Write by : Jonathon HartmanAuthor Biography - Personal Finance Expert John Hart from Financial Info Hub focuses his efforts providing innovative ideas on the best ways to save money in all areas of personal finance. For a limited time, you can sign up to his financial tips newsletter absolutely free and learn the best strategies for saving money.
Mazda is the First Japanese Automaker Develop Urea SCR System for Cars
Mazda Motor Corporation’s sporty SUV, the Mazda CX-7, will be the first passenger vehicle produced by a Japanese automaker to be equipped with a urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Mazda’s SCR is smaller than previous systems, which is a significant improvement that enables it to be installed in passenger cars. It will be combined with Mazda’s newly developed clean, highly efficient MZR-CD 2.2L turbo diesel engine.
Planned for introduction in 2009, together with the new facelifted Mazda CX-7, Mazda’s SCR system will purify the nitrous oxides (NOx) that are generated in diesel exhaust gases. This will be a welcome addition to the Mazda CX-7’s new diesel engine, which provides better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions than equivalent gasoline powerplants
Urea SCR systems spray aqueous urea* directly into the exhaust gas flow where it purifies NOx through a chemical reaction. Unlike technologies that use extra fuel to burn off NOx, this method minimally affects fuel economy and power output. However, because an aqueous urea storage tank and other specialist equipment are required, space limitations in passenger vehicles have restricted the use of SCR systems to trucks and buses. This is not the case with Mazda’s SCR system.
Mazda’s MZR-CD 2.2L turbo diesel engine actually produces low volumes of NOx, which means that the SCR system needs to remove less NOx in post processing, resulting in a reduced amount of urea used. This means a smaller tank is required, allowing it to be comfortably installed in the Mazda CX-7.As well as complying with Europe’s most stringent (Euro V) emissions regulations, the freshened CX-7 will provide plenty of Zoom-Zoom, perfectly balanced with eco-friendly performance.
Urea is a harmless substance that is commonly used in lotions and hand creams.
Battery Breakthrough Could Help Speed Electric Cars to Market
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say they have made a major breakthrough in lithium-ion battery technology, one that may enable an electric vehicle to be recharged in as little time as it takes to fill the tank at the gas pump.
"MIT engineers have created a kind of beltway that allows for the rapid transit of electrical energy through a well-known battery material, an advance that could usher in smaller, lighter batteries — for cell phones and other devices — that could recharge in seconds rather than hours," said MIT in a statement on Wednesday on its Web site.
Currently, electric vehicles, such as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, are expected to take an overnight period to recharge.
MIT said the researchers believe the technology could "make it into the marketplace within two to three years" because the battery material used isn't new — the only change is in the way it's made. The only limitation thus far to the new technique is the amount of power available to a homeowner through the electric grid, according to researchers.
The breakthrough is reported in the March 12 issue of Nature.
"The ability to charge and discharge batteries in a matter of seconds rather than hours may open up new technological applications and induce lifestyle changes," say the researchers in their Nature paper.
The brain trust at MIT may have just hit upon a solution to one of the nagging concerns about slow-to-recharge electric vehicles.
Write By : Anita Lienert
"MIT engineers have created a kind of beltway that allows for the rapid transit of electrical energy through a well-known battery material, an advance that could usher in smaller, lighter batteries — for cell phones and other devices — that could recharge in seconds rather than hours," said MIT in a statement on Wednesday on its Web site.
Currently, electric vehicles, such as the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, are expected to take an overnight period to recharge.
MIT said the researchers believe the technology could "make it into the marketplace within two to three years" because the battery material used isn't new — the only change is in the way it's made. The only limitation thus far to the new technique is the amount of power available to a homeowner through the electric grid, according to researchers.
The breakthrough is reported in the March 12 issue of Nature.
"The ability to charge and discharge batteries in a matter of seconds rather than hours may open up new technological applications and induce lifestyle changes," say the researchers in their Nature paper.
The brain trust at MIT may have just hit upon a solution to one of the nagging concerns about slow-to-recharge electric vehicles.
Write By : Anita Lienert
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tuned 2002 Lexus IS300
2002 Lexus IS300
Vehicle Year: 2002
Location: Florida
Owner: John Gabrielsen
Engine:
Toyomoto Stg. 1 Supercharger
Rotrex SP32 Supercharger blower
Toyomoto bracket (Engraved series)
Body Match Silver 3” piping
Oil reservoir for the s/c
911 turbo By pass valve
Toyomoto fuel system
J&S knock system
Air intake system, with filter
Toyomoto electronics
Split Second Fuel/Timing Tuning computer (FTC1)
Toyomoto Headers
Toyomoto y-pipe
Mishimoto Performance Radiator
Apexi N1 Exhaust
Custom Painted Engine, Relay, and Fuse covers
Stainless Steel “FIGS Designs” Hood prop kit
DRL modification
Suspension/Brakes:
Hotchkis Anti-sway bars (front and rear)
Megan Racing LP series Coilovers
Cusco Carbon Fiber Strut Bars (front and rear)
Rotora 6 piston Front and 4 piston Rear Big Brake Kit
Wheels/Tires:
Iforged Astra in Gunmetal
F: 19×8
R: 19×10
Dunlop Sp SportMaxx
F: 225/35/19
R: 275/30/19
Interior/ICE:
Flatline Graphix “Lexus” sun visor decals
Momo Shadow carbon fiber shift knob
Kenwood Excelon DDX7015 head unit
Kenwood KNA-DV4100 Navigation
Hifonics 6” Atlas with blue LED cones (2 sets)
Hifonics Titan TX4405 black amp (for interiors)
Pioneer Premier 10” subwoofers (2 count)
Elemental Designs Amp for subs
JDM Double DIN dash kit
Custom fabricated rear deck
Custom made trunk sub enclosure
Exterior:
Elixir Type II Carbon Fiber Hood (Custom Painted)
Full JDM Vertex body kit (front license plate spot filled in)
JDM OEM Rear bumper
Kaminari rear wing
Custom Z-Edition Altezza grill with stock “L” emblem
Advanced Automotive Concepts custom Q45 low beam, RX330 high beam headlights
Advanced Automotive Concepts Halo CCFL Demon Eye kitPhillz style tail lights
JDM style antenna
5% tint all around Flatline Graphix “Supercharged” decal
Optima Yellow Top Deep Cycle battery
Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster
Lamborghini said it will build a limited run of 50 units of its new Murciélago LP650-4 Roadster. Official images were released on Friday.
The orange-and-gray color scheme is carried over into the cockpit, which features black Alcantara Nera on the driver side, including door panel and central tunnel, and black leather Nero Perseus on the passenger side. Seats are stitched in orange, and the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are orange.
The nomenclature identifies the car's exclusive uprated 6.5-liter V12 engine and permanent four-wheel drive. The engine delivers 641 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. The Murciélago LP650-4 Roadster can rocket from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of around 205 mph.
Lamborghini has created a special livery for the Murciélago LP650-4 Roadster: a Grigio Telesto exterior paint scheme in gray with orange accents, as well as orange brake calipers and a transparent engine cover.
The orange-and-gray color scheme is carried over into the cockpit, which features black Alcantara Nera on the driver side, including door panel and central tunnel, and black leather Nero Perseus on the passenger side. Seats are stitched in orange, and the steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are orange.
The striking colors and extra power boost should make this Lambo a standout. Write By : Paul Lienert
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Toyota Readies a Honda Insight Competitor
The battle for the cheapest hybrid apparently is ramping up between Toyota and Honda, according to media reports.
On Friday, Japan's Nikkei business daily reported that Toyota plans to develop a new low-price hybrid car aimed at undercutting Honda's Insight. Earlier this week, Honda announced that the 2010 Insight LX will start at $20,470, including a $670 destination charge, when it arrives in U.S. showrooms on March 24. The 2009 Toyota Prius starts at $22,720, including a $720 destination charge. Pricing for the 2010 Prius, which goes on sale in May, has not yet been announced in the U.S.
Honda says it has bragging rights to the title of "most affordable new hybrid available in the U.S."
Toyota's unnamed Insight rival will sell below $20,510, according to the Nikkei report. It will go on sale in Japan as early as 2011.
The new hybrid is said to be a subcompact with an engine smaller than the Prius' 1.5-liter engine.
Toyota appears to want the crown of most affordable hybrid. Consumers can't help benefiting from this kind of warfare.
Write By : Anita Lienert
On Friday, Japan's Nikkei business daily reported that Toyota plans to develop a new low-price hybrid car aimed at undercutting Honda's Insight. Earlier this week, Honda announced that the 2010 Insight LX will start at $20,470, including a $670 destination charge, when it arrives in U.S. showrooms on March 24. The 2009 Toyota Prius starts at $22,720, including a $720 destination charge. Pricing for the 2010 Prius, which goes on sale in May, has not yet been announced in the U.S.
Honda says it has bragging rights to the title of "most affordable new hybrid available in the U.S."
Toyota's unnamed Insight rival will sell below $20,510, according to the Nikkei report. It will go on sale in Japan as early as 2011.
The new hybrid is said to be a subcompact with an engine smaller than the Prius' 1.5-liter engine.
Toyota appears to want the crown of most affordable hybrid. Consumers can't help benefiting from this kind of warfare.
Write By : Anita Lienert
Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) 92-02 Review
Most people know two things about Mazda's 3rd generation RX-7 - 1) They are one of Japan's most beautiful cars 2) They've got funny engines that are prone to going bang. Point two is often over hyped and having previously owned one, am reasonably qualified to comment.
Most people know two things about Mazda's 3rd generation RX-7 - 1) They are one of Japan's most beautiful cars 2) They've got funny engines that are prone to going bang. Point two is often over hyped and having previously owned one, am reasonably qualified to comment.
For me the shape of the RX-7 is superb - the double bubble roof and doors are two of my favourite features with the single side windows giving it that jet fighter look. I often marvelled at the rear panels - seemingly one smoothed piece of metal from the front of the roof all the way around the rear back and sides.
Sold officially in the UK from 1992 - 1995, there are a number of differences to the Japanese import RX-7s, available 1992-2002, rocking up on our shores. Built to compete with the likes of Porsche's 968, the 3rd generation RX-7 (FD3S) gained a much sleeker body than the previous RX-7 (FC3S). Weight was a key issue in the development of the car and Mazda's compact rotary (Wankel) engine helped deliver the goods. The 13B-REW two rotor engine was coupled with a sequential twin turbo system delivering phenomenal performance in a compact package to place the engine behind the front suspension. Developing 237bhp in UK spec, Japanese imports have anywhere between 255bhp and 280bhp - if standard which is a rare thing.
Opening the door via the concealed door handle the door swings open - a keen eye will spot the plastic hinge used for weight saving - and you're greeted with a low slung seat and a dash that wraps around the driver. A large tachometer dominates the centre of the dial arrangement with the speedo to the right and oil pressure, water temperature and petrol on the right. The hand brake and gearstick are mounted high up on the transmission tunnel helping that feeling of being low down with everything to hand.
There are many different variants. As mentioned there's the UK / Japanese choice with the UK spec providing a sun roof, leather, 2 seats only and less power than the imports. There is a whole host of Japanese models - type x, type s, touring x, touring s, type r1, type r2, type rz, type rs, type rb, type rb Bathurst, type rb Bathurst x, type rsr, type r, rb-s, spirit r-a, spirit r-b, spirit r-c. Specification variations include leather, carbon seats, 2+2 seat layout, twin oil coolers and much more besides. In 1996 the ECU was changed from an 8 bit to 16 bit model, the rear gained much more attractive round rear lights increased to 265 bhp. In late 98/99 RX-7 received a mild face lift with a revised front end and rear spoiler. The turbo was also upgraded and boost pressure increased to increase the bhp on type r type rs type rz to 280 bhp. The final incarnation the RX-7 took was the run out model - the sought after Spirit R of which 1500 were produced.
Fire up an RX-7 with a non-standard exhaust and you'll know about it. Once up to temperature the fun begins - foot down and the needle pulls around the tacho at an alarming rate. At 4500rpm the second turbo kicks in FULL BOOST and away you go until the beeper sounds to tell you to change up. The gearing makes for fabulous pub talk - 70mph in second unless you've a shorter final drive. That may sound a little longer than most cars but you're rarely out of the power with the first turbo keeping things on the boil lower down the rev range. I love the fact the RX-7 is so visceral - it pops, it bangs dumping bags of fuel into it's hot exhaust system as you lift off to change gear.
Day to day the RX-7 was great to live with - always an event - but you do have to be aware of a few things. They are thirsty - i got around 17mpg from mine with heavily tuned examples dropping further. If you don't give them regular exercise the engines can suffer from carbon build up - it's no great chore going for a good drive every now and then! Flooding - the engines can flood if you start it cold and turn it off soon afterwards. Servicing - the engine uses a bit of oil in the mix to lubricate the rotor tips so this will need topping up as well as 3,000 mile changes. Even with all this it's still well worth it, it's a high performance machine and needs a little care, attention and a bit of cash!
High petrol costs, frequent servicing and possible rebuilds have all helped push prices down with prices starting from £3,000 but certainly keep your eyes open to potential big bills. With a range of tuned vehicles also available it can also be cost effective to buy one with the modifications already made - a single turbo conversion can quickly end up at nearly £5,000.
So this engine then... The Wankel rotary engine used in the RX-7 benefits from being small in size but achieving a high output from it's two 654cc rotors. The rotary engine, while intimidating to the uninitiated, is in fact considerably simpler that a piston engine - valving is achieved by ports cut into the walls of the rotor housing, the rotor is geared directly to the output shaft, there is no need for connecting rods, a conventional crankshaft and so on. This makes the rotary engine very light.The rotor tips wear and are the most common reason for engine failure. The tips last around 60,000 miles in standard tune but can last longer, or indeed shorter depending on the life they've led. These days RX-7 engines are rebuilt using the more modern RX-8 rotor tips, as well as a range of high performance rotor tips being available if you've the wallet. Rebuilds of the 13B engine start at around £2500 - undoubtedly a large sum of money but compare this with the cost of rebuilding say a Skyline's RB26DETT engine - both have similar performance. Bills can grow while the engine is open - you may begin to think "I'll have it ported" which leads on to aftermarket ECUs.
As mentioned there are no valves - simply a port. To increase the duration much as you would with after market cams to gain power, the port just needs to be enlarged. Of course this is an art with engine builders having their own templates and variations from street porting, extended porting, bridge porting and peripheral porting. A bonus not having to pay out for a set of cams every time, and if you've the balls or the skill a chance to get something for nothing. Rebuilds are carried out by a handful of specialists such as RX Motors but a growing number of UK RX-7 owners are biting the bullet and rebuilding their engines themselves. It's well worth joining a club such as the Mazda Rotary Club if you're thinking of purchasing one of these awesome cars. I'd certainly have another given the opportunity.
Honda Civic Type R 2001-2006 Review
Until the 2001, Honda Civic Type R, Honda had made some excellent performance cars but they'd not really sold in any great volume in the UK. Of course this wasn't helped by keeping a few Type R editions in Japan only...With a headline 200PS (197 bhp) 2 litre i-VTEC engine, at the time of it's launch it was the most powerful hot hatch on the market. It might have had the underpinnings of a sensible family hatch but this only added to the practical performance car it is. A dash-mounted gear lever might have provided more floor space on the vanilla model, but the Type R it provided a gear shifter that was just 6" from the small leather wheel with the famous red Honda badge. The EP3 CTR was the first car to come with the new fangled i-VTEC - "i" standing for intelligent providing a stepless valve control system. To some the hard edged on-cam off-cam of previous Type Rs had been lost, for others that despised the stepped VTEC transition it was a welcome change.
When officially announced the Civic Type R caused quite a stir - all this performance and Honda build quality for £15,995 - it had been rumoured to cost closer to £20,000. It was cheaper but cuts had been made. Gone was the LSD that featured in not only all previous Type R models but the new Japanese market Civic Type R.
Gone were the Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel and the Type R colour of choice - Championship White.
The Japanese CTR had all of these and to add insult to injury they were all made in Swindon, UK. A few models headed out to Japan found themselves back on a boat heading for the UK - bought by die-hard Type R fans. The Civic Type R doesn't struggle to put it's power down through the front wheels nearly so much as turbocharged models from Ford, or Vauxhall.
The lack of torque actually works in the CTR's favour building as the revs surge towards the 8600rpm redline. The car was even sold with a Motor Appreciation Course to help get the most out of the Civic on the roads, but safely. With 62mph coming up in 6.2 seconds, 100mph in 16.9 seconds and a 145mph top speed the Type R has pace to match a Subaru Impreza WRX once rolling. The non-Recaro seats do a good job of holding you in place with deep alcantara covered bolsters, first gear is almost surplus to requirements, with a light clutch action and superb gearbox second is quickly found swiftly followed by the engine taking on a little bit of high revving F1 fizz as the 6400rpm VTEC cams switch to their longer duration.
Steering feel was often criticised - having gone for electric motor assistance rather than traditional mechanical people found it a little vague. Personally I had no trouble with the steering - yes it could have been improved but for the overall package the CTR offered I could compromise. Honda also have a great reputation for knowing how to make cars handle. The ride is good - firm but well tuned to absorbing the rigours of UK tarmac. The OEM Bridgestone Potenzas hold the road but can do with being replaced much earlier than the minimum markers - especially if wet. I covered 17,000 miles in my Civic Type R and found, as with many owners the K20A2 engine had a thirst for oil - nothing outrageous but worth a monthly check. Indeed other owners felt that Swindon's build quality was not as good as the Japan built models they'd previously owned. Steering racks are seemingly another weak point. While the UK cars never did get an LSD or Championship White paint despite many requests to dealers to pull one destined for Japan off the production line the 30th Anniversary and run-out models did feature the Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel, rear privacy glass and the rather red carpet. Tuning options are plentiful for the Civic Type R - from a wealth of carbon body parts to turbos, superchargers, cams and throttle bodies.
As with any car putting out close to 100bhp per litre, getting more power out will take a bit more development and for that you'll have to pay. The GruppeM Filter Ram Charger is a work of art - a carbon fibre box with an external air scoop. £500+ for an air filter yes, but better £500+ with results than £200 with a loss in power. Adding that missing LSD is also a worthy addition - afterall Honda themselves felt one should be fitted.All in all the Civic Type R is a great package - superb performance, good running costs - I saw around 33mpg and plenty of room in the boot for carrying stuff and a new Civic Type R just around the corner might just push prices down a bit further.
Gone were the Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel and the Type R colour of choice - Championship White.
The Japanese CTR had all of these and to add insult to injury they were all made in Swindon, UK. A few models headed out to Japan found themselves back on a boat heading for the UK - bought by die-hard Type R fans. The Civic Type R doesn't struggle to put it's power down through the front wheels nearly so much as turbocharged models from Ford, or Vauxhall.
The lack of torque actually works in the CTR's favour building as the revs surge towards the 8600rpm redline. The car was even sold with a Motor Appreciation Course to help get the most out of the Civic on the roads, but safely. With 62mph coming up in 6.2 seconds, 100mph in 16.9 seconds and a 145mph top speed the Type R has pace to match a Subaru Impreza WRX once rolling. The non-Recaro seats do a good job of holding you in place with deep alcantara covered bolsters, first gear is almost surplus to requirements, with a light clutch action and superb gearbox second is quickly found swiftly followed by the engine taking on a little bit of high revving F1 fizz as the 6400rpm VTEC cams switch to their longer duration.
Steering feel was often criticised - having gone for electric motor assistance rather than traditional mechanical people found it a little vague. Personally I had no trouble with the steering - yes it could have been improved but for the overall package the CTR offered I could compromise. Honda also have a great reputation for knowing how to make cars handle. The ride is good - firm but well tuned to absorbing the rigours of UK tarmac. The OEM Bridgestone Potenzas hold the road but can do with being replaced much earlier than the minimum markers - especially if wet. I covered 17,000 miles in my Civic Type R and found, as with many owners the K20A2 engine had a thirst for oil - nothing outrageous but worth a monthly check. Indeed other owners felt that Swindon's build quality was not as good as the Japan built models they'd previously owned. Steering racks are seemingly another weak point. While the UK cars never did get an LSD or Championship White paint despite many requests to dealers to pull one destined for Japan off the production line the 30th Anniversary and run-out models did feature the Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel, rear privacy glass and the rather red carpet. Tuning options are plentiful for the Civic Type R - from a wealth of carbon body parts to turbos, superchargers, cams and throttle bodies.
As with any car putting out close to 100bhp per litre, getting more power out will take a bit more development and for that you'll have to pay. The GruppeM Filter Ram Charger is a work of art - a carbon fibre box with an external air scoop. £500+ for an air filter yes, but better £500+ with results than £200 with a loss in power. Adding that missing LSD is also a worthy addition - afterall Honda themselves felt one should be fitted.All in all the Civic Type R is a great package - superb performance, good running costs - I saw around 33mpg and plenty of room in the boot for carrying stuff and a new Civic Type R just around the corner might just push prices down a bit further.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Fatal Ferrari Crash Kills Mixed Martial Arts Star Charles "Mask" Lewis
NEWPORT BEACH, California
Charles "Mask" Lewis, a colorfully dressed proponent of mixed martial arts, died early Wednesday when his 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena was cut in half in a collision with a Porsche. The accident occurred on Jamboree Road in this affluent Southern California city. A woman riding with Lewis was ejected from the Ferrari and is listed in critical condition today. Lewis was 45.
A photo posted on the Los Angeles Times Web site shows the spectacularly wrecked Ferrari, which hit a light pole in the incident. Lewis reportedly died at the scene. News reports said the driver of the Porsche, Jeffrey David Kirby of Costa Mesa, was arrested after driving away from the scene, then parking and fleeing on foot along with a female passenger. He is reportedly being held on $2 million bail for suspicion of felony drunk driving, among other charges.
Police told the Times that the two cars may have been racing. The paper also said Kirby received "at least eight" traffic citations in the past eight years and had been convicted and placed on probation for a previous DUI offense.
Lewis was known for his colorful clothing and painted face that he said had been inspired by the style of the rock band Kiss. He was a former sheriff's deputy for San Bernardino County who became a major figure in the sport of mixed martial arts. He was also a founder of the clothing company Tapout, which was the exclusive clothing supplier for the Spike TV reality series, The Ultimate Fighter. Lewis himself appeared for two seasons on the Versus TV reality show Tapout, which showed him traveling around the country seeking future mixed martial arts stars.
On the Tapout site, Lewis ironically wrote: "Life is full of influences. It's your application that sets you apart." He also told Sports Illustrated last year that it's "his blurring of reality with comics" that made his clothing company's style unique.
Just in case you weren't already aware that racing a Porsche at 1 a.m. in your Ferrari is a bad idea, here's yet another reminder.
Write By : Laura Sky Brown
Charles "Mask" Lewis (center) said the appeal of his Tapout line of clothing, as well as of the mixed martial arts he starred in, was the "blurring of reality with comics." Lewis was killed in a high-speed Ferrari crash early Wednesday.
Charles "Mask" Lewis, a colorfully dressed proponent of mixed martial arts, died early Wednesday when his 2004 Ferrari 360 Modena was cut in half in a collision with a Porsche. The accident occurred on Jamboree Road in this affluent Southern California city. A woman riding with Lewis was ejected from the Ferrari and is listed in critical condition today. Lewis was 45.
A photo posted on the Los Angeles Times Web site shows the spectacularly wrecked Ferrari, which hit a light pole in the incident. Lewis reportedly died at the scene. News reports said the driver of the Porsche, Jeffrey David Kirby of Costa Mesa, was arrested after driving away from the scene, then parking and fleeing on foot along with a female passenger. He is reportedly being held on $2 million bail for suspicion of felony drunk driving, among other charges.
Police told the Times that the two cars may have been racing. The paper also said Kirby received "at least eight" traffic citations in the past eight years and had been convicted and placed on probation for a previous DUI offense.
Lewis was known for his colorful clothing and painted face that he said had been inspired by the style of the rock band Kiss. He was a former sheriff's deputy for San Bernardino County who became a major figure in the sport of mixed martial arts. He was also a founder of the clothing company Tapout, which was the exclusive clothing supplier for the Spike TV reality series, The Ultimate Fighter. Lewis himself appeared for two seasons on the Versus TV reality show Tapout, which showed him traveling around the country seeking future mixed martial arts stars.
On the Tapout site, Lewis ironically wrote: "Life is full of influences. It's your application that sets you apart." He also told Sports Illustrated last year that it's "his blurring of reality with comics" that made his clothing company's style unique.
Just in case you weren't already aware that racing a Porsche at 1 a.m. in your Ferrari is a bad idea, here's yet another reminder.
Write By : Laura Sky Brown
Charles "Mask" Lewis (center) said the appeal of his Tapout line of clothing, as well as of the mixed martial arts he starred in, was the "blurring of reality with comics." Lewis was killed in a high-speed Ferrari crash early Wednesday.
Alfa Romeo Promotes MiTo GTA With Track Footage
After details and first shots of the Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA were released at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, the Italian automaker has now followed up with a promotional video showing off the sporty hatch.The MiTo goes head to head with a Giulia GTA (another vehicle that features the Gran Turismo Alleggerito badge) on the track, but stops right in front of the finish line to let the elder GTA win. Benny Benassi echoes in the background as Alfa Romeo gives us a preview of the MiTo's handling and acceleration in Valencia.
This lightweight compact has a variety of carbon fiber parts and is powered by a 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 240 horsepower. It also gets a lowered suspension and an aluminum braking system to help cut weight.
Not like we need another reason to hope for Alfa's return, but here's another. Write By : Mike Lysaght
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Volkswagen Maps Out a Major China Expansion
The Volkswagen group is planning to double its vehicle sales in China to 2 million by 2018 by expanding its product portfolio and dealer network.
The new 10-year blueprint indicates VW wants to maintain momentum in China during a global struggle for survival.
VW said it will launch four models each year in China over the next decade, using its major Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen brands. It also plans to double the number of China dealerships to 2,000.
"Although the global economy and auto market are full of uncertainty, we remain confident about China's auto industry as well as our long-term development here," said Winfried Vahland, president and chief executive of Volkswagen's China operations.
Vahland said earlier that Volkswagen will invest $3 billion in China from 2008-'10 to develop new products, technology and networks. Volkswagen currently has a 19 percent market share in China, compared with 12 percent for GM and 7 percent for Toyota.
Last year, Volkswagen boosted sales by 12.5 percent to 1.02 million units in China. But that growth rate was down from 28 percent a year earlier as the slowing economy curbed vehicle demand and competition intensified with General Motors and Toyota.
China's total market expanded 6.7 percent last year, the slowest pace in a decade, to 9.4 million vehicle sales.
GM posted sales growth of 6.1 percent to 1.09 million in 2008 and Toyota sold 585,000 units, an increase of 17 percent.
VW said China became its second-biggest market last year, and it is just a matter of time before China replaces Germany as its biggest.
The new 10-year blueprint indicates VW wants to maintain momentum in China during a global struggle for survival.
VW said it will launch four models each year in China over the next decade, using its major Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen brands. It also plans to double the number of China dealerships to 2,000.
"Although the global economy and auto market are full of uncertainty, we remain confident about China's auto industry as well as our long-term development here," said Winfried Vahland, president and chief executive of Volkswagen's China operations.
Vahland said earlier that Volkswagen will invest $3 billion in China from 2008-'10 to develop new products, technology and networks. Volkswagen currently has a 19 percent market share in China, compared with 12 percent for GM and 7 percent for Toyota.
Last year, Volkswagen boosted sales by 12.5 percent to 1.02 million units in China. But that growth rate was down from 28 percent a year earlier as the slowing economy curbed vehicle demand and competition intensified with General Motors and Toyota.
China's total market expanded 6.7 percent last year, the slowest pace in a decade, to 9.4 million vehicle sales.
GM posted sales growth of 6.1 percent to 1.09 million in 2008 and Toyota sold 585,000 units, an increase of 17 percent.
VW said China became its second-biggest market last year, and it is just a matter of time before China replaces Germany as its biggest.
Times have changed dramatically since the days when VW commanded more than half the China market, but the German automaker aims to keep moving forward.
Write By : Vivian Jin
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Nissan to Enter GT-R in 2010 FIA GT Championship Series
Nissan has announced that the R35 Nissan GT-R will officially be participating in the 2010 FIA GT series. The vehicle will also hit the track as a non-championship entry in four races in the 2009 season to help develop the car and get a feel for its performance.
The CEO and managing director of Nissan Motors Australia, Dan Thompson, made the announcement to media at the 2009 Melbourne Auto Show.
For 2009, Gigawave MotorSport, a racing team based in Essex, England, that has been competing in the FIA GT since 2007, will be partnering with Nismo for the four non-championship races. The Nismo/Gigawave car is expected to be piloted by Nismo driver Michael Krumm and Gigawave's Darren Turner.
Nismo, Hasemi Motorsport, Team Impul and Kondo Racing will each be entering a car in the Super GT series, making a total of four participating GT-Rs in the GT500 class. Satoshi Motoyama and Benoit Treluyer will be behind the wheel for Nismo, Ronnie Quintarelli and Hironobu Yasuda are the drivers for Hasemi Motorsport and Tsugio Matsuda and Sebastien Philippe will race the Impul Calsonic GT-R. João Paulo de Oliveira and Seiji Ara will hit the tarmac in the HIS Advan Kondo GT-R with Yokohama rubber.
The GT500-spec GT-R will have an improved air cooling system and a paddle-shift transmission. It will also have to conform to the new regulation changes that require a shorter vehicle overhang.
Details on the vehicle should emerge soon. Expect an astronomical power-to-weight ratio.
Write By : Mike Lysaght
The CEO and managing director of Nissan Motors Australia, Dan Thompson, made the announcement to media at the 2009 Melbourne Auto Show.For 2009, Gigawave MotorSport, a racing team based in Essex, England, that has been competing in the FIA GT since 2007, will be partnering with Nismo for the four non-championship races. The Nismo/Gigawave car is expected to be piloted by Nismo driver Michael Krumm and Gigawave's Darren Turner.
Nismo, Hasemi Motorsport, Team Impul and Kondo Racing will each be entering a car in the Super GT series, making a total of four participating GT-Rs in the GT500 class. Satoshi Motoyama and Benoit Treluyer will be behind the wheel for Nismo, Ronnie Quintarelli and Hironobu Yasuda are the drivers for Hasemi Motorsport and Tsugio Matsuda and Sebastien Philippe will race the Impul Calsonic GT-R. João Paulo de Oliveira and Seiji Ara will hit the tarmac in the HIS Advan Kondo GT-R with Yokohama rubber.
The GT500-spec GT-R will have an improved air cooling system and a paddle-shift transmission. It will also have to conform to the new regulation changes that require a shorter vehicle overhang.
Details on the vehicle should emerge soon. Expect an astronomical power-to-weight ratio.
Write By : Mike Lysaght
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mercedes-Benz won't be bringing its new 2011 SLS coupe to the 2009 Geneva Auto Show this week. However, talk of the modern-day resurrection of the iconic 300SL Gullwing is sure to be on everyone's lips, following a decision by Mercedes' revered AMG performance-car division to reveal mechanical information about its new two-seater sports car.To be unveiled in production car guise at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show later this year — with North American sales to start around this time in 2010 — the 2011 SLS is the first stand-alone series production model to be wholly designed and developed by Mercedes-Benz's AMG division.
Styled to evoke memories of the 300SL Gullwing, the SLS is planned to enter the Mercedes-Benz lineup as a replacement for the SLR and as a rival for the Ferrari 599. Production will kick off at McLaren's showcase assembly plant in Woking, England later this year. Alongside the coupe, pictured in prototype guise here, Mercedes-Benz is planning a convertible version of the SLS with a traditional cloth roof. The convertible is not likely to go on sale until 2012, according to Inside Line sources.
The SLS pioneers a new aluminum construction technique that Mercedes-Benz has developed and is planning to use on the next-generation SL, due out in 2012, as a means of lowering weight and providing a more sporting drive. Eschewing traditional steel construction, its 531-pound floorpan and body structure is made out of a combination of forged, cast and sheet aluminum.
Powering the coupe is a heavily revised 563-horsepower version of AMG's 6.2-liter V8 engine, set well back in the engine bay. With 479 pound-feet of torque and over 120 individual changes, including the adoption of dry sump lubrication, it gets its own unique internal code name: M159. Channeling the drive to the rear wheels is a newly developed seven-speed double-clutch gearbox mounted at the rear in a classic transaxle layout — providing the SLS with a 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution. The fancy new gearbox also comes with a choice of four different driving modes, from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a RACE START function.
High-performance composite brakes (ceramic composite brakes with larger discs are optional) and light-alloy wheels shod with 265/35R19 rubber in front and 295/30R20s in the rear are also present.
Powering the coupe is a heavily revised 563-horsepower version of AMG's 6.2-liter V8 engine, set well back in the engine bay. With 479 pound-feet of torque and over 120 individual changes, including the adoption of dry sump lubrication, it gets its own unique internal code name: M159. Channeling the drive to the rear wheels is a newly developed seven-speed double-clutch gearbox mounted at the rear in a classic transaxle layout — providing the SLS with a 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution. The fancy new gearbox also comes with a choice of four different driving modes, from comfortable to extremely sporty, as well as a RACE START function.
High-performance composite brakes (ceramic composite brakes with larger discs are optional) and light-alloy wheels shod with 265/35R19 rubber in front and 295/30R20s in the rear are also present.
Standing-start performance is on par with that of the SLR; the sprint from zero to 60 mph is claimed to take less than 3.8 seconds. Top speed is put at 196 mph. Underpinning the new car is a unique aluminum-intensive double-wishbone suspension with a 106-inch wheelbase along with a 66.1-inch front and 64.9-inch rear track.
Pricing for the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG is expected to be in the $250,000 range.
Pricing for the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG is expected to be in the $250,000 range.
The final styling has not yet been revealed, but it's already clear that Mercedes-Benz's modern-day Gullwing is much 
more than a tarted-up SL.
more than a tarted-up SL. 
Write By : Andreas Stahl
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