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Chevrolet Assembly Line Workers in Flint, Michigan - Documentary (1936)

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 06:11:00 +0100

Chevrolet Assembly Line Workers in Flint, Michigan - Documentary (1936)

Master Hands is a 1936 sponsored documentary film short which shows what work is like in a Chevrolet automobile factory. Credits include original music by Samuel Benavie, cinematography by Gordon Avil, and film editing by Vincent Herman.

It was produced by the Jam Handy Organization, a pioneer in industrial film production. In 1999, Master Hands was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Flint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, 66 miles (106 km) northwest of Detroit. As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 124,943. The 2009 Census Bureau Estimate places the population at 111,475, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the Flint/Tri-Cities region of Michigan. Genesee County is also the entirety of Flint's metropolitan area, the fourth largest metropolitan area in Michigan.

Flint is most known for being the birthplace of General Motors (GM), and the Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936--37 that played a vital role in the formation of the United Auto Workers. It has also become a symbol of the decline in the auto industry. It gained national attention again when Flint area native Michael Moore created the 1989 documentary film Roger & Me. The film deals with the impact that the closure of several of Flint's GM manufacturing plants in the late 1980s had on Flint and the surrounding area's population. The city is often mentioned, and featured at various lengths, in most Moore documentaries.

Flint is also home to the headquarters of Citizens Republic Bancorp.

Flint Charter Township is adjacent to the city on the west but is politically independent.

Bishop International Airport is also part of the city, even though it is surrounded by Flint Township.

In 2010, Flint was awarded an energy improvement grant by the U.S. Department of Energy. A total of 43 grants were distributed under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to improve the nation's energy security.

The 1936--1937 Flint Sit-Down Strike changed the United Automobile Workers (UAW) from a collection of isolated locals on the fringes of the industry into a major labor union and led to the unionization of the domestic United States automobile industry.

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, better known as the United Auto Workers (UAW), is a labor union which represents workers in the United States and Puerto Rico. Founded in order to represent workers in the automobile manufacturing industry, UAW members in the 21st century work in industries as diverse as health care, casino gaming and higher education. Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, the union has about 390,000 active members and more than 600,000 retired members in 750 local unions, which negotiated 2,500 contracts with some 1,700 employers.

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Jaguar E-Type, 1961-1975 full untold history

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 06:09:00 +0100

Jaguar E-Type, 1961-1975 full untold history

Even though two-seat, low-slung runabouts were being produced in North America, there exists the romantic notion that only those venerable marques from across the pond are the real deal.

The reason for this attitude is simple. Beginning around the mid-1930s, cars built in North America began growing and gaining weight as buyers began equating size with prestige and value.

in Great Britain, the combination of (very) narrow roads and expensive petrol made smaller, lighter cars (including sports cars), a more viable proposition.

Sports cars were all but forgotten until the end of the World War II when returning servicemen brought back a trickle of these odd little right-hand drive roadsters. The sports-car trend began gathering steam with post-war MG TCs and TDs, followed in the 1950s by MG TFs and MGAs, plus assorted Triumphs and Austin Healeys. Most weren't overly powerful, especially comfortable or particularly reliable. But they provided more wind-in-your-face pleasure than any other car around

The modern era in sports-car design and development began in March, 1961 when Jaguar's chairman, Sir William Lyons, unveiled the new E-Type (or XKE, as it was called in North America) at the Geneva Auto show. Loosely based on the mid-1950s competition D-Type, and penned by the same designer, the launch caused a sensation with the press. Here was a car with a claimed top-speed of 150 mph - about as fast as a Ferrari or Aston Martin - for less than half the price.

Underneath the E-Type's beautiful wind-tunnel-shaped body was a tubular monocoque chassis that was not only light, but exceedingly stiff.

Although the chassis, as well as the four-wheel independent suspension was up-to-the-minute modern, the 265-horsepower 3.8-liter DOHC inline six-cylinder engine was based on a design that was first used in 1948. Only the original prototypes were capable of the 150 mph top speed claimed by Jaguar. Real-world examples would run out of breath at about 140. This was still impressive, however, as was the zero-to-60 mph time of seven seconds and average fuel economy that nudged 20 mpg.

The E-Type was available in both roadster and coupe versions. The latter featured a ground-breaking rear hatch that opened from the side instead of from the bottom, revealing a large, flat storage area.

With long waiting lists, it became obvious that the E-Type would be a huge hit. However, the early Series I E-Types from 1961-'64 suffered a number of teething pains.

These included the antiquated 1930s-designed Moss four-speed manual transmission that lacked a first-gear synchro, unreliable disc brakes, poorly constructed bucket seats, tendency to overheat in hot weather as well as numerous electrical maladies. Many owners also learned the hard way that it was a bad idea to drive their rust-prone E-Types on heavily salted winter roads.

By the end of 1964, an improved 4.2-liter six-cylinder was installed in the E-Type. Although its power rating was the same as the 3.8, torque was significantly increased.

As well, many of the problems in the earlier car had been rectified.

Two years later, Jaguar launched a stretched-wheelbase 2+2 version of the E-Type coupe. There was more space inside, but the tiny rear seats could only accommodate small children or pets. What's more, with two inches added to the roof height, the car appeared top-heavy and out of proportion. Mechanically, the by-then all-synchro four-speed manual was joined by an optional Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission.

In 1968, The seven year-old E-Type received additional changes that altered both the car's design and power. Owing to new safety and emission regulations in the United States, the car's front and rear bumpers were enlarged, headlight lens covers removed and grotesque side marker lights were attached. In addition, these Series 2 E-Types, as they were called, were forced to adopt pollution controls that reduced engine output to just 171 horsepower, a loss of 94 compared to the European-spec version.

To compensate for the loss, Jaguar introduced the Series 3 model in 1971.

Available as a roadster and 2+2 coupe, this E-Type used the 2+2's longer wheelbase chassis to support a 5.3-liter V12. With more power and torque on tap, the much heavier, thirstier and pricier Jag was almost able to match the original Series I in straight-line performance.

But the end of the E-Type was clearly in sight. Increasingly tougher government regulations were making the car less viable by the year. Final versions of the car were sold with hideous impact-absorbing rubber appendages attached to both ends of the car.

Sadly, but perhaps mercifully, the last of the nearly 70,000 E-Types rolled off the Coventry, England assembly line in 1975. Since that time, the car's timeless lines, particularly the earlier examples, helped make it an increasingly popular and enduring choice for car collectors.

The E-Type's traffic-stopping good looks and plentiful power are a testament to the days when British sports cars were the benchmark by which all others would be compared.

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Master Hands (1936) Chevrolet Manufacturing

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Sat, 3 Mar 2012 07:10:00 +0100

Classic "capitalist realist" drama showing the manufacture of Chevrolets from foundry to finished vehicles. Though ostensibly a tribute to the "master hands" of the assembly line workers, it seems more of a paean to the designers of this impressive mass production system. Filmed in Flint, Michigan, just months before the United Auto Workers won union recognition with their famous sitdown strikes.

The Diesel Story in video film

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Sat, 3 Mar 2012 07:08:00 +0100

Traces the development of the diesel from the Otto 'SILENT' gas engine of 1877 through Rudolph Diesel's engine, to the machines that now drive ships, trains, tractors, trucks and cars.

2013 Dodge Dart video photos and full details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Sat, 3 Mar 2012 07:07:00 +0100

The 2013 Dodge Dart redefines performance with Alfa Romeo DNA, fuel-efficient powertrains and Dodge's passion for performance. The all-new Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that's fuel-efficient, beautifully designed and crafted, agile and fun-to-drive.

Loaded with innovative technology, class-leading safety features and clever functionality, the 2013 Dodge Dart sets a new standard in the compact car segment by offering unmatched personalization, roominess, style, functionality and fun-to-drive dynamics.

"The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking car that will surprise and delight customers who want a no-compromise, fun-to-drive car that's a great value," said Reid Bigland, President and Chief Executive Officer — Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "With 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim options, three powerful, fuel-efficient engines, three transmission choices, unsurpassed safety features and world-class aerodynamics, the new Dodge Dart sets a new standard for the compact car class."

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. It will be built in the United States at Chrysler Group's Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. Production of the 2013 Dodge Dart will begin in the second quarter of 2012.

2013 Cadillac ATS video photos and full details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Sat, 3 Mar 2012 07:06:00 +0100

Cadillac today introduced the 2013 ATS, an all-new compact luxury sports sedan intended to challenge the world's best premium cars. Developed on an all-new, lightweight vehicle architecture, Cadillac's entry into the world's most significant luxury car segment goes on sale this summer.

The rear-drive ATS brings Cadillac's blend of technologically driven performance, elegance and design to a new audience of spirited drivers. Its sophisticated driving experience is enhanced with Cadillac CUE, a comprehensive, in-vehicle user experience that merges intuitive design with industry-first controls and commands for information and media data.

"Designed with quick, nimble and fun-to-drive dynamics, ATS expands Cadillac's portfolio into a crucial global segment," said Don Butler, vice president of marketing for Cadillac. "For a new group of luxury consumers, this is a car that will fit their lifestyle and challenge the segment's status quo."

The Cadillac ATS is a new expression of Cadillac's Art & Science execution philosophy, built on a foundation of driving dynamics and mass efficiency. It is the most agile and lightweight Cadillac, with one of the lowest curb weights in the segment -- less than 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg).

Germany's famed Nürburgring served as one of the key testing grounds, along with additional roads, racetracks and laboratories around the globe, ATS engineers balanced performance with Cadillac's trademark refinement. Contributing components and features include:

• Nearly 50/50 weight balance

• Cadillac's first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs

• A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar

• Driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping

• Underbody aerodynamic shields

• Premium (belt driven) electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems

• Four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes

• Available all-wheel drive

"More than just another new entry, the ATS aims to change the status quo of the European-dominated segment," said Butler. "That is why our approach in all elements of its development is so extensive and focused."

A broad lineup of engines -- including two four-cylinders and a V-6 for North America -- delivers strong power to the ATS and capitalizes on the car's lightweight structure to complement its performance with efficiency. The optional engines include an all-new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 270 horsepower (201 kW) and Cadillac's award-winning 3.6L V-6, estimated at 318 horsepower (237 kW).

At 135hp/L, the new 2.0T is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry, topping engines from European competitors. ATS will offer both manual and automatic transmission options, along with rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The ATS will deliver peak highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg.

2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS video photos and full details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Sat, 3 Mar 2012 07:03:00 +0100

A hotter Chevrolet Sonic is about to sound off -- the 2013 Sonic RS. It goes on sale in late 2012, after making its public debut at the North American International Auto Show Jan. 14-22.

The new RS amplifies the Sonic's youthful style and driving experience with unique exterior and interior features matched with a 138-horsepower (103 kW) Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine. Sonic is the only vehicle in its segment to offer a turbocharged powertrain.

"The new Chevrolet Sonic RS pushes Chevrolet's performance heritage in a new direction, for a new generation of drivers," said Chris Perry, vice president of Global Chevrolet Marketing. "It takes the Sonic's great design and latest connectivity features and combines them with a more performance-oriented look and feel."

The Sonic RS is offered exclusively in the five-door body style. Chevrolet's exclusive MyLink infotainment system is standard. It enables navigation directions downloaded through a smart phone to be shown on the radio's large display, and offers the personalized connectivity of Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio.

New 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL video photos and full details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Sat, 3 Mar 2012 07:02:00 +0100

The all-new 2013 SL continues a tradition that began 60 years ago. For six decades the letters "SL" have been synonymous with a blend of sport, style and comfort -- infused with groundbreaking innovation. For the first time, the SL is being produced almost entirely from aluminum and consequently weighs considerably less than its predecessor. Its highly rigid all-aluminum bodyshell provides the basis for agile, sporty handling that has been taken to an entirely new level, coupled with outstanding bodyroll and ride characteristics. Even better driving dynamics come courtesy of the new direct injection engine, which is more powerful and economical than the outgoing generation. Other new features include the unique FrontBass system, which turns the luxury sports car into a concert hall -- with the top down or up -- and the highly efficient MAGIC VISION CONTROL. The 2013 SL550 will be available in U.S. showrooms this spring.

Compared with its successful predecessor, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL offers considerably more comfort and athletic character, setting new standards in the luxury roadster class. This includes amazing everyday usability, making the SL the most versatile of all sports cars. In short, anyone talking about the new SL is surely talking about the ultimate in passionate, refined motoring.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there is only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them: It has class, it has style, it is the ultimate in comfort and luxury. And it combines all that with an incredibly sporty and dynamic character. You would struggle to find a car that embodies Gottlieb Daimler's aspiration more perfectly than our new SL -- the best or nothing."

2013 Cadillac ATS Challenges video photos and full details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Sat, 3 Mar 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Cadillac introduced at Jan 9, 2012 the 2013 ATS, an all-new compact luxury sports sedan intended to challenge the world's best premium cars. Developed on an all-new, lightweight vehicle architecture, Cadillac's entry into the world's most significant luxury car segment goes on sale this summer.

• Nearly 50/50 weight balance

• Cadillac's first five-link independent rear suspension using lightweight, high-strength steel and efficient straight link designs

• A multi-link double-pivot MacPherson-strut front suspension with direct-acting stabilizer bar

• Driver-adjustable FE3 sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping

• Underbody aerodynamic shields

• Premium (belt driven) electric variable-effort steering gear from ZF Steering Systems

• Four-channel ABS with available Brembo performance brakes

• Available all-wheel drive

JAGUAR XK120 full history details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Fri, 2 Mar 2012 14:28:00 +0100

The XK120 was the fastest, most exotic car that

Britain

offered in 1948, it came about almost by accident. In 1945, Jaguar Cars offered a range of stylish sedans and tourers, but used bought-in engines. Company founder William Lyons planned a new sedan with a brand new Jaguar-made engine, designed in secret during World War II.

This twin-camshaft straight-six was a masterpiece. Flexible and powerful, its basis was a cast-iron block with a seven-bearing crankshaft. On top was an all-alloy cross flow Westlake cylinder head. It had two noise reducing timing chains, and twin 1.75in (4.5cm) SU carburetors. It looked superb with its polished aluminum cam covers, and stove-enameled exhaust manifold. Delays in the sedan’s development meant that Jaguar had no car in which to install its showpiece. So William Lyons hastily constructed a sports car body on a shortened sedan chassis, thinking it might generate publicity and act as a rolling tested.

The result of this was breathtaking:

the XK120 was beautifully, classically proportioned and confirmed Lyons’ genius as a stylist. It was fast, too. On a motorway at Jabbeke in

Belgium

, test driver Ron Sutton achieved 126.5mph (203.5kph), and over 132mph (212kph) with the windshield and hood removed.

Jaguar was deluged with orders, but a new problem arose: satisfying demand. Indeed, most production was exported to the

; one rarely saw an XK120 on British roads.

SPECIFICATION

YEAR REVEALED 1948

PLACE OF ORIGIN Coventry, Warwickshire, UK

HISTORICAL STATUS production car

ENGINE six-cylinder, 209ci (3,442cc)

MAXIMUM POWER 160bhp

LAYOUT front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels

BODYWORK two-door two-seater roadster and coupé

TOP SPEED 124mph (200kph)

NUMBER BUILT 12,055

HUDSON COMMODORE full history details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Fri, 2 Mar 2012 14:21:00 +0100

founded in 1909, was among the last of the American “independents” carmakers who struggled and ultimately failed in the face of the mighty Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Although its cars during the 1920–30s were mostly unremarkable, Hudson shocked the burghers of Detroit in 1948 with its range of “Step Down” cars. They were so-nicknamed because driver and passengers stepped down into their seats due to a unitary-construction method Hudson called “Monobilt”: instead of the body being bolted on top of the chassis, the floorpan was suspended from the bottom of it.

founded in 1909,

was among the last of the

American “independents”

carmakers who struggled and ultimately failed in the face of the mighty Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Although its cars during the 1920–30s were mostly unremarkable, Hudson shocked the burghers of Detroit in 1948 with its range of “Step Down” cars. They were so-nicknamed because driver and passengers stepped down into their seats due to a unitary-construction method Hudson called “Monobilt”: instead of the body being bolted on top of the chassis, the floorpan was suspended from the bottom of it.

All the occupants sat within the chassis side members, which acted as a strong, encircling perimeter frame. As part of the design, the chassis extended around the outside of the rear wheels.

Hudson’s stylists then came up with sleek and handsome

bodywork that made a 1948 Hudson the “car to own.” The range went from the budget-priced Pacemaker to the Commodore. Yet the firm’s sales and fortunes were on the slide under ferocious pressure from the Detroit majors. In 1954, Hudson was forced to merge with Nash to survive.

SPECIFICATION

YEAR REVEALED 1948

PLACE OF ORIGIN Detroit,

Michigan

HISTORICAL STATUS production car

ENGINE six-cylinder, 262ci (4,295cc) & eight-cylinder, 254ci (4,164cc)

MAXIMUM POWER 121bhp (six-cylinder) & 128bhp (eight-cylinder)

LAYOUT front-mounted engine driving the front wheels

BODYWORK six-seater saloon

TOP SPEED 93mph (150kph)

NUMBER BUILT 529,590

CITROËN 2CV 1948 full history details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Fri, 2 Mar 2012 14:11:00 +0100

At the Paris motor show in October 1948, the 2CV caused astonishment, even though it had been scheduled to appear eight years earlier. The original launch was cancelled when World War II broke out. All but one of the 250 prototypes were destroyed to preserve the ingenious car’s secrets. It expressed a new philosophy for Citroën, being the lightest of lightweight economy cars, powered by a newly designed air-cooled flat-twin engine of a mere 23ci (375cc), front-wheel drive, and the first four-speed gearbox Citroën had ever fitted as standard. Its corrugated hood gave the appearance of a wartime air-raid shelter on wheels. The “father” of the 2CV was Citroën’s managing director, Pierre Boulanger. He briefed his chief engineer Maurice Broglie to come up with an “umbrella on wheels” that could travel in comfort over rural roads and cost a third of the price of a family sedan. The tight-knit team that designed the car, led by André Lefebvre, more than rose to the challenge, and continued work on the car during the war. After several concepts had been tried out, using a test track built in the grounds of an isolated chateau outside Paris, Citroën settled on a light, gauge steel body and soft, long-travel interconnected suspension featuring horizontal coil springs. Low-pressure Michelin Pilote tires made sure it could float over any pothole. Showgoers in 1948 might have been uncertain as to the utilitarian new Citroën, but it rapidly became part of the fabric of French life, both rural and urban.

SPECIFICATION

YEAR REVEALED 1948

PLACE OF ORIGIN Paris, France

HISTORICAL STATUS production car

ENGINE flat twin-cylinder, 23ci (375cc)

MAXIMUM POWER 9bhp

LAYOUT front-mounted engine driving the front wheels

BODYWORK four-door four-seater sedan

TOP SPEED 40mph (64kph)

NUMBER BUILT 3,868,634

DAVIS DIVAN 1938 full history details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Fri, 2 Mar 2012 14:10:00 +0100

The story of this arresting-looking three-wheeler with its four-abreast seating begins in 1938, when a similar one-off car was commissioned by wealthy American playboy Joel Thorne. He regularly cruised the streets of Los Angeles in his three-wheeled wonder “Californian.” One man who was particularly taken with it was car salesman Glenn Gordon “Gary” Davis. Somehow, Davis managed to acquire the car, which had inspired him to try and sell a version to American motorists. Treating the Californian as his rolling billboard and prototype, Davis toured the nation promoting his Davis Motor Car Company. Having acquired a factory in Van Nuys, and with the Californian beginning to look rather worn, Davis hired some engineers to help him build a production prototype. Three experimental cars later, the specification of the Davis Divan was settled. It now included a 159ci (2,600cc) Hercules engine and a three-speed Borg Warner gearbox. The hardtop was removable and headlights were concealed behind flaps.

Although eye-catching, only a few were test-built before Davis’s exasperated staff sued him for unpaid wages. Despite plans for making 50 cars daily and new designs for a three-wheeled military vehicle, the plant was shut in mid-1948. Davis was jailed for two years for defrauding investors; after he served his sentence in 1953, he became involved in making bumper cars. Whether or not Gary Davis was a conman, he certainly created a car like nothing else on the road.

SPECIFICATION

YEAR REVEALED 1947

PLACE OF ORIGIN Van Nuys, California

HISTORICAL STATUS production car

ENGINE four-cylinder, 159ci 2, (600cc)

MAXIMUM POWER 63bhp

LAYOUT front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels

BODYWORK two-door four-seater coupé

TOP SPEED 65mph (105kph)

NUMBER BUILT 13

TUCKER 48 “TORPEDO” full history details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Fri, 2 Mar 2012 14:09:00 +0100

Preston T. Tucker’s character was something between dreamer and opportunist. He’d been an office boy at

Cadillac, a car salesman, and partner in an Indianapolis racing car business before deciding to revolutionize car design in post-war America with an all-new model that was fast, stylish, and safe.

Early ideas in 1945 were for a streamlined coupé with a rear-mounted, 592ci (9,700cc), air-cooled engine that used two torque converters to the rear wheels instead of a gearbox. It had seatbelts, a padded dashboard, and a windshield that popped out in a crash. When that proved unfeasible, his team went for a streamlined four-door sedan, with a Franklin air-cooled flat-six engine in the back. The seatbelts were dropped, because it was felt they implied the car was unsafe, and so were swiveling headlamps, disc brakes, and a central driving position. But the independent suspension and padded dashboard remained. The car’s ongoing evolution meant a switch to water-cooling, and the finalized version proved rapid, with a 121mph (195kph) top speed despite its considerable bulk. In 1946, Tucker acquired the then largest factory building in the world, a former Chicago aircraft plant, to make his car. But public goodwill evaporated when US financial regulators alleged fraud for raising finance from dealers and customers while changing the design of the car they had committed to. His name was cleared, but the Tucker Corporation went into liquidation.

SPECIFICATION

YEAR REVEALED 1947

PLACE OF ORIGIN Chicago, Illinois

HISTORICAL STATUS production car

ENGINE flat six-cylinder, 335ci (5,491cc)

MAXIMUM POWER 166bhp

LAYOUT rear-mounted engine driving the rear wheels

BODYWORK four-door five-seater sedan

TOP SPEED 121mph (195kph)

NUMBER BUILT 51

2013 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet full detailes and video preview

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 13:11:00 +0100

The sky's the limit now for driving fun with the new 911 Carrera: the Coupé is following on from the Cabriolet and introducing the superior attributes of the new generation 911 in the open-top sports car market segment. At the same time, the new lightweight top technology enables the typical 911 roof line to be retained in full for the first time: even with the top closed, the Cabriolet reveals the unmistakable 911 silhouette -- never before were Cabrio and Coupé so similar.

Each of the two new Cabriolets has the same engine as its 911 Carrera Coupé equivalent:

911 Carrera Cabriolet

3.4-litre boxer engine with 350 hp (257 kW); rear-wheel drive, seven-speed manual transmission, optional seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK); acceleration 0 -- 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, with PDK in 4.8 seconds (4.6 seconds with Sport Chrono Package); top speed 286 km/h, with PDK 284 km/h; fuel consumption (NEDC) 9.2 l/100 km, CO2 217 g/km; with PDK 8.4 l/100 km CO2 198 g/km.

2013 Fisker Surf full detailes and video preview

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 13:09:00 +0100

Taking center stage at Fisker Automotive's Frankfurt Show stand is a stunning new version of the Fisker Karma-the Fisker Surf-a new model that delivers on Fisker's promise of Pure Driving Passion and Uncompromised Responsible Luxury. But that's not the only news from the environmentally responsible American Car Company:

FISKER SURF

The new Fisker Surf is the world's first electric luxury/sports automobile for an active and eco-friendly lifestyle. The Fisker Surf builds on the success of the ground-breaking Karma Electric Vehicle with extended range (EVer™) by adding additional, flexible load-carrying capability, along with a spirited new attitude all its own. Fisker Surf combines performance, luxury, style, utility, and economy with an enduring concern for the sustainable use of resources and respect for our natural environment. As a global company Fisker Automotive will offer the Surf in all its markets around the world for the 2013 model year. The Surf is Fisker's vision of a crossover between a sport car and a station wagon and shows how Fisker is expanding its Karma platform rapidly with additional models that again create a new market niche.

"The Surf is a first-of-its-kind eco-friendly lifestyle vehicle that offers space, performance and luxury design for people who live an active, environmentally conscious lifestyle and like to drive beautiful cars," Henrik Fisker, CEO/Executive Design Director, Fisker Automotive.

NEW SUPPLIER

Fisker Automotive recently announced the signing of an agreement with BMW that will cover the supply of engines and other components for future Fisker models. BMW will supply a four-cylinder turbocharged engine for the next generation of Fisker cars, code-named 'Project Nina', which are scheduled to go into production in the re-commissioned former GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware at the end of 2012 and be on sale globally in 2013. The first 'Project Nina' derivative will be a mid-size premium sedan utilizing Fisker's EVer™ technology to deliver on Fisker's corporate vision of Uncompromised Responsible Luxury.

Henrik Fisker, comments; "The BMW engine was an obvious choice for us, as BMW is known for producing the best and most fuel efficient gasoline engines in the world. We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with BMW."

CEC VEHICLE

Fisker Automotive is proud to announce its RESERVE customizable options program. This exclusive Fisker authorized accessory program will be available through Fisker retailers. The first display car from the program, created in collaboration with Claus Ettensberger Corporation (CEC), offers a variety of aerodynamic components and two wheel options (forged and monoblock) for the Karma with many new exciting products in development.

FISKER KARMA

The Fisker Karma Sedan, Fisker Automotive's first production car, is a luxury electric vehicle with extended range (EVer), representing the company's firm belief that environmentally conscious cars need not sacrifice passion, style, or performance. The Fisker Karma has a total of 403 HP with a torque of 981lb./ft. (1300 Nm) at zero rpm. With a total range of 300 miles (483 km), 50 miles in its pure electric mode and 250 miles with the anxiety-free range-extender. The Fisker Karma can also achieve up to 100 mpg (2.4 L/100 km) with just 83g CO₂/km on an annual basis. In sport mode, the top speed of the Fisker Karma is 125 mph and with a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. Prices start at €85.500 - €98.900 Euros/ $95,900 - $108,900 USD.

ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Fisker Automotive is an American car company, founded in 2007, committed to producing electric vehicles with extended range (EVer) that deliver Uncompromised Responsible Luxury™. The Fisker Karma Sedan is the world's first premium electric plug-in hybrid representing the company's firm belief that environmentally conscious cars need not sacrifice passion, style, or performance. Fisker Automotive is a global company that is redefining luxury for the modern sports car buyer. For more information on the brand and the Fisker Karma sedan, please go to http://fiskerautomotive.com.

2013 Dodge Dart Live full detailes and video preview

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 13:06:00 +0100

With flashy video and loud music, Chrysler unveiled one of the most important new cars of this year's Detroit Auto Show: the 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan, its first all-new car developed jointly with Fiat. The 2013 Dart replaces the uncompetitive Caliber hatchback, and will compete with the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, and Chevrolet Cruze. It is priced starting at $15,995 and will be available at Dodge dealers this fall.

2013 Ford Fusion full detailes and video preview

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 13:05:00 +0100

This is the kind of all-out blitz Ford needed in order to seriously take on the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. If it delivers on the mileage and power numbers, this Fusion could quickly become a best-seller.

Fiat 500 Abarth 2013 full detailes and video preview

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 13:04:00 +0100

Fiat is bringing the Fiat 500 Abarth to the States! RoadflyTV host Emme Hall had a chance to catch up with Fiat Product Marketing guru, Matt Davis and ask him a few questions at the 2012 Washington, DC Auto Show.

The all-new 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine is mated to a manual five-speed transmission. The drivetrain features equal-length half shafts, 3.35 final-drive ratio, and a Torque Transfer Control (TTC) system that delivers power to the pavement.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu full detailes and video preview

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 13:03:00 +0100

The 2013 Malibu's wider, more purposeful stance is reinforced by a prominent shoulder line and dynamically rendered hood and deck lid surfaces that are set off by stronger wheel forms. These are effectively complemented by a host of performance-oriented cues borrowed from both the Camaro and Corvette, not the least of which are the car's high-profile LED taillamps seen in the original teaser image. In addition to offering the first overall view of the car, Chevy also revealed that the 2013 Chevy Malibu will feature a segment-exclusive articulated radio faceplate that swings up to reveal a six-inch deep illuminated covered stow bin.

MERCEDES-BENZ T80 full historical details and stories

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 06:01:00 +0100

This car is the ultimate manifestation of speed as envisioned at the height of Nazi power in Germany.

The monstrous six-wheeler was a pet project of racing driver Hans Stuck, who wanted Germany to assert its engineering supremacy by grabbing the world land speed record. Stuck had the ear of Adolf Hitler, who eagerly gave the venture state backing. The dream team of constructor Mercedes-Benz and designer Ferdinand Porsche were, by 1937, hard at work on what became the T80.

At the heart of the six-wheeler chassis was a vast 2,716ci (44,500cc) V12 engine—a Mercedes aero engine more usually found in the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter plane.

Only, in this incarnation, power was doubled to a projected 3,000bhp, using a fuel mixture of mostly alcohol. The four rear wheels were all driven using a “slipping clutch” system, instead of a gearbox, to match them to engine power at 93mph (150kph). The steel spaceframe, meanwhile, was covered in a startling, winged body, complete with faired-in cockpit, and achieved an incredible drag coefficient of just 0.18. During the design process, the target speed rose from 342 to 373mph (550 to 600kph), and ultimately to 435mph (700kph), as the record was pushed higher by British rivals George Eyston and John Cobb. Test runs in October 1939 revealed that the T80 needed more development work. The record run was postponed, permanently, by the onset of war.

KDF-WAGEN/VOLKSWAGEN full historical details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 05:58:00 +0100

The beginnings of the best-selling single car design ever—21,529,464 were bought by the time manufacture ended in 2003—go further back than September 1939, when the car in its final form was revealed. The German “people’s car” (volkswagen) project was first announced at the Berlin motor show in 1934, after the Nazi government-backed German Automobile Industry Association officially engaged the Porsche design consultancy to create it. Ferdinand Porsche drew on designs for rear-engined economy cars he’d undertaken for Zundapp and NSU (denying accusations of intellectual theft from Czechoslovakia’s Tatra).

These featured semi-trailing arm suspension and an air-cooled, flat-four engine mounted in the tail of the vehicle. In 1937, following close collaboration with the German government on the design parameters, a batch of 30 prototypes, built by Mercedes-Benz, began 1.8 million miles (2.9 million km) of testing on Black Forest country roads and the new autobahns. In 1938, the production plant, 50 miles (80km) east of Hanover, was inaugurated, and a Government-scheme called “Kraft durch Freude” (Strength Through Joy) offered attractive subscription terms for a new Volkswagen. It attracted 336,000 “savers,” none of whom ultimately received their cars. No sooner had the Volkswagen been revealed, Germany was at war and the factory was used to make military vehicles.

It was heavily bombed in 1944, but reconstructed by Allied Forces in 1945

HEALEY 2.4-LITER full historical details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 05:54:00 +0100

With gas strictly rationed, and most new cars earmarked for export, motoring was difficult in 1940s Britain. So when news broke that Donald Healey’s sporty new 146ci (2,400cc) had recorded a best speed of 111mph (179kph) on the Jabbeke Highway in Belgium in 1947, it was especially uplifting news. Here was something Britain could be proud of: the world’s fastest production sedan and, hopefully, a taste of good times to come. Donald Healey, exuberant pre-war rally driver and Triumph technical director, had come up with a totally new car. Its light, but rigid cruciform-braced chassis featured advanced front trailing link suspension and was powered by an excellent Riley twin-camshaft, twin-carburetor engine.

Initially there were two models: the open Westland and Elliot sedan, both with hallmark kite-shaped grilles and bodies in “Birmabright” aluminum over an ash wood frame. Healey and other contemporary drivers campaigned the cars with panache in great events, such as Italy’s Mille Miglia, in which one won the Touring Car class in 1948. Healeys didn’t come cheap. The £2,725 luxurious Elliott, inflated by double Purchase Tax because the basic car cost over £1,000 (actually £1,750), put it beyond the reach of all but a few. There were later variations on the original 146ci (2,400cc) cars, but after rights to the Healey 100 were sold to the British Motor Corporation in 1952 (becoming the Austin-Healey 100/4), Healey as a separate marque was wound up.

WILLYS MB JEEP all history details

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Thu, 1 Mar 2012 05:48:00 +0100

In 1938, with war clouds gathering Over Europe, the US Army decided to replace its motorized motorcycle-sidecar Combinations (used for messenger and Advance reconnaissance duties) with a small, General-purpose vehicle. It let American Motor manufacturers know its requirements in 1940, and three companies responded with prototype vehicles—Willys Overland’s Quad, the American Bantam Car Co.’s Blitz Buggy and the Ford Motor Company’s GP. After a protracted and complex bidding process, Willys’s concept for a light 2,106lb (955kg), maneuverable, and powerful all-purpose vehicle, capable of carrying Troops as well as weapons, was selected for production. It boasted selectable two- or Four-wheel drive—a true breakthrough. It went on to serve in every major World War II campaign as a machine-gun firing mount, reconnaissance vehicle, pick-up truck, frontline limousine, ammunition bearer, wire-layer, and taxi.

In the Ardennes during the 1944–45 Battle of the Bulge, Jeeps loaded with stretchers, raced to safety ahead of spearheading Nazi armor. In Egypt, Britain used a combat patrol of Jeeps to knock out a fleet of fuel tankers en route to German Field Marshal Rommel’s armour forces on the eve of the battle of El Alamein. “Jeep” soon became a household word, many assuming it was a slurring of the acronym GP, for General Purpose. Willys offered civilian editions from 1945, and the Jeep name was registered as an international trademark five years later.

CHRYSLER THUNDERBOLT

picauto2011@gmail.com (your old car tem) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:17:00 +0100

Even today, there’s something irresistibly futuristic about the Chrysler Thunderbolt. It’s also extremely evocative, its pontoon-like body having been the inspiration for millions of tin toy cars of the 1940–50s.

Six Thunderbolts were created for a nationwide tour of American Chrysler dealers, intended to add spice to the introduction of the 1941 model-year Chrysler cars in showrooms across the country. The name came from a car that had smashed the land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, in 1938. Each car had a chrome lightning flash on its doors.

The basis for the cars was the chassis of the straight-eight Chrysler New Yorker, but the novel bodies were built by the Briggs coachwork firm to the design of Alex Tremulis, a leading independent stylist of the time.

The pontoon-like profile was shocking enough at the time, with slab sides completely enclosing the wheels. But within this aluminum outer skin were other innovations, including an electrically retractable hardtop and headlights, doors that opened via discreet push buttons, and the novel idea of an air intake under the front bumper.