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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Shrugs Off a West Texas Thunderstorm
It's late June so the whole state of Texas is baking near the century mark during the day. When I notice big cumulus clouds at the I-20/I-10 interchange, I figure our Gold Leaf 2010 Ford Taurus and I will be driving through a thunderstorm before I get to El Paso for the night.
I'm not disappointed. Those clouds quickly go all cumulonimbus. The storm is brief, but I'm struck by how quickly flash-flooding sets in. But here the P255/45R19 100V Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires on our Taurus Limited prove their worth. Nope, this is not a sporty car, but considering how much water is on the road (and that the windshield wipers can barely keep up with the torrential rain), the tires don't slip much. No hydroplaning. No hasty countersteering.
This is exactly what I'd expect from a safe, conservative, front-wheel-drive, full-size sedan and the 2010 Ford Taurus delivers.
Ford, Road, Trips, Sedans, ford, taurus, limited, road, trip, Taurus
BMW Officially Announces 2010 7 Series
Following on the heels of yesterday's leaked photos of the new M Sport package for the BMW 7 Series comes an official announcement from BMW. In addition to the new M Sport package, the 2010 7 Series will add two new diesel options (in Europe, of course) as well as optional all-wheel drive.
As we predicted, the M Sport package is essentially a cosmetic upgrade that includes revised front and rear fascias, shadowline trim and new double-spoke wheels. There's also an exclusive new Carbon Black Metallic color available with the package along with a few interior upgrades.
The 740d and 730d models are for Europe only at this point, but given the 730d's low-emissions profile, it could theoretically make it to the U.S. Such a move would have been unheard of before, but new fuel economy rules may force BMW to start offering the big 7 with smaller, more efficient power plants.
And finally, there's the addition of BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. It will be available on both long- and short-wheelbase versions of the 750i and is essentially the same system already found in the 3 and 5 Series sedans.
BMW, Diesels, Future, Vehicles, Luxury, Cars, Sedans, bmw, 750i, diesel, m, sport,
The Shelby GT500 Super Snake
After the amount of press Mr. Hennessey has been getting with his modified Camaros, we figured it was time to post a ridiculous GT500 tune: the 725 horse Shelby Super Snake.
Starting with a GT500 Coupe, Shelby engineers strap a new supercharger onto the 5.4-liter V8 that brings output to 725 whopping horsepower. The Super Snake also includes an upgraded intercooling system, cold-air intake and a high-flow JBA exhaust system. The company also offers a much more modest (respectively) 630 hp version with a Borla cat-back unit.
A racing suspension with adjustable dampers, stiffer springs and thicker antiroll bars work with the 20-inch Alcoa wheels to improve handling and give the 'Stang a new stance. Baer six-piston calipers with cross drilled and ventilated discs provide stopping power.
Shelby outfitted the exterior with a new hood with an oversized scoop, racing stripes, rear-quarter window scoops and carbon-fiber side skirts and front lip.
Pricing starts at $29,495 for the 630 hp model and goes up to $33,495 for the 725 hp kit. The first cars will be built this August. Go here for more info.
With John Hennessey recently upping the power ante with his LS9-powered Camaro, the question remains - would you rather have a GT500 Super Snake or a 638 horsepower LS9 Camaro?
Make the jump for more pics...
Ford, Tuners, and, Modifications, 2010, Mustang, GT500, Chevrolet, Camaro, John, Hennessey, Shelby, Super, Snake
A Look Inside BMW Designworks USA
Like most automakers, BMW maintains a design studio in Southern California. It's tucked away in the Los Angeles suburb of Newbury Park, so few in the area know it even exists. It's cranked out numerous car designs over the years and its former head, Adrian Van Hooydonk is now the head of BMW design in Germany.
Unlike most satellite design studios, however, BMW Designworks also does contract work for companies outside the automotive industry. Boats, planes, coffee makers, you name a consumer product and Designworks probably has a drawing of it on the walls somewhere. Most of those drawing are rarely seen, but BMW has just posted an in-depth tour of the facility that gives a pretty detailed look at how the studio functions.
There's some good insight into the world of design and how BMW sees its place within that world. If anything, the series might give you a little background on some of the company's more controversial designs and how they made it through the design process.
Auto, Industry, BMW, Future, Vehicles, Luxury, Cars, Trends, bmw, designworks,
2007 Frankfurt Auto Show - BMW Unveilings
24 Hours of Le Mans, Hennessey Nissan GT-R XXX, Po
dubbed the XXX, more rumors about a cheaper Porsche roadster, and Brawn GP has some goodies for the not-so-wealthy. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.
Monday, June 29, 2009
2,7 – 2000 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Konsep
Make Chevrolet
Model 2000 Camaro ZL1 Concept
Powertrain Layout Front Engine / RWD
Base Price prototype
Dimensions
WheelBase 2568 mm / 101.1 in
Length 1582 mm / 62.3 in
Height Not Available
Width 1600 mm / 63.0 in
Weight 1538 kg / 3390 lbs
Front / Rear Track Not Available
Engine
Configuration V8
Valvetrain Not Available
Displacement 9373 cc / 572 cu in
Power 574.2 kw / 770 bhp @ 6900 rpm
Torque 926.0 nm / 683 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm
Bore 114.3 mm / 4.5 in
Stroke 114.3 mm / 4.5 in
Compression Ratio 13.8:1
BHP / Liter 82.15 bhp
Redline Not Available
Transmission
Type 5-Speed Manual
Final Drive 3.54:1
1st Gear Ratio 2.86:1
2nd Gear Ratio 1.94:1
3rd Gear Ratio 1.55:1
4th Gear Ratio 1.30:1
5th Gear Ratio 1.00:1
6th Gear Ratio Not Available
Chassis & Body
Steering Not Available
Tire sizes F 335/30ZR-18
R 265/40ZR-18
Vented discs Brake Types
Brake Size F 292 mm / 11.5 in
R 292 mm / 11.5 in
Available ABS Not Available
Body Material Not Available
Performance
Top Speed 230.0 mph / 370.0 kph
0 - 30 mph Not Available
0 - 60 mph 2.7 seconds
0 - 100 mph Not Available
0 - ¼ mile 10.4 seconds
Lateral acceleration Not Available
EPA City / Hwy Not Available
2000 Dodge Hennessey Viper Venom 800TT
2009 BMW M3 ALMS Race Car
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."
BMW's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.
"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."
Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, "BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come."
Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: "We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort."
http://www.autoclub.com.au/2008/02/bmw-m3-alms-race-car.html
Aerodynamics In Car Racing
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Shelby SSC Ultimate Aero
(Rp 8,507,720,000)
SSC Ultimate is the fastest car at this time. Acceleration 0 - 60 km / hour, in 2.7 seconds. A top speed of 412 km / hour. Only made in 25 units. Shelby supercar SCC is proud that the United States made in the Tri Cities, Washington. The engine lite with a 6.345, V-8 1183 bhp @ 6950 rpm, the turbo and intercooler ganda.
The highest speed achieved by SSC Ultimate Aero mempeoleh certified from Guinness World Records. Note the highest speed achieved on 13 September 2007 on 221 toll road, Washington. United States.
http://nupho.wordpress.com/2008/12/07/10-mobil-termahal-di-dunia/
Pagani Zonda C12
(Rp 6,123,000,000)
Using a 7.3 liter engine, V-12. Energy generated to reach 602 PS and 650PS for clubsport reach. Pagani claims: acceleration 0 - 96 km / hour in 3.2 seconds with a time kcepatan top 374 km / hour.
Hire a Buggati Veyron for £15,000 per day !
The Buggati Veyron is worth more than £800,000 pounds, part of the reason why this large and fast car costs so much to hire out.
The other main reason is that the car, which can go at almost 250 miles per hour and does 0-60 in under three seconds, is one of only 25 of its kind in the world.
The £15 grand daily rate is nothing compared to the deposit required for this bad boy – a whopping £100,000. And that’s not surprising considering the car needs 10 radiators just to keep its eight litre engine from overheating.
Considering premier league footballers are some of the only people wealthy enough to afford that, and most of them buy their cars, it begs the question of who does hire this behemoth? It has apparently already been taken out twice this year.
The owner of the Buggati Veyron is actually a business man who has leased it to the car company so he can make money when he is not using it.
The car company is Holders Prestige and Performance Car Hire which is based in Reading, Berkshire.
Company spokesman Eesa Mander said: "This is unquestionably the best car on the planet and for that reason alone it commands a massive price tag.
"It has the ultimate speed and performance and people are prepared to pay a premium price for those qualities.
"People take this out and drive across Europe to Monaco to experience some luxury - it's an experience car. They need to consider that it will attract a lot of attention."
For the £70,000 it costs to rent the Buggati Veyron per week you could rent a whole fleet of small economy cars.
http://www.rhinocarhire.com/Car-Hire-Blog/April-2009/Hire-a-Buggati-Veyron.aspx
Ferrari Enzo
Ferrari Enzo specifications
Top Speed: 362 km/h
Power: 660 HP
Engine: V12 6.0 litre
The legendary Ferrari Enzo was named in the name of the racing car company founder Enzo Ferrari. The front section of this Ferrari supercar has derived directly from Formula 1, the entire body shape was tweaked for optimal airflow and cooling of the engine and the brakes. It is equipped with an ultra-light, 6.0-litre V-12 engine, that is capable of producing 110 bhp per litre of gas. Ferrari has promised to come out with a new version of a supercar based on the Enzo every four years. It is really interesting to see what kind of improvements can be made on such supercar, which is already nearly perfect.
http://www.exoticcars.ws/ferrari-enzo/
BMW M3 GT2 Race Car 2009
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