Car Specialize

Nissan 370Z

noreply@blogger.com (KOBERT) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:49:00 +0000

The Nissan 370Z (known as the Fairlady Z in Japan) is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motors.^[1] It was announced on October 29, 2008 and was first shown at an event in Los Angeles ahead of the 2008 Greater LA Auto Show,^[2] before being ofiicially unveiled at the show itself.^[3]^[4] The 370Z is the sixth-generation of the Nissan Z-car line, succeeding the 350Z.

Nissan 370Z

Manufacturer	Nissan Motors
Also called	Fairlady Z (Japan)
Production	2009-
Assembly	Tochigi, Tochigi Japan
Predecessor	Nissan 350Z
Class	sports car
Body style(s)	2-door coupé 2-door roadster
Layout	FMR layout
Platform	Nissan FM platform
Related	Infiniti G Nissan Skyline

Design

The Nissan 370Z is a front-mid engine rear-wheel-drive two door sports coupe. The vehicle features the long-hood short-deck design common to the Z-Car family continuing the tradition of exchanging trunk room for increased performance. External design highlights include a sloping fastback style roof line, high waistline, angular headlights/taillights and bulging fenders that are pushed out to the corners of the vehicle.

Interior cabin design is designed to be driver focused. As with the 350z and G35, the driver's gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, heat) is mounted directly to the steering column allowing their movement to coincide with steering wheel adjustments. Additional gauges are mounted in a center triple gauge cluster. The gauge display for the gas and engine temperature are replaced by a LED meter, and the steering wheel and climate controls are similar to the Nissan Maxima. A navigation system with iPod integration replaces a storage bin on the center console with a controller and monitor that is used with the current Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano, and several Infiniti models.

Changes from the 350Z include a straighter and sharper A-pillar (similar to the GT-R), new aggressive-inspired headlights, intelligent key system, more pronounced fender arches, new rocker panels and a new liftgate.^[5] Additionally, the 370Z does make use of a conventional glove box. Other changes include new updated interior materials and patterns, with more focus on quality [caranddriver.com], lighter overall curb weight, a new synchro rev match throttle blipping program, updated gauges and stereo, optional sport package, and an updated optional touch screeen navigation system [Nissanusa.com]

During the 370Z's development, Nissan claims that the Porsche Cayman was the performance target goal, yet the end result is a car that is similar in weight, with more power, and at a lower price. The newly designed Cayman produces 265 hp (198 kW) in its basic configuration, with the 320 hp (239 kW) Cayman S worth almost $10,000 more.

The 370Z is currently offered in two main trims, the Base model and the Touring model. Both trims can be equipped with the Sport Package which delivers 19" lightweight forged wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires, a rear viscous limited slip differential, the Aerodynamics package (which has a front chin spoiler and a rear lip spoiler), SynchroRev Match (for manual transmission), and finally, an improved brake system with four piston Nissan Motorsports brakes in the front and two piston brakes in the rear.

Engineering

2009 Nissan 370Z

Almost every piece and component of the 370Z has been redesigned. It is powered by the VQ37VHR 3.7 L (230 cu in) DOHC V6 with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control and produces 332 bhp (248 kW; 337 PS). Power delivery to the rear wheels comes through a new 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or 6-speed manual transmission which features the world's first synchronized downshift rev-matching system or SynchroRev Match. The differential offered with the Sport Package is indicated to be a viscous limited slip differential manufactured by Torsen.

Compared to the 350Z, the 370Z has a wheelbase 4 in (100 mm) shorter at 100.4 in (2,550 mm) and an overall length 2.7 in (69 mm) shorter at 167.1 in (4,240 mm). The overall width has been increased by 1.3 in (33 mm), the rear track by 2.2 in (56 mm), and overall height reduced by 0.3 in (7.6 mm). The smaller exterior dimensions and use of more lightweight materials help reduce weight. (Although it should be noted that a 2003-2005 base model 350Z is actually lighter in weight than the 370Z). The 370Z features a front aluminum subframe, aluminum-alloy engine cradle, aluminum door panels, an all-aluminum hood, and an aluminum hatch.

Front body torsion rigidity is improved by 30 percent with an extensively revised body structure which includes a new front suspension cradle to reduce front body lateral bending, new rear structural reinforcements, and an underbody "V-bar" to help reduce rear lateral bending. Additional enhancements include the use of a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and strengthening of the rear fender and hatch areas. Rear body torsion rigidity is improved by up to 22 percent and rear body vertical bending rigidity is improved by up to 30 percent. The new structure weighs slightly less than the 350Z's.

The coefficient of drag is 0.30 and 0.29 with the Sport Package, figures identical to the 350Z.

NISMO 370Z (2009-)

The Nismo version was introduced for the 2009 year model. The engine produces 350 bhp (261 kW) at 7,400 RPM and 276 lb·ft (374 N·m) at 5,200 RPM with revised ECU settings and exhaust setup. Transmission choice is limited to a 6-speed manual with Nissan's new "SynchroRev Match" function. Handling is improved via stiffened springs and stabilizer bars compared to the 370Z Coupe. Other equipment includes 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated tires (P245/40ZR19 front, P285/35ZR19 rear), 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear vented rotors, NISMO Sport Brakes with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers, and a fully integrated chin spoiler.

The car went on sale on June 17, 2009 with an MSRP of US$39,130.

370Z Yellow (2010)

It is a limited edition of 370Z coupe for British market, inspired by the European GT4 race car. Engine is rated 331 PS (326 hp/243 kW)@7000rpm. It includes Ultimate Yellow body, 19-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels.

The vehicle will go on sale in September 2009 for £31,650 (manual) or £33,050 (automatic).

370Z Roadster (2010-)

The convertible model was introduced for the 2010 year model. It features a soft-top roof.

The touring model adds heated and cooling leather-appointed power net seats, a 6-CD Bose audio system with 8 speakers (with dual subwoofer) and MP3/WMA playback, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Touring model also includes following options:

Sport Package: adds 19-inch RAYS forged wheels with Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only), and Viscous Limited Slip Differential.
Navigation Package: adds touch-screen Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information, a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback, and a USB port for iPod connectivity.

Specifications

	2009
Available Trims	370Z (base), Touring
Powertrain
Engine	VQ37VHR 3,696 cc (226 cu in) V6 332 bhp (248 kW; 337 PS) at 7000 rpm 270 lb·ft (370 N·m) at 5200 rpm
Transmission	7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match system
Dimensions
Curb Weight	3,232 lb (1,466 kg) (base)
Wheelbase	100.4 in (2,550 mm)
Length	167.1 in (4,240 mm)
Width	72.8 in (1,850 mm)
Height	51.8 in (1,320 mm)

Marketing

The Nissan 370Z is featured in Electronic Arts' Need for Speed: Undercover video game which was released on November 18, 2008.This allowed people to drive the 370Z in-game prior to the vehicle's actual release. Nissan claims this to be the first time an automaker has had a vehicle world premiere by partnering with a video game company.

Nissan GT-R

noreply@blogger.com (KOBERT) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:16:00 +0000

The Nissan GT-R is a sports car created by Nissan, released in Japan on 6 December 2007, United States July 7, 2008, and in the rest of the world in March 2009

Nissan GT-R^[1]

Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	Q4 2007-present
Assembly	Tochigi, Tochigi, Japan
Predecessor	Nissan Skyline GT-R
Class	sports car
Body style(s)	2-door coupé
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive
Platform	Premium Midship
Engine(s)	3.8L VR38DETT twin-turbo V6
Transmission(s)	6-speed semi-automatic dual clutch transmission^[2]
Wheelbase	2780 mm (109.4 in)
Length	4655 mm (183.3 in)
Width	1895 mm (74.6 in)
Height	1370 mm (53.9 in)
Curb weight	1730 kg (3814 lb)
Designer	Shirō Nakamura

Production model

The production version of the GT-R debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, launching in the Japanese market on December 6, 2007. The U.S. official launch was 7 months later on July 07, 2008. Universal Nissan in Los Angeles provided a customer with the delivery of a new GT-R, fresh from the production line at 12:01 a.m., on July 7, 2008. The Canadian launch was also in July 2008. Europe became the third consumer market, where it launched late in the year. The large disparity in initial marketing between these regional releases is due to Nissan having to build GT-R performance centers where the car is serviced. Also the engine and rear-mounted dual-clutch gearbox are built by hand, thus limiting production to around 1000 cars a month.^[14]

Specifications

The VR38DETT engine

The Nissan GT-R is powered by the VR38DETT engine, a 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) DOHC V6. Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) turbochargers provide forced induction.^[15] Production vehicles produce a manufacturer-claimed engine output of 480 bhp (360 kW) at 6400 rpm and 434 lb·ft (588 N·m) at 3200-5200 rpm.^[16] According to independent dynamometer tests, the GT-R produces 416 hp (310 kW) to 475 hp (354 kW) and 414 lb·ft (561 N·m) to 457 lb·ft (620 N·m) at the wheels.^[17]^[18] The engine also meets California Air Resources Board Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.^[19] A curb weight of 1,730 kg (3,800 lb) or 1,736 kg (3,830 lb) with side curtain airbags is achieved using a jig welded steel chassis with aluminum used for the hood, trunk, and doors.^[20] A rear mounted 6 speed dual clutch semi-automatic transmission is used in conjunction with the ATTESA E-TS system to provide power to all four wheels and along with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) aids in stability. Three shift modes can also be selected for various conditions. The GT-R has a drag coefficient of 0.27.^[21]

Displacement: V6 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in)
Horsepower: 480 bhp (360 kW) at 6400 rpm* 485 bhp (362 kW)**
Torque: 430 lb·ft (580 N·m)* 434 lb·ft (588 N·m)**
Twin Turbo maximum boost: 17.8 psi (123 kPa)*
Redline: 7000 rpm
Drivetrain: Premium Midship AWD
Curb weight: estimated 3,800 lb (1,700 kg)*
Production: 2500 units per year (US)
Price: US$76,840 to US$79,090^[22]
Top Speed: 193 mph (311 km/h)*

* manufacturer claimed

** 2010 model year

Performance

Cutaway model showing rear mounted transmission

Nissan claims the GT-R can reach a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h),^[23] Motor Trend recorded a top speed of 195.0 mph (313.8 km/h).^[24] It has been tested to achieve 0-60 mph (97 km/h) times as low as 3.2 seconds with "launch control"^[25] and 3.9 seconds without^[26] (improved to 3.5 seconds in models produced since March 2009^[27]). Nissan's chief vehicle engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno has indicated that he has never used the term "launch control", which refers to the act of turning off vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and launch the car at around 4500 rpm.^[28] The GT-R user's manual states that turning off the VDC is only meant for escaping low-traction situations such as mud or snow, and that damage to the transmission is not covered under warranty if the VDC is used in other ways.^[29]^[28] It reportedly costs $20,000 USD to replace a damaged transmission outside of warranty.^[30] Nissan has re-programmed the 2010 model year GT-R to reduce the engine speed at launch to around 3,000 to 3,500 rpm with VDC enabled, which is meant to improve acceleration times. The new programming was also installed on old 2009 vehicles still in Nissan's inventory, and is available for existing 2009 vehicles.^[31]

Car and Driver achieved a standing quarter-mile time of 11.5 s at 200 km/h (120 mph).^[32] Evo magazine achieved a 0-100-0 mph time of 13.9 seconds.^[33] Autocar achieved a 0-100 mph (160 km/h) time of 8.5 seconds.^[34]

With a manufacturer claimed lap time of 7:26.7 on the base model's Dunlop tires^[35] and previously 7:29 min on standard Japanese market tires, the GT-R is currently one of the fastest production cars to lap the Nürburgring circuit,^[36]^[37] although Porsche accused Nissan of falsifying those claims in September 2008.^[38]^[39] Porsche claims to have conducted their own test of the GT-R using no modifications and stock tires and achieved a best time of 7:54. Nissan officially disputed Porsche's claim in October 2008.^[40]^[41] The German magazine sport auto achieved a time of 7:50 on the Nürburgring with a car supplied to them by Nissan during an initial short test in 2007,^[42] while testing by Drivers Republic of a GT-R and GT2 in stock form resulted in times of 7:55 for the GT-R and 7:49 for the GT2 respectively.^[43] Both tests were conducted in partially damp conditions and by automotive journalists rather than professional track drivers. In a full test in 2009 sport auto achieved a time of 7:38 minutes on the Nürburgring with a standard GT-R when being driven by Horst von Saurma.^[42]

Autocar released a video comparison of the GT-R with the Porsche 911 GT3 and BMW M3. Driven by test driver Chris Harris the GT-R was the fastest of the three.^[44]^[45]^[46] Evo tested the GT-R alongside the 911 GT3 at the Bedford Autodrome circuit, the GT-R ran a 1:21.7 lap time compared to GT3's 1:22.6 time.^[47] Car and Driver compared the GT-R on Reno-Fernley Raceway with the Porsche 911 Turbo and BMW M3, the GT-R's lap time of 1:26.7 made it the fastest on the track.^[48] Road & Track was able to achieve quick lap times with the car on Buttonwillow Raceway, clocking in at 1:56.9 just over 5 seconds faster than the Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 and Porsche 911 Turbo.^[49]^[50] On Willow Springs International Motorsports Park, Edmunds was able to achieve lap times of 1:25.09 compared to the Corvette ZR1's time of 1:23.87.^[51] In an earlier Edmunds 6-way test which included the Audi R8 on both the Streets of Willow and an improvised mountain road, the GT-R was quickest.^[52] On the Las Vegas Motor Speedway infield road course, Motor Trend were able to achieve lap times with the GT-R that were almost as fast as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and Porsche 911 GT2 and 3 seconds slower than a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.^[53] The GT-R currently holds a lap time of 1:19.7 around the Top Gear Test Track, equaling that of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.^[54] On Top Gear Australia's test track the GT-R posted a lap time of 1:07.06, putting it in second place 0.14 seconds behind the Porsche 997 GT2. Top Gear laps are conducted from a standing start.

Design

The customizable multifunction display integrated into the dash of the GT-R

Nissan chief creative officer, Shirō Nakamura, has likened the new GT-R to the eponymous giant robots of the Gundam series. Nakamura states: "The GT-R is unique because it is not simply a copy of a European-designed supercar, it had to really reflect Japanese culture."

Nakamura noted that the GT-R's square lines and vents were influenced by Gundam robots. Nissan's American designers sculpted the rear three quarters of the vehicle, while their European designers sculpted the roofline.^[55]

Polyphony Digital, creators of the Gran Turismo series of racing video games, were themselves involved in the development of the GT-R, having been contracted to design the GT-R's multifunction display.^[56]

SpecV

GT-R SpecV

Nissan introduced the GT-R SpecV on January 7, 2009 at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon.^[57] Exterior changes from the base GT-R consist of a carbon fiber rear spoiler, grille, and brake ducts, along with an exclusive Ultimate Black Opal paint job. Interior changes include a set of carbon fiber Recaro front seats with the rear seats being completely removed. Carbon fiber covers the center storage box, instrument panel, and replaces the majority of the interior trim.

The GT-R SpecV is powered by the standard twin-turbo 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) V6 with no increase in (peak) horsepower. But a new high gear boost controller that allows a temporary increase in boost pressure to the IHI twin turbochargers, now larger than those on the standard GT-R, should deliver more torque in mid to high-range revs. Other mechanical changes include a titanium exhaust, reworked suspension, carbon ceramic brakes, and 20-inch (510 mm) NISMO wheels. Overall weight is decreased by 132 lb (60 kg) over the standard GT-R.^[58]

Japan sales begin on February 2, 2009 at seven pre-selected dealers who are staffed by mechanics with special GT-R SpecV training and are knowledgeable of racing circuit driving. Pricing is set at ¥15,750,000 (over US$160,000). Nissan has not announced any plans to sell the SpecV outside of Japan.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

noreply@blogger.com (KOBERT) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:08:00 +0000

Evolution X

Tenth Generation

Production	October 2007–present
Platform	CZ4A
Transmission(s)	6-speed twin-clutch gearbox 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2650 mm (104.3 in)
Length	4495 mm (177 in)
Width	1810 mm (71.3 in)
Height	1480 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight	1,420–1,600 kg (3,131–3,527 lb)

In 2005, Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next-gen Evolution at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Concept-X, designed by Omer Halilhodžić at the company's European design centre.

Mitsubishi unveiled a second concept car, the Prototype-X, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The Lancer Evolution X sedan features a newly designed 4B11T 2.0 L turbocharged, all-aluminum inline-4 engine. Power and torque depend on the market but all versions will have at least 280 PS (205.9 kW; 276.2 hp) (JDM version), the American market version will have slightly more. The UK models will be reworked by Mitsubishi UK, in accordance with previous MR Evolutions bearing the FQ badge. Options for the UK Evolutions are expected to be between 300 hp (220 kW) and 360 hp (270 kW). Two versions of the car will be offered in the U.S. The Lancer Evolution MR, with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The other version is the GSR which will have a 5-speed manual transmission system. The car has also a new full-time all-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system used in previous generations. The S-AWC uses torque vectoring technology to send different amount of torque to any wheel at any given time.

It also features Mitsubishi's new sequential semi-automatic six speed Twin Clutch SST twin-clutch transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles. A five speed manual gearbox will also be available. Mitsubishi claims that the five speed manual transmission has always been preferred in rallying and should be very refined, resulting in a more satisfying drive.New Lancer Evolution will incorporate Mitsubishi's next generation RISE safety body.

The production version of Prototype-X has begun production in Autumn 2007. The Evolution X went on sale October 1, 2007 in Japan then in January 2008 in the USA., February in Canada (as the first version of Evolution in Canada) and in March 2008 in the UK at prices between £27,499 and £37,999.The Twin Clutch SST version was available in Japan from November 2007.Europe will follow with sales in May, GSR and MR version included premium Package).

Japanese models

The engine is the 4B11-type 2.0 litre inline-4 turbo engine. Aluminum is used in the roof panel, front fenders and the rear spoiler frame structure.Launch model's engine was rated 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW)@6500rpm and 422 N·m (311 lb·ft)@3500rpm. Following the repeal of 280 horsepower law in Japan, engine power was raised to 300 PS (296 hp/221 kW)@6500rpm beginning in 2009 model year.

RS - 5 speed manual transmission. 18-inch tires. Driver dual-stage airbag. Standard Engine immobilizer.
GSR - Standard rear spoiler. 5-speed manual or 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission (magnesium paddle shifters on SST model). 245/40R18 tire on Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels or optional BBS lightweight alloy wheels. Brembo ventilated disc brakes. Standard S-AWC 4WD system. Driver and front passenger dual-stage airbag. Standard Engine immobilizer with security alarm. Optional Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7 mm (0.3 in) LCD screen. Optional Rockford Fosgate premium sound system. Optional keyless remote entry.
GSR-Premium - Replacement of Premium Package beginning with 2009 model year, but added MMCS and Rockford Fosgate premium audio.

GSR can be fitted with following packages:

High Performance Package - Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs, brembo 2-piece disc brakes, high performance tires with stiffer walls and better grip.
Stylish Exterior Package - Chrome finish for the front grille lattice and beltline molding, body color-keyed fender vents, adds fog lamps.
Leather Combination Interior - The seats matches the color of the exterior.
Premium Package - All 3 above packages plus 18 in (457.2 mm) BBS lightweight alloy wheels.

North American models

Engine produces 295 PS (291 hp/217 kW)@6500rpm and 407 N·m (300 lb·ft)@4400rpm.

GSR - Same as base Japanese GSR. (available only with manual 5 speed)
MR - 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Color-keyed large rear spoiler. Leather and sueded seating. Electronic keyless entry and starting system. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone interface system with voice recognition.
MR Premium - MR with a 650 watt (max) Rockford Fosgate Navigation/Stereo with 9 speakers.

Option packages:

(GSR only) Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package - Xenon HID headlamps with manual leveling; large rear spoiler; FAST-Key electronic entry and starting system; 650-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate audio system; in-dash 6-disc CD changer; Sirius Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.
(MR only) Technology Package: Mitsubishi Multi Communication System, GPS navigation with Diamond Lane Guidance; 30GB hard disc drive with Digital Music Server, in-dash DVD/CD player, multifunction 7-inch (180 mm) color LCD touchscreen, 650-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate high-performance audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.

UK models

UK cars kept the Evolution X name.

GS - Base Japanese GSR with Enkei wheels, 5-speed manual transmission, Stereo radio/CD with MP3 compatibility and 6 speakers.
GSR - GS with HDD navigation with radio and music server (MMCS), Rockford Fosgate premium audio, iPod/MP3 auxiliary input port.
GSR SST (FQ-300, FQ-330) - GSR FQ-300 with 6-speed TC-SST transmission with SST mode selection (normal, sport, super sport). GSR SST FQ-330 was released in 2009.

Engine options:

FQ-300 - Engine rated 295 PS (291 hp/217 kW) at 6500 rpm and 407 N·m (300 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
FQ-330 - Engine rated 329 PS (324 hp/242 kW) at 6500 rpm and 437 N·m (322 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
FQ-360 - Engine rated 359 PS (354 hp/264 kW) at 6500 rpm and 492 N·m (363 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm. Carbon fibre front lip spoiler, rear vortex generator, gear knob, hand brake. Front leather Recaro seats.
FQ-400- Engine rated 410 PS (404 hp/302 kW) and 542 N·m (400 lb·ft) of torque. It also includes six-piston calipers, upgraded brakes and 18-inch wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres, a new aero kit that includes additional cooling intakes, vents, a larger air intake in the hood and ducts. Estimated 100 vehicles would be made.It accelerates 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds (est.) and has a top speed of 155mph (electronically limited). The car uses Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) a four-wheel-drive system which appropriates power to the wheels that can best use it. Depending on the conditions the driver can select the most suitable set-up for the S-AWC system, three choices - Tarmac, Gravel and Snow - being offered via the wheel-mounted button and displayed in the central instrument binnacle.
Standard equipment for the range-topping Lancer Evolution X model is comprehensive, the FQ-400 coming with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass. Convenience features like remote central locking, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers increase the FQ-400’s ease of use. Available from June 2009, the FQ-400 is covered by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty. Cost £49,999 (list price).

European models

Engine rated 295 PS (291 hp/217 kW) at 6500 rpm and 366 N·m (270 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.

GSR - 5 speed manual (GSR 5 M/T) or 6-speed TC-SST transmission (GSR TC-SST).
MR TC-SST - 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Mitsubishi Multi Communication System.

Australian / New Zealand models

Engine rated 295 PS (291 hp/217 kW) at 6500 rpm and 366 N·m (270 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.

GSR - 5 speed manual or 6-speed TC-SST transmission.
MR - 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Mitsubishi Multi Communication System.

NEW Proton Exora

noreply@blogger.com (KOBERT) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:43:00 +0000

The Proton Exora is a compact MPV vehicle produced by Malaysia car manufacturer Proton and launched on 15 April 2009. It is a new model from Proton based on a new chassis. The development of this MPV starts from scratch and it is the first Malaysian-designed MPV. Fully undisguised photos of Proton Exora were leaked onto the internet on the 23rd of January 2009, ahead of the MPV's April 2009 launch date.

Proton Exora

Manufacturer	Proton
Production	2009-present
Class	MPV, Compact MPV
Engine(s)	1.6L Campro CPS I4
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic,5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2730mm
Length	4592mm
Width	1809mm
Height	1691mm

Performance

Engine specifications

CPS 1.6

4-speed AT/5-speed MT
S4PH DOHC
- Multi Point Injection (MPI) Fuel System
- Max output : 125 bhp (93 kW; 127 PS) @ 6,500 rpm
- Max torque : 150 N·m (110 ft·lbf) @ 4,500 rpm
- Max speed : 165 km/h (103 mph)

The Proton Exora chassis uses a MacPherson strut design at the front and a torsion beam at the rear.It measures 4,592mm long, 1,809mm wide and 1,691mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,730mm.It is powered by the Campro CPS engine producing 125 horsepower and 150Nm of torque,resulting the top speed of165 km/h (103 mph).

The average fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg_-imp; 33 mpg_-US).The gearbox is similar to the Proton Waja and Proton Gen-2 but has a higher final drive ratio to help with power delivery.

The Exora features a Body Control module which allows automatic activation and configuration of various vehicle functions such as door locking/unlocking, interior lamps, headlamps, brake lamps and wipers.

Automobile

noreply@blogger.com (KOBERT) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:14:00 +0000

Karl Benz's "Velo" model (1894) - entered into an early automobile race

An automobile or motor car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor. Most definitions of the term specify that automobiles are designed to run primarily on roads, to have seating for one to eight people, to typically have four wheels, and to be constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods.However, the term automobile is far from precise, because there are many types of vehicles that do similar tasks.

As of 2002, there were 590 million passenger cars worldwide (roughly one car per eleven people).Around the world, there were about 806 million cars and light trucks on the road in 2007; they burn over 260 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel yearly. The numbers are increasing rapidly, especially in China and India