CARFILE

The Jaguar F-Type

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Tue, 6 Nov 2012 21:02:00 -0800

The new Jaguar F-Type represents a return to the company's heart: a two-seat, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. The F-Type is a continuation of a sporting bloodline that stretches back more than 75 years and encompasses some of the most beautiful, thrilling and desirable sports cars ever built. Joining the XK convertible and coupe models, the new F-Type provides Jaguar with a broader line of sports and GT models.

The F-Type showcases the new supercharged Jaguar engines, a 3-liter supercharged V6 in 340hp and 380hp states of tune and the 5-liter supercharged V8 in the Jaguar F-Type V8 S with 495hp and 460 ft-lbs of torque. All are equipped with the new Intelligent Stop/Start system to enhance fuel economy under certain driving conditions.

The 340hp version of the supercharged V6, which debuted in the 2013 XJ and XF sedans, produces 332 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500-5,500 rpm. The 380hp version, exclusive to the F-Type, produces 339 ft-lbs of torque at 3,500-5,500 rpm. The V8 produces an even broader torque curve, with 460 ft-lbs produced over the 2,500-5,500 rpm range.

The 340hp V6 model can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 5.1 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds). The 380hp S model lowers that to 4.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds), and the V8 S can hit 60 mph from rest in just 4.2 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds).

Electronically limited maximum track speeds are 161 mph (260 km/h), 171 mph (275 km/h) and 186 mph (300 km/h), respectively, for the V6, V6 S and V8 S models.

In addition to rapid zero-to-60 acceleration, the new Jaguar supercharged engines give the F-Type outstanding merging and passing performance. The 340hp V6 model will go from 50 to 75 mph in just 3.3 seconds; the 380hp S version in 3.1 and the V8 S model in 2.5 seconds.

Based on the Jaguar 5-liter V8 engine, the 3-liter V6 shares its all-alloy construction. The lightweight die-cast aluminum block is stiffened with cross-bolted main bearing caps, increasing rigidity and refinement. A system of counter-rotating front and rear balancer weights help give the new supercharged V6 the smoothness and refinement characteristics of the V8 on which it is based.

The supercharged V6 and V8 engines combine high compression, direct fuel injection, dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) and a supercharger to deliver their high levels of performance and efficiency. A twin vortex supercharger is mounted in the engine's "V", and a water-cooled intercooler reduces the temperature of the intake air to optimize power and efficiency. The supercharged V6 uses a higher compression ratio than the V8, 10.5:1 vs. 9.5:1.

In both the V6 and V8, the aluminum cylinder heads package an innovative valve control system. The dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT) system is activated by the positive and negative torques generated by the movement of the intake and exhaust valves, allowing exceptionally quick actuation rates of more than 150 degrees per second throughout the rev range.

Spray-guided direct injection delivers precisely measured quantities of fuel directly into the center of the combustion chambers at pressures of up to 150bar (2175 psi) , creating a more homogenous air-fuel mixture for cleaner and more efficient combustion. This is aided by spark plugs that are precisely indexed both in relation to the injector and within the combustion chamber.

Source: http://www.netcarshow.com/jaguar/2014-f-type/04.htm

Dacia Logan

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 01:48:00 -0700

Gaining the new styling identity of the Dacia brand, the exterior design of New Logan is more dynamic, with a more flowing form at the front. The new styling approach is most apparent in the grille and headlights, featuring a more emphatic design common to all three of the new models. The rear further emphasises Logan's robust nature with new lights and a design that showcases the spaciousness of the vehicle. The styling upgrade gives New Logan a harmonious look and an extra dose of elegance.

Dacia customers have simple and well-targeted needs. They are looking for generous, simple and reliable vehicles that are smart and affordable. Dacia's is a practical offering that responds perfectly to the expectations of its customers.
Marketing an increasingly wide range of vehicles (Logan, Logan MCV, Sandero Stepway, Duster, Lodgy, Dokker, Dokker Van), Dacia is posting remarkable quality results. In the latest 2012 results of ADAC, the benchmark German organisation, the reliability of Dacia vehicles has improved continuously over the last three years and Sandero is number four in its category. In February, the brand ranked number-one on reliability in a survey carried out with 30,000 customers by consumer organisations in Belgium, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
Dacia builds durably reliable cars and is winning the trust of its customers
Dacia vehicles, like Renault ones, are tested in the most extreme conditions. In addition to conventional bench tests, the Renault group puts its vehicles through demanding tests in real-world conditions to confirm their durability. Logan, for example, was tested over 1.9 million kilometres. Dacia cars are designed from the outset to be sold internationally, and notably in emerging markets. They are developed according to demanding specifications given the diversity of road and weather conditions in such countries.
All Dacia models are covered by a 3 year/60,000 miles manufacturer warranty, with service at all dealerships in the network and top-level repair expertise with manufacturer parts. The warranty is targeted at winning new customers, raising awareness of the brand, and building a relationship of trust with customers.
Dacia benefits from the quality expertise of Renault, which has become a leading carmaker on reliability, largely the result of a global group quality policy launched in 2003.
Dacia relies on Renault group and Alliance know-how in standards and processes
New Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway will be produced at the Pitesti plant in Romania and the SOMACA plant in Casablanca, Morocco for the regional market (including Morocco and Tunisia). Starting in the second-half of 2013, New Sandero will also be produced at the Tangier plant in Morocco.

Source: http://www.netcarshow.com/dacia/2013-logan/

SEMA

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 01:49:00 -0700

This wicked white-on-white wide-body Camaro SS, built in Forgiato Wheels' machine shop for company co-founder Norman Celik, features a ProCharger supercharged V8 engine, outrageous one-off nose and tail treatments, a trick body-tuning kit and sweet color-matched 24-inch Forgiato wheels. The mods give the Camaro an otherworldly look that is just spooky.

Created by custom coach-builder Rossi Motors, this wild mechanical hybrid is part classic automobile, part modern marvel. Dubbed the SixtySix, it pays homage to the 1966 Corvette Stingray, but is built around a completely modern Corvette C6 chassis and equipped with a 450-horsepower LS3 V8 engine. The body is custom-made with generous amounts of carbon fiber and fiberglass to give the car a daring, retro-cool look. The split rear window is probably the car's most noticeable and classic feature.

This piercing blue 1939 Ford stands out from the crowd when owner Jim Bible cruises down Main Street in his hometown of Omega, Ga. Its low-slung stance could tempt the most devout into all sorts of sin. Built by Tom Pagano of Sacramento, Calif., this Blue Oval classic features custom handcrafted bumpers and taillights, a heavily modified grille and a '59 Ford dash with the gauge cluster moved to the center. The car is named Coaster because it can drive from coast to coast.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE !!! unless you are fluffy

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 05:34:00 -0700

The Silver Arrow

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 05:12:00 -0700

1939 Mercedes-Benz W154

The W154 represented the apogee of the supercharger era of Mercedes-Benz’s racing vehicles. Rudolf Carraciola drove a Silver Arrow to the Grand Prix world title in 1938. The car dominated again in 1939, piloted by Hermann Lang.

In January 1938 the first specimen was running on the test bench, and the first almost trouble-free test run was completed on February 7, when the engine developed 427 hp (314 kW) at 8000 rpm. In the first half of the season, drivers Caracciola, Lang, von Brauchitsch and Seaman had 430 hp (316 kW) at their disposal, towards its end more than 468 hp (344 kW). In Reims, Hermann Lang's car was fitted with the most powerful version with 474 hp (349 kW), howling down the long straights of the Champagne circuit at 283 km/h at 7500 rpm in his W 154.

The chassis was largely based on that of the preceding W125. The frame was constructed using oval tubes made of nickel-chrome molybdenum to provide a stiff chassis.

The bodywork of the W125 was aluminium metal, which like its predecessors was left unpainted in its bare silver colour. This brought Mercedes' cars during this period, including the W154, the nickname of Silver Arrows.

The suspension was also near identical to the W125. The rear consisted of De Dion tube, a non-independent suspension designed to keep the two rear wheels in parallel using a solid tubular beam. The rear also had hydraulic rear dampers, which were possible to adjust from within the cockpit during a race.

It is believed that a total of fifteen W154 were built by Mercedes-Benz. Together they scored 11 wins in 16 outings. The third chassis was never used in 1938 and 1939. The last car did race as it was part of the fruitless expedition to Argentina. Chassis 3 may have been used as a record breaker alongside chassis 11 which first served as a Grand Prix car and was later fitted with a fully enveloping body. Fitted with larger engines these machines were capable of speeds well in excess of 430 km/h. Today the presence of at least nine of the cars is known, which contrasts starkly with the very limited number of Auto Union survivors.

Chassis 189437 or 'Wagen 7' was originally built for Rudolf Caracciola's aborted Indy 500 venture. It finally made its debut in July of 1938 when Dick Seaman drove Wagen 7 to victory in the all-important German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. The talented English driver added a second and third to the chassis' tally before the season was out. In 1939 this W154 was allocated to Hermann Lang. He won four major races that year, making Wagen 7 the winningest of all W154s constructed.

It survived the War stored away in Romania where it was subsequently retrieved by a Joska Roman, together with Wagen 15. During the 70s, it was sold through Antoine Raffaelli and eventually ended up in the hands of American Joel Finn. With the help of British experts Crosthwaite & Gardiner, he had the car restored to full running order. Today it is part of the largest privately owned Mercedes-Benz collection. The most successful of all W154s is seen here, alongside Wagen 15, at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where 75 years of the Silver Arrow was celebrated.

Jaguar E-Type

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:08:00 -0700

The Jaguar E-Type was manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975.The Series 1 was introduced, initially for export only, in March 1961, the US version was called XK-E.

All E-Types featured independent coil spring rear suspension with torsion bar front ends, and four wheel disc brakes, in-board at the rear, all were power-assisted. Jaguar was one of the first auto manufacturers to equip cars with disc brakes as standard from the XK150 in 1958.

The 3.8 litre cars have leather-upholstered bucket seats, an aluminium-trimmed centre instrument panel and console, and a 4-speed gearbox that lacks synchromesh for 1st gear,this 6 in-line 3.8 litre engine with twin overhead camshafts and triple SU carburetors would shoot the E Type to a top speed of 245km/h. Just the 0 to 100 km/h was clocked at 7.1 seconds, 4.2 litre cars have more comfortable seats, improved brakes and electrical systems, and an all-synchromesh 4-speed gearbox.

In 1971 a new 5.3 L 12-cylinder Jaguar V12 engine was introduced, with uprated brakes and standard power steering. The short wheelbase FHC body style was discontinued and the V12 was available only as a convertible and 2+2 coupé. The convertible used the longer-wheelbase 2+2 floorplan. It is easily identifiable by the large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12.

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Mercedes CLS 63 AMG

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:33:00 -0700

The high-performance version of the redesigned second generation of the Mercedes CLS-class four-door retains the numerical name of its predecessor but not the normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 those digits represented. Despite the new engine being smaller, there’s nothing wrong with the power put out though: it has the same 518bhp as the E63 AMG, but produced at 5250rpm rather than 6800rpm.

Getting this power to the rear wheels is the AMG seven-speed multiclutch transmission with four modes--comfort, sport, sport+ and manual. A Race Start launch mode is part of the Performance package option.

While the CLS550 rides on the Airmatic suspension, the CLS63 AMG has an adaptive suspension with driver-adjustable settings.

Not everyone loves the looks of the new CLS, but with the more aggressive bonnet, bumpers and sills it looks like it was born to wear its AMG bodykit (rather than being tacked on as an afterthought). And a whole host of body panels are made from aluminium to cut weight, including the doors, front wings, bonnet, bootlid and parcel shelf.

Inside there’s Nappa leather on the sports seats, a three-spoke AMG steering wheel with paddles, and alongside the new-spec stubby gearstick is the AMG Drive Unit with a dial for the gearbox settings and buttons to control the suspension and ESP. With the dash wrapped in leather and lots of silver highlights, it feels more special than the E63, which looks a little utilitarian in comparison.

The body and interior aren’t the only elements that get significant upgrades, of course: the chassis has been retuned as well. The CLS63 AMG features steel coils in front and air springs in back, with automatic ride-height control and electronically adjustable, three-stage damping. The electrohydraulic steering has been tweaked by AMG, and the stability-control system has three settings to enable occasional tail-waggin’ fun within a broader safety envelope. When you get on the brakes, get ready to slow down quickly: all four brake discs measure 14.2-inches in diameter. The show car had gold-painted brake calipers emblazoned with the word “ceramic," and carbon-ceramic brakes will be a special-order option. A limited-slip differential is available, too, as a standalone add-on.

Koenigsegg Agera R

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:25:00 -0700

Swedish exotic supercar makers Koenigsegg revealed a range-topping marvel of engineering achievement in the Agera R, a car powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with an astounding 1,115 horsepower.

Aside from the muscle, the Koenigsegg Agera R is a machine of rare beauty.

This version, one of likely just a few to be produced, features a Speed Racer colorway with an emphasis on pure white with black and red accents.

The interior feels like the cockpit of a fighter jet, but not without the comfort and luxury of a million-plus sports car. In total, the design screams “performance” at a volume that is sure to shatter ear drums, but you won’t need to hear the power from this engine, you will feel it.

All that power is funneled through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle-shifters and an electronic differential. The engine and the transmission work in concert to push the Agera R from 0-100 kmh in 2.9 seconds. Stay on the gas, and you'll reach 200 kmh in 7.5 seconds. If you decide to slam on the binders the moment you hit 200 kmh, the entire trip will take 12.7 seconds to get back to zero. We know of cars that take that long to crest 100 kmh.

An interesting multifunction feature of the adaptive wing is that the pylons for the wing also act as air extrusion channels. The air channels goes from the engine bay to the back of the pylons, thereby creating an air passage. This causes a venturi effect, from the air rushing past the pylon, evacuating hot engine bay gases, reducing pressure in the engine bay and increasing the flow of cooling air through the side radiators. This also means that the pressure under the car is reduced and giving more low drag down force.

Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:13:00 -0700

Volkswagen has unveiled the completely redeveloped Volkswagen Touareg as a world premiere at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It is the most technically innovative "VW" since the brand has been in existence.

This Volkswagen Touareg is reinterpreting the fascinating multipurpose SUV idea in a contemporary way - thanks to a range of engines that are nearly 20 percent more fuel efficient and a large variety of new assistance and safety systems. The VW Touareg will also be the first and only off-roader in Europe by a German car maker to be available in a hybrid version too.

At the hybrid's heart is a 328bhp, supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine coupled to a 45bhp electric motor.The combined electric and gasoline motors put their power to the wheels through Volkswagen's new eight-speed automatic transmission, an evolution of their six-speed automatic that now features two overdrive gears instead of one. From there, power travels through a Torsen limited-slip differential to all four wheels, with 60 percent of the power heading to the rear during normal driving.

Ferrari 458 Spider

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 06:46:00 -0700

Ferrari has unveiled the 458 Spider, claiming it to be the first series-production, mid-rear-engine car to be equipped with a folding hardtop roof.

The aluminum structure is fully integrated into the styling of the 458, is claimed to weigh 55 pounds, less than the fabric roof arrangement of the 430. It is also said to have been engineered without compromising aerodynamics or performance--although the official photographs released by Ferrari only show the 458 Spider with its roof stowed.

The 458 Spider is distinguished from the 458 Italia by two prominent buttresses incorporated into a tonneau cover that opens and then closes as the hardtop roof is stowed to preserve the styling. They are designed to optimize the flow of air to the engine intakes.

The 458 Spider is powered by the same naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V8 as the 458 Italia, producing 562 hp at a soaring 9,000 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. The heady reserves are channeled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and electronic differential.

Ferrari claims a 0-to-62-mph time of 3.5 seconds, or a tenth of a second slower than the fixed-roof model, and a top speed of 198 mph.

Along with its new aluminum hardtop, measures taken in stiffening the 458 Spider's chassis added 110 pounds over the 458 Italia at 3,153 pounds. In a bid to give the car a unique driving character, Ferrari altered damping characteristics of the suspension.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110823/FRANKFURT/110829967#ixzz1VxBExnFG

Audi A8 hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:16:00 -0700

Audi has just released official details on a new hybrid version of its A8 luxury flagship sedan.
The basis for the A8 hybrid is the Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. Sporting direct injection and variable valve timing and lift, output is the same as in the A4: 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Connected to the crankshaft via a wet-plate clutch is an electric motor that puts out 44 hp and 156 lb-ft. Another clutch is slotted between the electric motor and the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Power is routed to the front wheels only, and total system output is quoted as 241 hp and 354 lb-ft.
The operation of the hybrid system is pretty straightforward. The electric motor assists at speeds up to about 40 mph and the car can also travel just over a mile in full-electric mode. A power meter in place of the tachometer on the instrument panel displays how much electric assist and charge is provided by the electric motor. The motor can also act as a generator to recapture energy during braking; the stored energy resides in the A8 hybrid’s compact lithium-ion battery pack, which sacrifices four cubic feet of trunk space, with 14 remaining. The battery also powers an electric A/C compressor and the electric power-steering system.

The Audi A8 hybrid can drive at up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) purely on electric power and has a range of up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) at a constant 60 km/h (37.28 mph). This gives the driver the choice of three modes: The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan has five operating states: with the TFSI engine alone, with electric drive only or in hybrid mode; recuperation and boosting are also possible. Two displays show the driver all operating modes in detail.

In visual terms, the Audi A8 hybrid is distinguished by subtle details. The ten spokes of its alloy wheels - which have a diameter of 18 inches as standard and 19 inches as an option - are reminiscent of turbine blades.

The body features hybrid badges, and Arctic Silver is available as an exclusive paint finish. The metallic paint finish, three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and the BOSE sound system come standard.

The new Lexus GS

noreply@blogger.com (Mihail) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:55:00 -0700

Lexus unveiled the new GS at the prestigious 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California
For 2012, the GS’ biggest changes might come under its skin. Lexus promises vastly superior driving dynamics to the outgoing model. Topping the line for enthusiasts will be a new F-Sport model, although the GS 450h hybrid will return with a way more eco-friendly powertrain.

The base engine will be a 306 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque 3.5-liter V6, complete with technologies such as Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), port and direct injection. This will propel the base GS 350 from a dead stop to 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds, while simultaneously producing improved fuel economy over the outgoing model. Shifting is handled by a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for added control.

A more rigid platform with a wider track and what Lexus promises are substantial suspension modifications should make the car more performance-oriented compared to the fairly staid current model. Up front, GS rides on aluminum upper and lower control arms with larger bushings, while the rear benefits from an all-new multilink setup designed to enhance rear end control. Performance shock absorbers will be standard across the line, a move Toyota chief Akio Toyoda is said to have demanded.

And it was Toyoda himself who helped put the GS through its paces during its development. A noted performance driver, Toyoda was unhappy with Lexus’ increasingly soft direction when he took the reigns of the automaker that bears an anglicized version of his family name a few years ago.