Petronas scholars at Imperial College, London and interns AMG facility meet Schumi and Jazeman Jaafar.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Classic Chatter: 1960s Mercedes-Benz 300SE
It has been some time since I wrote about classic cars but now I am resurrecting the Classic Chatter column that used to appear in the New Sunday Times, Cars Bikes and Trucks motoring pullout and we are going to start off by cheating a bit, I am going to just put a Press Release from Mercedes Benz about the car. Next week I will upload my own piece on an interesting classic car
Zenith of Mercedes-Benz’s coupé and cabriolet tradition in the 1960s
A combination of the cutting-edge technology of the 300 SE with exclusive bodywork variants
The 300 SE was produced as a coupé and as a cabriolet almost three years longer than the tailfin saloon
Stuttgart – The premiere that was celebrated for two luxurious premium-class cars from 15 to 25 March 1962 at the 32nd Geneva Motor Show was a brilliant one: Mercedes-Benz presented the 300 SE Coupé and the 300 SE Cabriolet of the W 112 series.
Because both these two-door four-seater cars were the result of the consistent combination of technical brilliance, impressive performance and very high standards of style and elegance.
In terms of their style, both coupé and cabriolet were based on the respective variants of the 220 SE (W 111). The full-length floor unit was adopted from the tailfin saloon, underscoring the stately presence of both two-door vehicles with their 2.75-metre wheelbase and overall length of 4.88 metres.
Zenith of Mercedes-Benz’s coupé and cabriolet tradition in the 1960s
A combination of the cutting-edge technology of the 300 SE with exclusive bodywork variants
The 300 SE was produced as a coupé and as a cabriolet almost three years longer than the tailfin saloon
Because both these two-door four-seater cars were the result of the consistent combination of technical brilliance, impressive performance and very high standards of style and elegance.
In terms of their style, both coupé and cabriolet were based on the respective variants of the 220 SE (W 111). The full-length floor unit was adopted from the tailfin saloon, underscoring the stately presence of both two-door vehicles with their 2.75-metre wheelbase and overall length of 4.88 metres.
Studebaker to be revived with hybrid car
Studebaker is known for cutting edge engineering and really quirky design, and by that I think they are all ugly.
Well, this time they are at it again with a car that is worthy of the latest and newest car company from China.
According to a report from FoxNews, Ric Reed, who bought the rights to the Studebaker brand in 2001, has revealed new plans to resurrect the famous nameplate.
Reed, who runs the Denver, Colorado-based Big Kahuna apparel company, told the news site that he wants to revive Studebaker's classic monikers such as the Lark, President and Hawk for the new model series, adding, however, that the cars themselves will be 21st-century hybrids.
"As the entrepreneur at the helm of Studebaker Motor Company, it is my earnest goal to create vehicles that are in some way reminiscent of classic Studebakers, or in other words, definitively Studebaker, yet brought into the 21st Century, and again to see Studebaker Motor Company the American Icon it once was," says Reed on the company's website.
"It is also my dream to develop or reopen factories, employ Americans in those manufacturing and assembly plants, which shall be on American soil. I desire to make vehicles that not only compete, but have a significant cutting edge in a highly competitive world market," he adds.
Reed said he wants to employ hybrid technology because he thinks that electric cars still have a long way to go. He intends to use the Hydristor, a device invented by Tom Kasner for a sports car that John DeLorean wanted to make before his demise. The Hydristor is a hydraulic transistor, which Kasmer claims, is akin to a highly efficient CVT gearbox.
Before rolling out his brand-new models, Reed says he may cooperate with another, yet unnamed company, to build a US$70,000 limited run of a retro-themed modern iteration of the Chump pickup truck in order to raise some cash and mainly attract investors.
Well, this time they are at it again with a car that is worthy of the latest and newest car company from China.
According to a report from FoxNews, Ric Reed, who bought the rights to the Studebaker brand in 2001, has revealed new plans to resurrect the famous nameplate.
Reed, who runs the Denver, Colorado-based Big Kahuna apparel company, told the news site that he wants to revive Studebaker's classic monikers such as the Lark, President and Hawk for the new model series, adding, however, that the cars themselves will be 21st-century hybrids.
 |
| Studebaker Lark...Ugh |
"It is also my dream to develop or reopen factories, employ Americans in those manufacturing and assembly plants, which shall be on American soil. I desire to make vehicles that not only compete, but have a significant cutting edge in a highly competitive world market," he adds.
Reed said he wants to employ hybrid technology because he thinks that electric cars still have a long way to go. He intends to use the Hydristor, a device invented by Tom Kasner for a sports car that John DeLorean wanted to make before his demise. The Hydristor is a hydraulic transistor, which Kasmer claims, is akin to a highly efficient CVT gearbox.
Before rolling out his brand-new models, Reed says he may cooperate with another, yet unnamed company, to build a US$70,000 limited run of a retro-themed modern iteration of the Chump pickup truck in order to raise some cash and mainly attract investors.
Friday, 24 February 2012
Honda Civic gets full marks against EuroNCAP wall
The EuroNCAP is regarded as on of the most respected crash test protocol and the 2012 Honda Civic scored full marks this time around.
Fiat heir show off his car collection..all from the family firm
Lapo Elkann has a camouflaged Ferrari 458 Italia and seems to like denim upholstered cabin.
To see what else he has, watch the video
To see what else he has, watch the video
Volvo and Polestar show off all-new touring car racer
The S60 has been prepared by Polestar and they will race four cars using two teams, Polestar Racing and Polestar Performance.
Three of four drivers are confirmed, Robert Dahlgren, Fredrik Ekblom and Thed Björk. The fourth driver has not yet been named.
"We have had a big pressure on us from many curious Volvo enthusiasts as it is a new championship and a new racing car. That is why we chosen to reveal the car now. Our final team colors are going to be shown later, but this is our S60 in TTA racing specification," said Alexander Murdzevski, Commercial Director of Volvo Motorsport Sweden.
PRESS RELEASE
First picture of the new Volvo S60 TTA
Volvo announced in August last year that they are going to switch to TTA – the Swedish Racing Elite League ahead of 2012 and today the first picture is released of the new racing car.
"We have had a big pressure on us from many curious Volvo enthusiasts as it is a new championship and a new racing car. That is why we chosen to reveal the car now. Our final team colors are going to be shown later, but this is our S60 in TTA racing specification," said Alexander Murdzevski, Commercial Director of Volvo Motorsport Sweden.
Volvo is going to compete with four cars in the Racing Elite League with Polestar in two different teams, Volvo Polestar Racing and Volvo Polestar Performance. Three of four drivers are confirmed, Robert Dahlgren, Fredrik Ekblom and Thed Björk. The fourth driver has not yet been named.
"We can't go in to that today. We are negotiating with three drivers, but we have other things that are more time pressing. Polestar and TTA are conducting the final tests at the same time as we are working on the hybrid system, producing the carbon fibre body shells and calibrating the aerodynamics for all cars in our wind tunnel," said Derek Crabb, Director of Volvo Motorsport.
With three months remaining to the TTA premiere on the 12th of May at Karlskoga, a new future awaits Swedish motorsport with sporting values, tight races and completely new regulations with new and exciting technology. Volvo has supported the idea from the start and has contracted their participation in the championship until 2015 at least.
"Motorsport must be cool, exciting and fair. We must fight our meanest competitors in our best selling models. We must be able to win by doing the best job and it should be easy for importers in the country to change racing car when changing model without the need of a heavy factory programme. We are really looking forward to the TTA – Racing Elite League 2012," said Anders Gustafsson, Managing Director of Volvo Cars Sweden.
Calendar – TTA Racing Elite League
12/05 – Karlskoga
02/06 – Anderstorp
16/06 – Gothenburg
07/07 – Falkenberg
18/08 – Karlskoga
01/09 – Anderstorp
15/09 – Tierp Arena
29/09 – Gothenburg
Technical specification – Volvo S60 TTA
Length: 470 mm
Width: 1970 mm
Height: 1205 mm
Wheelbase: 2750 mm
Track width: 1660 mm front/1630 mm rear
Suspension: Double wishbone, three-way dampers, etc.
Body: Carbon fibre
Engine: V6 with hybrid system
Drive: RWD
Power: 420 BHP
Gearbox: 6-speed sequential with paddles on steering wheel
Hybrid system: Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)
Rear wing: 1600 mm width/300 mm depth
Brakes: Front: 4-piston calipers, 370 mm ventilated discs
Rear: 4-piston calipers, 360 mm ventilated discs
Rims: 18″ with centre wheel nut
Tyres: Front: 260/660-18 Rear: 280/660-18
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Mitsubishi Fuso Canter arrives in Europe
A rear-axle differential lock is fitted as standard. The transmission is a 5-speed manual unit and the rear-axle ratio is 1:5.285.Customers have the choice of a comfortable single cab and crewcab (with 3 and 7 seats respectively) with wheelbases of 3415 mm and 3865 mm.
The chassis load capacity ranges from 3500 kg to 3735 kg. Thanks to the geometry of the all-wheel-drive system, the angle of attack is 35 degrees, as opposed to 18 degrees for the Canter 4x2 – while the angle of departure is 24 degrees as opposed to 11 degrees. Ground clearance is increased from 219 mm to as much as 320 mm.
Healthystuff.org rates Honda Civic interior least toxic, Mitsubihsi Outlander most toxic
Picking up the tail are the Mitsubishi Outlander, Chrysler 200 and Kia Soul.
Chemicals of primary concern include: bromine (associated with brominated flame retardants); chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC and plasticizers); lead; and heavy metals. Such chemicals have been linked to a wide range of health problems such as allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer. Automobiles are particularly harsh environments for plastics, as extreme air temperatures of 192 F and dash temperatures up to 248 F can increase the concentration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) and break other chemicals down into more toxic substances.
Ten Best Picks
2012 Honda Civic 0.46
2011 Toyota Prius 0.55
2011 Honda CR-Z 0.63
2011 Nissan cube 0.65
2012 Acura RDX 0.74
2012 Acura ZDX 0.74
2012 Audi S5 0.74
2011 Smart Coupe 0.74
2011 Toyota Venza 0.77
2011 Smart Passion 0.79
Ten Worst Picks
2012 Mini Cooper S Clubman 2.84
2012 VW Eos 2.85
2011 Kia Sportage 2.87
2011 Chevy Aveo5 2.89
2012 Hyundai Accent 2.98
2011 Mazda CX-7 3.08
2011 Nissan Versa 3.08
2011 Kia Soul 3.11
2011 Chrysler 200 SC 3.17
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 3.17
VIDEO: Evo takes Boxter and R8 Spyder to track
Many people believe that the Boxster is the ultimate driver's convertible but Audi wants to challenge that with the R8 Spyder. British magazine Evo had the opportunity to pit these two deliciosu convertible and find out which is more capable of pleasing the driver.
When it comes to pleasing pedestrians or as poser's car, the Audi wins...thanks to Iron Man
When it comes to pleasing pedestrians or as poser's car, the Audi wins...thanks to Iron Man
Modded Macca gets 666 horses
- German tuner Wheelsandmore wave their wand at the McLaren MP4-12C
- Reprogrammed ECO and custom exhaust bump up horsepower and torque
- Retuned electronic suspension lower car by 25mm
- More aggressive mod with 800hp on the way
- 20-inch front 21-inc rear lightweight alloys
In factory guise, the MP4-12C's mid-mounted 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine is rated at 600PS (592HP) and 600Nm (442.5 lb-ft). A reprogrammed ECU along with a custom sports exhaust system push those numbers to 666-horsepower and 640Nm (472 lb-ft) respectively.
Wheelsandmore noted that it's currently working on a more aggressive tune with modified turbochargers and intercooler upgrades that will lift output to around 800-ponies.
For now, the company's tune also includes an electronic hydraulic suspension system that lowers the ride height by another 25mm and is said to improve handling and steering.
The package is complemented by a new set of lightweight forged alloy wheels finished in black with an orange rim (20-inches with 245/30 Continental Sport Contact 5P tires up front and 21-inches shod in 325/25 rubber at the back), with matching color racing stripes.
More photos after the jump
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Foton inks Joint Venture agreement with Daimler commercial vehicles
- Beijing Foton Daimler will sell medium and heavy duty trucks in China
- China accounts for 40% worldwide medium and heavy truck sale
- Daimler will set up the production facility for the OM 457 engine (Euro IV)
- First truck roll out Q3 2012
- Last year Beijing Foton sold over 100,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks
- Foton trucks are distributed by the Tan Chong group in Malaysia
In its first full meeting, the Board of Directors (BOD) appoints the Board of Management and sets the course for future development
Joint venture is an integral part of Daimler Trucks’ growth strategy: Daimler holds 50 percent stake in the medium- and heavy-duty truck business of Auman brand
On February 18, Daimler and its Chinese partner Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. held a festive ceremony to celebrate the reception of the business license for the joint venture Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd. To commemorate this event, the partners unveiled a plaque in Beijing bearing the official name of the joint venture, which will operate from the Foton Auman facility in Beijing’s Huairou district.
BFDA will enable Daimler’s commercial vehicle division to participate extensively in the Chinese market for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The market’s volume has doubled over the last five years, and more than one million trucks are now being sold in this segment in China. Last year, China accounted for around 40 percent of total sales of medium- and heavy-duty trucks worldwide.
“By founding BFDA, we have taken another step forward in the global growth strategy of Daimler Trucks, as well as the local expansion of our product portfolio in China: Our 50 percent stake in Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive will enable us to play a major role in the Chinese truck market and give us access to the attractive volume segment,” stated Andreas Renschler, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses. “With this joint venture now fully operational, we’re sending out a clear signal that we deliver on what we promise in developing Daimler Trucks’ worldwide strategy.”
The ceremony was followed by the constituent meeting of BFDA’s Board of Directors, chaired by Andreas Renschler and Wang Jinyu, President of Beiqi Foton. The BOD appointed BFDA’s Board of Management, with Wu Yuejun from Foton as President and Stefan Albrecht from Daimler as Executive Vice President.
During the first BOD meeting, the two sides finalized the agreed-upon contracts with BFDA and established the organizational structure of the joint venture, the company guidelines, and the next steps for future development. It is the clear aim of both partners to make use of the “best of both worlds.” Besides making a financial investment, Daimler will share responsibility for the joint venture’s Finance, IT, Quality Management, and Development departments. In addition, Daimler will set up the production facility for the OM 457 engine at BFDA’s headquarters. The OM 457 engine, which is being successfully used in Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles in Europe and Latin America, will meet the future China IV emissions standard (corresponds to Euro IV).
Foton contributes its existing Auman medium- and heavy-duty truck business, including the production sites and the sales and service network. The joint venture will also be able to draw on Foton’s market know-how in China and the rest of Asia to facilitate faster business development across the entire region.
BFDA’s first jointly developed truck is scheduled to roll off the production line in the third quarter of this year.
“The great progress made during the past few months has now cleared the way for both partners to jointly start the day-to-day work and forge ahead with this exciting endeavor,” said Ulrich Walker, Chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia. “With its 50 percent stake in the joint venture, Daimler has increased its commitment to the Chinese market and strengthened our position to succeed in all segments of the market in China: passenger cars, trucks, vans, and financial services.”
Foton has experienced rapid growth since entering the truck business in 1998. Last year it sold over 100,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks, making it a key player in China’s truck market. A second truck plant is currently being ramped up in Beijing’s Huairou district to give the BFDA joint venture a total production capacity of 160,000 trucks.
BREAKING NEWS: Mercedes filed patents for 4-door SLS
In the patent filing the rear doors look like they are half-sized like the suicide door on the Mazda RX8 which allows for four proper seats to be fitted in the cabin while giving everyone decent access for ingress and egress.
However the drawing also shows the clear seats clearly through the rear door opening, which may either mean that the rear doors are full sized or the rear seats are not meant for adults.
Mercedes-Benz pushed the envelope with the CLS four-door coupe and the current trend for spacious supercars like the Ferrari FF, Aston Martin Rapide means that there are enough wealthy motorists to support family-oriented performance cars.
However we have to keep in mind that companies file patents all the time just to protect future business opportunities so this could be one of those filings.
Below are the rest of the scans showing the doors in various positions and the various features of the design.
VIDEO: Proton P3-21A caught testing on the NKVE
From the sound of the chase car's stressed engine note, it appears that the P3 was driving at quite a clip and could have easily dumped the chasing vehicle. After all it has a 1.6-litre turbo engine under the bonnet.
DashCam Special: Run a red light, get a surprise
New Volvo V40 is G-G-Gorgeous
It is absolutely gorgeous....
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
FAHMI back with a bang as he posts 6th fastest time
- Fahmi recorded a time of 1 minute 48.4 seconds
- Friday crash did not affect confidence
The AirAsia-SIC-Ajo rider was in blazing form as he posted his fifth top 10 position in 6 sessions, only missing out yesterday after being involved in a crash which saw him escape unhurt.
Fahmi recorded a time of 1 minute 48.4 seconds, following his impressive performance on day which saw him clock a time of 1’49.5.
The first three sessions in Valencia also saw him placed in the top 10, setting a best lap time of 1’42.4, 1’43.0 and ending with a 1’42.0 during the 3 day tests.
The 20 year old from Banting was obviously delighted with his performance and more importantly, showed that he was back to his best after the crash yesterday.
“I was a bit worried after the crash, but thankfully it didn’t affect me one bit today as I set out to record my fastest lap time.
“My lap times have given me confidence in facing the new season with my target being to finish regular in the top 10,” added Fahmi.
Sepang International Circuit Chief Executive, Datuk Razlan Razali was obviously delighted with Fahmi’s return to form but preached caution with a long way to go before the season starts on 8th April in Qatar.
“We should not be too over confident of the test results, the real test for Fahmi in when the season starts in April.
“No doubt that Fahmi has performed admirably during the tests, but it’s still a long way to go and I hope that Fahmi will keep focusing and pushing himself towards the goals we have set for him this season,” added Razlan.
The riders continued their adaptation to the new bikes for 2012 under the best weather conditions on the final day at the Circuito de Jerez with temperatures hovering around 20ºC air temperatures and track temperatures reaching 34°C.
Danny Kent returned to dominate the Moto3 field with a time of 1’47.1, four tenths ahead of Avintia Racing rider Maverick Viñales.
Alberto Moncayo (Bankia Aspar Team) was unaffected by yesterday’s crash that ended his day early and the rider from the nearby city of Cadiz returned to the circuit today to report the third quickest pace with a best time of 1’47.9. Team mate Hector Faubel finished fifth with a time of 1’48.4, four tenths behind Sandro Cortese who lapped fourth quickest.
Numerous crashes today included those of Japanese rider Kenta Fujii, Luis Salom, Niccolo Antonelli, Jakub Kornfeil, all without serious consequences, while the afternoon brought two red flags from crashes that resulted in a broken wrist for Giulian Pedone (Ambrogio Next Racing), and a fractured fibula for Alessandro Tonucci.
The 18 round MotoGP calendar starts on 8th April at Losail, Qatar with the Malaysian MotoGP scheduled on 23rd October at Sepang Circuit two races before the finale at Valencia, Spain at November.
Unofficial Moto3 lap times for Satruday (recorded by teams):
1. Danny Kent (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1'47.1
2. Maverick Viñales (Avintia Racing) 1'47.5
3. A. Moncayo (Bankia Aspar Team) 1'47.9
4. Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 1'48.0
5. Héctor Faubel (Bankia Aspar Team) 1'48.4
6. Z.Khairuddin (AirAsia SIC Ajo) 1'48.4
7. Luís Salom (RW Racing GP) 1'48.5
8. Efrén Vázquez (Team Laglisse) 1'48.7
9. M. Oliveira (Monlau Competición) 1'48.9
10. Arthur Sissis (Red Bull KYM Ajo) 1'50.1
11. Louis Rossi (Racing Team Germ) 1'49.2
12. Niccoló Antonelli (San Carlo Gresi ni) 1'49.3
13. Niklas Ajo (TT Motion Events Racing) 1'49.4
14. A.Márquez (Monlau Competición) 1'49.6
15. Danny Webb (Mahindra Racing) 1.49.7
VIDEO: Birth of a beauty: Stancework's Vintage Series alloys
The 501 Vintage series is a nice wire- spoke replica that would make any car look elegant.
The video (after the break) shows how the wheel is manufactured, from CNC machining to polishing and finishing.
The video (after the break) shows how the wheel is manufactured, from CNC machining to polishing and finishing.
HRE Wheels: The Birth of the Vintage Series from StanceWorks on Vimeo.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Ferrari 250 GTO sold for USD30million ++
- Speculation: Jon Hunt bought the car from former Samsung chariman in 2008 for USD20.8 million
For most of us USD30 million is too big a number to imagine in our bank account, let alone as the pruchase price of a car, to put it into perspectivce, the same amount of money will get you one of these, a Gulfstream G350.
The speculation is, however, that the car with a serial number 5095, may have been bought by British businessman Jon Hunt and the seller is said to be former Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee in 2008 for £15.7 million (about $20.8M), and that it is now bound for Spain.
It is one of the most expensive car ever sold, the record is still held by a Bugatti Atlantique which was sold for between USD30 and USD40 million.
Abdu Dhabi motors opens largest BMW Showroom, it's 8.6 acres huge
- Local importer Abu Dhabi Motors invests AED 300 million
- 2011 BMW Group's most successful year in the Middle East
Munich / Abu Dhabi. The BMW Group has opened the world's largest showroom for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and BMW motorcycles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Motors, the BMW Group's long-standing importer for the region, has invested around AED 300 million (approx. 62 million euros) in the new 35,000-square-metre showroom over its three-year construction.
At the opening of the BMW Group's largest showroom worldwide, Ian Robertson thanked the investors and owners Sheikh Mohammed Bin Butti Al Hamid and Sheikh Saif Bin Mohammed Bin Butti Al-Hamid for their strong commitment to completing the new building. Robertson continued:
Wood heater in a car...and it is perfectly legal
The Swiss is s stickler for rules so when Paskal Prokop decided to fit a wood-burning stove in place of the front passenger seat of his Volvo 240 wagon he had to get the authorities to approve it for road use and apparently he has done such a good job to warrant the approval.
He says the wood stove keeps the car warm even when he turns off the engine. What it does for the Volvo 240's carbon footprint doesn't bear thinking.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
P3 TV Commercial shoot...another leak
Meet Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies at PWTC this Sunday
In conjunction with this, Yamaha Factory Racing riders, Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies will make their special appearance at MotoXpo, PWTC for an autograph signing session on 26th February 2012.
We wish to extend our invitation to you to celebrate this event together with us, details are as below:
Date: Sunday, 26th February 2012
Programme:
5.00pm Arrival of Guest.
6.00pm Arrival of Ben Spies and Jorge Lorenzo.
Short interview (4-5 questions).
Photography session with Yamaha Cub Prix Teams
6.30pm Autograph Signing Session
7.00pm End
Venue: Putra World Trade Centre, KL
Nissan launches all-new Vanette NV200 and Navara single-cab 4x2
- NV200 designed as passenger vehicle and load carrier
- Power from a 1.6-litre engine with 5-speed transmission
- leaf-spring rear allows excellent load carrying ability
- Navara 4x2 designed to be non-nonsense workhorse
The NV200 is a clean sheet design and Nissan wanted it to be capable of being a decent passenger van as well as a load carrier and this has resulted in a cabin that is spacious and boxy and these characteristics means it can carry a lot of stuff and they are easy to load.
With the legendary reputation of the C22 Vanette firmly entrenched in the minds of buyers, the all-new NV200 should find a willing and receptive market.
Edaran Tan Chong is introducing the panel van first but expect the window van to start making impact in the near future.
The Nissan Navara single cab 4x2 is being offered with wooden, steel or luton bodywork, depending on what is needed by the business.
More pictures of the NV200 and the Press Release after the jump
VIDEO: Amazing footage of a car factory circa 1936
and we thought car factory automation is a new thing, they were building ladder frame chassis with a high level of automation...fantastic
VIDEO: Mercedes explaisn the 2012 SL's interior
This is done in conjunction with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which is appropriate because the three-pointed star is a fashion item as much as Prada.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Spyshots: V40 is looking very good and very Volvo
The strong shoulder line, distinctive rear lamps and sloping window lines is a clear link to current Volvo cars.
Not much is known about this species but researchers expect more spyshots and teasers to come our way in the next week.
More pictures after the jump
Friday, 17 February 2012
Peugeot prepares two concepts for 208, XY and GTi
The 208 is being given a head start by Peugeot with two interesting concept, the more predictable 208GTi hot hatch and the luxury XY concept.The Peugeot 208 XY comes with special Pulsion paintwork which is actually 16-coats of paint that changes colour depending on the distance and angle of the viewer.
It also gets subtle wheel arch extensions and 18-inch wheels and special chrome detailing around the face, side windows and panoramic glass roof.
The interior gets high quality leather with crimson stitching on the seats, dashboard, steering wheel, gear lever and edge trimming of the panoramic glass roof.
We have the rest of the story and a gallery of high def pictures of these to hotties
VIDEO: Merc SL celebrates 60th anniversary
The SL started out as a racing machine and throughout the years it has become one of the most memorable roadsters of our time, each generation seemingly better than the predecessor.
Thursday, 16 February 2012
VIDEO: Big, brute Jensen FF meets Ferrari FF
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| No, not this one, the one below... |
The Jensen FF was probably one of the first all-wheel drive super GT with genuine four-seater configuration.
Perhpas this proves that there is really nothing new in the world just newer versions of everything.
Of course it has, you Buerke...
Subaru celebrates 40-years of symmetrical all-wheel drive
This is what the first Subaru with symmetrical all-wheel drive looked like
and this is what it looked like under the skirt
Since then they have won numerous world rally championships and moved the brand into motoring folklore.
Congratulations Subaru.
and this is what it looked like under the skirt
Since then they have won numerous world rally championships and moved the brand into motoring folklore.
Congratulations Subaru.
Touring 's gorgeous Disco Volante
Delicious and if you are a collector with a serious stash, call them up and place an order. Buying cars off the shelf is so pleb, these days you order your cars to order...just like in the the old days
Colorado in Malaysia
We picked these photos up from paultan who got it from one of their readers.
Porsche's small SUV is to be called the Macan
Being part of the VW group, the Macan will have to share some hand-me-downs and in this case it is the Audi Q5 platform.
It is really nothing to be ashamed about because the Q5 is a very decent driver.
According to Porsche Marketing boss, Bernhard Maier; “The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of a SUV and is a genuine Porsche”.
“The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations.” He is right here, how many Malaysians don't like eating...
The Macan will find a production slot at Porsche's Leipzeig plant and Zuffenhausen is sinking and additional €500 million (RM1.99billion) to prepare the factory for the new model and turn it into a full fledged production plant including body assembly and paint shop.
The platform sharing will probably mean the Macan will get the same steering system, axles but Porsche will develop their owns suspension, braking and active suspension and other driver aids.
Some reports are suggesting that Porsche may accept Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system for the Macan.
There is a video after the link that introduces the Macan idea....
VIDEO: Tesla Model X SUV launch (Full 30 mins)
Apart from the electric drive, the other novel feature of the Model X is the gullwing rear doors.
Apparently gullwing doors are more practical than one that hinges horizontally...
However we cannot really imagine how they can achieve comparable body rigidity with conventionla SUV with just a think spine running on the roof behind the front doors.
Model X Reveal from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.
Autobild suggest this is the E-Class Update
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| illustration taken from Autobild |
The E-Class is a runaway success and so it is time to take the new design language to a new level and this was shown by the new A-Class and B-Class that were launched recently.
If influential German magazien Autobild is correct, then this is what the facelifted E-Class would look like. Clearly the artist took cues from the facelifted C-Class for the headlamp treatment and projected it onto the bigger car but it does seem likely that Mercedes-Benz would come up with something quite similar.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Photo Gallery: Kia Cee'd inside and out
These are the photos Kia has released ahead of the Cee'd's Geneva debut
Here are some pictures, hot from Kia of their new car and the interior is also looking quite welcoming.
The rest of the photos after the jump
Lexus: How to drive round the bends of a woman
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| Take a gorgeous swimsuit model... |
Lexus decided that using a swimwear model for their next video promotion would be a fun and who are we to argue with their airtight logic.
They got Sports Illustrated swimwear model, Tori Praver all skimpied up and made her lie won on the floor, writhing, and rolling and to make sure they can share the experience with us, they got cameras on the ready.
Let's jsut say that Scott Pruett and Greg Tracy are two lucky guys.
video after the jump
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| ...And turn the curves of her body into the inspiration for a racing circuit, now what is a fantastic idea.. |
What is Lotus up to now?
To eb honest we do not know what these pictures have to do with cars, but we got them in the inbox from Lotus with a cryptic message, they're gonna blow the roof off..
Even if they are planning to blow off some roof, what has it got to do with sun cream, bikini top and sunburnt head?...maybe they're showing off a really hot summer convertible that would attract ladies and give you sunburn if you don't put on sunscreen
POV VIDEO: Daytona 24-hours a driver's view
This short video simply cannot make someone who has never driven in an endurance event just how hard it is but it is an interesting glimpse of what a driver has to do in the course of a 24-hour race.
The car ended on the podium, in third place. Enjoy the video
Astra VXR makes us wish Opel is still here
The Astra is based on the GTC's platform and the 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine can twist 400Nm of torque, enough for it to achieve a top speed of 155mph.
There is a lot of special chassis mods that promises to make it a real driver's car and among them are a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which works on the front wheels.
Opel says the LSD provides the Astra VXR with exceptional lateral grip and traction through bends.
Further changes to the chassis include brakes developed by competition supplier, Brembo, and standard fitment of Vauxhall's fully adaptive FlexRide system. In the Astra VXR, FlexRide features not only a Sport button, but a VXR button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control.
Full details in the Press Release after the jump
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