Challenger’s new engines

Going against the grain of downsizing, Dodge has revealed that the Challenger SRT8 will be getting a bigger Hemi V8 for 2011.



And, just so everyone knows, it’ll be known as the SRT8 392 - a reference to the engine’s capacity in cubic inches, which equates to 6.4 litres.

The new engine boasts 470 bhp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 637 Nm (470 lb/ft) of torque which, compared to the 6.1 litre Hemi that it replaces, is a useful increase of 45 bhp (33 kW / 45 PS) and 67 Nm (50 lb/ft). The newer model will be identifiable by its modified front spoiler and larger splitter, while underneath the suspension has been tweaked to cope with the extra grunt.



To celebrate the new arrival, the first 1,492 SRT8 392s off the line will be Inaugural Edition models which have 20” SRT wheels and ‘392 Hemi’ badges. Colour choice is Bright White Clear Coat with Viper Blue stripes or Deep Water Blue with Stone White stripes, both of which come with a Pearl White leather interior that features blue stitching.



The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is scheduled to arrive in dealers during the fourth quarter of 2010.



It’s not just the Hemi that’s been revised, though. The V6 models are set to get the new Pentastar engine that was first introduced in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It’ll also be seen in the Dodge Charger, Avenger, Durango and Journey, as well as the Chrysler Town and Country, 200 and 300.



Using one engine across so many models is all about manufacturing efficiency and cost saving. Incredibly, the Pentastar will eventually replace seven legacy V6 engines, and it’s expected that it’ll be found in a third of all Chrysler Group vehicles built.



Power and torque will be tuned for specific applications, and in the 2011 Challenger it’ll break the 300 bhp barrier. 305 bhp (227 kW / 309 PS) to be exact, which is a big increase versus the 250 bhp (186 kW / 253 PS) that today’s car has. Torque is also up, from 338 Nm (250 lb/ft) to 363 Nm (268 lb/ft).

S 1000 RR HP Race Parts

2010 has been a successful season for racers campaigning the BMW S 1000 RR.



For instance, Italian rider Ayrton Badovini completely dominated the 2010 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup, winning nine out of the ten rounds. Meanwhile, in the UK Steve Brogan secured the Mirror.co.uk British Superbike EVO Championship and Jon Kirkham took the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship title.

Drawing on the experience gained in competition, BMW has now developed a range of High Performance Race Parts for the S 1000 RR that’s aimed at race teams and track day fanatics alike.



Included in the HP Race Power Kit are a replacement ECU and a titanium and carbon fibre Akrapovic exhaust system, which impressively weighs 6.8 kg less than the standard item.

Those components raise power from 190 bhp (142 kW / 193 hp) to 197 bhp (147 kW / 199 PS), while torque increases from 112 Nm to 120 Nm. Not dramatic, but the important 5,000 to 9,000 rpm midrange is said to be significantly improved.



After the new ECU has been installed, the revised mapping means that full power is available across all four engine management modes (‘Rain’, ‘Sport’, ‘Race’ and ‘Slick’). Instead, the modes alter the electronic rider aids with the Race ABS reducing input and the Dynamic Traction Control allowing full power at greater lean angles as the modes move from ‘Rain’ through to ‘Slick’.

To help with track riding, engine braking on the overrun is reduced to give a more balanced entry into corners, while a pit lane speed limiter is activated when the starter button is held down in first gear.



The HP Race Power Kit can be fitted by S 1000 RR owners but, interestingly, it has to be checked and activated by a BMW Motorrad dealer. Unfortunately, the kit isn’t road legal.



For those riders who like to keep their bike looking neat on the track after the indicators, number plate holder and mirrors have all been taken off, the HP Race Cover Kit is the answer. As the name implies, it includes two covers for the mirrors, two covers for the front direction indicators and a cover for the underside of the tail section.

Opel Zafira 2012 live : Illustrations and spyshots the dashboard

Things are moving apace for the third generation of the Opel Zafira and the various illustrators of the automotive press and the net have started work to offer us from the information available and stolen images, some images that lead to little nearly all have a similar appearance.
We discover a series of Photoshop or drawings that all a front to look like that draws its inspiration from that of the Ampera Concept.

Onn also discovers a sloped and rather sporty look that contrasts with the very wise of the current model but is in the spirit of the new Meriva.

Found on the dashboard of the new Zafira 3 the same genes as the latest creations of Rüsselsheim firm with only a little more vertical! We could find out what Zafira 3 during the 2011 Geneva Motor Show as a concept as to how the GTC Concept Paris before getting to know the standard version at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011. The commercialsiation seems to be scheduled for late 2011 or early 2012.

Little or no information on the mechanics but the Ecotec 1.4 L engine and 1.6 L Turbo could well be part of the blocks as diesel 1.7 L and 2.0 L CDTI. We also talk about the arrival of a robotic gearbox for the Zafira is well positioned opposite the Peugeot 5008, Renault Scenic, VW Touran and Ford C-Max Gd. More news to follow in the coming months but it is quite possible that we discover the Zafira without camouflage in the winter of 2011. And of course, the 7 places will always party

Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 2011 2012 : Back in Osnabrück

Yes, it comes in Lower Saxony after an interlude of several years that enabled the New Beetle convertible to take her place on the market (particularly the USA). The new generation Golf Cabrio is expected to be unveiled next March at the Geneva show and will restore to its former production plant Karmann of Osnabrück, where the old and almost mythical Golf 1 Cabriolet was manufactured between 1979 and 1993 (original prototype dating , 1976).



We also know that the revival of production of the Golf cabriolet (with soft top, but with or without a hoop?) Should give at the beginning of 2011 work for 1000 people and this figure will reach the end of next year, nearly 1800 people who work to produce this new version of the Golf.

The site of Lower Saxony will be dedicated to the production of cars that were discoverable since the 70's, the specialty of this factory Karmann acquired last year by Volkswagen. Not much information about this gig but it is likely that we will know more in the coming weeks. A follow especially if you love the Volkswagen convertibles and we're not a fan of the stylish Eos hardtop

European spec VW Jetta

Following the unveiling of the new North American specification Jetta a few months ago, Volkswagen has now taken the wraps off the European model.

On the face of it, both versions appear almost identical. However, a big difference is that European cars will get a superior four-link rear suspension system similar to the Golf’s, instead of a simple torsion beam.



What goes under the bonnet has been changed, too. For the time being, North American buyers have a choice of two petrol engines: a four cylinder 2.0 litre with only eight valves and a single overhead camshaft that produces a miserable 115 bhp (85 kW / 116 PS), or a 2.5 litre inline five with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts which manages a more respectable 170 bhp (126 kW / 172 PS).



By contrast, the European engine line-up will consist of much more efficient TSI petrol engines, plus a couple of TDI diesels:

• 1.2 TSI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (120 bhp / 90 kW / 122 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (158 bhp / 118 kW / 160 PS)


• 2.0 TSI (197 bhp / 147 kW / 200 PS)


• 1.6 TDI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 2.0 TDI (138 bhp / 103 kW / 140 PS)

Volkswagen is now pitching the Jetta as a completely separate model, even though it still sits on a modified Golf platform. To further differentiate it, the new generation Jetta has grown by 90 mm and is now 4,644 mm long.



But that means it’s getting uncomfortably close the recently facelifted Passat saloon, which measures 4,769 mm. That could cannibalise sales of the (slightly) larger car, a situation that won’t be helped by the very similar appearance of the two models.

Spot the difference: 2011 Jetta...

...and the recently launched 2011 Passat

UK sales of the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, which is to be built in Mexico, are due to start in early 2011. Prices and final specifications will be announced nearer the time, but the entry point will probably be around £17,000.





Related post:

New VW Jetta revealed

Lamborghini Murcielago Yeniceri Edition Unicat door black matte

If you think a Volkswagen Golf was much tuned, but please consider how often the Murcielago went under the knife. Unicat also takes on the Murcielago LP640. They imagine the Yeniceri Edition, named after a squadron of the Ottoman Empire. The Yeniceri is 20 mm nearer to the ground and get a new pair of wheels from the camp of ConcacTen. Greatest failure in the Lambo, the LEDs in the side skirts.

Inside we find a new wheel, a premium audio system and more carbon. Under the hood was a new exhaust system installed so the 651 horsepower V12 is now strong, that's 11 hp more than the standard version.

Robots compete for public attention with the cars in the Hall of Sao Paulo

Bumblebee, star of the movie 'Transformers' came from U.S. private plane.
But who becomes the fair, every hour, is the Borrego, Kia.

In this edition of the Auto Show cars do not share the public's attention only with beautiful women. Two giant robots stand at the pavilion of Anhembi. The most famous is a replica of the Bumblebee, star of the movie 'Transformers', which, in cinema, disguises herself as a Chevrolet Camaro, the main launch of the GM booth. But, in the Hall, no transformation. Who really changes is the Borrego, Kia, to become the Robot (watch the video at below).


Every hour, visitors to the stand of the South Korean brand are surprised when the SUV breaks down to become a puppet of 6 feet tall. Besides talking, welcoming the audience, the robot has six types of motion. This is the third doll developed by Marc Productions, St. Paul, to the manufacturer's 1997 and 2000 robots made based on the van Beast.

"For us, he has a soul," says builder
"We took the mechanics of the car and the body adapt to the transformation that is made with the aid of a power pack, light effects, smoke and audio system," says Marcus Vinicius da Silva, a partner at Marc Productions . "We are concerned also about preserving all the features external to the Mohave seem just another drive on exposure and thus increase the audience's surprise."

To develop the contraption, made especially for the Hall, took five months of work, enough time to create a relationship of affection between the creators and the friendly robot. "For us, it has life, soul and even feeling," says Silva. "Witness the thrill and excitement, it also causes visitors in the hall." The Robôkia presents from the display case and the last 13h to 22h.