Saturday, November 22, 2008

Jaguar XK

Technical Specs
Standard Engine 4.2L V8
Standard Transmission 6 Speed Automatic
Cylinders 8
Horsepower @ RPM 300@6000
Torque @ RPM 310@4100 (foot-lbs)


The XK Series is Jaguar’s grand touring coupe and convertible. When the XK Series debuted as a 1997 model, the XK8 replaced the XJS, ending the 21-year run for the XJS. The XK8 was the spiritual descendant of the legendary E-Type and XK120, and featured Jaguar’s first use of a V8 engine. The supercharged XKR was added for 2000. An all-new model debuted for 2007, an advanced sports car with an aluminum monocoque body structure that is 31 percent stiffer than its predecessor with a 10 percent improvement in power to weight ratio. For 2008 the limited edition XKR Portfolio was offered.


The 2009 Jaguar XK Series adds another special edition XKR Portfolio with distinctive styling and luxurious interior touches to create a supreme Grand Touring car with the performance and dynamics of a true sports car. The 2009 XKR Portfolio features polished 20-inch Selena wheels with red Jaguar Heritage center badges, exclusive Shadow Grey metallic paint, milled aluminum power vents, and a Bowers & Wilkins speaker system. Only 385 XKR Portfolios will be available in the U.S.


Sunday, November 16, 2008

Toyota FJ Cruiser


The FJ Cruiser is a sport-utility vehicle from Toyota that draws on the styling and heritage of the Toyota FJ40 4X4 utility vehicle that was sold in the U.S. from 1960 through 1983. The FJ40 was a popular vehicle for safaris and off-road expeditions and is a collector vehicle today. The FJ Cruiser is a modern vehicle with a bold unique style, yet the FJ40 heritage is reflected in design elements such as the five-inch round headlights tied together by the grille, hood and fender contours, and the rear-mounted exposed spare tire with an off-center license-plate mount. The most noticeable features are the white roof cap and wrap-around rear side windows that were signature elements of the FJ40. The FJ Cruiser has two main forward-hinged doors and two smaller rear-hinged access doors that open to 90 degrees for rear-seat access.


The 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser adds active front head restraints and roll-sensing side curtain airbags. An optional backup camera and auto-dimming electrochromatic mirror are added to the Convenience Package. Three new exterior colors are offered: Black, Silver Fresco Metallic and Iceberg with all-white monochromatic trim.


Technical Specs
Standard Engine 4.0L V6
Standard Transmission 5 Speed Automatic
Cylinders 6
Horsepower @ RPM 239@5200
Torque @ RPM 278@3700 (foot-lbs)

Nissan Murano

The Murano is Nissan’s midsize crossover that receives its first redesign as an early 2009 model after skipping the 2008 model year. The Murano was first introduced as a 2003 model is named after the elegant sculpted glass art that comes from the islands near Venice, a tribute to the dramatic exterior and interior styling of the Murano. Nissan's first crossover SUV, the Murano combines the desirable attributes of a truck-based SUV, such as cargo capacity, ride height and available all-wheel drive, with the refinement, handling, and ride comfort of a sedan.


The all-new 2009 Nissan Murano receives new exterior and interior styling while retaining its distinctive look. Powered by a 265-horsepower version of Nissan’s VQ-Series 3.5-liter V6 engine, Murano receives the second-generation Xtronic CVT with Adaptive Shift Control. The Murano is based on the same D platform as the 2007 Altima which provides a solid foundation and new lighter suspension components with increased stiffness. Available features include a dual-panel power sliding moonroof and second-row skylight, a new foldaway cargo organizer, heated front and rear seats, power liftgate, power return rear seat and RearView Monitor.



Technical Specs
Standard Engine 3.5L V6
Standard Transmission VAR Speed Automatic
Cylinders 6
Horsepower @ RPM 265@6000
Torque @ RPM 248@4400 (foot-lbs)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Bugatti Veyron


The famous sports car manufacturer, Bugatti Automobiles SAS, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, owns the prestigious title for manufacturing the super performer of the world. The name ´Veyron´ is attributed to the French racing driver Pierre Veyron who won the title ´24 hours of Le Mans´ in 1939 for Bugatti. Bugatti, with its long years of experience in making the traditional racing cars since the early ´90s, tries the track in the modern era with a well-advanced version of their technology applied in the Veyron 16.4.Bugatti Veyron is an exclusive sports car for the 21st century. It exemplifies the perfect blending of design with technological concept.

In this new section we will see about extreme machines ever developed by human being.
As of now this cars may be for our eyes only due to their hefty price tag (please look at the price after completing the post), but these extreme machines are considered as Ideal ones and helps in designing next generation cars. This kind of machines pricks the mind of the manufacturers to produce incredible machines. Here is one such extreme machine called Bugatti Veyron 16.4 – the fastest, most powerful, most expensive production car in the history of the automotive industry.
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 has the luxury of a Rolls-Royce, the performance of a Formula One car, and the drivability of a Honda. It’s a combination that leaves the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, the Ferrari Enzo, and other wannabes in the dust


Its 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine has four turbochargers and produces 740 kilowatts (1001 metric horsepower, or 987 hp). And you want torque? How does 1250 newton-meters sound? The car reaches 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds from a standing start, and 300 km/h in 16.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 408 km/h..





The structure is made of carbon fiber and aluminum. The brakes are carbon ceramic, and the exhaust system is titanium. There are 10 radiators to dissipate the engine’s heat. To keep the car on the ground when its winglike shape develops lift at high speeds, there are front and rear air diffusers and a massive rear spoiler that deploys electronically to generate a drag force of 0.6 times the force of gravity. Ride height varies with speed from 125 to 66 mm.



To go beyond 375 km/h (233 mph), the driver must stop the car, insert a special key, and go through a checklist (”Seatbelts, check; oil, check; last will and testament, check”). At top speed, the Veyron runs through a full tank of gas in 12 minutes, for a fuel economy measured in gallons per mile. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates it at 3.846kpl and 7.692kpl in normal city and highway cycles. In average for a kilometer Bugatti Veyron 16.4 needs Rs186. Presumably, though, mileage won’t be a factor in anyone’s purchase of this vehicle, ever. From 400 km/h, the car can stop in 10 seconds, covering more than a kilometer while doing so.
In the rarefied world of the supercar, so-called volume production is measured in hundreds, sometimes just dozens of cars. By that standard, the 300 examples of the Veyron 16.4 that Bugatti Automobiles SAS, of Molsheim, France, expects to build—50 per year—qualify it as a volume car.


Bugatti built just 7000 cars between 1909 and 1956, from Grand Prix winners to the legendary Royale ultraluxury car. It seems the greatest of ironies that the storied French marque was revived by Volkswagen, parent company of Skoda and Audi. A pet project of former chairman Ferdinand Piëch, the development of the Veyron took eight years. Industry analysts don’t expect the company to recoup its investment.


But what a glorious piece of engineering it is. Volkswagen should be proud. Perhaps even Ettore Bugatti, a man of immense flamboyance, ego, and engineering genius, would be pleased.



Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Lincoln Town Car


The Town Car is Lincoln’s full-size luxury sedan with traditional Lincoln luxury, V8 power, and rear-wheel drive. For 2003, the Lincoln flagship was redesigned with a more formal exterior and a new frame and suspension designed to improve ride and handling.
While it's no sports sedan, the more powerful new Town Car can be safely driven fast—thanks to a new frame, steering system and front suspension. There also are brake system upgrades and rear suspension improvements.

The front frame rails now are fully boxed sections of hydro-formed steel, which is lighter and stronger than the old frame's welded steel channels. The new rails are filled with structural foam in key locations to help control dissipation of crash energy through the frame for better offset collision performance.

Improved SteeringThe stiffer frame helps handling. So does the new rack-and-pinion steering, which replaces the older model's less precise recirculating ball steering gear. Steering effort is low at parking speeds and rises progressively as speed goes up.

The front suspension has a more robust design with such items as upgraded shock absorbers to improve handling.

A revised rear suspension also allows better handling and reduces transmission of road impacts into the car's structure. That suspension has a stabilizer bar, and load-leveling air springs maintain a constant ride height, regardless of vehicle load.

There is a more powerful 4-wheel anti-lock brake system with a new booster that provides a "panic assist" during fast stops.

More PowerHorsepower has been increased by 19 to 239 for lively acceleration, and the 4.6-liter overhead-camshaft V8 works with a responsive automatic transmission, although it's only a four-speed unit. A more modern 5-speed automatic would be appreciated.

Fuel economy is pretty good for such a big car that weighs 4,308 to 4,467 pounds: an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway.

The interior offers plenty of comfortable room for four big occupants, although the rear-drive system's driveline tunnel eats into room. The big trunk has a better shape and also a lower, much wider opening.

Traditional V8 SoundThe interior is quieter, although Lincoln has tuned the intake and exhaust systems to let the traditional sound of a powerful American V8 be heard during hard acceleration.
The revised instrument panel looks a little too flashy and gauges are harder to read. At least the dash has a classy analog clock. Dashboard controls for the sound system and climate controls are too small, although there are steering-wheel-mounted speed control, climate and audio controls. Among other new items is a dual-zone climate control system.
The new Town Car isn't as dashing as the 1930s American luxury cars, but can easily outperform the best of them.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Chevrolet Monte Carlo



The Monte Carlo is Chevrolet’s sport coupe that debuted in 1970 as a V8-powered, rear drive personal luxury coupe. The Monte Carlo grew larger in mid-70s then in 1978 moved to a smaller platform with a V6 engine. The Monte Carlo was discontinued in 1988, and returned for the 1995 model year.


The 2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo adds a tire-pressure monitor, a FlexFuel badge for all 3.5-liter 3500 V6-equipped models, standard 17-inch alloy wheels on LT, new 7.0 Generation OnStar system with Turn-by-Turn navigation, and four new exterior colors. The Monte Carlo SS receives a standard XM Satellite Radio and an optional Rally Stripe package. The LTZ model and 3.9-liter V6 engine has been discontinued.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Hyundai Tiburon




The Tiburon is Hyundai’s sporty coupe, and the original Tiburon carried over many elements from the HCD-1 and HCD-II concept cars when it was introduced in 1996. The second-generation Tiburon debuted at Frankfurt in September 2001 and went on sale in the spring of 2002 as a 2003 model. For 2007 the Tiburon received an exterior update and more standard equipment. The SE version features a European-tuned suspension for better handling.



Technical Specs
Standard Engine 2.0L I4
Standard Transmission 5 Speed Manual
Cylinders 4
Horsepower @ RPM 138@6000
Torque @ RPM 136@4500 (foot-lbs)




After getting an exterior update for 2007, the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon adds a 220-watt Kenwood AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system and a standard XM Satellite Radio with three months of free service.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Ford F-450 Super Duty



The F-450 Super Duty is the newest addition to Ford’s F-Series Super Duty line of heavy-duty pickups that also includes the F-250 Super Duty and the F-350 Super Duty. With towing capacity of more than 24,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 6,000 pounds, the F-450 Super Duty is built on its own unique chassis that incorporates a new rear leaf-spring suspension and the radius arm front suspension from the F-450 chassis cab. According to Ford, the F-450 Super Duty offers the tightest turning radius in its class to improve maneuverability when towing. The entire Super Duty line was updated for 2008 with a bold new exterior design and a new interior design.




The 2009 Ford F-450 adds the Harley-Davidson F-450 with a blue-flame paint scheme. Inside the flame design carries over to the gauges and custom perforated black leather with blue showing through covers the seats, door panels and center console. The 2009 Ford F-450 Super Duty also offers a Cabela’s FX4 package that features a unique two-tone paint scheme in five colors: Ebony, Oxford White, Forest Green Metallic, Royal Red Metallic and Silver Metallic with Sterling Gray Metallic lower body accents, running boards and wheel lip moldings. Custom mud flaps and Cabela’s badges are also included. Inside, the Cabela’s FX4 features cloth seats with Cabela’s logo or available Aniline leather seats with a two-tone embossed grain pattern. The center stack is finished with a dark Paldeo wood appliqué and all-weather floor mats include the Cabela’s logo. The 2009 F-450 Super Duty includes additional standard equipment for all trim levels. The XL adds standard air conditioning, Securilock and trailer tow mirrors, while XLT adds power heated trailer tow mirrors, privacy glass, integrated trailer brake controller and remote keyless entry. The FX4 adds PowerScope integrated power-fold power-telescoping mirrors, power seats, captain’s chairs and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The Lariat includes all the FX4 standard equipment plus the reverse camera system, power sliding rear window, heated seats, molded running boards and SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system.



Ford Five Hundred


The Five Hundred is Ford’s flagship four-door sedan which debuted for 2005, built on a new platform shared with the Freestyle crossover. Featuring what Ford calls Command Seating, which positions the driver and passengers higher than in a typical sedan, more like an SUV, the Five Hundred features energy-channeling frame and body structures for improved safety. Ford describes the Five Hundred as an upscale sedan for persons who like the upright Command Seating, flexible storage, and all-wheel-drive capability of an SUV, but prefer the comfort and driving characteristics of a sedan.

The 2007 Ford Five Hundred adds several new packages, optional SIRIUS satellite radio and two new exterior colors. A new chrome package is available for SE and SEL with 18-inch eight-spoke chrome clad wheels and a chrome mesh grille. Other options for the SEL include a navigation system, heated seats, and three packages. An interior convenience package includes fog lights, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, dual electronic temperature control, automatic lights and an outside-temperature display; an interior power package features eight-way power driver seat and adjustable pedals; and a Limited convenience package includes memory adjustable pedals, a universal garage door opener, reverse sensing and a trunk cargo net. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all front-wheel-drive models. Front-seat side airbags are standard and Ford’s Safety Canopy side air curtain system will be available later in the model year