//:: __ :://

//:: Illegal Parking

2011-08-03T21:48:00.001+08:00

What a way to teach those who park illegally!

Mayor in Action, Illegal Parking, Tank, Mercedez, Rich Bastards //TAGS

//:: A Ferrari to keep

2011-08-02T18:49:00.002+08:00

The forthcoming Monterey auction set to take place later this month will include the sale of a rare Italian handcrafted supercar, RM Auctions revealed. The vehicle in question is a 1953 Ferrari 375 America Coupe by Carrozzeria Vignale, which is one of 12 original 375 Americas and one of the two Vignale-bodied coupes.

Originally finished in burgundy with a silver roof and tan upholstery, the example on offer is the 1954 Geneva Salon show car.

However, by 1964, the car was known to have been refinished in metallic blue, with its original small taillights having been replaced by larger US-specification units.

But most recently, the car was returned to its original Geneva show colors, with original paint samples of the burgundy for the body and the silver for the roof located on the car and used to correctly match the colors. In addition, the original small taillights, which were swapped for larger units under Robert Wilke’s ownership in period, were returned to the car.

Moreover, the dash was also refinished in correctly matched burgundy paint, and the rest of the interior remains original. In addition, the undercarriage and engine bay are reportedly well detailed.

The lot is “cloaked in its handsomely hand-formed Vignale bodywork, presented exactly as it first appeared at Geneva in 1954 and retaining its original, matching-numbers V-12 engine,” RM Auctions explains. “Accordingly, it epitomizes the pioneering era of Ferrari road-car development, and it is certain to remain one of the most fascinating and highly coveted classic Ferraris ever created.”

Set to go under the hammer this August 20, the 1953 Ferrari 375 America Coupe is estimated to fetch between $1,750,000-$2,100,000.

//:: Eyeing for record price at pebble

2011-07-26T21:29:00.002+08:00

It's hard to believe, but it's almost time for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance again, and with it comes some of the best vintage and collector car auctions in the world. At this year's Gooding & Co. auction during the Monterey classics week, a stunning 1957 Ferrari 250 Tesa Rossa prototype will cross the block.

Wearing the rather evil-sounding chassis number 0666 TR, the first prototype for the vaunted Testarossa line could set a new record for all-time auction sale price.

Of course, exactly what constitutes a record sale price at auction remains a bit unclear. A 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic sold for about $30 million at a Gooding & Co. auction last year, beating the $12.2 million record for a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa sold in 2009 at an RM Auction event. The Ferrari 250 is actually one of the main names in the record auction game, with another example, a 250 GTO, selling for a record $28.7 million--though it wasn't sold at auction.

Earning the title for most expensive Ferrari 250 sold at auction, however, might not be too hard a feat to achieve, despite the dreary economy we're in at the moment. Considering the previous record-setter was a mere production model, and a 1961-vintage car at that, the original prototype should command an additional premium.

"Being in the presence of the 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa Prototype is a visceral and breathtaking experience unlike anything I’ve ever known," says David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company. "We will all witness a historic day when this incredible car – one of the greatest race cars of all time – crosses our stage in Pebble Beach this August."

//:: BMW Performance Edition

2011-07-26T21:02:00.004+08:00

Earlier this month, BMW of North America announced a Limited Performance Edition to close out the remaining E90 3 Series Sedan production.

The limited edition 335i includes Black Kidney Grills and Stage 1 Software that adds 20 horsepower and 32 ft-lbs of torque which brings the performance level .02 faster in 0-60mph. It also includes a Performance Edition badging.

The 335i Limited Performance Edition only available on the 335 sedans in “i” and “xi” models, but requires a Sport package on the “i” and M-Sport on the “xi” models. The option code is ZMZ and will be available to order from the port as well as the dealer level.

Not the actual 335i Performance Edition

Today, BMWNA announces the availability of BMW Performance Edition parts for existing 135i and 335i customers. Pricing to purchase the contents of this edition as a retrofit will be announced in August 2011.

Press Release

Performance breeds excitement and the BMW Performance Edition for the 2011 335i / xDrive Sedan ensures that new car buyers are in for that extra thrill beyond the outstanding performance that can already be realized with these exciting vehicles. Customers can now option their vehicles with a special BMW Performance Edition (option code ZMZ) that includes an all-new Power Kit, black kidney grilles and a “BMW Performance Edition” badge for only $550.

The BMW Performance Edition for the 335i highlights a Power Kit which consists of engine tuning software (no additional hardware):

Increases the engine power output from 300 hp to 320hp and torque from 300 lb ft to 317 / 332 lb ft (manual / automatic transmission); this is the same horsepower rating as the 335is!
Acceleration from 0-60 mph is 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model and 0.5 seconds faster than the standard model from 50 mph to 75 mph.

Emissions and fuel consumption ratings are unaffected by the power upgrade.
Black kidney grilles and a BMW Performance Edition badge will visually identify these Performance Edition vehicles from other 3 Series vehicles.

The BMW Performance Edition is offered only for a limited time on 335i Sedans through the end of 2011 which will ensure that owners of these vehicles will belong to a very special club of performance purists.

BMW is also pleased to announce that the contents of the BMW Performance Edition will be made available to existing 135i and 335i customers. Pricing to purchase the contents of this edition as a retrofit will be announced in August, 2011.

BMW Sports, M, BMW Power, Sports Car //TAGS

//:: Ferrari's secret hybrid tech

2011-07-19T15:30:00.005+08:00

Ferrari is preparing the world for its first hybrid supercar — and this prototype looks to be solid proof that the project is well under way.

The Maranello firm has been talking about a hybrid supercar since the 2010 Geneva motor show when it unveiled the Hybrid Concept, based on a standard 599. The firm’s goal is to develop hybrid technology to get its fleet average CO2 emissions down to around 240g/km by 2018, a significant reduction from last year’s figure of 310g/km.

Spied testing in Germany, this two-seater looks at first glance to be a ‘cut and shut’ 599 GTO, running as a mule for the all-new 599 due in 2013.

But its red-on-white German ‘pre-registration’ plates give away its identity as a test bed for Ferrari’s hybrid tech. Ferrari prototypes normally wear Italian ‘Prova’ identification plates, but those have been ditched while this prototype is driven in Germany to throw spy photographers off the scent.

Ferrari is keen to disown any knowledge of its hybrid prototype, but the ‘S’ on this car’s plates means it is registered in Stuttgart, home of German supply giant Bosch, which is thought to be helping Ferrari with the engineering and software set-up.

The cut-about 599 GTO body panels are covering up a well finished car underneath, whose details appear to mark it out as a California, Ferrari’s V8-powered coupé-convertible. The California’s headlamps, wheels, chromed wheel nuts, folding metal roof shutlines, brake caliper position and distinctive instrument binnacle can all be seen.

However, the revised arrangement of the test mule’s exhaust pipes is an important new detail. The standard California stacks its twin rear pipes on top of each other, rather than two pairs of side by side pipes as seen here.

That may be linked to new routings for the exhausts, dictated by the hybrid powertrain and its space-consuming battery.

Ferrari’s chosen design package for its hybrid sports cars can be seen in its patent drawings (see above right). It features two electric motors — a low-capacity one at the front to drive ancillaries when running on electric power alone, and a rear-mounted one rated at 100bhp and 110lb ft — with a pack of slim battery cells spread over the floorpan.

Although the hybrid electric equipment added 100kg to the kerb weight of the 599 Hybrid Concept shown last year at Geneva, Ferrari was confident that its on-road performance was improved, with 0-100mph in 10.4sec, an improvement of 0.6sec. Interestingly, the 599 concept’s centre of gravity — a key factor in determining a car’s dynamic ability — remained the same.

Also under development are a super-fast traction control system that works by reversing the electric motor’s torque rather than cutting engine power, and an ‘electronic torque shaping’ system that feeds in small torque inputs from the electric motor during acceleration. This helps maintain momentum during gear changes and is felt as a more linear throttle response. The California test mule is likely to be running this set-up.

Related Post: Ferrari 599 Hy-Kers

Note: Re-post from http://www.autocar.co.uk/

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Super fast cars //TAGS

//:: Visayas Trip

2011-06-20T20:52:00.005+08:00

Visayas weekend ... Cebu and Bohol

I was a bit lucky that I flew to cebu earlier than the people that I'm spending the trip to Bohol with ....

Thanks to PAL (Philippine Airlines) they were delayed by 12 hours! I guys the joke about the abbreviation of PAL is what I can imagine, true (Plane Always Late) ... Poor guys ...

So anyway, as soon as they arrived in Cebu ... the van that we rented burnt tires to get to the port in time as we had to cross from Cebu to Bohol by ferry boats...

Good thing we had a good driver that time ...

Here are some pics of my trip to Bohol and Cebu

Cebu city, Bohol, Tagbilaran city, PAL, Philippine Airlines, Chocolate Hills, Baclayon Church, Loboc River, Ramasola Studio, Old Nikon Camera, Kishanta Heights, Talisay city, Port Bonifacio //TAGS

//:: Northern Philippines

2011-06-12T15:45:00.013+08:00

One of the best drives I've done my entire life ... Drive up north ... the northern part of the Philippines ... from Ilocos Sur to Cagayan Provice - Aparri, Tuguegaro, Gonzaga ... coastal hi-way, mountain view, modern developments, etc... (May 12-15, 2011)

Here are some pictures to show how much fun I had during my trip

Philippines, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Bugos Lighthouse, Pagudpud Windmills, Portabaga Falls, Patapat Bridge, Gonzaga, Oldest bell of the fareast, Aparri, Our lady of PIAT, Vigan, Clay, Pot Factory //TAGS

//:: Official Video of the Ferrari FF

2011-02-25T09:07:00.003+08:00

Official video of the new Ferrari Four (FF)

Click here to view facts about the Ferrari FF

Supercar, Ferrari, 4x4, Traction //TAGS

//:: Locked up

2011-01-23T01:42:00.007+08:00

What if the birds did this to us.....

How would you feel?

Photography, Birds //TAGS

//:: Another lonley night

2011-01-22T23:51:00.004+08:00

Strange clouds

I live near a swamp ... One night I couldn't find answers to what my mind was asking me. So I took the cam and just sat beside the swamp and took pictures from a very dirty, stinky, itchy, insect infested place beside the swamp and just took pictures of the strange clouds lurking above me.

I'm still learning to shoot .... so forgive me .... after taking the shots and spent about an hour just sitting down there .... I guess it made me relax abit. Knowing that there is always a light out there to shine on you when you need it to help you see things more and to calm you down.

Sitting down there wasn't easy. I couldn't see a thing and I had to use my phone to light the path I was walking on too to make sure I don't fall over.... but in the eye of the lens ... you see things more clearly as the lens can see more light. Push the shutter and you'll get to see it ....

Photography, Strange Clouds, Night Shots, Non-flash shots, Low light photography //TAGS

//:: Ferrari FF

2011-01-22T18:16:00.006+08:00

The first ever Ferrari All-wheel drive ... The Ferrari FF

As announced, Ferrari has revealed today the new Ferrari FF, or Ferrari Four, which is the company's first four-seater ever and... wait for it... its first ever four-wheel drive car. Yup, the Ferrari FF is all-wheel-drive! At this point, the Ferrari FF is in a concept stage, but it will spawn a new GT production model soon.

The Ferrari FF measures 4907 mm in length, 1953 mm in width, 1379 mm in height and has a dry weight of 1790 kg. The company says the Ferrari FF has a weight distribution of 47% front, 53% rear and a 2.7 kg/hp power-to-weight ratio.

Here comes the fun part. The Ferrari FF is powered by a 6,262 cc 65-degree V12 engine developing 660 hp at 8,000 rpm and 683 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Ferrari has also released the Ferrari FF's performance figures. The top speed of the Ferrari FF is rated at 335 km/h (208 mph) and the preliminary figures say it can rocket you and three of your buddies from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds.

Although most Ferrari owners do not really care about efficiency figures, here they are. The estimated fuel consumption of the Ferrari FF is rated at 15.4 l/100 km and the CO2 emissions at 360 g/km.

The Ferrari FF was designed by Pininfarina and comes with the latest technology developed by the Prancing Horse. The equipment list of the Ferrari FF includes carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo, the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution system. The power of the Ferrari FF is sent to all four wheels via a transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox.

Here's another first for Forza Rossa. The Ferrari FF has foldable rear seats and promises to offer 450 liters of luggage space which can be extended to 800 liters.

The world debut of the Ferrari FF will take place at the Geneva auto show in March this year. Watch the first Ferrari FF video after the jump.

Ferrari Press Release:

A revolutionary four-seater, four-wheel drive V12 Ferrari: exceptional performance and versatility

The official Prancing Horse web site, Ferrari.com, has revealed the first photographs of the new Ferrari FF, the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

The Ferrari FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) - ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.

This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.

Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the Ferrari FF’s harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability.

The Ferrari FF features the company’s first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari’s exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four-wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car’s electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The Ferrari FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model’s class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling. The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the Ferrari FF’s prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track.

Performance aside, Maranello’s latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the Ferrari FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.

The Ferrari FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is presented today with the first three photos from a dedicated shoot by Giovanni Gastel.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine
Type 65-degree V12
Overall displacement 6,262 cc
Maximum power 660 CV @ 8,000 rpm
Maximum torque 683 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

Dimensions and weight
Length 4907 mm
Width 1953 mm
Height 1379 mm
Dry weight* 1790 kg
Weight distribution 47% front, 53% rear
Weight/power ratio 2.7 kg/CV

Performance
Maximum speed 335 km/h
0-100 km/h 3.7 sec

Fuel consumption and emissions (ECE+EUDC)
Fuel consumption** 15.4 l/100 km
Emissions** 360 g/km

European market version, With HELE system //NOTE

Supercar, Ferrari, 4x4, Traction //TAGS

//:: Learning to shoot

2011-01-16T13:14:00.006+08:00

One day .... in a shop

To start of with ... I hated the water that day. It was unpleasantly hot that if you'd stand up outside your house you'd start to sweat in less than 30 seconds. I don't understand why I'm complaining about it too .... I grew up in this country and I'm used to the humidity ....

Went to a shop of a friend to have the truck of my brother checked for some fluid licking out of the engine which turns out to be the ATF or the power steering fluid which is licking out of the power steering pump. Looks like it needs a new Oil Seal and o-ring replacements. Jerry Go, the owner of the shop insisted in just repairing it since it's about 8 years old already ... why not just replace the pump. Sorry but I just have to rant about it. Ford dealer here sells it for 35,000.00 pesos (Philippine peso) for a power steering pump. So we went for a different outlet which we know would be cheaper but would still give us a genuine part from Ford. We contacted a local Ford Parts dealer in Manila, Philippines that offered to give it around 26,000.00. It still does sound much if I may be honest. 26G's! For a freaking steering pump!

So anyone that went on and on as we are just waiting for the part to be delivered....

I realized I brought a camera with me at the back ... so I took some shots outside the shop where they were trying to repair/restore an old Hummer H1, a very 4 cylinder diesel engine, a military Jeep ... and other things ....

Here's some shots ...

Ford, Engine, Mechanic, Auto Shop, Photography //TAGS

//:: Black Hawk Down

2011-01-12T10:43:00.005+08:00

The real story of the Mogadishu war in Somalia in 1993 .... Black Hawk Down

Movie Note: "Parts of this story are dramatized with special attention given to historical accuracy"

Army Rangers, United States Army, Delta Force, Black Hawk Down, Africa, Somalia, Mogadishu, United Nations, Peace keeping force, American Soldiers, Robert Oakley, President George W. Bush SR., President Bill Clinton, Mark Bowden, Marines, Mohamed Farrah Aidid, Hussein Aided, Wayne Long, Abdi Queybdid, Aaron Williamson, Dan Schilling, Lee Van Arsdale, Nightstalker Pilots, Michael Durant, Jeff Struecker, Keni Thomas, Jaime Smith, General William Garrison, Sayyef, Osman Atto, Abdi Qdeybdid //TAGS

//:: Range Rover on Snow

2011-01-11T20:13:00.002+08:00

Here's is a short clip of a Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and a Discovery having some fun ... snow driving ...

Shows how good the all-time 4 wheel drive system of Land Rover is ... enjoy the video

Winter, Land Rover, Range Rover, Jaguar V8, Snow driving //TAGS

//:: Engine warm-up habbits

2011-01-09T17:53:00.003+08:00

Eight Facts About Warming Up Your Car in Winter

Old habits die hard, and one of the oldest — still rigorously enforced by many drivers — is that "warming up" the car for a few minutes is necessary to avoid some kind of unspecified damage.

But idling is totally unnecessary, which is why many communities have enacted ordinances against the practice.

Here are some quick facts and tips that should put the idling question to rest:

1. Driving warms the car faster than idling

If your concern is not the health of the car, but simply your own creature comforts, Bob Aldrich of the California Energy Commission points out that "idling is not actually an effective way to warm up a car — it warms up faster if you just drive it."

The coming electric cars, such as the Nissan Leaf, will incorporate a wonderful feature that allows the owner to use a cellphone to tell the car (which is plugged into the grid) to pre-warm or pre-cool the interior. No idling necessary.

2. Ten seconds is all you need

Environmental Defense Fund, which produced the Idling Gets You Nowhere campaign, advises motorists to turn off their ignition if they're sitting stopped for more than 10 seconds.

"After about 10 seconds, you waste more money running the engine than restarting it, said Andy Darrell, deputy director of the EDF Energy Program. "Switch the car off at the curb, and you'll be leaving money in your wallet and protecting the air in your community."

3. Idling hurts the car

According to the Hinkle Charitable Foundation's Anti-Idling Primer, idling forces an engine "to operate in a very inefficient and gasoline-rich mode that, over time, can degrade the engine's performance and reduce mileage."

The Campaign for an Idle-Free New York City points out that idling causes carbon residues to build up inside the engine, which reduces its efficiency.

4. Idling costs money

Over a year of five minutes of daily idling (which causes incomplete combustion of fuel), the "Anti-Idling Primer" estimates that the operator of a V8-engine car will waste 20 gallons of gasoline, which not only produces 440 pounds of carbon dioxide but costs at least $60.

5. Idling in the garage can kill you

Idling a car in a garage, even with the door open, is dangerous and exposes the driver to carbon monoxide and other noxious gases. If the garage is attached, those fumes can also enter the house.

6. Block heaters beat remote starters

Lori Strothard of the Waterloo Citizens Vehicle Idling Reduction Task Force in Canada says, "Remote starters can too easily cause people to warm up their cars for 5 to 15 minutes, which is generally unnecessary."

A block heater, which is designed to heat the engine and can cost under $30, on a timer set to start one to two hours before driving, does the trick in very cold climates.

7. Quick errands aren't quick enough

Natural Resources Canada points out that leaving your car idling while you're running into a store on an errand or going back into the house to pick up a forgotten item is another way to waste gas and pollute both your town and the planet.

"Leaving your engine running is hard on your pocketbook, produces greenhouse gas emissions, and is an invitation to car thieves," the agency (PDF) says.

8. Idling is bad for your health (and your neighbor's health)

According to Minneapolis' anti-idling ordinance, "Exhaust is hazardous to human health, especially children's; studies have linked air pollution to increased rates of cancer, heart and lung disease, asthma and allergies."

Engine Warm-up, Starting your car during winter, Health //TAGS

//:: RL's Car Collection

2011-01-04T23:21:00.006+08:00

Vanity Fair Goes Inside Ralph Lauren's Garage

We don’t know how or why Mr. Ralph Lauren gave access to his private car collection to Vanity Fair, but we are glad he did. Because it’s not really a car collection, but a super museum for rare cars on pedestals.

Lauren recently renovated a former car dealership’s storage facilities near his lavish Westchester, New York, estate to house his amazing jewels on wheels. The picture you see here is from his Ferrari room, dominated by a rare 1958 Testa Rossa. We don’t think we have ever seen something as stunning as this room filled with gleaming red pieces of automotive history.

The eye-popping collection of 60-plus vehicles, arranged like a high-end art gallery, are all kept registered and ready to drive anytime the designer feels like it. It’s hard to put a total price on the collection, that includes a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic worth an estimated $40 million (EUR30 million) alone, the world’s most expensive car.

Also included are a 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Grand Prix, a 1938 Alfa Romeo Mille Miglia roadster, the world’s only 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK “Count Trossi” roadster, a 1957 Jaguar XKSS, a McLaren F1, a rare 1929 “Blower” Bentley, a Ferrari 250 GT, and the only Lamborghini Reventon Roadster in the US, which is one of three Lamborghinis Mr. Lauren acquired this year.

All of them are in perfect condition of “sometimes beyond perfection,” according to the magazine, as some models have been done in colors that the designer prefers over the original. One heck of a collection, don’t you think?

Ferrari, Red Cars, Mercedes, Car Collection, Garage, Expensive collection, Old cars, Vintage //TAGS

Note: This is a re-post "http://www.autoevolution.com/news/vanity-fair-goes-inside-ralph-lauren-s-garage-29077.html"

//:: Transformers 3 movie trailer

2010-12-10T17:50:00.005+08:00

Apparently, all the greatest endeavors in human history have been to hide the existence of Transformers.

In the first "Transformers," they said that the Hoover Dam was built to hide the All Spark cube that landed on Earth. And in the second movie, "Revenge of the Fallen," it was revealed that one of the Great Pyramids housed a doomsday device that had the power to destroy our sun. Now it turns out that our entire space program in the 1960s was just a cover to investigate a massive alien spacecraft that crashed on the dark side of the Moon.

Paramount Pictures just released the first look at next summer's "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," director Michael Bay's third and apparently final film with the robots in disguise. According to the trailer, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were in radio silence on the Moon's far side, they engaged in a secret mission to check out the giant Transformer lying dormant on the surface.

Take a look at the new trailer, then keep reading to find out why Bay says he's certain that we really did land on the Moon.

click here to watch the filming of Transformers 3

Michael Bay, Transformers 3, Transformers III, Movie Trailer //TAGS

//:: The future looks dark

2010-12-09T21:38:00.004+08:00

The future of a promising great car is coming from Buick...

The Buick Regal GS coming in 2012 ...

Buick website : http://www.buick.com/vehicles/future-vehicles/regal-gs.html

What is going on? I mean come on .. I don't have to use a magnifying glass that all they did was removed the grill of the 2010 Vauxhall Insigna VXR.

Pictures of the 2010 Vauxhall Isigna VXR

What is going on? I mean come on .. I don't have to use a magnifying glass to see that all they did was removed the grill and the badge of the 2010 Vauxhall Insigna VXR.

So is this the future of cars in the United States? You by something of what you think is straight up right and coming very soon ... but then it's actually and old design -- just re-badged? Try searching both cars on Google Images and you'll see what I'm on about.

I know they're using a different turbo charged engine ... but ... Is this really a new car?. It's an old car just re-badged. Coming from 2012?

2012 Buick Regal GS, 2010 Vauxhall Insigna VXR, Future of american cars //TAGS

//:: Track day with the 458 Italia Challenge

2010-12-05T00:00:00.003+08:00

Ferrari test drivers and future owners of the 458 challenge cars ... out on track to try the new 458 Italia Challenge...

Mauricio Mediani & Raffaele di Simone (The very guy who took the 599XX on a mind-blowing lap around the Nurburgring) talks about the new innovations and technology of the new challenge car.

Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge, Ferrari Corsa Clienti //TAGS

//:: Ferrari boss tests the new Lacia Stratos

2010-11-24T10:08:00.003+08:00

After Pininfarina presented the New Lancia Stratos to the car's owner Michael Stoschek, the Italian design house invited Ferrari head-honcho Luca di Montezemelo to take it for a spin around the Fiorano circuit in Maranello.

According to the project's official website, Mr. di Montezemolo was very impressed with the New Stratos, openly praising it with exclamations such as "bellissima" and "congratulazioni". And that's not all, as the Ferrari CEO called his technical director, Roberto Fedeli, and suggested he should also take a look at the car.

Chief test driver Dario Benuzzi was next behind the wheel, pushing the new Stratos to its limits. With more than 40 years of experience in calibrating sport and racecars, Benuzzi concluded that the rear axle becomes a bit "agitated" during high speed cornering, but it can be "cured" by a bit more toe-in on the rear wheels.

Then again, given that the New Stratos is based on the F430 Scuderia's underpinnings, we weren't expecting anything but words of praise from the Ferrari brass. The next meeting with the New Stratos will take place at the official press unveiling at the Paul Ricard Circuit, in France in about a week's time.

click here for my previous blog about the new Lancia Stratos

The new Lancia Stratos, Dario Benuzzi, Fiorano, Ferrari, Pinifarina //TAGS

//:: Ferrari F430 Spider

2010-11-22T17:34:00.008+08:00

The Ferrari F430 Spider is the 21st road going convertible that Ferrari has ever created. It is pretty much similar in terms of the mechanical side of the hardtop F430 coupe' -- the car which this spider is based on.

According to some researchers and auto reviewers who had the chance to talk to Ferrari engineers... although this is abit heavier than the hardtop coupe' because some added strengthening adds to it ... the difference in performance is so small that you can't really spot them. -- When top gear tested it around their track it was only about .3 of a second slower than the hard top coupe'.

Ferrari F430 Spider, convertible, sports car, supercar //TAGS

//:: Ferrari F430

2010-11-19T00:23:00.015+08:00

The Ferrari F430

Perhaps were the mid-engine supers now a-days has been based on or sort of copied onto. Ever since the F430 went out there were lots of mid-engined supercars that followed .... "hmmmm ... makes me wonder"

The Ferrari F430 is the replacement for the Ferrari 360. Ferrari built this supercar from 2004 upto 2009. It debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show and on the 29th of July 2009 it was then replaced by the Ferrari 458 Italia.

Let's take a look at this cars great asthetics and aspects that makes it one of the best cars in the world ... well it isn't now ofcourse because of the 458 Italia.

Design

The body has been redesigned to be more curvaceous and aerodynamic than the 360. Although the drag coefficient remains the same, downforce has been greatly enhanced. A great deal of Ferrari heritage is found in the car: at the rear, the Ferrari Enzo's tail lights and interior vents have been added. The car's name has been etched into the Testarossa-styled driver's side mirror. The large oval openings in the front bumper are reminiscent of Ferrari racing models from the 60s, specifically the 156 "sharknose" Formula One car and 250 TR61 Le Mans cars of Phil Hill.

Engine

The F430 features a 4.3L V8 petrol engine derived from a shared Ferrari/Maserati design. This new power plant is a significant departure for the F430 line: the engines of all previous V8 Ferraris were descendants of the Dino racing program of the 1950s. This fifty year development cycle came to an end with the entirely new 4.3L, the architecture of which is expected to replace the Dino-derived V12 in most other Ferrari cars. The engine's output specifications are: 490 PS (360 kW; 483 hp) at 8500 rpm and 465 N·m (343 lb·ft) of torque at 5250 rpm. The F430 has a top speed of 196 mph (315 km/h).

Brakes

The brakes on the F430 were designed in close collaboration with Brembo. The result has been a new cast-iron alloy for the discs. The new alloy includes molybdenum which has better heat dissipation performance. Another option Ferrari is providing are Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite discs. Ceramics have much higher resistance to heat and brake fade than metals, the F430's brakes offer not only good performance but also a longer lifespan. Ferrari claims the brakes will not fade even after 300-360 laps at their test track.

Features

The F430 includes the E-Diff, a computer-controlled limited slip differential a type of active differential which can vary the distribution of torque based on inputs such as steering angle and lateral acceleration,

Other notable features include the first application of Ferrari's manettino steering wheel-mounted control knob.Drivers can select from five different settings which modify the vehicle's ESP system, "Skyhook" electronic suspension, transmission behavior, throttle response, and E-Diff. The feature is similar to Land Rover's "Terrain Response" system.

The Ferrari F430 was also released with exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 EMT tires, which have a striking V-shaped tread design, run-flat capability, and OneTRED technology.

In the US the company requested an exemption from the airbag design requirements, which was eventually granted, allowing the car to continue to be sold in the US.

Here are video reviews of the F430. This video will explain how good the diff is, how to use and what the manettino is for, etc. etc.

Ferrari F430 based cars:

Ferrari F430 Spider
Ferrari F430 Challenge
Ferrari F430 Scuderia
Ferrari F430 Scuderia Spider 16M

Ferrari, Manetino, supercar, Italy, Motorsport, Dream car, speed, 200MPH , V8, acceleration //TAGS horsepower, Engine, best car //TAGS

//:: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

2010-11-16T19:13:00.012+08:00

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Internally called the F141. It's a Grand Tourer or "Italian Gran Tourismo" as what they would call it. It has a V12 engine at the front of the driver but still behind the front axle which still makes it a mid-engined car. It replaces the 575M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model.

It was styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari's Frank Stephenson. The 599 GTB debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. It was named for its total engine displacement (5999 cc), GTB came from it's class which is a Grand Tourer (Gran Turismo) and it's body type which is a Berlinetta , and the Fiorano came from the name of the circuit where it was tested and developed. The legendary Fiorano Circuit -- The private testing race track of Ferrari. So it's called the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.

It's 6.0 liter V12 engine called the Tipo F140C produces about 620 HP. It can reach a top speed of 330km/h (205mp/h) and it will do 0 - 100 km/h (62.5mp/h) in about 3.7 seconds. You can either have the traditional 6-speed H-gate manual transmission or have Ferrari's 6-speed "F1 superfast" paddle operated sequential gearbox "flappy paddle" like in race cars. For it's era, the flappy paddle gearbox system is amazing as it can change gears in 150 milliseconds -- Faster than any human can perform.

Video review of the 599 GTB Fiorano by Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear

Video review of the 599 GTB Fiorano by Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear.

599 GTB Fiorano based cars:

599 HGTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione)
599XX
P540 Superfast Aperta
599 GTO
SA Aperta
599 HY KERS

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Magnetic Suspension, Supercar, Italy, Italian //TAGS

//:: Money on the web

2010-11-16T17:08:00.010+08:00

How do you earn money while browsing the internet?

Apparently you don't earn by just browsing. You'd have to do a little something before you can earn. For one there is a job out there that you can do like "copy and paste".

What it means is you copy an add then paste it to sites where in you can sort off .. let's say ... advertise it. Everyone see's your add, they get interested they then click your advert. It takes them to the website of what your advertising is about then it's up to them what they want to do with it. Oh your pay? You got paid when somebody clicked on the link that you posted.

You basically have to look for sites where you can post or comment on certain topics. Such as -- Blogger, Wordpress, Facebook, Multiply, Friendster, Myspace, etc... Then you you post the ad and make sure you put your LINKING CODE in and that's it. People see's your post they click it you earn.

Sample ad post:
"
Part Time Jobs | Online Data Entry Jobs At www.online-home-jobs.com
Are you looking for a part time or full time home Job? Grab your data entry operator seat at online-home-jobs.com– Internet’s No. online data entry job site. Vacancy is opened worldwide. Excellent payouts and incentives to the right candidate. Salary is $15000+ P.M.
For more details E-mail us at kenoutsource@gmail.com
Visit us at http://www.online-home-jobs.com/signup-5680.html
"

I'm one of those people doing it and I've earned. Why don't you guys try it for yourself? Click my link below then you sign up then do it for yourselves :) You can start posting the adds then you start earning.

Feel free to sign up ... No payment required .. just sign up after answering a few items that's it, you get to your control panel where in you can start monitoring your job and posts and you start earning.

I'm not spamming you on this. It's up to you to try it ... I found this on the web so it's not mine or something like that...

Visit this link and you'll start signing up right away. --- http://www.online-home-jobs.com/signup-5680.html

By clicking the link above -- it will then take you to a site which will let you sign-up for the program. After submitting it you will then get to your control panel. Important to take note of your STANDARD LINKING CODE as this is the link that you will be posting. If you notice your link is almost the same to my link above (the one you clicked to sign-up). That is how you will do it. Check the sample post I have above and you will see how you will do it and where you will put your link.

Work from home, Browsing the internet, Money, Cash, How to earn money over the internet without spending a dime?, Penny //TAGS

//:: Ferrari is for Sale

2010-11-16T09:36:00.006+08:00

Rumors around the net says .... FIAT is selling stocks of Ferrari

Article from leftlanenews.com:

Seemingly confirming earlier rumors, Fiat (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) CEO Sergio Machionne reportedly told investors last Friday that the Italian automaker is planning to sell at least part of its ownership in the Ferrari sports car brand.

Rumors surfaced earlier this month that Volkswagen was considering purchasing the Ferrari brand from Fiat, with a recent analysts meeting apparently confirming those reports. Morgan Stanley analyst Stuart Pearson, who attended the meeting, revealed to clients on Monday that Fiat is planning an initial public offering of Ferrari stock.

“We left Turin with the clear message that Fiat and Chrysler will become one company,” Pearson said. “A Ferrari initial public offering and potential Marelli disposal may need to come first, according to management.”

A Credit Suisse analyst was quoted as saying, “Marchionne identified a Ferrari initial public offering and Magneti Marelli disposal as potential sources of cash, without giving a timeframe.”

Although it looks as though Ferrari is officially on the auction block, it is believed that Fiat will retain at least a 51 percent controlling stake in the company. The Ferrari brand is believed to be valued at $3.3 billion.

I can only wish that this is about GROWTH. Maybe Ferrari is asking for more money for more Research and Development to make their cars even better.

Ferrari, Stocks, For Sale, FIAT (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino), F.I.A.T. //TAGS