And a story from AFP.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Evel Knievel dies
If you were a kid in the 70's this will be a hard one...Evel Knievel died. It's not news about toy cars but it's worth noting I think. I was one of the tons of kids that had a little white Evel Knievel motorcycle that you had a zip cord to get it reved up. I must have played with that until the wheels fell off...I loved that toy and it was one of the first memories I have of TV. Seeing Evel doing his daredevil riding and stunts. Anyway, here's a tribute from the AP on the icon.
And a story from AFP.
And a story from AFP.
BMW Hydrogen 7 - practical or political?
BMW has gone to great lengths to publicize the “Hydrogen 7,” the hydrogen powered 7 Series loaned to stars with great publicity.
But is there any reality to what BMW is doing, or is the Hydrogen 7 really just a very effective publicity stunt?
Though hydrogen powered vehicles are generally thought of when fuel cells are the actual source of power creation, the Hydrogen 7 is not a fuel cell car. And, therein, lies the real story.
The Hydrogen 7 burns hydrogen in modified BMW V-12 engine. In that respect, it’s a lot like cars that are converted to burn propane. A different fuel is being substituted for gasoline, but it creates power the same way as any other internal combustion engine: moving pistons in cylinders. In fact, the Hydrogen 7 can also burn regular gasoline. Selecting the fuel is simply a matter of moving a switch on the dashboard.
But, in order to burn hydrogen in an internal combustion engine, it must be stored in liquid form. That requires the ability to keep the hydrogen very, very cold. The hydrogen fuel tank in the Hydrogen 7 is insulated, using an insulating material which BMW says has the equivalent properties of 17 meters of Styrofoam in the one inch thick tank insulation. Even though the tank is so well insulated that, according to BMW, it could keep coffee hot for three months, it can’t keep hydrogen inside it for more than a day. The fuel builds pressure in the tank, to the point that it must be vented when the pressure reaches 87 psi. That happens automatically, but it can also vent out half the hydrogen fuel supply into the atmosphere. The car is equipped with a catalytic converter to add oxygen to the venting hydrogen to turn the escaping gas into water vapor.
Then, there is cost: hydrogen is more expensive than gasoline. Even though it creates water vapor as its exhaust, there has been virtually nothing done to assess either the environmental impact of the energy used to manufacture hydrogen or maintain it in liquid form in storage tanks around the country. Similarly, there has been no apparent consideration given to the effect of increasing the atmospheric water content, particularly in areas with concentrated automotive populations.
BMW claims that it is hoping the Hydrogen 7 will encourage more stations selling liquid hydrogen. But, it’s not willing to take the gasoline tank out of the car before loaning it to the stars. That’s probably just as well, for both stars and company. On hydrogen, the range of the Hydrogen 7 is a mere 100 miles with a full tank.
Exoto diecast news-Gorgeous Porsche's!
News and photos today from Exoto Diecast:
The historical significance of Porsche in sports car racing is unquestioned. The 908 and 917 were magnificent machines, but technology was developing rapidly through the 70s and Porsche was determined to lead. Before the 956 and 962 models of the 80s came the 936!
Tireless development at Porsche had resulted in the 911-based 934 RSR and 934 Turbo models to compete in Group 4 and Group 5. For the top tier of the World Sports Car Championship, Porsche produced the 936 model. With it's turbo-charged 2.142-liter engine, the 936 combined aspects of the 908/3, 917, and the outrageous 917/30!
Exoto continues to move the art of diecast engineering forward with our upcoming Porsche 936/77 releases. The details have to be seen to be believed. From miniature hose clamps made from photo-etch metal to our lustrous 11-step paint finish, and from the spinning cooling fan to the removable wheels, our 936 replica has been designed with you, the enthusiast, in mind.
Full opening panels, spring-loaded fuel filler caps and pedals, ventilated and machined metal brake discs turn within fixed calipers, masses of wiring and hoses, a moving shift linkage between the gear shifter and transmission all contribute to making our Porsche 936/77 one of our proudest achievements.
Even the "most perfect combination of man and machine ever seen", can have a bad day! Just five laps into the 1973 season opener at the fearsome Mosport circuit near Toronto, Canada, Donohue came over a crest to find a much slower car in his path. Locked in battle with Scheckters 917/10, the big Porsche shot off the track and suffered serious damage. Donohue was, however, persuaded back into the car once basic repairs were made.
Exoto's unparalleled "Finish Line Excess" edition is a sympathetic replica of Mark Donohue's 1973 Can-Am Porsche 917/30 as it appeared at Mosport! Each of the 99 very special Limited Edition miniatures is modified by hand with the Mosport race damage, the hastily applied tape repairs, and glorious one-of-a-kind speed weathering.
1977 World Champion and Le Mans Winner
Porsche 936/77 Werks Prototype Now Available for Pre-Order!
The historical significance of Porsche in sports car racing is unquestioned. The 908 and 917 were magnificent machines, but technology was developing rapidly through the 70s and Porsche was determined to lead. Before the 956 and 962 models of the 80s came the 936!
Tireless development at Porsche had resulted in the 911-based 934 RSR and 934 Turbo models to compete in Group 4 and Group 5. For the top tier of the World Sports Car Championship, Porsche produced the 936 model. With it's turbo-charged 2.142-liter engine, the 936 combined aspects of the 908/3, 917, and the outrageous 917/30!
Exoto continues to move the art of diecast engineering forward with our upcoming Porsche 936/77 releases. The details have to be seen to be believed. From miniature hose clamps made from photo-etch metal to our lustrous 11-step paint finish, and from the spinning cooling fan to the removable wheels, our 936 replica has been designed with you, the enthusiast, in mind.
Full opening panels, spring-loaded fuel filler caps and pedals, ventilated and machined metal brake discs turn within fixed calipers, masses of wiring and hoses, a moving shift linkage between the gear shifter and transmission all contribute to making our Porsche 936/77 one of our proudest achievements.
Limited Edition of Just 99 Replicas Speed-Weathered by Hand!
1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am in Finish Line Excess!
1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am in Finish Line Excess!
Even the "most perfect combination of man and machine ever seen", can have a bad day! Just five laps into the 1973 season opener at the fearsome Mosport circuit near Toronto, Canada, Donohue came over a crest to find a much slower car in his path. Locked in battle with Scheckters 917/10, the big Porsche shot off the track and suffered serious damage. Donohue was, however, persuaded back into the car once basic repairs were made.
Exoto's unparalleled "Finish Line Excess" edition is a sympathetic replica of Mark Donohue's 1973 Can-Am Porsche 917/30 as it appeared at Mosport! Each of the 99 very special Limited Edition miniatures is modified by hand with the Mosport race damage, the hastily applied tape repairs, and glorious one-of-a-kind speed weathering.
Life-Like Racing HO announcement
Exciting Product News from Life-Like Racing Milwaukee, Wis., November 30, 2007–Life-Like Racing’s 2008 starting lineup will include the most popular driver in NASCAR®, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and NASCAR’s Cars of Tomorrow (CoT).
The Dale Earnhardt Jr. license will bring complete race sets, as well as a Fast TrackerTM two-pack, featuring both primary sponsor schemes–the AMP® #88 and National Guard® #88–to the Life-Like line.
And HO slot car enthusiasts will be able to race the newly designed Ford® Fusion, Chevy® Impala SS, Toyota® Camry and the Dodge® Avenger with the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow series, coming soon from Life-Like. Delivery of these new HO Scale products is expected in August 2008. About Life-Like Racing Based in Baltimore, Md., Life-Like Racing is a division of Wm.K.Walthers, Inc. of Milwaukee.
The Life-Like Racing arm offers a wide selection of quality HO Scale slot racing sets, cars and accessories. For more information on Life-Like Racing products, visit www.walthers.com.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
SUPRA X 125 RR
Xpress your young spirit!
Honda Supra X 125R, the sensation racing that matching to satisfy your young tumult.
The touch racing in each one of his details terinspirasi from the Honda CBR race motor and F1 Honda.
Feel the tumult racing Honda Supra X 125R
Spesifikasi :
Panjang X lebar X tinggi 1.889 x 702 x 1.074 mm
Jarak sumbu roda 1.242 mm
Jarak terendah ke tanah 136 mm
Berat kosong 102 kg
Tipe rangka Tulang punggung
Tipe suspensi depan Teleskopik
Tipe suspensi belakang Lengan ayun dan peredam kejut ganda
Ukuran ban depan 70/90 – 17 38P
Ukuran ban belakang 80/90 – 17 44P
Rem depan Cakram hidrolik dengan piston ganda
Rem belakang Tromol
Kapasitas tangki bahan bakar 3,7 liter
Tipe mesin 4 langkah, SOHC, pendinginan udara
Diameter x langkah 52,4 x 57,9 mm
Volume langkah 124,9 cc
Perbandingan kompresi 9,0 : 1
Daya maksimum 9,3 PS/7.500 rpm
Torsi maksimum 1,03 kgf.m /4000 rpm
Kapasitas minyak pelumas mesin 0,7 liter pada penggantian periodik
Kopling Ganda, otomatis, sentrifugal, tipe basah
Gigi transmsi 4 kecepatan rotari / bertautan tetap
Pola pengoperan gigi N-1-2-3-4-N
Starter Pedal dan elektrik
Aki MF 12 V – 3,5 Ah
Busi ND U20EPR9 / NGK CPR6EA-9
Sistem pengapian DC - CDI
modifikasi contest
Accelera Auto Contest 2007
The biggest activity of the modification contest in Indonesia during 2007 that was held by PT.Elang Perdana Tyres Industries the producer of the tyre with the ACCELERA make and Cody Enterprises as event organizer in the agenda of "ACCELERA AUTO CONTEST 2007 series to 9" of the series 10 implementation cities in Indonesia
The Honda Air Blade is the latest addition to the fleet of Honda motor bikes available in Thailand at the moment. The Honda Air Blade designed by Kaoru Hayashi and his team is one of the sleekest of the scooter style motor bikes available on the market.
The Honda Air Blade with its sharp wide beam twin headlights has numerous features that make it one of the best value and most reliable motor bike, the Honda Air Blade is a strong competitor on a highly competitive motorcycle market.
The Honda Air Blade's 110cc four-stroke engine with built-in liquid cooling is compact but packs more horsepower than a standard 125cc air-cooled automatic motorcycle engine. Ride comfortably, confidently and smoothly at all speeds with the efficient new V-Matic belt-drive transmission that uses a long-lasting reinforced steel belt
.
Samarinda on November 17-18 2007 in Lembuswana Mall will be present more than 75 car-modification exclusive of the Samarinda city, Balikpapan and surrounding area.
The modification contest that involved dozens of modifiers, the modification workshop and was followed by various communities/the modification club of the upper plank in Indonesia, will contest more than 118 categories of the modification and the contest audio in the site that was spread out while 2 days were full this.
Ferrari : New Two cars show in January
Could be, the race season F1 2008 will go more advanced.
His article, teams F1 has released the launching schedule of their car.
The team that now dipunggawai Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock this was ascertained slid exact on January 10.
The new Toyota car, that was named TF108 will be introduced to the public in their post in Cologne, not in Japan.
The car of Toyota TF107, that this year appeared disappointing, then
Launched in the same place, that is in Cologne.
The difference is, that time was introduced in Expo XXI, not in the Toyota post.
It was clear, the car anyar Toyota this will appear the difference.
The "car 2008 we will be different."
Not revolutionary, but the evolution that berkelanjut him.
Because we began the car 2008 was early enough, that is in January, said Pascal Vasselon, the manager of the chassis of Toyota F1.
One team of the other big manufacturer also would meluncukan the car in the same month, namely BMW Sauber.
This team was planned melaunching BMW F1.08 exact on January 15, also in the BMW post in Munich.
With launching early, so BMW has had preparations was better.
Moreover, they have appointed the target to gain the victory in the season 2008.
That was certain, the car F1.08 this immediately was dropped off in the session test Jerez, a day after launching official.
SCHUMACHER MASIH DIPERCAYA
Sementara, the appearance of Michael Schumacher that still was superfast in Catalunya then made the Ferrari team not wanted to lose moment.
Michael Schumacher didaulat descended again, mengetest the Ferrari car next month in the Jerez
circuit
YAMAHA VIXION '07 Vixion In Action
Still adhered to our memory during gelaran the Jakarta Fair (PRJ , tenant the tuning-fork was so solid of the reason visitor like with display Yamaha V-ixion the version street fighter
Lamborghini Murcielago SV
Lamborghini is working on a lightweight version of the Murcielago. At least 220 pounds lighter than the Murciélago LP640, the SV will have even more power than the 641-hp V12 Reventon. Sources also say that Lamborghini is working on a SV version of the Gallardo.
The Murcielago SV will loose the front differential and driveshafts saving this way around 90 lbs. Also the dietary lessons learned from the Gallardo Superleggera will provide the rest of the needed weight reduction. The car body panels will be made out of carbon fiber while th roof and the door panels from aluminum.
The interior will become carbon-fiber central, including the inner door skins, the seat shells and the center tunnel. Leather-lined door panels will be replaced by carbon, with a pull strap for a door handle, saving five pounds per door. Lamborghini also will strip out the audio system, and if it follows Superleggera precedent, it will happily sell it back to you as an option.
Under the hood there will be a 6.5-liter V12 engine that will deliver 680 hp and 516 lbs-ft. Also it will feature new, lighter exhaust internals to serve the dual missions of cutting weight and easing back pressure.
New SCX Escort
This car is already out in Europe but I thought I'd pass the photos along anyway...should be a popular one!
Audi Abt AS5
Unobtrusive design and powerful appearance - this is what the Abt AS5 stands for. With a discerning eye on the detail Abt enhances the elegant Audi Coupé with its breathtaking, pleasing contours and the stretched flanks. The team from Kempten has managed to upgrade the unique vehicle without changing its character.
With the two coloured paint and the Abt body kit, the AS5 appears like a mannequin in an extravagant designer tailor-made suit.The front skirt, in which a grid element accents the front fog lights and the single-frame grill, the strikingly curved lateral parts, the fender insets and the gill-shaped air inlets form a shapely unit.
The Coupé is a unique and beautiful car, no matter from which perspective. The rear skirt inset with the diffuser excellently harmonizes with the 4-pipe rear muffler, together with the perfectly designed rear spoiler it accentuates the rear of the vehicle. As ideal complement, Abt recommends the new BR wheel in 20 inch. With its superposed spokes, the wheel seems to rapidly move forward although it is standing still.
The Abt AS5 is not only optically a real sports car. In Essen it is presented with the powerful 3.0 TDI engine which, thanks to Abt Power S, now brings 300 HP (221 KW) onto the road instead of the serial 240 HP (176 KW). The torque of 600 Nm is getting free at already 2400 rpm and provide for shear force in all situations. Also impressive is the acceleration of the self-igniting engine. Exactly 5.3 seconds needs the car from standing still to 100 km/h, the top speed is 264 km/h - values which suit to a sporty Coupé like the Abt AS5.
In order that the impressive power remains controllable, Christian Abt, motor sport professional, excellently adjusted the Abt thread sports suspension in detail. And the Abt brake system with discs 380 millimeters diameter powerfully grips.Abt multifunctional sports steering wheel, soft nappa leather grip and carbon look leather adorn the driver’s workplace. Abt aluminium pedals and gear shift knob complete the sporty accent in the interior. A successful masterpiece can be seen at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW, the Abt AS5. The only downside is: It wants to be driven and this, unfortunately, is impossible in the exhibition hall.
Source: Internal
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Ferrari vs. Lamborghini vs. Porsche vs. Mercedes
Ferrari F430 Spider
-V8, 490 hp
-6 spd F1
-RWD
-1599 kg
-311 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,1 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,9 s
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
-V10, 520 hp
-6 spd E-Gear
-AWD
-1748 kg
-314 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,4 s
-0-200 km/h: 15,5 s
Porsche 911 Turbo
-B6, bi-turbo, 480 hp
-5 spd TipTronic
-AWD
-1709 kg
-310 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 3,8 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,0 s
Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG
-V12, bi-turbo, 612 hp
-5 spd Automatic
-RWD
-2051 kg
-250 km/h limited
-338 km/h without the limiter
-0-100 km/h: 3,9 s
-0-200 km/h: 12,6 s
-V8, 490 hp
-6 spd F1
-RWD
-1599 kg
-311 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,1 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,9 s
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
-V10, 520 hp
-6 spd E-Gear
-AWD
-1748 kg
-314 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 4,4 s
-0-200 km/h: 15,5 s
Porsche 911 Turbo
-B6, bi-turbo, 480 hp
-5 spd TipTronic
-AWD
-1709 kg
-310 km/h
-0-100 km/h: 3,8 s
-0-200 km/h: 13,0 s
Mercedes Benz SL65 AMG
-V12, bi-turbo, 612 hp
-5 spd Automatic
-RWD
-2051 kg
-250 km/h limited
-338 km/h without the limiter
-0-100 km/h: 3,9 s
-0-200 km/h: 12,6 s
New Spirit BMW 2002 Pneuhoge
This is the latest in the 1600/2002 series from Spirit and their first roadracing model of the 2002. The previous releases being a 1600 and a 2002 rally car. It uses the same chassis as the previous releases with a Slot it like motor pod held in with 4 screws, and the fully adjustable front axle with set screws above and below. It also has a powerful long can SxXx motor with 9/27 gearing using a brass pinion and alloy hub, set screw type crown. It also has a small bar magnet just ahead of the motor.
Spirit has done a very nice job with this series of cars. According to my calculations, all of the dimensions are nearly perfect 1/32 scale, with the length and wheelbase just slightly under scale. The paint is very smooth and crisp, with nice tampo printing of numbers and decals, but no clear coat. There is a moderate level of detail with both painted and chrome plastic trim in places. The interior is a bit sparse, with visible holes for the rally navigator, but a nicely detailed dash. The wheels appear to be the correct 13” diameter with nice black mesh inserts.
Spirit has made some very competitive LMP cars and with these little BMWs, they have set a new standard for small vintage racing chassis design. I was disappointed that this car had a rear wheel pressed on crooked, which eliminated the possibility for testing. Spirit has had some issues with wheels and axles, but it is a new company and I am sure this was just an anomaly. I really like Spirit’s cars and feel they have some of the most potential for tuning of any cars made right now. Keep an eye out for the Slot Car News team Spirit BMWs in the Canadian Proxy Race (CPR), as both Dave and I have prepared one of these neat little cars for battle!
Spirit has done a very nice job with this series of cars. According to my calculations, all of the dimensions are nearly perfect 1/32 scale, with the length and wheelbase just slightly under scale. The paint is very smooth and crisp, with nice tampo printing of numbers and decals, but no clear coat. There is a moderate level of detail with both painted and chrome plastic trim in places. The interior is a bit sparse, with visible holes for the rally navigator, but a nicely detailed dash. The wheels appear to be the correct 13” diameter with nice black mesh inserts.
Spirit has made some very competitive LMP cars and with these little BMWs, they have set a new standard for small vintage racing chassis design. I was disappointed that this car had a rear wheel pressed on crooked, which eliminated the possibility for testing. Spirit has had some issues with wheels and axles, but it is a new company and I am sure this was just an anomaly. I really like Spirit’s cars and feel they have some of the most potential for tuning of any cars made right now. Keep an eye out for the Slot Car News team Spirit BMWs in the Canadian Proxy Race (CPR), as both Dave and I have prepared one of these neat little cars for battle!
Nissan to take orders for GT-R starting Jan 1, 2008
As Nissan reported at Los Angeles Auto Show, the GT-R will be brought on the North American market in a number of 1500 units a year and will be sold only by selected dealers. And if you want to buy a GT-R you will be happy to know that the company will start taking orders on January 1ts 2008.
And just as a reminder the Nissan GT-R is powered by a 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine that produces 473 HP at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 433 lbs-ft from 3200 to 5200rpm.
The GT-R prices start from$69,850 for the base model and $71,900 for the premium version.
2009 Kia Borego
2009 Kia Borego (or Mohave on the Korean market) is set to be unveiled next year at the Detroit Auto Show. But of course it couldn’t stay a secret until then, and the first images started to surface online.
The 2009 Borrego is based on the mesa Concept, unveiled in 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show. Built with body-on-frame construction incorporating the latest in NVH engineering philosophy, Borrego will be Kia’s newest addition to its well-rounded full-line of vehicles that continually provide value, safety and a steadfast 10-year/100,000-mile warranty to consumers.
Borrego will be available with either a V6 engine or the company’s first V8 offering, which will also boast Kia’s largest towing capacity to date.
Dodge Dakota MX Warrior At SEMA 2007
Designed from the outset to appeal to younger buyers who choose to pursue an active lifestyle, the Dodge Dakota MX Warrior is a design exercise suitably based around the theme of motocross racing. The MX Warrior's graphics were designed in conjunction with motocross rider and student in Creative Studies at Detroit, Scott Waraniak, and will be presented at next week's SEMA show.
Motocross is a sport in the extreme sense of the word, run on closed-course dirt tracks and demanding incredibly quick reflexes as well as great degrees of physical conditioning, concentration and practice to manouvere around the various course requirements from ruts and berms to 90-foot jumps and 180-degree tight turns.
The 'design splatter' embodies the sport and is styled by motocross racer #934 Waraniak, who races for KTM North America and Seattle's Jones Soda. The vinyl wrap encompasses a splash of Dodge's own identity, the choice of colours reflecting a youthful attitude: the splatter uses a bold 'O21orange' and 'battleship grey' to complement the MX Warrior's custom 'Surf Blue' paint job.
Enhancements to the car, bar its splash of colour, include the raising of the car's ride height by four inches and the fitting of 20-inch chrome alloys. Fender flares match the car's new vinyl wrap graphics while also serving as its protection. Chrysler's in-house metal shop customised the production of new steel front and rear bumpers to greater protect the car, with an extension to the truck bed and new taillamps also being new additions. A new one-off hood air intake allows greater air flow to the 4.7-litre Magnum V8 engine.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show runs at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from October 30th to November 2nd 2007.
The Dodge Dakota MX Warrior is a design exercise intended for the younger action-sports crowd. This authentic motocross-themed concept is a cooperative effort with Scott Waraniak. Waraniak is a design student at College for Creative Studies in Detroit and AMA District 14 motocross racer #936 who races for KTM North America and Seattle-based Jones Soda.
Motocross is an extreme sport run on closed-course, natural-terrain dirt tracks. Grabbing the holeshot and maneuvering through the ruts, berms, whoops, doubles, 90-foot jumps and 180-degree tight turns demands lightning-fast reflexes, physical conditioning, practice, concentration and speed. Forty racers compete in two 20-minute motos – mixing flying dirt and rocks with intimidation, adrenaline and horsepower. The outdoor motocross season runs from April to September, while the indoor supercross season runs from January through April. The sport continues to grow in popularity particularly with Gen X and Gen Y action-sport athletes in the United States, Europe and Japan.
With his likeness and signature on limited-edition bottles of Jones Soda, Waraniak [a West Bloomfield, Mich.-resident] provided his race-prepped bike for the project. He’ll use the 2008 KTM 450 SX-F in 2008 motocross season competition. He designed the graphics for both the bike and the Dodge Dakota MX Warrior.
The design team let Waraniak loose to design his “splatter” theme. The bold O21orange and battleship gray vinyl wrap is provided by Image Quest Graphics of Wixom, Mich. The Dakota/KTM 450 SX-F graphics integrate the podium performance of Dodge, Mopar and KTM Motorsports with Waraniak’s sponsors and the motocross industry’s leading icons and lifestyle companies:
- KTM North America of Amherst, Ohio
- Troy Lee Designs of Corona, Calif.
- FMF Racing of Rancho Dominguez, Calif.
- Alpinestars of Torrance, Calif.
- Spy Optics of Carlsbad, Calif.
- EVS Sports of Janesville, Wis.
- Cycra of Hebron, Ohio
- VP Racing Fuels of Wildomar, Calif.
- Maxima Racing Oils of Santee, Calif.
- Lake Cycle of Grand Haven, Mich.
- JP Speed of Holly, Mich.
- KTM Hard Equipment of Amherst, Ohio
- Michelin of Greenville, S.C.
- Powersport Grafx of North Wilkesboro, N.C.
- Xlox Systems of Calgary, Alberta
- SuperSports of Waterford, Mich.
- Skyjacker of Suspensions, West Monroe, La.
- Iniziale Designs of Roseville, Mich.
- KICKER® Audio of Stillwater, Okla.
- Jones Soda of Seattle, Wash.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
BMW X6
A few years ago, the idea of building a 4x4 that thinks it’s a coupé would scarcely have been believed – but BMW has done exactly that with its stunning new X6. According to the German marque, the four-door, four-wheel-drive vehicle will redefine the off-roader as we know it when it goes on sale here next summer.
Dubbed a Sports Activity Coupé, the X6 aims to combine the racy look of a coupé with the luxury and ruggedness of a prestige SUV. Radical? Certainly. And under the skin, it gets even better, with a clever new 4x4 system and hybrid power.
The car is set to rival the Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne, and Auto Express gained exclusive access to a prototype at a test track near the BMW production plant in South Carolina, US, to see how it’s shaping up.
Virtually unchanged from the Active-Hybrid concept which the company revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the X6 looks startling. It’s very different to BMW’s other big off-roader, the X5, with every single body panel being unique. The windscreen is more raked, and the lights front and rear are completely new.
But it’s the coupé roofline and vast one-piece hatchback that provide the most dramatic detail. Longer, wider and lower than the X5, the X6 has an aggressive low nose, high tail stance and smaller glass areas, too.
Yet while the X5 is now available as a seven-seater, the X6 accommodates only four people, with two individual seats in the back. Legroom is fine, but headroom is tighter due to that sloping roofline – although the fact that the car is a hatchback does mean there’s an enormous boot.
In the front, the dashboard draws its inspiration from the X5, and even on this prototype, it’s clear that fit and finish will be class-leading.
Under the skin, the coupé is based on the X5 platform, but gets Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) to enhance traction and stability. The all-new system builds on the benefits offered by the xDrive 4x4 drivetrain. Cleverly, it can split torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between individual wheels. So if the system senses the tyres are starting to slide, it can instantaneously send drive to the wheels with the most grip.
There’s also a widened rear track and 20-inch alloys, so you’d expect the X6 to be great around corners. And, on the basis of our track drive, it certainly is. In fact, it’s even more entertaining than the Cayenne.
The steering is sharp and there’s lots of grip, as well as amazing agility, with the DPC system shifting torque seamlessly. This provides the BMW with neutral handling, even under extreme provocation. Body control is superb, and at high speeds, the X6 feels really stable.
Further innovation is found under the bonnet. The X6 has a slick-shifting new eight-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles. This is mated to a 290bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel, which gives sublime pace, refinement and economy.
In addition, buyers will be offered a 400bhp version of the 4.8-litre V8 from the X5. A hybrid will appear at a later date, too, complete with twin electric motors – one for town use and the other for motorways. All this comes at a price, though. Entry-level versions of the X6 will start from around £45,000. Yes, this may seem a little on the expensive side – but drivers with that much to spend will be getting the best-handling and best-looking luxury SUV on the market. We can’t wait to put the stylish new BMW through its paces in a more thorough test early next year.
Rival: Porsche Cayenne GTS
The GTS is the Cayenne that Porsche buyers have always wanted. Featuring tweaked suspension and an uprated 4.5-litre V8, it’s an off-roader that performs like a supercar. As such, it will provide the new X6 with strong competition.
2009 Lincoln MKS
The all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS full-size luxury sedan debuts today, providing customers understated style, first-of-a-kind convenience features, advanced safety and one of the best values in the luxury market. Unveiled at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, the new Lincoln flagship is designed to help fuel Lincoln’s growth by attracting new customers.
“Lincoln has reestablished itself as a quality and design leader with award-winning products like the Lincoln MKZ, MKX and Navigator,” says Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company’s president of The Americas. “With the Lincoln MKS, we are raising the bar even higher with unparalleled amenities and performance, and a price that should be irresistible to luxury customers.”
The New Lincoln Flagship: A Strong Contender in the Luxury Sedan Segment
The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan aimed at bringing new and younger buyers into the Lincoln fold. Not traditional luxury buyers who shop based on name and price tag alone, Lincoln MKS customers are under 50 and value beautiful modern design, more fuel efficiency and good value.
Pricing for Lincoln MKS starts at less than $38,000, a strategic move aimed at attracting new customers to the brand. Many will be first-time luxury buyers, with a significant number expected to migrate from imports. In fact, up to 60 percent of those buying the luxury sedan are expected to be new to Lincoln.
“We’re playing to win with the Lincoln MKS, especially in California, where more luxury vehicles are sold than anywhere else. We will do so by offering confident, understated, respectful luxury – not something that will go out of fashion in a year or two,” said Mike Richards, Lincoln General Marketing Manager. “We’re also making an extra effort to reach out to African American and Hispanic buyers who want and deserve luxury in their lives, in part, through new marketing relationships with artists Common and Juanes.”
Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award winning artist, will help introduce SYNC, which is standard on Lincolns and widely available on Ford and Mercury products, to the Hispanic market. Juanes was recognized by Time magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” for his belief in the possibility of social change through music.
Common, an accomplished musician, children’s author and actor, will represent Lincoln beginning in 2008. The partnership will feature multiple levels of advertising, marketing and promotional activities between Lincoln and Common’s wide-ranging businesses and his community service program. Common is currently appearing with Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington in the Ridley Scott-produced film American Gangster.
To be built at Ford Motor Company’s Chicago Assembly Plant, the Lincoln MKS will begin arriving in Lincoln showrooms next summer.
Loaded with Convenience and Technology: Lincoln MKS offers unprecedented amenities
The Lincoln MKS offers a suite of technologies and features not found on other luxury sedans. They include:
SYNC, a hands-free, voice-activated hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players, providing customers hands-free cell phone and music selection capabilities.
THX®-certified audio system with 5.1 Surround Sound, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and Voice-Activated Navigation, which provides superior sound quality – plus real time traffic updates, movie listings, radar weather forecasts and even directions to the closest local gas stations with the best prices.
Lincoln’s Next-Generation Keypad, which uses heat-sensing technology to bring alive the keypad of LED backlit numerals embedded in the driver side B-pillar. The driver enters a five-digit code to unlock the vehicle.
Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, a customer convenience that helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed, and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which allows the driver to set the car’s speed and maintain that speed without using the accelerator pedal. The radar-based system also can monitor the vehicle in front (up to 600 feet) and adjust the speed of the Lincoln MKS to keep it a safe distance behind the lead vehicle. Four settings accommodate different driving styles.
Intelligent Access with Push Button Start, which is a first for Lincoln and allows the driver to enter the Lincoln MKS and start the engine without using a key. Drivers simply carry the special fob as they approach the vehicle, touch the keyless entry pad on the B-Pillar, open the door and with the brake pedal engaged, start the engine by pushing a button.
Adaptive Headlamps with Automatic High Beams and Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps, which enhance nighttime visibility by illuminating more of the road and reducing glare from oncoming traffic. Sensors monitor vehicle speed and steering wheel input engaging electric motors that pivot the left headlamp up to five degrees and the right headlamp up to 15 degrees to increase the driver’s field of vision. Plus, automatic high beams switch to high intensity when no other vehicles are detected.
Rain-Sensing Wipers, which are moisture-activated and programmable.
Forward Sensing System, which determines how close front objects are while parking.
Rearview Camera System, which is mounted beneath the Lincoln Star on the decklid and activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a view of what’s behind the vehicle. The system works in conjunction with the vehicle’s reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.
Understated Design: Lincoln MKS debuts new design DNA
The Lincoln MKS is the first vehicle to embrace Lincoln’s new design DNA.
“Every element of this luxury sedan reflects the culture of Lincoln – from its well-proportioned athleticism to the design cues we have painstakingly developed, modernizing the best elements over time,” says Peter Horbury, executive director of Design for The Americas.
Its most striking exterior design feature is its double-wing grille, which sweeps up into the jewel-like headlamps, wrapping around the front fascia and forming a sharp crease that defines the high beltline. A subtle kick-up over the rear wheel calls back cues found on many classic Lincolns. Strong shoulders, dramatic C-pillars, clean body sides, a tall rear deck and large wheels and tires lend the Lincoln MKS a confident stance.
Modern luxury carries through inside, as well. Space is abundant, with a class-leading interior package. In fact, the MKS has the largest rear cabin in its class in every important dimension, including head, leg and shoulder room. And Lincoln tends to passengers’ comfort with standard heated rear seats, an overhead skylight and a sun shade for the backlight.
Its interior is sleek. For instance, the Lincoln MKS’s symmetrical instrument panel has fewer break lines than other luxury vehicles. The flow-through center stack is clean and uncluttered, with an information screen integrated at the top. The large center console has a split, two-piece, padded upper section. Each section slides forward individually to form an armrest.
“Luxury buyers still expect rare beauty, but today, they also seek authenticity,” Horbury said.
“This is space Lincoln can rightfully reclaim, given the design of our vehicles and the way we’ve chosen to adorn the MKS with the finest real leathers, rare woods, real aluminum and chrome accents – in a more environmentally responsible way.”
For example, the leather used for the seats is perfected with vegetable dyes and a chromium-free tanning process to create the softest leather ever used in a Lincoln.
It is supplied by Bridge of Weir Leather, the same company that provided hides for the Ford Model T and the iconic Continental Mark II, as well as the Concorde, the Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Burj Al Arab, the world’s first 7-star hotel.
Ebony wood used for some models is reclaimed from furniture makers and others sources, offering a rare wood with minimal environmental impact. Also offered is Olive Ash, a wood with a distinctive grain pattern created when the roots of two trees grow together.
Smooth Power: Fuel-efficient V-6 today; V-8 power with V-6 efficiency tomorrow
The Lincoln MKS is powered by a Lincoln exclusive new 3.7-liter V-6 engine. The powertrain has been derived from the proven 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Lincoln MKX, which was voted one of Ward’s 10-Best Engines for 2007.
Both engines share the same strong, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight four-valve heads for smooth operation at high RPMs. The 3.7-liter’s larger cylinders contribute to the increase in horsepower and torque. This engine delivers 270 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift that delivers smoother shifts, better fuel economy, acceleration and the option to manually select gears.
“This engine is tuned to maximize the increased torque to improve performance where it’s needed most – standing acceleration and passing,” says Michael Celentino, chief engineer.
Less than a year after launch, the Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle to offer Ford’s new gasoline turbo direct injection engine technology.
The premium engine – which offers the power and torque of a V-8 with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 – will make the Lincoln MKS the most powerful and fuel-efficient all-wheel drive luxury sedan in the market.
Lincoln MKS also is available with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that provides a confident driving experience in all weather. It uses a sophisticated system of clutches to quickly distribute torque between front and rear wheels – up to 100 percent in either direction – to avoid wheel slip. The AWD system works with the standard Advance Trac® stability control system to provide additional stability, transferring torque from side-to-side.
An all-new independent rear suspension design features vertically mounted shock absorbers mounted at the outboard end of the suspension arms near the wheels, maximizing suspension travel and allowing for more precise suspension tuning.
The MacPherson strut and rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm front suspension also was designed to maximize suspension travel and tuned to work in harmony with the rear suspension. As an added benefit, the new suspension design can accommodate larger, 20-inch wheels and tires without compromising ride comfort.
The Lincoln MKS comes standard with 18-inch bright, machined, cast aluminum painted 10-spoke wheels. Nineteen-inch 10-spoke painted, polished or machined aluminum or a class-exclusive 20-inch, 11-spoke, highly polished, cast aluminum wheel are available options.
Building on a Heritage of Safety Leadership
The Lincoln MKS is equipped with a comprehensive package of the latest in active and passive safety features to provide the highest level of protection for all occupants.
Standard safety features include: dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, driver seat positioning sensor, side air bags and Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags with roll-fold technology and four-wheel ABS brakes.
Additional standard safety features include an anti-theft perimeter alarm, Battery Saver, Belt-Minder®, Child Safety Locks, glow-in-the-dark trunk release, illuminated entry, LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children) and a tire pressure monitoring system.
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