Thursday, November 18, 2010


The 2009 Infiniti FX will continue to use a 3.5-liter VQ engine to power the base model. Some speculated the 3.7-liter engine found in the G37 would appear under the hood of the FX to distance it from the new EX35, but that won't happen. Instead of a slight difference in displacement, the V-6 crossovers will be separated by only a few horsepower and a pair of gears in the transmission.
To be specific, the FX35 will produce 303 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That's an increase of 28 hp, but a loss of 6 lb-ft of twist compared with the outgoing FX35. Both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models use a new seven-speed automatic transmission with manual override and rev-matching downshifts. Magnesium paddle shifters are available for those who wish to maximize the effectiveness of the manu-matic option.
The FX35 will not be available with the 21-inch Enkei rims found on the FX50. Base models make do with 18-inch alloy wheels, but 20-inchers with a metallic finish are available. Another difference between the FX50 and FX35 is only the FX50 will have the option of active rear wheel steering.
Inside the FX, the V-8 model has an 8.0-inch information display to the V-6 model's 7.0-inch display. Features like heated and cooled seats, driver's seat memory function, aluminum pedals, and Bluetooth capability are optional on the FX35, but standard on the FX50.

Click the links below for high-resolution FX images, as well as our coverage of the FX50 that was recently unveiled in Geneva.




Audi the producer of top-of-the-line Audi oxygen sensor has introduced a supercar that can function well as an everyday transport and as source of power whenever you get the urge for a high revving road action. The new 2008 Audi R8 supercar with its dynamic styling, 420 horse power, V8 engine placed behind the seats together with a plethora of other high-tech innovations has put the R8 to the level of Porsche and Ferrari.

The R8 makes use of an all-wheel-drive configuration and a choice of manual-shifting automatic or manual transmission. The R8’s frame and body utilizes lightweight aluminum-frame structure. The underside is also fully enclosed like a race car to boost aerodynamics.
The R8 was developed in connection with the Lamborghini Gallardo, which is also owned by Volkswagen so it is not surprising that the R8 will possess similar components as that of the Gallardo. The big difference however according to those who have driven it, is the fact that the R8 feels like an everyday vehicle that is comfortable in stop-and-go mph. The price of the R8 is set at $118,000 when equipped with the six-speed R Tronic automatic gearbox.

Some details on the all-new 2008 Audi R8
Bodystyles: 2-Dr Coupe;
Engines: 4.2L V 8;
Transmissions: 6 Speed Manual; 6 Speed Semi-Automatic;
Drivetrains: All Wheel Drive;

2008 Audi R8 Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- 4,200 cc 4.2 liters V 8 front engine with 12.5 compression ratio and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- Main premium unleaded fuel tank
- Power: 313 kW , 420 HP SAE @ 8,250 rpm; 317 ft lb , 430 Nm @ 4,500 rpm

2008 Audi R8 Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features
- Four-wheel ABS
- Brake assist system
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Immobilizer
- Stability control
- Multi-link front and rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

2008 Audi R8 Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features
- Body color front and rear bumpers
- Driver and passenger power heated body color door mirrors indicator lights
- Projector beam lens Bi-Xenon headlights
- Luxury trim alloy on gearknob
- Gloss paint
- Fixed rear window with defogger
- Trunk/hatch spoiler
- Tinted glass on cabin
- Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe and rain sensor


If you have bought a new vehicle and come to the point where you need to replace the wheels and tires, there are quite a few ways to precede further. How to select them with some ground-floor facts when it comes time to make a replacement tire purchase or a wheel-and-tire upgrade?
Here is a list of what you should think about before choosing the tire to buy for your wheels and of course this information also applies when you are doing a wheel upgrade as well.
Speed ratings signify the safe top speed of a tire under perfect conditions. The part of what you're paying for the speed rating is something you will never use. Be alert that tires with higher speed ratings are more often than not made from a softer rubber compound and generally will have shorter UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) tread life ratings and will not truly last as long in the real world. If you live in Oregon or Washington you will want to look more closely at a capable wet-weather tire than if you are in Nevada or Arizona. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires every manufacturer to grade its tires under the UTQG labeling system and set up ratings for tread wear, traction and temperature resistance.
Actual performance of the tire can differ significantly depending on situations, but the tire's UTQG tread life number can help you get an idea of how long a tire will truly last. A low-profile tire such as a 50 or a 40-series looks great, but can be harsh over bumps or potholes when compared to a 55 or 60. Lower profile tires also have stiffer sidewalls, which improves handling but damage ride quality. Some tread designs are noisier than others and it varies significantly between tire brands and tread designs. A good salesperson will be able to tell you which tires are quieter among those in road noise. Balancing is a must anytime tires are mounted on wheels.
One of the two main reasons the majority people consider a wheel change is just for looks. Plus sizing your wheels and tires is the most excellent way to improve both the performance and appearance of your vehicle. Besides plus sizing the benefits of a good-quality alloy wheel are numerous. Either way you end up with reduced weight compared to steel wheels. This is a factor affecting a vehicle's road holding ability. The added strength of a quality alloy wheel can also decrease tire deflection in cornering. Your life depends on a few square inches of rubber when you drive your car or truck.



The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is one of the world's most fascinating sports cars. Following their credo that the best is just good enough for BRABUS the engineers and designers at BRABUS have developed an exclusive sport program for the two-seater. It lets owners of the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models further individualize their vehicles.

BRABUS equips the SLR with a special self-locking differential. Its 40 percent locking rate further optimizes the super sports car's traction and thus further improves acceleration.

In BRABUS Racing version with performance-improving fuel cooling, custom camshafts and an open racing exhausts system maximum power output of the supercharged V8 engine increases to 660 hp / 486 kW at 6,500 rpm. The exhaust system is not certified for use on public roads. Thus equipped the SLR storms to 100 km/h from rest in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 340 km/h.

BRABUS further offers professional modifications to body, suspension and interior that further amplify the sports talents of the SLR.

For further improved directional stability at high speeds the BRABUS designers developed a new spoiler for the front air dam. The exposed-carbon aerodynamic-enhancement part reduces lift on the front axle and adds another shot of racing looks. The rear diffuser is also made from exposed carbon.

The multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock VI 20-inch light-alloy wheels with six double spokes command immediate attention. The fully polished wheels in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11.5Jx20 on the rear axle fill out the available space below the wheel arches perfectly.

BRABUS chose high-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 20 and 305/25 ZR 20 as the optimal solution. The conversion to the BRABUS 20-inch tire/wheel combination gives the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren even more dynamic handling prowess.

BRABUS also adds new sporty and exclusive highlights in the interior. The company-own upholstery shop created a BRABUS interior from an exclusive black and red combination of leather and Alcantara, perfectly crafted down to the last detail. The waffle-design stitching of the SLR leather floor is especially elaborate and it alone uses 7,800 meters of the finest thread.

For easier entering and exiting BRABUS manufactured a custom BRABUS sport steering wheel with an ergonomically shaped rim that is flat on the bottom. For manual shifting of the SLR's automatic transmission the BRABUS steering wheel features buttons integrated into the spokes.

The BRABUS interior designers developed precise-fit applications for dashboard, center console and door panels, all made from exposed carbon. They extend the BRABUS exterior carbon look into the interior.

The BRABUS super sports car sells for 600,000 Euros. Included in the price is the SLR's airfreight shipment to anywhere in the world.


2008 LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP640: The Murciélago LP640, which refers to its engine position -Longitudinal Position- and to its 640 hp, is the most extreme and fastest sports car in its class. Designers and engineers have reworked the 12-cylinder powerplant from 6.2-liters to 6.5-liters; and linked it to a six-speed gearbox, tougher rear differential and new axle shafts. An e-gear automatic tranny is available, and the LP640 zooms from 0-to-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Visually, the exotic body is constructed of sheet steel and honeycombed carbon fiber, featuring scissor doors and an exhaust system that terminates in the diffuser on the rear bumper. Inside the two-seater leather upholstered cockpit is a new instrument panel and optional navigation system..


Italian automaker Pagani has earlier divulged plans for a track-specific version of its Zonda supercar. Now the ideals of the said supercar are imbibed in the Zonda R version.

According to the automaker, the new coupe was designed with "the ultimate performance at the racetrack without any implications of rules, except for safety.”

With the supercar equipped with a 7.3 liter V12 engine sourced from AMG by Mercedes-Benz, it also debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The said variant is intended to rival cars like the Ferrari FXX. Compared to its sibling – the Zonda F, the R variant is designed from scratch. It only carried over 10 percent of Zonda F’s components.

The spark of the supercar potentials has been set by an Italo-American customer, enthusiast and already proud owner of 3 Zondas. He describes the project as: “The thought has been on my mind for quite some time, but I am not interested in racing.”

The Zonda R is born with full liberty. The equation is set forth by the automaker to bring out the best performance without any compromising comfort and safety. In September last year, the first sketches were ready, but the support of Mercedes-AMG for a high revving engine cannot be overemphasized. The engine was inspired by the CLK GTR, which has dominated the GT championships.

What is found under the hood increased output of the supercar to 750 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 523lb-ft of torque. The power of Zonda R is complemented by its high performance parts that include a racing multiple disc sintered clutch, a lightweight carbon fire intake system and a Formula 1 style exhaust system. To boost optimal heat dissipation, the hydroformed in Inconel 625 was integrated to the car. The power is mated to a 6 speed transversal manual sequential synchronized gearbox to satisfy the craving of enthusiast for a nerve-racking driving.

Aside from the engine, the Pagani Zonda R also boasts of its central carbon chassis with a roll cage, rubber racing aeronautical fuel tank, four fuel pumps, and refuel filler similar to that of GT race cars. To make the supercar equation more favorable to enthusiasts, the wheelbase was increased by 47mm, the overall length by 394 mm and the track is increased by 50mm. The bodywork and aerodynamics have been meticulously designed to offer maximum downforce. The longer front bonnet with flaps, rear overhang with the adjustable rear wing, and closed underbody and race derived diffuser transform into crushing superb efficiency. The said features allow drivers to experience cornering speeds beyond imagination.

Even though built for the track, the supercar boasts its quality, details and finish which are incomparable with Pagani road cars. One of the first cars will be kept in a living room designed by Pagani. It is built with the same materials as the Zonda F. Sophisticated materials include avional, carbon fibre, titanium, inconel and other cutting-edge materials. The supercar also features a bespoke HiFi System that allows occupants to enjoy music at the Le Mans and the Nürburgring.

The interior of the Zonda R is designed to accommodate the driver and passenger in bespoke seats and these are intended to provide the best kind of support. The Digitek instrumentation provides the essential information and a sophisticated telemetry allows through an assortment of sensors to monitor all components of the car.

Weekend racetrack fanatics as well as the most demanding purchasers could make the most out of Pagani Zonda R nonetheless they must be ready to pay a hefty sum amounting to about $1.2 million plus taxes.

Monday, November 8, 2010

El Audi R8 acaba de ser elegido "Clásico del Futuro 2009" por los lectores de la revista alemana de autos clásicos Motor Klassik, que entrega el reconocimiento cada dos años.
Los más de 16 mil encuestados eligieron entre 168 autos en siete categorías, entregando la de "coche deportivo" al biplaza alemán de motor central, por ser el deportivo actual con mayor potencial para convertirse en un genuino clásico en el futuro."Este premio reconoce nuestra decisión de evolucionar desde el Audi TT hacia un auto deportivo mucho más apasionante y de motor central", afirmó Michael Julios Renz, gerente de ventas de Audi en Alemania. "Para continuar en la misma línea del premio, el R8 ahora puede solicitarse con otro clásico, el motor de 10 cilindros".
Por otro lado, la firma de los cuatro aros también participó en la elección con el A6, modelo que finalmente obtuvo el tercer lugar en la categoría "Autos Grandes de la Era Moderna".

Han cazado en plena acción al Porsche más radical de todos: el GT3 RS.
Lo más impresionante del GT3 RS que han capturado es su propulsor y su rendimiento. Montará el mismo boxer atmosférico de 3.8 litros del GT3. No Existen datos oficiales de la potencia, pero si en este último alcanza los 435 HP, no sería de extrañar que en la versión RS rondase los 450 HP. En un Porsche, esto es simplemente de locura. Podría acelerar de 0 a 60 mph en 3,9 segundos y probrablemente superará los 310 km/h del actual GT3. Su Lanzamiento se realizara este año en el famoso salon de frankfurt.

Según Car Magazine, BMW ha cancelado la versión más radical de esta generación (E92) de la Serie 3, que al final no verá la luz. Se trataría de un M3 aligerado unas cuantas decenas de kilos, con más potencia y más deportivo si cabe. ¿El motivo? Presuntamente el jefe de la división M habría dicho que haciendo números, no hay clientes potenciales suficientes como para venderlo.
Todo un bajón para los fanboys de BMW. Es una decisión un poco chocante después de saber que habrá versiones M del X5 y X6, quizás los números que se han hecho no están bien. De hecho, se había dicho que siempre habría versión CSL del M3 por el éxito que tuvo el M3 CSL de la generación E46.

Aunque por detrás se parece ligeramente a el nuevo BMW Z4, en sus fotos espía, se trata del Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Son las fotos más reveladoras que hasta la fecha y el camuflaje sólido ha desaparecido por completo de la carrocería, ahora nos dejan que lo veamos mejor, que de momento es impresionante.
Lo único que nos tiene con la intriga es su exterior, aunque Mercedes ya publicó oficialmente imágenes del interior, varios bocetos e incluso también fotos del exterior con camuflaje. El diseño, pues mezcla formas musculadas y con un toque clásico, pero adaptado a estos tiempos que corren. Esa mezcla será explosiva.
Podemos apreciar sus pilotos delanteros, con tecnología LED. Lo demás permanece tapado, y los traseros parece que serán tipo Panamera pero más pequeños. El frontal recuerda a un tiburón martillo. Su motor es un 6.2 V8 de 571cv, es atmosférico y tiene una caja de cambios de 7 velocidades y doble embrague.
Su velocidad punta está en 315km/h, y acelera de 0 a 100 km/h en sólo 3,8 segundos, unas cifras muy buenas. Esperemos que Mercedes se decida a publicar cuanto antes las imágenes oficiales. Quizá sea el modelo que más intriga esté causando. Nos sorprenderán, seguro.
 

Suena impresionante, verdad  Más aún cuando el GT2 base tiene 530 caballos y un peso de tan sólo 1.440 kilos. Desde luego, si el Porsche 911 GT2 RS llega a buen puerto y es algo más que un aviso por parte de una fuente para Pistonheads, puede ser realmente interesante.
En concreto, estamos hablando de una subida de potencia que lo llevaría hasta los 580 caballos, junto a unas modificaciones para llevar al GT2 al extremo con 580 caballos y reducir su peso para dejarlo en tan sólo 1.240 kilos, aproximadamente. ¿Cuáles serían los resultados? Sin ir más lejos, el actual 911 de producción más rápido de la historia tiene una aceleración de 0 a 100 en tan sólo 3.7 segundos, y unos tiempos en circuito que son terroríficos.
En caso de que sea cierto, los rumores apuntan a una presentación estimada para el próximo salón de Frankfurt, allá en Septiembre.

 

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