Archive for September, 2008
2009 Porsche 911
Written by admin on Thursday, September 25, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Automobile Industry, Porsche
Two-wheel-drive versions of the 2009 Carrera will be the first 911s to get a new dual-clutch automatic, more power, and LED running lights, all of which will help strengthen the car’s position in the face of stiff competition from the likes of the Audi R8, Nissan GT-R, Chevrolet Corvette, and others.
Porsche calls its optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox “PDK,” short for Porsche-Doppelkupplung. Although other carmakers have offered dual-clutch transmissions for quite some time, Porsche makes sure to point out its leadership in this concept: “Porsche developed this gearshift principle for racing no less than 25 years ago,” states the press release.” It features two parallel clutches to eliminate any interruption in power delivery and eliminates even the slightest break between gears.”
- 2009 porsche 911
According to Porsche, the PDK-equipped Carrera S coupe is 0.2 second quicker in the sprint from 0 to 60 mph, which takes a scant 4.3 seconds. Furthermore, a Carrera S with optional launch control (part of the Sport Chrono Plus package) can accelerate an additional 0.2 second quicker, reaching the mark in a hair-mussing 4.1 seconds. Garden-variety 2009 Carrera models will reach 60 mph only 0.2 second behind their S-badged counterparts. The Tiptronic automatic option goes bye-bye, since comparable PDK-equipped cars improve upon Tiptronic 0-to-60-mph times by a whopping 0.7 second.
The transmission isn’t the only thing boosting the updated 911′s performance. Direct fuel injection, a first in the 911 range, helps bump horsepower to 345 hp for the base 3.6-liter flat six (20 hp more than before) and 385 hp for the S’s 3.8-liter boxer (a 30-hp increase). The new Carrera S, Porsche says, will now top out at 188 mph, six hard-earned mph faster than before.
In a sign of the times, Porsche’s Euro-market press release describes the car’s fuel economy before it discusses the engines’ outputs. To that end, direct injection helped lessen the car’s carbon footprint by up to 13 percent, and it’s rated at a combined 24 mpg in the European test cycle.
Subtle changes also grace the skin of the ’09 911, including larger front-bumper intakes and bigger sideview mirrors, while LED driving lights (à la Audi R8), bixenon headlights, and LED taillights are now standard. Swiveling headlamps join the options list, but they’ll surely be pricey, in standard Porsche fashion.
- 2009-porsche-911-carrera
The updated 911 went on sale in September 2008 in North America. U.S. pricing starts at $75,600 (up from $73,500) for the Carrera coupe, $86,200 (up from $83,800) for both the Carrera convertible and the Carrera S coupe, and $96,800 (up from $94,100) for the Carrera S cabriolet.
- porsche-911-2009
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Written by admin on Thursday, September 25, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Automobile Industry, Mitsubishi
| MSRP Price Range: | $14,190 - $26,490 |
| Invoice Price Range: | $13,519 - $25,237 |
2009 Maserati GranTurismo S
Written by admin on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Automobile Industry
Maserati added the performance-oriented GranTurismo S for the 2009 model year. The GranTurismo debuted a year earlier, reviving the Italian automaker’s competitiveness in the two-door segment. This sexy shape of Maserati GranTurismo was designed and created by the Italian design house of Pininfarina.
The new GT S version can be recognized by its sinister alloy wheels and by its extra howl, coming from the exhaust pipes of the larger 4.7-liter V-8, up from the original 4.2 liters, which now packs a 440-bhp punch (up from 405). Also new is an electro-actuated transaxle-mounted gearbox with sequential paddle shifters and an automatic clutch. The so-called MC-Shift system was adapted from Maserati’s exotic MC-12 mid-engine racer.The GranTurismo S also benefits from new brakes, developed in conjunction with Brembo initially for the larger Quattroporte S sedan. The revised braking package feature front rotors made with a dualcast technology, which casts the units out of iron and aluminum. These discs are paired with aluminum mono-block calipers with six pistons. The GranTurismo rides on a 115.9-in. wheelbase and is 192.3 in. in overall length.
New Hyundai Genesis Sedan
Written by admin on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Automobile Industry, Hyundai
Click Picture to Enlarge
2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan
is on the way on Geeneva Motor Show. Hyundai announced that its flagship sedan will sticker at an even $33,000, including a $750 destination charge…
Hyundai aims to shatter premium automobile paradigms with the North American International Auto Show introduction of its new flagship, the all-new Genesis sports sedan. With capabilities and features comparable to the world’s leading premium sports sedans, Genesis arrive at Hyundai dealerships this summer.
Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers three powertrains, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai’s all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. The Tau will produce an estimated 375 horsepower using premium fuel and 368 horsepower using regular unleaded leading all competitors in specific output with 79.5 to 81.0 horsepower per liter. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, Lexicon® audio systems and electronic active head restraints.
“While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Genesis provides a potent combination of performance, luxury, and value. We think it has the opportunity to be an extremely disruptive force in the large sedan and near-luxury segments.”
Genesis ushers in a new era for Hyundai. Its all-new rear-wheel drive architecture will spawn more products in other segments, as suggested by the Concept Genesis Coupe shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2007.
NEW PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE
Genesis is built on an all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture, its first application in a U.S. Hyundai model. Genesis boasts a near ideal 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution for exceptional handling and more refined steering characteristics. The rear-wheel-drive layout allowed engineers to position the car’s front wheels farther forward delivering outstanding handling and steering performance. Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the industry’s most important new safety technology, further enhances the vehicle’s driving confidence. Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of ESC, with more than 70 percent of 2007 Hyundai sales featuring ESC as standard equipment.
Genesis reduces interior noise levels and improves ride and handling with a stiffer, lighter body structure. The use of high tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Genesis with 12-14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body structure weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – despite having a substantially larger cabin than either of those benchmarks. Hyundai Genesis has more interior volume than Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 7-Series.
WORLD-CLASS Tau V8
Headlining the Genesis’ performance capabilities is Hyundai’s all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. The Tau V8 delivers an estimated 375 horsepower to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds. The Tau produces more horsepower and torque than the powerplants found in Lexus GS460, BMW 750i, Audi A8 and Infiniti M45 and has more horsepower per liter than any of its V8 competitors. The Tau engine is built with flexibility for the future. Future Tau variants may offer larger displacement, forced induction options and other technology enhancements.
STRONG LAMBDA V6 PERFORMANCE
Genesis also delivers spirited performance through its two V6 options — all-aluminum 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engines that deliver an estimated 264 horsepower and 233 lb-ft. of torque and an estimated 290 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque, respectively. To maximize the power spread, the engines utilize Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake and exhaust cam shafts and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engines use an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency, and feature timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.
Even with their impressive output, all Genesis engines are also environmentally friendly, with all three achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification levels.
ADVANCED 6-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS
Both Genesis V6 engines use an Aisin 6-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission that features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. The transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide spread of ratios that ideally suit both engine’s characteristics including a tall-overdrive sixth gear for quiet, efficient highway cruising. Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC® feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear that’s in use.
The Tau V8 Genesis is mated with an enhanced, high-output ZF 6-speed transmission to handle the added horsepower and torque.
Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis that dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for a premium ride and engaging handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements. The ASD suspension provides:
· Improved ride comfort with more body / wheel control
· Increase driving comfort without compromised handling
· Optimizes road surface contact
· Technology used in Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models
PROGRESSIVE DESIGN MIRRORS ATHLETIC CAPABILITY
Genesis’ design is a progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan. To match its dynamic capabilities, Genesis combines strong, sculpted forms which integrate precise details, natural materials and innovative lighting to provide a well-crafted, premium design aesthetic.
HIGH-TECH ACCOMMODATIONS AT ACCESSIBLE PRICE POINTS
The new 2009 Genesis is the most advanced Hyundai ever. From its design and spaciousness to its technology and appointments, it delivers a wealth of features and performance befitting flagship European and Asian brands, but delivers them at a much more accessible price point. Starting with its Lexicon state-of-the-art audio system featuring LOGIC 7® technology, Genesis offers an extraordinary combination of technology, premium appointments, and value. Standard is a soft-touch instrument panel with woodgrain accents, Bluetooth® hands-free mobile phone interface, and USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs. A state-of-the-art navigation system with an eight-inch display is available. The navigation unit is accessed by a user-friendly multi-media controller that also controls the radio. Backing out of tight spaces and avoiding mishaps is much easier with the available backup camera that uses the eight-inch display to show the driver a clear view immediately behind the car.
A leather-wrapped dash, door panels, and console lid surround the driver in a luxurious environment, while heated and cooled driver’s seat provides optimal driving comfort. An automatic windshield defogger with humidity sensor and rain-sensing wipers allow crystal clear sight lines. No other car in the segment offers an ultraviolet reflective leather steering wheel, which keeps the surface cool to the touch, even in scorching sunlight. Genesis also offers the conveniences of power rear sunshade, automatic electronic parking brake, proximity key and push button starter.
LEXICON® AUDIO SYSTEMS TEAM WITH XM, HD RADIO™,
and APPLE TO OFFER UNRIVALED AUDIO PERFORMANCE AND CHOICE
Rolls Royce Phantom and Hyundai Genesis are the only automobiles to offer a Lexicon-branded state-of-the-art audio system featuring LOGIC 7® technology. The Lexicon® surround sound audio system includes a 12-channel digital amplifier and 17 speakers producing more than 500 watts of sound in 7.1 discrete audio. Genesis is also the first popular brand to offer the clarity of digital HD Radio technology from the factory. Navigation-equipped Genesis models also include a 30-gigabyte hard drive and XM NavTraffic. Like every 2009 Hyundai, Genesis comes standard with XM Satellite Radio. Auxiliary USB and iPod® inputs allow drivers to fully control and charge iPods directly from the head unit.
ADVANCED LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY
The 2009 Genesis offers Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. The advantages of HID headlamps include greater lighting power, daylight-type lighting and reduced power consumption. In addition, the cut lines of the new HID headlights are extremely precise, providing maximum nighttime visibility without distracting other drivers. The lamps also feature an auto-leveling function which keeps the headlights level regardless of how the vehicle is loaded with passengers or cargo. Genesis also offers an Automatic Front Lighting System that allows the headlamps to automatically swivel for better visibility when cornering.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES DELIVER IMPROVED SAFETY PERFORMANCE
Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Genesis boasts world-class active and passive safety features to help both prevent accidents, and maximize the well being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving safety technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints.
Genesis’ total of eight airbags include advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants.
An electronic active head restraint system will debut on the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Hyundai is the first popular brand to offer electronic active front head restraints, an improvement over mechanically based active head restraint systems. Until now, electronic active head restraints could only be found on select Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models. Active front head restraints have been proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to help prevent whiplash.
Genesis has a total of 8 ultrasonic sensors located on the front and rear bumpers. The sensors along with the rear backup camera help detect how close objects are when parking. Distance is indicated on the in-dash screen and accompanied by an audible warning tone.
Forward-looking radar is used in Genesis’ Smart Cruise Control system. Smart Cruise Control adjusts vehicle speed to maintain distance from the vehicle ahead in the same lane.
Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 12.6-inch front rotors have single-piston floating calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single-pistons on V6 models. Twin-pistons and larger rotors are featured on V8 models.
WARRANTY
The all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Genesis buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.
TECHNOLOGY
· Electronic active front head restraints
· Electronic Stability Control
· Eight airbags
· Heated / cooled seats
· High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with adaptive leveling
· Adaptive Front Lighting System
· Push-button start
· Navigation with backup camera
· Electric parking brake
· Standard Bluetooth technology
· iPod/USB auxiliary inputs
· HD Radio™ receiver
· XM Satellite Radio® with NavTraffic
· Lexicon® Discrete Surround Audio Systems
· Automatic windshield defogger with humidity sensor
· Rain-sensing wipers
· Smart cruise control
· Five-link front and rear suspension
· Tau V8 engine
· 6-speed transmissions
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Click Picture to Enlarge
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Source: Hyundai Press Release (SuperCarNews)
2009 Yamaha V-Max Officially Announced !
Written by admin on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Automobile Industry, Super Bikes, Yamaha Bikes
Yamaha vmax Concept at Tokyo
The ’09 VMax is an entirely new motorcycle from the ground up. The bullseye of the bike remains the massive V-4 engine (a stressed member of the chassis), amusingly described by Star as “compact.” Now arrayed at a 65-degree ‘vee’ and displacing 1679cc, the liquid cooled powerplant sports 4-valves per cylinder a hybrid chain and gear cam drive and pumps out a claimed 197.4 horsepower (at the crankshaft) with 123 lb-ft of torque. Taking technology directly from the Yamaha YZF-R1 sportbike, Max has fly-by-wire throttle control (“Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle”) and variable intake tract length (“Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake”) by way of a servomotor that moves the intake funnels for better acceleration at all speeds. Max now has EFI and a hydraulic slipper clutch to make downshifting smoother. Air enters through the can’t-miss-’em aluminum intakes and exits through a four-into-one-into-two-into-four exhaust system with twinned pairs of mufflers on each side. The exhaust also has EXUP (Exhaust Ultimate Power valve), a proven Yamaha technology that helps keep the powerband smooth at all rpms. Because the EPA is always watching, there are catalytic converters stuffed up into the cans as well.
Yamaha V Max 2009
The chassis is now a twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm for weight savings, and consists of cast, die-cast and extruded sections. The bike still has that secret underseat fuel tank, which now holds a whopping 4.0 gallons. Beefy titanium-oxide coated 52mm forks hold up the front end with a remote reservoir, single shock in the back. The suspension, front and rear, is fully adjustable for rebound and compression damping, and spring preload, with a remote preload adjuster on the shock (so adjusting for a passenger doesn’t require tools or getting dirty). The front brakes are a far cry from the primitive binders of ’85, now featuring a linear controlled three position ABS system with Brembo radial master cylinders, 320mm wave-type rotors and 6-piston calipers. The rear also sports a Brembo master cylinder, 298mm wave-type rotor and single-piston caliper. The gauges are also very trick. First, mounted in the center of the handlebars, is a digital speedometer, LED indicators and analog tach with an LED shift light, just like on a dragracer. Atop the tank lives an “Organic Electro Luminescence” display that can show a clock, fuel meter, trip meter, gear position, coolant temperature and more. It’s designed to be simpler, brighter and much easier to read than LCDs and comes with a countdown clock and a stopwatch too – presumably so you can time those stoplight to stoplight drags/sprints.
Yamaha VMAX 2009
The 2009 Yamaha VMAX worths $ 18,000, with a limited production – only 2500 units are coming to the U.S. You’ll have to preorder this bike at your dealer and leave a $1000 deposit, so better move fast.
Infiniti FX50 2009
Written by admin on Saturday, September 20, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Automobile Industry, Nissan
INFINITI FX50 Just Unveiled at an improvised night club of Geneva
Nissan Motor Company president and CEO Carlos Ghosn introduced the new FX to a capacity crowd of more than 500 journalists, and the occasion also served as the coming-out party for the Infiniti brand in Europe, where sales of these four products will begin this October.
2009 INFINITI FX50
Americans get the second-generation FX beginning this June. Some changes like a bump in engine displacement for the V-8 engine, from 4.5 to 5.0 liters. Horsepower also increases dramatically, to 390 hp, and there’s now 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine, which redlines at a lofty 6900 rpm, is mated to a new seven-speed automatic transmission with downshift rev matching and, of course, paddle shifters. Nissan won’t reveal details yet about the V-6 engine, so we don’t know whether it will also rise in displacement from its current 3.5 liters to 3.7 liters like the engines in the G37 coupe and sedan have. More information is expected later this month at the New York auto show. The FX will also be offered with a diesel engine in Europe by 2010. The FX50 displayed at the Infiniti party sported metallic purple paint, as purple seems to be the launch color for Infiniti in Europe.
2009 Infiniti FX50
The 2009 Infiniti FX50′s interior is a big step up from the FX45′s, with the same sort of “double-wave” instrument panel that has appeared in other recent Infiniti products like the G37 and EX crossover, new front seats with inflatable side supports (like Mercedes has offered for a while), and, to continue the purple theme, white-and-violet-colored electroluminescent gauges.
2009 INFINITI FX50
BMW M3 CSL by 2010!
Written by admin on Saturday, September 20, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Automobile Industry, BMW
BMW is working on the next-generation BMW M3 CSL which will arrive with the updated 2010 M3 model year. With no radio, no navigation system and no air-conditioning. BMW will also drop a lot of weight with the extensive use of carbon fiber in the front apron, hood, roof, side panels and rear bumper.
According to AutoZeitung , power will come from the same 420-hp 4.0L V8 engine of the standard M3. However, the ‘M’ division will make some mechanical changes to extract an additional 50 horses for a total of 470-hp. 0-60 is expected to come in well under the 4.5 seconds of the standard M3 with top speed rumored to be around 185mph.
The 2010 BMW M3 CSL is expected to make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW will make only 100 units of the M3 CSL with pricing estimated at less than 90,000 euros ($143,176).
- BMW M3 Concept
BMW M3 Concept 2010
BMW M1 2008 Review
Written by admin on Saturday, September 20, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Automobile Industry, BMW
2008 BMW M1
The M1 was powered by a 3.5-liter six-cylinder that was later modified and used in the M5 and M6. No powertrain details were shared for the M1 Homage as the car was built as a design showpiece.
Produced from 1978 to 1981, the M1 was BMW’s first and only mid-engined street car. The project was originally contracted to ‘Lamborghini’ for chassis development and assembly, but when the Italian firm hit a financial rough patch BMW took over. A total of 456 M1s were built.
2008 bMW M1
BMW M1 homage Concept
Acura TSX 2009 Review
Written by admin on Friday, September 19, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Automobile Industry, Honda/Acura
Acura’s redesigned 2009 TSX sports sedan has unwrapped, weeks ahead of its official intro at the New York International Auto Show, at Tokyo. Its more pwerful than ever before, just to raise the standard for Acura’s entry level sedan.
Acura TSX 2009
TSX: Based on Japanese-Euro Accord: has powerful double plenum grille (same as that found on the new 2009 Acura RL) and all.
In the grand scheme of things, Honda does two Accords. One ‘narrow body’ car for Japan and Europe. Then a ‘wider body’ model for North America with different looks. So it goes that this 2009 TSX is closely linked to the new European Accord, which coincidentally went live and got its official launch party at the Geneva Salon in early March.
- 2009 Acura TSX
Photos by Honda
Acura: Going Diesel vs. Hybrid
The real headliner, though, is the introduction of Honda’s second-generation 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, a state-of-the-art, ultra-clean engine Honda has confirmed will launch in the U.S. in 2009 and seems all set to drop into this new TSX.
Dubbed i-DTEC, it’s said to be smoother, cleaner and even more refined than the acclaimed i-CTDi engine, Honda’s first diesel that’s sold exclusively in Europe to date. So clean, in fact, that the i-DTEC already meets America’s tough ‘Tier II Bin 5′ emission standards, Honda says, and the next stringent European benchmark — Euro 5 — as well.
True, the diesel won’t have the outright power of the gas 2.4 but if the European TDI is any guide, (it develops a massive 258 ft. lbs. at just 2,000 rpm) it will be in another league for torque. Both gas and diesels come with six-speed manual or five-speed auto boxes.
The big question mark with the diesel will likely be price. Diesels cost more to build and to buy, but offer excellent economy over time and distance. So the price premium needs to be weighed carefully. For fast, smooth-revving driveability, though, these latest-generation Euro diesels are simply a world away from all the clattery diesels of the past. And if gas prices keep rising, the eco-charms of Honda’s efficient new turbodiesel could suddenly win a whole lot of friends.
Acura tsx rear view
TSX’s Euro Style
Visually, the Acura TSX gets a different grille and set of wheels compared with Europe’s new Accord. Size, meantime, takes a sizeable leap upward, the new model being more than 2 inches longer and 3 inches wider, also sitting some quarter-inch lower.
Underneath the rakish new sheet metal lies a substantially more rigid platform with new front double-wishbone and rear multilink suspension
All along, the Acura TSX has been a worthy alternative to the benchmark BMW 3-Series, despite having ‘only’ four cylinders and front-wheel-drive.
So it’s no surprise Acura is rolling out a new one and like its European/Japanese Accord relation, it clearly packs a lot of promise.
Acura TSX : $ 28,960
Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2009
Written by admin on Monday, September 15, 2008 | No Comments
Categories: Aston Martin, Automobile Industry
Its something about Aston Martin V8 Vantage 2009 Now to discuss!
According to Car magazine, the Vantage will get some engineering tweaks and its engine capacity will grow by almost half a liter, to 4733-cc. A year ago Aston merely fiddled with the ECU on the N400 and found 20 extra horses.
The cabin is also expected to receive a polish, with things like the Ford key. A face-lifted range of DB9s is also expected. All of these changes leads us to our one request for Aston, please be careful with what is already perfection.
- v8 2009
Aston Martin launched V8 in 2005, we had a lot of good things to say about it at that time. The look, power, handling, and solidness of Aston’s everyday supercar - also liked the idea of the British firm giving us a car that could take on Porsche 911 as a direct competitor. Now, three years later, Aston has updated the car with even more of what we loved…
For example, the engine is still a V-8, but it has increased in size from 4.3L to 4.8L. With thinner cylinder liners, increased bore and stroke, a new forged steel crankshaft and aluminum pistons, a larger cylinder-head intake port and inlet valve, improved oil circulation from the dry-sump system, and an optimized intake manifold, power now comes in at 420 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. The transmission has undergone some changes, too – well, both of them, actually. The standard six-speed manual and optional Sportshift have been given a modified clutch and flywheel that saves weight, reduces rotating mass, and – in the manual version – lessens clutch effort.
- v8 vantage back view
Also the Sportshift transmission has a few additional changes, including a revised control program for smoother power delivery and Dual Throttle Map software allowing for “Sports” and “Comfort” modes that alter throttle tip in to make around-town driving a smoother exercise while allowing for sharper inputs in spirited driving. Sensitivity to steering and hill decent have also been added, allowing the current gear to be held midcorner and a lower gear to remain engaged to optimize engine braking on steep mountain declines. Combined with the V8 Vantage’s increased power, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is down to a paltry 4.7 sec, while top speed is up to 180 mph.
Amazingly, Aston also claims the new engine, when coupled with the revised Sportshift transmission, provides greater fuel economy and fewer emissions despite the increased performance – a refreshing trend.
One of the few complaints we had regarding the original V8 Vantage was its slight lack of steering feel. Aston’s addressed that by changing up the steering geometry and stiffening the front lower suspension arm bushings to improve feel – and handling to boot.
Inside the V8 Vantage, another complaint has been addressed – that of complicated, untactful switchgear that we found difficult to use while focusing on the road. That’s been revised in the new car with a completely restyled center stack – constructed from die-cast zinc alloy and finished in graphite silver — containing new controls designed to be easier to operate than their predecessors. A new electronic key fob, dubbed ECU, mimics that of the DBS’s glass, stainless steel, and polycarbonate unit, and replaces the old car’s traditional key. A new Hard Disk Drive Navigation System allows for faster route processing, improved graphics, and additional features.
Those looking for ultimate performance from their V8 Vantage aren’t likely to be disappointed either.
