UberRides

« February 13, 2005 - February 19, 2005 | Main | February 27, 2005 - March 5, 2005 »

February 26, 2005

Porsche estate car?

Concept car designer Protoscar, the same company that designed the Rinspeed concept cars, like this year's Rinspeed Senso, has designed a Porsche 911 based estate car called a Shooting Brake.



A Shooting Brake is a 2-door coupe with an added rear wagon. I had never heard of a Shooting Brake before. Several different such vehicles have been made by Protoscar and other companies. Check out some interesting Shooting Brakes here.

For more information regarding the Porsche 911 Shooting Brake refer to gizmag's article.

Posted by Hubert at 10:18 PM | Comments (0)

February 25, 2005

Lotus Sport Exige 240R - Limited Edition

As if the Lotus Elise wasn't cool enough, there's the Lotus Exige with a solid roof, which handles even better than the Elise. Now there's an even better one being produced in extremely limited quantities (50 to be exact) called the Lotus Sport Exige 240R.



The 240R is a modified Exige with a supercharged 4-cylinder engine producing 243 hp and over 170 lb-ft of torque. The 240R will run 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds and 0-100 mph in under 10 seconds. Top speed is at 155mph, at which point the car generates 113 kg (249 lbs) of downforce to keep the car under control.

In addition to the supercharged engine, Lotus has also upgraded the brakes and included even better suspension parts, including height and stiffness adjustable pieces.

As expected, the Lotus Sport Exige 240R is extremely light, weighing only 930 kg (2050 lbs). That's a lot of power for so little weight. This must be the most tossable street car around. The only paint jobs available are yellow and black.

This would have to be one of my all-time favorite cars ever, right there after the McLaren F1. Dreaming again...

Check out Lotus' news release for more information. FastDrive also has lots of great info.

Posted by Hubert at 12:47 PM | Comments (0)

Alfa Romeo 159

The Alfa Romeo 159, successor to the 156, is designed by Giugiaro. It'll have a slightly larger body than the 156, lengthened by 23 cm (9 in), making it more roomy inside. The 159 uses a new platform developed with Saab, will an all-independent suspension.



There are lots of engine choices ranging from 1.9L 4-cylinder producing 120 bhp to 3.2L 6-cylinder producing 260 bhp. There are even rumors of a twin-turbocharged V6 that may produce 400 bhp.

Check out the article on AutoCar for more information.

Posted by Hubert at 12:26 PM | Comments (0)

BMW Alpina B5 & B7 - BMWs with more torque

To give the BMWs more power and torque Alpina modifies the 4.4L V8 engine from a 545i or 745i by adding a supercharger. The result is 500 hp, in par with the M5, and 516 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the M5 with its measly 384 lb-ft of torque. That's more in line with the AMG tuned torque monster Mercedes Benz cars.

It would be interesting to add the same supercharger to a M5. Wow, would that produce 600 hp?

For more information refer to Automobile.

Posted by Hubert at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)

February 24, 2005

RUF RT12

The latest creation from RUF, the famous Porsche tuner, is the RUF RT12. It comes in 3 variations with different power outputs - 530 hp with 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) torque, 560 hp with 790 Nm (583 lb-ft) torque, and 650 hp with 870 Nm (642 lb-ft) torque. The 650 hp version uses a newly constructed 3.8L engine, while the others use a 3.6L engine. All versions use upgraded twin turbos.



In addition to an immense increase in power output, RUF has also made extensive modifications to the body of the car. It's more aerodynamic to reach higher speeds, and wider to fit wider tires and have better grip.

Modifications don't stop there. RUF also has custom suspension changes to improve handling. It even has an optional height adjustable suspension that will raise the car by 50 mm to get around low places more easily.

The RUF RT12 is fitted with 19 inch wheels up front and 20 inch wheels in the rear. Huge tires cover the wheels, 255 mm width up front and 345 mm width in the rear. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, but all-wheel-drive is also an option.

Now for the fun stuff...performance. 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) goes by in a flash, in just 3.7 seconds, and top speed is 219 mph (depending on engine and gearing).

For more information refer to RUF's website.

Posted by Hubert at 9:05 PM | Comments (0)

2006 Porsche 911 Turbo

The new Porsche 911 Turbo, due out in about a year, will probably come with a slightly higher displaced engine (3.8L versus 3.6L) and is estimated to produce 480 hp. Well, some people estimate 450 hp, but Automobile estimates 480, which I like much better than 450. Maybe that'll be the difference between the Turbo and Turbo S. The current 911 Turbo makes 415 hp and the 911 Turbo S makes 444 hp. So 480 hp isn't too far off. I'll believe the 480 hp estimate.



Regardless, it'll be a very fast car, with 0-60 mph in well under 4 seconds (rumored to be 3.7 seconds according to Discount Part Center). Most notable visual changes are the wider rear fenders, which will house even wider tires than before. In the fenders will also be large air intakes. And of course, the round front headlights will be prevalent, like the rest of the new 911 line-up. I can't wait...

Posted by Hubert at 7:34 PM | Comments (0)

new AC Schnitzer products

Famous BMW tuner, AC Schnitzer, is coming out with upgrades for the new BMW models. They offer performance and handling upgrades, like exhausts and engine modifications, as well as visual upgrades, like wheels and body panels. Their newest products for the new E90 3-series will be shown at a later date after the 3-series debut at the Geneva Motor Show this March.



For the specifics, check out AC Schnitzer's own site. Some useful info can also be found on GermanCarFans.

Posted by Hubert at 1:57 PM | Comments (0)

Audi Q7 shown in action

Audi shows off its upcoming SUV looking serious and rough on the dirt road, where no Audi SUV will ever go. I love all the flying dirt though, I wish I was driving that car there.

The Audi Q7 structure will be based on the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. Power will come from Audi's own 3.2L V6 and 4.2L V8 engines, currently producing 240 hp and 330 hp, respectively.

For more information refer to AutoWeek.

Posted by Hubert at 1:34 PM | Comments (0)

Nissan's future technology

Nissan is developing a couple of interesting technologies to make driving easier and safer. One technology tries to prevent unwanted drifting from a lane. It does so by using a camera and controlling of the front and rear brakes. I don't know exactly how it works, but it sounds like it might get annoying if it interferes when you don't want it to. It's disabled when the turn signals are on, which is a good thing. It might force people to signal more.



The other more interesting technology is one where using several cameras around the car, you get a top-down view of the car for when you're parking. So you can easily fit the car in tight spots without banging against other cars and the sidewalk. Now that's pretty cool and useful.

For more information check out Newsday's article.

Posted by Hubert at 1:22 PM | Comments (0)

Extreme Hybrid

AFS Trinity Power Corporation has unveiled a new hybrid technology that will result in extremely low fuel consumption. They claim a saloon could get up to 250 mpg and a SUV could get 200 mpg.



The main differences between the Extreme Hybrid and a regular hybrid vehicle is that in the Extreme Hybrid most of the power is generated from the electric motor. The idea is that the electric motor lasts 40 to 50 miles, which is the most a typical American commutes in one go. After each run, like an electric car, it recharges its batteries.

The other differences is that the recharging while braking in the Extreme Hybrid is much more efficient. It's capable of regenerating 80% of its energy very quickly just from braking.

It sounds promising. We should see some Extreme Hybrids in action in a year or two. More more information refer to the article on Auto Industry.

Posted by Hubert at 12:42 PM | Comments (0)

February 23, 2005

next Jaguar XK8

Jaguar's Advanced Lightweight Coupe concept car is a good indication of the direction the next Jaguar XK8 will be taking. In particular, the extensive use of aluminum in place of steel will make the next XK8 a much lighter and more nimble sports car. Unfortunately, it'll also make it less affordable since aluminum is more costly than steel.



No engine information has been released. But Jaguar speculates that the Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe should run 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds and be capable of 180 mph speeds. That's very believeable, as the current XKR runs 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

The current Jaguar XK has 2 engine options. A naturally aspirated 4.2L V8 (XK8) and a supercharged 4.2L V8 (XKR), producing 300 bhp and 400 bhp, respectively. So we hope that the next Jaguar XK8 (or XKR) will produce in excess of 400 bhp. With its lighter structure, it should be a much quicker and better handling car than the current model.

See the following references for more information:
Jaguar's website
NY Times article
Serious Wheels' article

Posted by Hubert at 10:44 PM | Comments (0)

2006 Lexus GS

Lexus' new GS 300 and GS 430 will be released in the US in March 2005. The GS 300 will come with a 245 hp 3.0L V6 engine, while the GS 430 will come with a 300 hp 4.3L V8 engine. Both models will come with a 6-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.



The GS 300 has both a rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive option. The GS 430 only has the rear-wheel-drive option. It almost seems backwards, since the GS 430 is the high-end model with the more power, which would really need the AWD. Maybe in the future...

GS 300 specs:

engine: 3.0L V6 24-valves with VVT-i on intake and exhaust valves
transmission: 6-speed sequential-shift automatic
power: 245 hp @ 6,200 rpm
torque: 230 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm

GS 430 specs:

engine: 4.3L V8 32-valves with VVT-i on intake valves
transmission: 6-speed sequential-shift automatic
power: 300 hp @ 5,600 rpm
torque: 325 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm



For more information refer to Lexus' website.

Posted by Hubert at 10:04 PM | Comments (0)

Audi TT Quattro Sport

Audi will release a more sporty and hardcore version of the Audi TT called the Audi TT Quattro Sport. As its name implies, it'll come with the permanent all-wheel drive Quattro system. In addition, the engine has been modified to squeeze more power out of it. And most importantly, the TT Sport only weighs 3064 lbs, which is 166 lbs less than the standard TT.



The Audi TT Quattro Sport uses the turbocharged 1.8L 4-cylinder engine with power output increased from 225 hp to 240 hp @ 5700 rpm and torque increased from 207 lb-ft to 236 lb-ft @ 2300 - 5000 rpm.

The acceleration time for 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) is 5.9 seconds for the TT Sport. The US spec TT 1.8L turbo runs 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds, so a bit longer for 0-62 mph. However, in the US we also get the 3.2L V6 engine option, which produces 250 hp and runs 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. But none of these variations is as light as the Audi TT Quattro Sport, meaning the TT Sport will no doubt handle and brake better than the other TT models. It'll be a more tossable car, and it'll definately lap the other TTs on a track.

Refer to RSportCars for more information on the Audi TT Quattro Sport. Refer to Audi USA's website for the US TT line-up specs.

Posted by Hubert at 3:55 PM | Comments (0)

Maserati Quattroporte

Maserati will be using its parent company's V12 engine from the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti for its upcoming Quattroporte luxury cruiser. In the Ferrari, the 5.7L engine produces 540 bhp @ 7200 rpm and 434 lb-ft of torque @ 5250 rpm. Maserati will tweak the engine slightly to increase low-end torque.

Refer to AutoCar's article for more information.

Posted by Hubert at 3:34 PM | Comments (0)

Brabus Maybach

Wow, I just love horsepower wars. Brabus also has a tuned Maybach that will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show this March. This is even more powerful than the AMG tuned Maybach 57S. There are apparently 2 Brabus Maybach tuned engines, the first one with 620 bhp and a later one with 640 bhp. The AMG tuned 57S makes 612 hp.


The Brabus Maybach uses a slightly higher displacement engine which displaces 6.3L as compared to the 6.0L one in the Maybach 57S. Torque figures also increase to 757 lb-ft from as low as 1750 rpm. That's 19 lb-ft more torque than the 57S has, and it comes 250 rpm sooner.

The Brabus Maybach has been tested to run 195 mph already! That's 25 mph faster than the 57S. 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) should be under the 57S time of 5 seconds.

For more information refer to AutoCar's article.

Posted by Hubert at 2:56 PM | Comments (0)

Maybach 57S

What happens when AMG gets their hands on the Maybach? Power goes up, obviously! The Maybach 57S has an AMG tuned twin-turbocharged 6.0L V12 producing 450 kW (612 hp) and 1000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque. What's amazing is that the torque is electronically limited to that level. That's unheard of. Does this imply that there really is such a thing as too much torque? I would've never thought.


The Maybach 57S will weigh in at a monstrous 5852 lbs! That's almost the weight of 2 standard Honda sedans, or another way to look at it, is weight just under the humongous GMC Yukon XL 2500 SUV. It can accelerate all that mass from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 5 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard Mayback 57. Also, unlike the Maybach 57 which has its speed limited at 155 mph, the Maybach 57S has a top speed of 170 mph.

The Maybach 57S will have some aesthetic improvements to distinguish it from the standard Maybach 57. After all, the S in 57S stands for special. It will roll on 20 inch wheels, and its muffler will have sleeker integrated pipes. In addition, it'll come with a unique monochrome paint job.

For more information refer to gizmag or AutoWeek.

Posted by Hubert at 2:12 PM | Comments (0)

VW Golf TDi

VW is making a performance diesel car...wait a minute...performance and diesel are practically antonyms. Anyway, VW is making a performance version of the diesel Golf, the Golf TDi. It'll use a 2.0L 4 cylinder that runs special injectors that mix air and fuel more efficiently.

stats:

power: 168 bhp
torque: 258 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
top speed: 143 mph

For more information refer to AutoCar's article.

Posted by Hubert at 1:12 AM | Comments (0)

Porsche Cayman S - new Porsche model

Porsche will release a new model called the Porsche Cayman S to fill the segment between the Boxster S and the 911 Carrera. It'll fill that segment in both performance and price. The Cayman S will be based on the Boxster platform. It'll use a 3.4L 6 cylinder boxer engine which produces 295 bhp. Like the Boxster S, the Cayman S will have a mid-engine layout, with the engine just fore of the rear axles.


In terms of looks, it'll be essentially a coupe version of the Boxster S. This means it'll be even more rigid than the Boxster, thanks to a solid roof. It could even weigh less than the Boxster, since it won't need the extra support to compensate for the lack of a roof.

This should be a very fun and practical car for those who can afford it. Given the price of the Boxster S at $53,200 and the base 911 Carrera at $69,300, I'd guess the Cayman S will be in the lower $60,000s.

The articles on gizmag and AutoWereld had interesting information.

Porsche also has a site dedicated to the Cayman S, but it doesn't have much useful information yet.

Posted by Hubert at 12:39 AM | Comments (0)

February 22, 2005

Mercedes Benz S65 AMG == Monster

The current S class' AMG version is the Mercedes Benz S55 AMG which uses a supercharged 5.5L V8 engine and only makes 493 hp @ 6100 rpm and 516 lb-ft torque @ 2750 - 4000 rpm.

For the upcoming S class AMG, the Mercedes Benz S65 AMG, AMG will use the same engine used in the current CL65 and SL65. That's a twin-turbocharged 6.0L V12 engine which will makes 604 hp @ 5500 rpm and 738 lb-ft torque @ 2000 - 4000 rpm. That's enough power and torque to launch the massive sedan from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.2 seconds.

Can you imagine having 738 lb-ft of torque at only 2000 rpm?!!! That's more torque than a Viper. In fact, that's nearly twice the torque of the upcoming BMW M5 (383 lb-ft). Unbelieveable! The S65 must have axles made from materials made out of this world. I'd love to get a chance just to tap the throttle in a S65 just a couple of times. I don't even want to take it to high speeds. I just want to feel that much torque under my control. Someone's bound to sue for whiplash from just driving that car. Then again, the ride is probably so comfortable no one would even feel the speed and acceleration.

Refer to the article on Forbes for more information.

Posted by Hubert at 11:58 PM | Comments (0)

Audi RS 4 Quattro

Audi will unveil the new Audi RS 4 Quattro at the Geneva Motor Show this March. The Audi RS 4 is the fastest of the Audi A4 variants. It comes with a 4.2L V8, as in the Audi S4, the other fast version of the A4. But the RS 4 produces 309kW (414 hp) as compared to the S4 which makes 253kW (340 hp).

The RS 4 uses the same advanced fuel injection technology used in their successful LeMans winner the Audi R8 race car. This is a first for an Audi road going V8. Like a race car, this engine revs freely to its high redline of 8250 rpm. The efficient engine produces 90% of its peak torque from 2250 rpm - 7600 rpm. As if that much low-end torque isn't responsive enough, there's also a button on the steering wheel that can make throttle response even more rapid by adjusting the throttle control maps.

The RS 4 inherits Audi's latest Quattro all-wheel-drive system from the RS 6. Furthermore, an emphasis has been put in keeping the car as light as possible. Where ever possible, aluminum has been used in the place of heavier metals. Super light weight bucket seats have been used instead of massive ultra luxury seats.

The result of all this power, light weight, and advanced technology is evident in the performance stats. The RS 4 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.8 seconds. Compare that to the already fast Audi S4 which runs 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.

stats:

power: 309 kW (414 hp) @ 5500 rpm
torque: 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 4.8 seconds
0-200 km/h (0-124 mph): 16.6 seconds
top speed (limited): 250 km/h (155 mph)

The only sad news is we may never see the lights of this fine automobile in the US. I sure hope Audi brings it overseas...

For more information refer to UK Audi's press release.

Posted by Hubert at 10:46 PM | Comments (0)

Gran Turismo 4 is out!!!!

The ultimate driving simulator, Gran Turismo 4, is out today! I just picked up my copy at the local Electronic Boutique. This is perhaps the most realistic car simulator. The car models are visually extremely close to the real vehicles, more so than any other car game I've played. In addition, the physics simulation is outstanding, giving you a true feel for each car. No where else can you test drive so many cars with so many different characteristics than in Gran Turismo. Unless you're Jay Leno and you can afford to buy all these cars and drive them in real life.

Posted by Hubert at 7:51 PM | Comments (0)

February 21, 2005

new Mazda Miata

We got pictures of the new Mazda Miata! It's like a mix of the current Mazda Miata MX-5, the Mazda RX-8 and the Mazda Ibuki concept (right) that Mazda showed at the 2003 Tokyo Autoshow.



The new Miata will have a 2.0L 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve engine. It'll produce 118 kW (158 hp) @ 6700 rpm and 188 Nm (139 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm. A 6-speed transmission will transmit the power to the 17 inch wheels.

I can't wait for a turbocharged MazdaSpeed version...if they ever make one. Recall that the current MazdaSpeed Miata makes 178 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque with the 1.8L turbocharged engine. The standard Miata currently makes 142 hp (16 hp less than the next Miata) with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine.

Source information from AutoBild via AutoBlog.

Posted by Hubert at 8:39 PM | Comments (0)

Rinspeed Senso

Rinspeed has developed a car that senses the driver's mental state and tries to sooth and relax him/her. There are several sensors in the car that observe the behavior of the driver, like how close to cars he/she gets, how often he/she changes lanes, etc. Based on several such sensors, it determines the state of the driver's mind.

Accordingly, it soothes the driver's senses by using 3 of the human senses - vision, hearing and smell. It emits various colored lights, sounds and odors to keep the driver relaxed. The idea being that a relaxed driver is a better and safer driver.







The Rinspeed will be powered by a Porsche Boxter S engine. The engine is modified to run on natural gas, so it's more environmentally friendly.

The Rinspeed Senso will be unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow this March. For more information refer to Rinspeed's article on the Senso.

Posted by Hubert at 8:10 PM | Comments (0)

Ford GT recall already?

Ford GT has a recall on its control arms. The control arms could get brittle and break. With a car as capable as the Ford GT, which can reach speeds of 200 mph, a faulty control arm can be fatal.

The Ford GT control arms were developed using a new method of casting called semisolid casting. This is an alternative to forging or other types of casting. Forging is generally the preferred method for performance parts, as it produces stronger materials, but it costs more than casting.

Fortunately for Ford, the Ford GT is a limited production vehicle. There are currently only 111 owners out there that need to get their vehicles repaired.

Semisolid casting seems to be a controversial technology. Some think it's a good method and some don't. In the end, Ford wanted to be the first to try something new, and it backfired on them. Probably more bad luck than anything else.

Refer to AutoWeek's article for more information.

Posted by Hubert at 7:47 PM | Comments (0)

vehicle altitude record set by VW Touareg

An expedition was set to drive a VW Touareg to the top of the world's highest active volcano, Ojos del Salado in Chile. The summit of Ojos del Salado is at 6,887 m (22,560 ft) above sea level. The expedition team took the Touareg to 6,080 m (19,950 ft) above sea level, which Volkswagen says is the highest altitude a vehicle can reach and return from.





At such altitudes, there's very little oxygen for the team to breath. They needed additional oxygen supplies. The Touareg would also be hurting for oxygen to burn with fuel.

The record was set in the Guinness Book of Records on February 16, 2005 by this expedition in the VW Touareg.

For more information refer to gizmag's article.

Posted by Hubert at 7:21 PM | Comments (0)

Ford Focus ST

The Focus ST will outdo its predecessor (Focus RS) by 5 hp, uping power to 217 hp. It'll use a Volvo 2.5L 5 cylinder turbocharged engine. The only transmission will be a 6-speed manual. There won't be a limited slip differential, to cut cost. That's a shame.

The Ford Focus ST will debut at the Geneva Motorshow this March. It'll be wrapped in 18" wheels, fancier more exaggerated and aerodynamic body panels, orange Recaro seats, an assortment of gauges (boost, oil pressure, oil temperature), and various other mods to make it look sleek and sporty, to attract the intended crowd.

For more information refer to AutoCar's article.

Posted by Hubert at 7:00 PM | Comments (0)

February 20, 2005

Bentley Continental Flying Spur

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is the sedan version of the Bentley Continental GT sports coupe. It has the same sporty design and engine as the coupe, with the 2 extra doors and more room.

Surprisingly, it can still go over 190 mph (coupe's top speed was 198 mph), and it goes 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in about 5 seconds (coupe ran 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds). As in the Continental GT, the engine is a W12 6.0L twin-turbocharged engine. The engine produces 552 bhp. The Flying Spur also uses a 6-speed transmission and all-wheel drive to put the power to the ground.

For more information refer to Bentley's website.

Posted by Hubert at 10:34 PM | Comments (0)

Sportscar with a bed?!!!

EDAG designs a concept sportscar with a bed on the roof - the GenX concept. Now that's really weird. Apparently the car is intended for the future when people will be working mobile, and these people be mixing work with pleasure. In addition to a bed, there are 2 detachable suitcases on the car.



If I was getting this car, I'd get it without the bed and suitcase options. The bed looks like a coffin. I can imagine someone sleeping in this car, parked on the road or in a parking lot. Everyone would be staring. You couldn't get any privacey trying to sleep in it. Maybe I don't have a good vision for the future.

For more information refer to gizmag's article.

Posted by Hubert at 8:50 PM | Comments (0)

Pagani Zonda F

Pagani will develop a special version of their Zonda car in honor of the late Manuel Fangio. The F in Pagani Zonda F is for Fangio. The standard Pagani Zonda S 7.3 is already one of the fastest cars in the world, producing 555 hp @ 5900 rpm and 553 ft-lb @ 4050 rpm. The Zonda F will be even faster. It'll still use the same 7.3L V12 Mercedes Benz AMG engine, but it'll produce a whopping 602 hp @ 6150 rpm and 561 ft-lb @ 4000 rpm. The Zonda F only weighs 1230 kg (2706 lbs). 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) will go by in only 3.6 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the standard Zonda S 7.3.



There will also be a Clubsport version with 650 hp @ 6200 rpm and 575 ft-lb @ 4000 rpm, in case 602 hp isn't enough. If money is not an issue, there's never enough horsepower. I'll take more power any time.







The Pagani Zonda F will debut at the Geneva Motorshow in March 2005. For more information refer to Pagani's website.

Posted by Hubert at 6:44 PM | Comments (0)