Automotive
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New Range Rover flagship model – the HST
March 29, 2006 Land Rover has spiced up its Range Rover Sport to create a new flagship, the Supercharged 'HST' specification. Debuted to the UK press this week, the HST adds a host of additional equipment along with dramatic design cues inspired by the Range Stormer concept car, first shown at the Detroit auto show in January 2004. "The HST allows a Range Rover Sport customer to drive the closest thing there is to the radical Range Stormer, our first ever concept vehicle and a real milestone for the company," says Land Rover UK managing director, John Edwards. (read more...)
International unveils the ProStar Class 8 flagship aerodynamic tractor at world’s largest Trucking Show
March 29, 2006 International took the opportunity of the largest trucking show in the world to unveil its new new flagship aerodynamic tractor on the weekend. The International ProStar is the company's new Class 8 heavy truck, and is the result of five years and $300 million in development, including the continuous collaboration of dealer and customer advisory boards. The International ProStar is designed to provide best-in-class fuel economy, unparalleled driver satisfaction, unprecedented uptime and lowest cost of ownership. (read more...)
A Century Of Grand Prix Racing At Goodwood Festival of Speed
March 29, 2006 The world’s foremost motorsport event, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is now approaching rapidly (July 7-9) so now’s the time to book those appointments in the UK to ensure your national and international business trips coincide. One of the many highlights of this year’s festival will be the celebration of one hundred years of Grand Prix history. Renault’s Malaysian Grand Prix winner Giancarlo Fisichella will be there with last year’s World Championship-winning Renault R25 and so will be the closest-surviving relative of the car that won the first-ever Grand Prix. That first Grand Prix – the French Grand Prix which was held over two days on a 60-mile road course near Le Mans in June 1906 – was won by Renault’s Hungarian driver Ferenc Szisz aboard his 13-litre 90CV AX. (see image library for some fantastic images from the first ever Grand Prix). (read more...)
Acura To Debut New MDX Concept At New York International Auto Show
March 29, 2006 Celebrating its 20th anniversary as a brand, Acura overnight announced plans to debut a concept version of the all-new MDX luxury sport-utility vehicle, April 12, at the New York International Auto Show and released an artist's rendering of the new vehicle. Scheduled to debut later this year, the 2007 Acura MDX will be the second generation of Acura's luxury SUV to be designed, developed and manufactured exclusively in North America. "The 2007 MDX will speak clearly to the advanced image of Acura and promises to put MDX solidly at the front of the pack with a striking new image, new technology and performance unmatched in the segment," said Honda’s Dick Colliver. "The designers and engineers working on this new MDX have a tremendous passion for this product that will be evident in all aspects of its design and performance." (read more...)
Turbo heat jacketsimprove thermal efficiency
March 26, 2006 Turbochargers not only generate lots of engine power but they generate over 1,000 degrees centigrade of heat, which produces significant detrimental side effects. We’ve written about UK-based Owen Developments before. The latest from the Oxfordshire turbocharger technology experts is a range of turbo heat shield jackets developed to fit most makes of turbine housings including Garrett, Mitsubishi, IHI, KKK and Toyota. The jackets offer four major advantages, the most significant being that by retaining heat within the turbine, the hot and expanding gasses will have the effect of increasing thermal efficiency of the turbine design. Bottom line, it’s an additional long term horsepower boost for UKP82.20 (plus VAT if you’re in the UK). (read more...)
Citroen Reigns In Spain!
March 27, 2006 Citroen may not be officially competing in this year’s World Rally Championship but it’s hard to tell. Wearing Kronos Total Citroen colours, Sebastien Loeb/Daniel Elena and Dani Sordo/Marc Marti completed a faultless and trouble-free third day of the Catalunya Rally in order to give Citroen a 1-2 win in Spain and extend Citroen and Loeb’s leads in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ title chases for the 2006 World Rally Championship. It was the reigning World Champions’ second consecutive win in Spain, and the 22nd of their joint career. This puts Loeb just four wins away from Carlos Sainz’s record of 26 victories, while Daniel Elena is just two wins away from the co-drivers’ record of 24 wins, held by Luis Moya. Loeb and Elena have now extended their 2006 championship lead to nine points, while the Xsara chalks up its 26th triumph. (read more...)
Disney's cute Porsche - Sally Carrera
March 27, 2006 Looks kinda cute for a Porsche doesn’t it. The characters of hotshot rookie racecar Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), Sally Carrera, a snazzy 2002 Porsche 911 (voiced by Bonnie Hunt) and Mater, a rusty but trusty tow truck (voiced by Larry The Cable Guy) from Disney•Pixar’s upcoming release, “CARS” exist not only on the movie screen, but in sheetmetal as well. Our old mate West Coast movie car creator (“if it doesn’t work it’s just not finished yet”) Eddie Paul, with help from Porsche and Pixar Animation Studios’ artists and technicians, created life-sized versions of three of the film’s lead characters. Sally Carrera, a converted Porsche 911, was the first of the film’s stars to roll off the production line. Paul, who was introduced to Porsche by entertainer Jay Leno, has been building cars for Hollywood for more than three decades. (read more...)
Boxster SportDesign package – improved aerodynamics and sportier looks
March 24, 2006 In an age of increasing customisation, owners of Boxster and Boxster S roadster models will be pleased to know that Porsche is now offering a SportDesign package for the beasties. This new individualization option comprises spoiler lips for mounting on the standard front trim, an automatically extending, redesigned rear spoiler, and a modified rear trim with an integrated diffuser. In addition to providing a particularly striking and sporty appearance, the new SportDesign package improves aerodynamics. The lifting forces on the front and rear axles are reduced without air resistance being increased, which further supports the vehicle’s finely-tuned, roadster-specific balance. The shape of the rear trim with the integrated diffuser evokes a conscious association with the Carrera GT high-performance sports car. The automatically extending rear spoiler, which has been designed according to the divided wing principle, contributes further to this association. (read more...)
Audi V12 TDI engine writes motorsport history
March 21, 2006 Audi achieved Motorsport history on the weekend when its diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI sportscar driven by Allan McNish, Dindo Capello (Italy) and Tom Kristensen won America’s most important sportscar race, the Sebring 12 Hour sportscar endurance motor race at Sebring (USA) – the first victory in an open motorsport event for a diesel-powered car. "Flying Scotsman" McNish showed the potential of the 650-hp V12 TDI engine with a record-breaking pole-position time in qualifying. Because the heat exchanger had to be replaced after the morning warm-up, Capello was forced to start their R10 TDI from the pit-lane starting his chase from the back of the field. It took Capello only half an hour before he had moved from 35th and last position to second just behind the "sister" car of Frank Biela (Germany), Emanuele Pirro (Italy) and Marco Werner (Germany). Shortly before the end of the second hour, the McNish/Capello/Kristensen Audi took the lead and remained at the head of the field to the chequered flag – McNish also setting a new race lap record. The diesel Audis now head to the Le Mans 24 Hour event in June (read more...)
Renault F1 takes 1-2 in round 2 and rockets to championship favoritism
March 20, 2006 A day can make a big difference in any form of sport, but perhaps none as pronounced as in Motorsport. Just a week ago, in the first round of the championship, the rule changes that will define a new era in Formula One appeared to have levelled the competitiveness of the field. Renewed pace from Ferrari, reliability from McLaren and Honda, and promise from Williams and BMW looked to have made for a season of intruige and a broadly contested title. But following the application of the Malaysian blowtorch, Renault now appears set to successfully defend its Formula One dual crown. The French team that gave Fernando Alonso his first Formula One crown last year has already demonstrated in 2006 that it has the speed and the reliability to run two cars at the front all year and yesterday was the first one-two for the blue and gold since Renault returned to the sport as a works manufacturer in the 2002 season and only its second in history. It was a day for technology too as Ferrari debuted a new brake cooling drum (technical details here) - an evolution of similar devices seen on cars last year, but Ferrari have taken it to its extreme. The cooling drum not only covers the brake disc and calliper, preventing heat being transferred to the wheel rim, it also completely fills the space inside the wheel rim, not only improving brake cooling, but also dramatically reducing the vortices generated by the rotation of the wheels, hence making this area more aerodynamically efficient. Other news included the coolest new helmet for some members of the Renault pit-crew and young lion Nico Rosberg who was once again the talk of the paddock with third fastest in qualifying before an engine failure wrecked his race. (read more...)
Nissan announces Distance Control Assist System
March 16, 2006 Nissan has announced details of a new Distance Control Assist System, an electronic system that helps drivers control the distance between themselves and the vehicle in front. The system is able to determine the distance to the car in front, as well as the relative speed of both cars, using a radar sensor in the front bumper. If the driver releases the accelerator pedal or is not pressing the accelerator pedal, the system automatically applies the brakes. If the system determines that braking is required, an indicator will appear on the instrument panel and a buzzer will sound simultaneously. The accelerator pedal then automatically moves upwards to assist the driver in switching to the brakes. The new system is especially useful in heavy traffic when frequent braking is required. (read more...)
Formula One season gets underway - Renault, Ferrari, McLaren and Honda on the pace
March 13, 2006 The 2006 Formula 1 season erupted to life yesterday with strong indications that four teams will contest the win at each Grand Prix, and three, maybe four drivers will contest the title. 2006 champion Fernando Alonso won the race narrowly in his Renault but it was the renewed pace of Ferrari and Michael Schumacher that gave everyone heart, with an all red front row on the grid for the first time since the 2004 Hungarian Grand Prix as the Scuderia Ferrari driver equalled the record of 65 pole positions set by the late Ayrton Senna. The performance of the day though was that of Kimi Raikkonen who drove through the field from dead last in his McLaren Mercedes to take third. Honda’s 2006 challenge appears credible after a year from hell in 2005, with Jenson Button missing the podium by just six tenths of a second. Finally, the first race performance of seventh place by Nico Rosberg (son of Keke) was a ripper, particularly considering the rookie cut the fastest lap of the race in a Williams Cosworth which was nowhere near the fastest car. (read more...)
Fioravanti Fiat Punto Skill Concept
March 11, 2006 One of Europe's leading styling and design companies, Fioravanti, revealed an open top version of the new Fiat Punto it has dubbed the Skill, and which is the star of the company’s stand at the Geneva Show. Indeed, the Skill would appear to be the ideal small car for a summer lifestyle, with its combination of a flip-top glass roof that drops down behind the seats in a matter of seconds and a pick-up load bay. (read more...)
Franay Bentley Mark VI teches US$1.7 million
April 3, 2006 It is one of the most visually arresting automobiles in existence and it's no surprise that the car fetched $1,728,000 at auction on the weekend. This 1947 Bentley Mark VI Cabriolet, with custom coachworks by Franay was created exclusively for the 1947 Paris Auto Show and is widely considered to be the most unique and valuable postwar Bentley on the planet. The interior is adorned in 100 percent frog skin, bringing an air of extreme customization to the already impressive vehicle. The one-of-a-kind multiple "Best In Show" Award winner was part of a remarkable collection from prominent collector Gary Wales (pictured) that rolled across the auction block during the fourth annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Event at the South Florida Expo Center from March 30 through April 1, 2006. (read more...)
The World’s Fastest and Most Powerful Luxury Sedan – the 730 hp, 1,320 Nm and 340 km/h Brabus S V12 S Biturbo
March 8, 2006 Brabus has released images and details of the world’s fastest and most powerful luxury sedan. The 340-km/h high performance automobile is based on the new Mercedes S 600 and is powered by a Brabus S V12 S Biturbo twelve-cylinder engine with 730 hp / 537 kW and a peak torque of 1,320 Nm. The Brabus S V12 S Biturbo engine is a prime example for the old adage that nothing can replace displacement except more displacement. A special crankshaft with longer stroke, forged pistons with a larger diameter and an increased cylinder bore result in a displacement increase from standard 5.5 to now 6.3 liters. (read more...)
Macarena Concept has folding glass roof
March 8, 2006 French automotive manufacturer Heuliez is showing a unique concept vehicle on its stand at the Geneva International Motor. The Macarena Concept Car has a glass roof with a difference. The three glass panels automatically fold and compactly store themselves away into the trunk in order to offer plenty of luggage space. The Macarena name came from the likeness to the way the two roof arches fold like the arms of the dancers in the famous Macarena dance. The roof can have a substantial span and is hence particularly suitable for turning larger four door cars with four comfortable seats into an elegant and sporty coupe-cabriolet. Though the Macarena is based on the Peugeot 407, Heuliez is hoping to license the system to auto manufacturers around the world. (read more...)
BMW Motorsport announces ready-to-race Z4 M Coupe
March 7, 2006 BMW Motorsport has torn the wraps of its ready-to-race two seater. Designed for enthusiast customers who ache to post a competitive time at the famed Nordschleife as much as for professional touring and production car race teams around the world. The Motorsport Version of the BMW Z4 M Coupe, which itself has only just been revealed in production guise, is the first two-seater BMW Motorsport has offered for customer teams. (read more...)
Scuderi Group to show Air-Hybrid technology design at SAE World Congress
March 7, 2006 The Scuderi Group is an engine development company currently building an Air-Hybrid Engine which it claims will be to be the world's most fuel efficient internal combustion engine. Currently in production at Southwest Research in San Antonio, Texas, it is claimed that the Scuderi Air-Hybrid Engine will allow diesel and gasoline automobiles, commercial vehicles and other applications powered by internal combustion engines to be 60 percent fuel efficient (compared to today's 33 percent), reduce toxic emissions by 80 percent, while making it easier and less expensive to incorporate the technology into today's automobile manufacturing process. Designs for the air-hybrid engine will be on display at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit next month. (read more...)
Citroen and Loeb take the WRC lead after Mexican victory
March 6, 2006 It seemed inevitable that Sebastien Loeb would find his way back to the head of 2006 world rankings following a 2005 season that was the most dominant on record. Following a win in the third round of the WRC in Mexico, Loeb has now regained the series lead and it would be a brave move to bet against him for the title. In the end, the Citroen driver had a thrilling fight to the finish with Subaru’s Petter Solberg to finally take the Rally of Mexico at the weekend (3-5 March 2006). Loeb got off to a steady start on Friday sweeping the roads clean for the benefit of Petter Solberg amongst others, but still hung on grimly to limit the deficit to just a half a minute. The next step was to make up the time lost, reducing the gap to a combative Solberg. It was only on Saturday night, after SS13, that Seb found any sort of breathing space after very tightly fought battle with Subaru driver that turned the event into a two horse race. The final phase of the victory plan, which took place on Sunday, consisted of a precise control of the lead, a painstaking task in which Loeb excels. All victories taste sweet, but for Seb – sheltering under a sombrero at the finish – this one was special. BTW - they obviously love their rallying in Mexico - check out the image library for some scary shots, not to mention the main shot of Seb getting big air just a few feet from the spectators. (read more...)
Honda’s 200 bhp Civic Type R Concept set for 2007 delivery
March 6, 2006 With a level of success way beyond Honda's initial expectations, the Civic Type R which ended production last year proved a smash hit among those seeking the thrills of a sporty, high performance car, yet still delivering a strong dose of practicality at an affordable price. That dual personality thrilled over 35,000 customers, far exceeding Honda’s initial sales forecasts during its relatively short production run. The bold styling of the Civic Type R Concept unveiled at Geneva last week provides a clear indication of how the final production car will appear. Honda engineers have designed a 'superhatch' to deliver blistering performance (200 bhp). The aggressive, lower and wider-looking body encases a new 2.0 litre DOHC i-VTEC engine and the model, built in Britain, will go on sale in early 2007 priced around UKP18,000. Expect to see more 3 door versions at the London Motor Show in July. (read more...)
Koenigsegg completely re-engineers one of the world's fastest cars - the CCX
March 5, 2006 On a good day with a stiff tail wind and a very long piece of very private road, the new Koenigsegg is one of just two road cars in the world capable of touching 400 km/h. Named the Competition Coupe X (CCX), the car commemorates the 10th anniversary of the completion and test drive of the first CC maiden prototype, which rolled out from the R&D Department in 1996. The CCX is actually quite a different car to the world record-setting Koenigsegg CCS of just 12 months ago, having been completely re-engineered to comply with the US regulation and market demands. And despite settling into the outer stratosphere of exclusivity, the CCX’s standard price of US$540,000 represents a bargain compared to its main competitor, the US$1.47 million Bugatti Veyron. Even fully optioned, with carbon fibre rims, ceramic brakes, rear view cameras, parking sensors, entries into various elite Motorsport events and personal driving tuition from famous test driver and world record holder Loris Bicocchi, the CCX just tops US$600,000. (read more...)
The most fun you can have in a car for under UKP15,000
March 4, 2006 Anyone who has driven one will tell you the Caterham Seven is a fun car to drive, though now it’s official. The British sportscar manufacturer took the chequered flag first in a Test Drive Magazine Supertest to find the best fun car for a UKP15,000 budget. The Caterham 1.4 Classic beat off stiff competition from rivals such as the Mazda MX-5, Ford Streetka and Mini Cooper to take the chequered flag for its all round good looks, speed, engine performance and driveability. (read more...)
The 157 mpg Loremo (Low Resistance Mobility) LS
March 3, 2006 Why do we need 1.5 tons of steel to get an 80 kg person from A to B? That’s the question Gerhard Heilmaier, Stefan Ruetz and Uli Sommer asked themselves six years ago which led them to form an innovative company named LoReMo - Low Resistance Mobility. LoReMo used this week’s Geneva Show to introduce its first car - a featherweight (450 kg), highly aerodynamic (Cw value of 0.20) 2+2 auto powered by a 20 PS (15 kw) two-cylinder turbo-diesel motor capable of 1.5 litre/100km (157 mpg) that will sell for 11,000 euro (US$13,200). Want more speed? The 50 PS (37 kW) three-cylinder turbo-diesel Loremo GT can top 220 km/h (138 mph) returning 2.7 l/100 km (88 mpg) for less than 15,000 euro (US$18,000). (read more...)
Land Rover’s e-Terrain concept showcases new environmental initiatives
March 2, 2006 Land Rover is showcasing a catalogue of innovative technologies – collectively known as the e-Terrain System – that reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while also improving the outstanding breadth of capability of Land Rover’s 4x4 vehicles. The efficient technology contribute to a potential 30 per cent improvement in fuel economy over a current vehicle of similar size and performance. And most of the technologies will be available on Land Rover production models starting in the next few years. (read more...)
Suzuki to contest the World Rally Championship (WRC) from 2007
March 1, 2006 Suzuki has announced it will enter the World Rally Championship (WRC) from August, 2007 using its all new Sports X-over vehicle SX4 as the basis. The SX4 was also launched at the Geneva Show. Suzuki’s decision to participate in the WRC follows from its very successful involvement with its teams in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC). (read more...)
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