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March 20, 2005
Vacation Time!
Houman is on vacation until early April, so see you then.
Posted by Hubert at 2:36 PM | Comments (0)
March 16, 2005
Porsche Panamera - more info and pics
The 4th model Porsche, the Porsche Panamera, is essentially a successor to the classic Porsche 928. It's a front engine with rear-wheel drive layout. It's also a 4 passenger car, unlike most other Porsches, excluding the non-sporty Cayenne.
Rumor has it that VW is looking to add a new rear-wheel drive model to its line-up, to fit it between the Passat and the Phaeton, and they may be in collaboration with Porsche on this project. Much like the Porsche Cayenne and the VW Touareg which share the same platform.
The Porsche Panamera will use the same engines offered for the Porsche Cayenne, which includes a 4.5L V8 with and without a turbo, producing 450 hp and 340 hp, respectively. In addition, there may be a 500+ hp model in the works.
The Panamera will be competing against other monster GT cruisers like the Mercedes CLS, BMW M5, Maserati Quattroporte, etc. Interestingly enough, the concept picture shows the Panamera with suicide doors, like on the Mazda RX8. But it's still early, as the concept isn't even due until this fall. And the release date isn't until 2008.
For more information refer to AutoWeek's article.
Photo courtesy of Autocar
Posted by Hubert at 2:12 AM | Comments (0)
Mazda MX-5 Limited
The new Mazda MX-5 (aka Miata) will be launched in the later part of 2005. At the same time, a limited edition Mazda MX-5 Limited will also be launched, with only 3,500 units worldwide. The Mazda MX-5 Limited will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on March 25th.
The MX-5 Limited will feature lots of chrome parts, to make it stand out from the standard model and make it look more fancy. It'll also come rolling in unique 17 inch aluminum alloy wheels with a silver finish. Like the standard MX-5, the MX-5 Limited will get the new 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, with 6-speed manual transmission as a standard option. The Limited edition MX-5 will also have unique exterior and interior color schemes.
It looks great, but I want the Mazdaspeed MX-5. I hope they don't wait until the end of the product cycle to make a Mazdaspeed version like they did with the last MX-5, the Miata. The Mazdaspeed Miata comes with a very responsive turbocharger which makes the already fun Miata even more fun.
Refer to FastDrive's article for more information.
Posted by Hubert at 1:54 AM | Comments (0)
Honda NSX-R GT
Honda has introduced a very limited and special version of the NSX-R called the NSX-R GT. The NSX-R isn't available in the US. It's basically a more sporty NSX. It has improved aerodynamics, better handling, more optimized engine for better response, larger wheels and brakes with wider tires, etc. Essentially like the Integra TypeR was to the regular Integra, or the Civic TypeR to the Civic.
The NSX-R GT further enhances the NSX-R, mostly on visuals. It has more exaggerated body parts with more air flow. All body panels are made from carbon fiber, for minimal weight and lots of strength and rigidity. It even has a F1 type air intake above the roof in the rear. Plus, it has a larger exhaust.
It's a shame that the NSX-R GT has basically the same exact performance as the NSX-R. Which is no slouch by any means. It has a 3.2L V6 making 280 hp. Recall that the US NSX makes 290 hp, which is more than the Japanese NSX-R. But I belive that's just the manufacturer's ratings to avoid having to raise the price of the car excessively. I think there are laws there that force car manufacturers to increase their prices if they exceed 276 hp. So in reality, I bet it makes more than 280 hp, but who knows.
Still, for such a hefty price, 357,700 Euros ($476,000), it's just not worth it. Even though it's very exclusive, with only 5 versions to be released. Shoot, I could buy 5 NSXs at that price and I'd still be pretty exclusive. Plus I'd have 5 times the power.
For information regarding the NSX-R refer to Honda's website. For more information about the NSX-R GT check out FastDrive's article.
Posted by Hubert at 1:20 AM | Comments (1)
March 15, 2005
Factory Five Racing GTM-200
Super car performance and looks for under $20,000?!!! That's the goal with the nearly finished Factory Five Racing GTM-200 Supercar. The GTM is a kit car and is planned to be launched in the summer of 2005.
The GTM uses a C5 Corvette V8 engine, a Porsche 911 transaxle (G-50), Wilwood brakes, among other parts from well known contributing companies. It weighs under 2200 lbs with all the fluids!!! This baby should easily accelerate 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, assuming it doesn't suffer from traction problems.
I'm personally very excited about this car, as it's not only affordable, it'll have great performance, and it should be fairly easy to maintain given the common parts and components used in the car (e.g. Corvette engine). I just hope it'll have a solid and reliable structure and it'll handle good.
Sources: Factory Five Racing and FastDrive.
Posted by Hubert at 12:14 AM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2005
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet released in the US
The new 997 body Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet models (convertibles) are now available for sale in the US. There's the 355 hp 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, and the more tame 325 hp 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
The convertible top of the Cabriolets is operated with the press of a button. In 20 seconds the top can be opened or closed, even while moving at up to 31 mph. The rear side windows can also be lowered when the top is down.
As compared to the previous 996s, the new 997s get more power, less weight, a stiffer structure, wider track, and bigger wheels. Not to mention various exterior visual changes, in particular the rounder front lights which make it look more like the 993 Porsches that we all loved.
The Carrera Cabriolet comes with the 3.6L 6-cylinder boxer engine, while the Carrera S Cabriolet comes with the 3.8L 6-cylinder boxer engine. Both engines feature VarioCam, Porsche's variable valve timing and lift technology.
Compared to the Carrera coupes, the Cabriolets weigh 187 lbs more (3263 lbs for Carrera Cabriolet and 3319 for Carrera S Cabriolet) due to the convertible top and all the mechanisms to operate it, in addition to safety features necessary for convertibles. This results in a slight increase in 0-60 mph times, but no changes to their top speeds, thanks to the effective aerodynamics of the Cabriolets.
911 Carrera Cabriolet specs:
engine: 3.6L 6-cylinder boxer
power: 325 hp @ 6800 rpm
torque: 273 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
0-60 mph (manual): 5.0 seconds
0-60 mph (Tiptronic S): 5.4 seconds
top speed (manual): 177 mph
top speed( Tiptronic S): 174 mph
911 Carrera S Cabriolet specs:
engine: 3.8L 6-cylinder boxer
power: 355 hp @ 6600 rpm
torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
0-60 mph (manual): 4.7 seconds
0-60 mph (Tiptronic S): 5.1 seconds
top speed (manual): 182 mph
top speed( Tiptronic S): 177 mph
For more information check out Porsche's website or AutoWeek's article.
Posted by Hubert at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)
March 8, 2005
Bizzarrini GTS 4.4 V
The Bizzarrini GTS 4.4V is a new rare and very limited production super car produced by the fairly new company VGM Motors in Italy. Production will be limited to 12 - 15 per year, with a price tag of about 200,000 Euros ($264,000 USD) per car.
The Bizzarrini is a typical GT cruiser, with a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, high-output engine. It is also a very large and long vehicle. Overall length is 4670 mm (184 inches), with a long wheelbase of 2852 mm (112 inches).
The engine is an Alpina-Bizzarrini 4.4L V8 (modified BMW engine) producing 387 kW (530 bhp) @ 5800 rpm and 710 Nm (524 lb-ft) torque @ 4250 rpm. That's good for 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of under 3.9 seconds and a top speed of over 360 km/h (224 mph).
Huge 20 inch BBS wheels with widths of 10 inches and 13-14 inches, shod with fat 275/35ZR20 and 335-385/30ZR20 tires in the front and rear respectively, provide the contact patch to the ground.
For more information refer to VGM Motors website or FastDrive's article.
Posted by Hubert at 12:32 AM | Comments (0)
March 7, 2005
Mitsubishi CZ3 Tarmac Spyder
Mitsubishi's new concept vehicle, the CZ3 Tarmac Spyder, recently debuted at the Melbourne International Motor Show. The CZ3 is a topless 4-seater with rally race car characteristics. The top is a removeable hardtop.
The powertrain comes from the high-performance rally-based Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, including the all-wheel-drive system and all its fancy traction technology (ACD, AYC, etc.). The engine is the same turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine which makes over 300 hp.
The CZ3 is a tiny car with a relatively wide body. The overall length is only 4,055 mm (159.6 inches), but its width is 1,825 mm (71.9 inches), nearly half its length. The wheelbase is also relatively long at 2,515 mm (99.0 inches), giving more room for passengers while at the same time minimizing overhangs for improved handling.
This car sounds like a lot of fun. It should be a very tossable car, as it'll probably weigh even less than the Evo, and it has such a short length. Plus, it can be topless. The rear seats look very cramped though. Too bad for the extra passengers.
Refer to gizmag's article for more information.
Posted by Hubert at 11:58 PM | Comments (0)
Mercedes Benz ML63
Rumor has it that the next AMG tuned Mercedes Benz M-class will use a naturally aspirated 6.3L V8 pushing over 500 hp to beat Porsche's top of the line turbo charged V8 Cayenne. Bottom line, it's still an SUV, so what's the point? It's not supposed to go fast. But I guess there's enough demand for such vehicles.
Refer to AutoWeek's article for more information.
Posted by Hubert at 11:46 PM | Comments (0)
Nissan Skyline GT-R
It appears the US spec high-performance Skyline GT-R (R35) will go under the Nissan label, not Infiniti. Even though Nissan already has the 350Z performance car in its line-up, while Infiniti only has the more luxurious G35. The decisions are apparently not yet finalized.
Shoot, who cars what label it's under. Just give us the car! We've waited long enough.
Sources: AutoWeek.
Posted by Hubert at 11:32 PM | Comments (0)
new NSX
Honda's High-Performance Sports Concept (HSC) was unveiled for the second time at the recent Melbourne International Motor Show in Australia, after its original debut last year at the North American International Auto Show. Similar to the current NSX, the HSC uses a mid-mounted DOHC i-VTEC V6 engine. The engine is slightly larger, displacing 3.5L versus the NSX's 3.2L, and it'll produce in excess of 300 hp.
The HSC uses many features found in other top performance cars. Like a rear glass engine cover which exposes the high-tech motor. A sequential shift transmission with paddle shifters is also available, much like the Ferrari F1 paddle shift. The scissor-type doors open upwards, like a Lamborghini.
The frame is made of all-aluminum alloys. Body panels are composed of lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber materials. Powerful 6-piston Brembo brakes give immense stopping power. 19 and 20 inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels covered with wide 245/35ZR19 tires in the front and 295/30ZR20 tires in the rear provide traction.
Overall, it's a very cool looking car, with lots of go-fast goodies. But I'm afraid Honda may make the same mistake they made with the current NSX - making an underpowered and overpriced exotic car that no one will buy. I hope Honda increases the performance (maybe use a V8 engine) and raises the price to go with the added performance...
Read more about the HSC on gizmag.
Posted by Hubert at 11:09 PM | Comments (0)
2006 Lexus IS
The second generation Lexus IS model was recently introduced at the Geneva Motor Show. The new shape is much like the shape of the new Lexus GS. It's dimensions are bigger than the current IS model. The interior has been spiffed up quite a bit. There will be several options for the US and European markets. The IS220d and the IS250 models are focused for the European market, while the IS350 model is focused for the US market.
The IS220d uses a 2.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 177 hp and 295 lb-ft torque. The IS250 uses a 2.5L V6 gasoline engine which produces 204 hp and 184 lb-ft torque. US customers always want more torque, so for the US, the IS350 gets the 3.5L V6 from the Toyota Avalon, which will probably make more than the Avalon's 280 hp.
With more power, more room and new gadgetery, the new Lexus IS may actually give the new BMW 3-series some competition. Even though I'm not a big fan of the new looks of the upcoming 3-series, the new Lexus IS doesn't look much better. It's hard to say who wins in the looks department. One downside is that the traction control on the Lexus IS can't be turned off. That's a shame, because it's taking away control from the driver. What if the driver wants to take the Lexus IS to a track? Oh well.
For more information refer to the article on Automobile Magazine.
Posted by Hubert at 10:48 PM | Comments (0)
March 2, 2005
Pininfarina’s Birdcage concept car
A very futuristic concept car designed by Pininfarina in collaboration with Maserati and Motorola was shown at the Geneva Motor Show. The car is to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pininfarina. It is very high-tech and aerodynamic, having a very low and smooth fully transparent top. Not only do the passengers get very good visibilty, those on the outside will also get a good glimpse of the fancy internals.
The concept vehicle uses Maserati's 700 hp V12 engine. In addition, Motorola's involvement in the design of the Birdcage has been to produce "seamless mobility" where everyone is always connected (phone and internet) and able to communicate even when on the go.
For more details refer to gizmag's article.
Posted by Hubert at 10:15 PM | Comments (0)
2006 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Aston Martin recently unveiled the new V8 Vantage at the Geneva Motor Show. The V8 Vantage is the entry level car for Aston Martin, followed by their more expensive DB9 and Vanquish S.
The V8 Vantage is a 2 seater coupe with a hatchback, for practicality, unlike most other sports cars. But like other sports cars, it has a wide stance with smooth lines, making it look real smooth and sleek.
As one would guess from its name, the V8 Vantage is powered by a V8 with 4.3L displacement producing 380 bhp. This is a new aluminum alloy V8 which is more efficient and runs cleaner than previous Aston Martin V8s.
To provide excellent handling and balance the engine is placed in the front behind the front axle and the transmission is positioned in the rear, resulting in a weight distribution of 49:51 (front to rear weight ratio).
For more details check out the article on RSportsCars.
Posted by Hubert at 6:45 PM | Comments (0)
Brabus SLR McLaren
The top of the line Mercedes Benz is the SLR McLaren. It comes with an AMG supercharged 5.4L V8 producing 617 hp @ 6500 rpm and 575 lb-ft torque @ 3250 - 5000 rpm. It costs about $450,000.
Brabus has a modified version of the SLR McLaren that's even more exclusive. The Brabus SLR produces 660 bhp (651 hp) @ 6500 rpm using the same supercharged engine as the base SLR. The power increase comes from improved fuel cooling, custom camshafts and a racing exhaust (which isn't street legal).
The performance increase results in 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) times of 3.6 seconds versus the base SLR's 0-60 mph of 3.8 seconds (a bit longer than 3.8 seconds for 0-62 mph). Top speed increases from 207 mph to 210 mph.
Naturally, Brabus has incorporated lots of visual improvements to make the Brabus SLR stand out even more. The most obvious one is probably the 20 inch polished wheels. Some modifications also improve handling and aerodynamics.
The price of all this exclusivity is a whopping $750,000!!! That's an extra $300,000 over the base SLR. Hmmmm, I could get the Brabus SLR with the extra 34 hp or instead I could get the base SLR and a Lamborghini Murcielago and a Mercedes E500. Alternately I could get a couple of houses.
I don't know, I'm not too pleased with the SLR McLaren. It's an automatic to begin with, which is just wrong for a sports car, especially one of this calibur. Secondly, I thought it's supposed to be a successor to the infamous McLaren F1 car, which far exceeds the SLR McLaren in all aspects, particularly performance. Plus the McLaren F1 was a car from over a decade ago. And I just love the McLaren F1. Still, the SLR McLaren looks real slick, and the Brabus version does look even slicker.
Anyway, for more information regarding the Brabus SLR McLaren you can check out the article on RSportCars.
Posted by Hubert at 2:48 PM | Comments (0)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
Mitsubishi has announced the next generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the Evo IX. Compared to the current Evo VIII, the Evo IX gets minor improvements all around. The biggest change is the use of Mitsubishi's MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) variable valve timing technology on the intake side. In addition, the turbocharger has been improved to produce more torque and be more responsive across the whole rpm range.
Lots of fancy gadgets are also incorporated in the Evo to make it handle better. Like the previous Evos, the new Evo comes with a 4WD system. The system is controlled by the ECU, which controls the ACD and the AYC and the ABS, not to mention the LSD and the EBD. Okay, too many acronyms.
The ACD is the Active Center Differential which controls the differential between free and locked states. The AYC is the Active Yaw Control which transfers torque to the rear wheels. The ABS is of course the anti-lock brake system, which prevents the brakes from locking under extreme or slipper conditions. The LSD is the limited-slip differential which improves traction by controlling wheel spin between the wheels. And finally, the EBD is the Electronic Brake Force Distribution which distributes brake force between front and rear tires, to minimize brake fade and improve overall braking.
Bottom line is, all these techno gadgets improve the Evo IX's performance, handling, braking and safety. That's all I needed to know, without having to worry about all the acronyms' details.
Mitsubishi has also made improvements to the aerodynamics and cooling of the vehicle. Openings in the underpinning of the car have been minimized to reduce lift. A rear diffuser has been added to the rear bumper to reduce drag. A rear spoiler also adds downforce to keep the car planted at high speeds. A larger mesh grill in the front lets more air flow into the engine, keeping it cooler and sending more air to burn.
Several other features have been carried over from the previous generation Evos. The engine remains the same 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine. I'm not sure what the power output of the Evo IX is, but the torque is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm for the GSR model and 407 Nm (300 lb-ft) @ 3000 for the RS and GT models.
For more details read the article on FastDrive.
Posted by Hubert at 1:58 PM | Comments (0)
Rinspeed Chopster - extreme SUV
Based on the Porsche Cayenne, the Rinspeed/EDAG Chopster goes all out making perhaps the wildest SUV out there. The most notable change is the chopped roof, which has been lowered by 70 mm (2.75 inches). Other visual modifications include humongous 23x11 wheels, housing low profile 315/25 tires. Several other exterior and interior changes have been made, including various body panel changes and the use of Recaro seats.
The power of the Porsche Cayenne turbo's engine has been bumped up from 450 hp to 600 hp, and torque has increased from 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) to 800 Nm (590 lb-ft)! The task was achieved by BSO by using a reworked turbocharger system, improved exhaust flow, reprogrammed ECU, and a more efficient water-cooled intercooler. The results are 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) times of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h (181 mph).
I'm not a big fan of SUVs, but this is one mean puppy. I can imagine feeling every little bump on the road in this massive SUV with its super low-profile (25) tires and fat 23 inch wheels.
For more information refer to Rinspeed's website.
Posted by Hubert at 1:19 AM | Comments (0)
March 1, 2005
new Morgan Aero 8 & Aeromax
The new Morgan Aero 8 and Morgan Aeromax were unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show today. The Morgan Aero 8 is a rare car, with just over 300 of them in customers' hands. The Morgan Aeromax is a new design shown to the public for the first time.
Both cars are extremely light, constructed of an aluminum body and chassis. The Aero 8 only weighs 1145 kg (2524 lbs). Both Morgans use the latest BMW 4.4L 32-valve V8 producing 333 bhp @ 6100 rpm and 331 lb-ft torque @ 3600 rpm. With so little weight and so much torque and power, the Morgan Aero 8 zips through 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under 4.5 seconds! Top speed should be in excess of 260 km/h (160 mph).
I think of the Morgan Aero 8 as a fancy, luxurious and more refined version of the old school Shelby roadster. I'd love to drive one. The thought of so much torque and so little weight...imagine chirping the tires on demand...
For more information refer to gizmag's article on Morgan Aero 8 or Morgan Aeromax.
Posted by Hubert at 11:22 PM | Comments (0)
Subaru Impreza WRC2005 - the rally race car
The Subaru WRC race car will debut at the Mexico Rally on March 11. The new race car has been redesigned to be wider, lighter, have better cooling, and be more aerodynamic. The motor has a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing 300 bhp @ 5500 rpm and 60 kg-m (434 lb-ft) torque @ 4000 rpm.
For more information refer to gizmag's article.
Posted by Hubert at 10:57 PM | Comments (0)
2009 Porsche Panamera
Rumor has it that Porsche wants to get into the luxury 4-door super sedan market, to run with the big dogs like Mercedes and BMW. Porsche's sedan model will be called the Porsche Panamera. It'll have 2 engine choices, a 340 hp V8 and a 600 hp V10, the latter from the Porsche Carrera GT.
This image is a teaser Photoshop job, apparently made with help from Porsche to get the public's reaction. Personally I think it looks fantastic. I'd much rather see a Porsche sedan than a Porsche truck/SUV. Bring it on Porsche!!!
For more information read the Rennteam forum articles.
Posted by Hubert at 10:43 PM | Comments (0)
Toyota Supra MKV
Next Supra (MKV) will most likely come with 2 engine options. A 3.5L V6 producing 300 hp, and a 4.3L V8 producing 350 hp. The engines are based on the 2006 Lexus GS models.
As a big fan and owner of the MKIV Supra, I'm a bit disappointed. I was hoping for more power than 350 hp for the top of the line model, given that the MKIV made 320 hp. Plus the MKIV was turbocharged, so it could easily be upgraded to produce 400 hp, by simply raising the boost and decreasing the exhaust restrictions. I'm sure people will find ways of making a lot more power out of the MKV in due time...
For more information refer to Edmunds' article.
Posted by Hubert at 10:21 PM | Comments (0)