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2009 Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
Written by admin on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Vauxhall Tags: 2009 Vauxhall, Insignia Sports Tourer, Vauxhall
The Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer, released with right hand drive under the Vauxhall brand in Great Britain but as the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer in other European markets, is one of the most beautiful cars to come from GM Europe in quite a while. The Insignia Sports Tourer estate wagon is available with a 2.8 liter V6 outputting 256.4 horsepower (260 PS) in British-market trim. This exciting new-for-2009 Opel/Vauxhall motor will propel the Insignia Sports Tourer from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. A 2.0 Liter turbocharged Sports Tourer variant is also available, a motor which U.K. fans should hope will make its way into some of GM’s other models.
Design on the Insignia Sports Tourer is very well excecuted, with special attention paid to the flowing line beginning at the rear quarter, cresting below the A-pillar and tucking neatly away at the point of the rear wheel well. This feature turns what could be a fairly standard sports wagon into a thing of beauty, and even BMW could pay attention to the design language in which Insignia Sports Tourer is carried out. Vauxhall Insignia variant with even higher performance specs than the Sports Tourer, should the midsize sporty estate wagon do as well in 2009 as expected in the U.K. market.
Designers gave the rear of the Sports Tourer a unique, yet cohesive appearance by pulling the wraparound tailgate deep in to its flanks and accentuating it with large, fully integrated tail lights. Despite this, Vauxhall has retained the hatch and saloon’s wheelbase (2,737mm) and added around 80mm to its length.
The new petrol and diesel engines available in the Sports Tourer will complement the Insignia’s existing line up of three petrol and two diesel units, including the 130 and 160PS 2.0 CDTi which achieve 58.9mpg on the extra urban cycle, the 220PS 2.0i Turbo, and the 260PS 2.8i V6 range-topper, capable of powering the Insignia from 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds. The Sport Tourer will also be available with front- and all-wheel drive, as well as Vauxhall’s FlexRide system with its Adaptive Stability Technology.
The new estate model will also benefit from the high levels of technology showcased at Insignia’s launch, such as Vauxhall’s latest generation Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), with its nine light beam settings, and the Front Camera System, which can read and memorise road signs and alert drivers if they unintentionally veer off the road.
2010 Zenvo ST1
Written by admin on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Zenvo Tags: 2010, 2010 Zenvo, 2010 Zenvo ST1, ST1, Zenvo ST1
Fledgling Danish supercar manufacturer Zenvo has just released the first official images and final details for the ST1. The Zenvo ST1, on paper, looks to compete with the likes of Pagani, Koenigsegg, SSC and Bugatti for the fastest and meanest cars in the world. Probably most expensive as well, though no base price information has been released as of yet.
Zenvo ST1 Design:
The Zenvo ST1 exterior design works from nearly every angle, and apes notable features from everything from the Lamborghini Gallardo to the Nissan GT-R, to the Porsche Carerra GT. Though some ST1 details are familiar, the Danish supercar as a total package manages to avoid looking like a who’s-who mashup. The ST1 has softer body corners leading along the main body line toward the rear, keeping it original.
Zenvo will surely win some design awards for the 2010 ST1, should this beautiful beast make its production date of early next year, as promised.
Zenvo ST1 Performance:
At the Zenvo ST1′s heart is mysterious 7.0 liter V8 that is rumored to be based on a GM crate motor. The big-displacement V8 is both turbocharged and supercharged, giving the ST1 a power output of 1,104 bhp and 1,055 ft-lb. of torque. In case you were wondering, that puts the Zenvo ST1 power numbers greater than those of the Bugatti Veyron. With an electronically limited 233 mph top speed, the ST1 won’t be breaking any production land speed records, though. Presumably Zenvo threw the governer into the equation to simplify safety and aerodynamic precautions, as one 200+ mph speeds are reached, stress on tires and body components increases very quickly.
How well will the complete package from a completely unproven halo car manufacturer handle, perform and hold up to the abuse that each owner will surely give it? Only time will tell, but the Danish and Zenvo certainly have sparked our interest. A hydraulic limited slip and traction control aid 19 inch front, 20 inch rear wheels with putting all that power to the ground. The ST1 features a relatively sophisticated double wishbone suspension set-up with gas/hydraulic adjustable racing shocks.
2008 Volvo C30
Written by admin on Monday, December 20, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Volvo Tags: 2008, 2008 Volvo, 2008 Volvo C30, C30, Volvo, Volvo C30
Volvo Cars unveiling of the all-new C30 at 2006 Paris Motor Show, Volvo Cars of North America announced that it will bring the car to the U.S. market no earlier than the 2008 model year. Pricing and volume expectations for the U.S.-bound C30 have not yet been set. The announcement comes just nine months after the C30 Design Concept was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in early 2006.
“The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package,” noted Volvo Car’s Design Director Steve Mattin. ” The edgy design of the C30 features a unique frameless glass tailgate, a confident stance and the broad shoulders that have become a Volvo design hallmark.
Measuring in at just 167 inches in length, the C30 is the smallest member of Volvo’s model range — an impressive 8.5 inches shorter than the Volvo S40 sport sedan while still retaining the 103.9 inch wheel base, which really pushes the wheels towards the end of the car. “A car that exudes muscular maneuverability must live up to the promise of its looks when you are behind the wheel,” said C30 project leader Hakan Abrahamsson. “Therefore, the C30 has a chassis that offers sporty driving characteristics, nimble handling and responsive steering.”
Right out of the box, audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Volvo C30′s standard 160-watt stereo system. And true audiophiles can choose a Premium Sound system that closely matches the acclaimed system offered in the new C70, with a digital 5x130W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio. Total output for the Premium Sound System is an astonishing 650 watts. Simply put, it rocks.
The C30 offers first class safety. The front end incorporates the same patented multi-steel structure as the S40 and V50. But the C30 wouldn’t be a Volvo if it didn’t also include such standard safety equipment as the Whiplash Protection System, WHIPS, and a Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC.
2008 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG
Written by admin on Sunday, December 19, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Mercedes-Benz Tags: 2008 Mercedes-Benz, AMG, CL65, Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG
CL65 AMG: The New High-Performance Coupe from Mercedes-Benz
The new Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is another dream car that has joined the AMG model range. The powerful AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine familiar from the S65 AMG and SL65 AMG twelve-cylinder models delivers a truly impressive driving experience in the exclusive high-performance coupe. Its maximum output of 612 bhp and maximum torque of 738 lb-ft are reflected in its outstanding performance data: the CL65 AMG attains 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and reaches the 124-mph mark in 13.3 seconds. Its maximum speed is 155 mph (electronically limited).
The arrival of a new top model – the CL65 AMG – which rounds off the unique AMG range and which also, in “40th Anniversary” limited edition guise, marks a special anniversary: the high-performance brand of the Mercedes Car Group (MCG) celebrates its 40th birthday in 2007.
V12 Biturbo Engine:
The highest level of performance is guaranteed by the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine with its displacement of 5,980 cc: its maximum output of 612 bhp is maintained between 4800 and 5100 rpm while the maximum torque of 738 lb-ft (electronically limited) is available from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. These impressive engine data are the key to exceptional performance and superbly assured driving dynamics. Its superbly responsive character is as impressive as its smooth, low-vibration running qualities which guarantee the high level of touring comfort typically associated with Mercedes.
The characteristic AMG twelve-cylinder sound is ensured by the AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chromed V12-design tailpipes. Catalytic converters with tri-metallic coating provide a faster response from a cold start, more efficient exhaust-gas aftertreatment and a longer service life. An “S/C/M” mode button in the center console allows the driver to choose between the “Sport”, “Comfort” and “Manual” driving programs. The drive power of the new CL65 AMG is transmitted to the wheels by the AMG Speedshipt five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles and Direct Select gearshift.
AMG Body Styling:
The advanced technology of the CL65 AMG is complemented perfectly by the vehicle’s powerful, elegant and dynamic design idiom. Large air intakes, side air outlets and round fog lamps with chrome surrounds dominate the front, as do the special AMG radiator grille with two horizontal chrome louvers and the darkened bi-xenon headlamps.
The AMG body styling and the self-assured lines of the large Mercedes coupe make a superbly cohesive formal statement. Distinctive side skirts and “V12 BITURBO” lettering enhance the sides while the two twin chromed V12-design tailpipes and the muscular rear apron with its black diffuser insert make the rear of the vehicle particularly eye-catching.
AMG High-Performance Brakes:
A world first, this new technology combines the advantages of a floating-caliper brake – lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly enhanced comfort as a result of the way the brake pads are located – with the performance of a large fixed-caliper brake. With their filigree spokes, they offer tantalizing views of a brake system, the like of which is not to be found in any other manufacturer’s products. The system in question is the AMG high-performance brake system which sets new standards for stopping power, sensitivity and resistance to fading. In keeping with the innovative approach typical of AMG, the front brakes of the CL65 AMG are equipped with twin sliding calipers.
2009 Mazda RX-8
Written by admin on Sunday, December 19, 2010 | No Comments
Categories: Mazda Tags: 2009, 2009 Mazda, Mazda, Mazda RX-8, RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. For 2009, Mazda will further the evolution of the four-door, four-seater sports coupe, giving RX-8 a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and a new R3 sport package. To enhance the highly successful RX-8, Mazda engineers focused on innovation in three key areas for the 2009 RX-8: styling, performance and packaging. “The enhancements made to RX-8′s exterior, interior, packaging and performance takes it to a whole new level of visual and driving excitement.
Styling Innovation
RX-8 was designed with an athletically sculpted exterior that provides a sense of originality that’s unrivaled in the marketplace today. The 2009 RX-8 also offers a new five-spoke wheel design featuring a symbolic and sporty design reminiscent of the rotary engine, with different arrangements for each wheel size. Taut muscular lines give RX-8 the liberating look of an athlete in motion. The muscular styling maintains classic sports car proportions while adding a Zoom-Zoom edge that is unmistakably Mazda.
Performance
The RX-8 is a pure sports car that gives the driver an exciting and dynamic experience. For 2009, engineers improved RX-8 body rigidity through the addition of structural reinforcements, by adding a trapezoidal strut tower bar and enhancing the local rigidity of the front suspension tower areas. Also, the rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance and driveshaft rigidity is improved, lowering NVH levels and improving performance.
To achieve this sophisticated dynamic, Mazda utilizes the advanced RENESIS (Rotary Engine genesis – or rebirth of the rotary engine) engine. The Mazda RX-8 remains the only mass-produced rotary-powered passenger car in the world. While exhibiting unusually high power output for a naturally aspirated engine, RENESIS outstrips comparable reciprocating engines in terms of acceleration, the feeling of power in reserve and quick response. The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is available as either a 232-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, or a 212-horsepower model fitted with a six-speed Sport A/T automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a Formula 1-style driving experience.
Ultimate Performance: R3 Package
The 2009 RX-8 will offer a new R3 sport package. Providing the very best in rotary-powered motoring, the R3 harkens back to the R1 and R2 packages offered on the mighty third-generation RX-7, and adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam. Filling the crossmembers makes for a smoother ride, minimized NVH and greater suspension control.
On the visual side of the package, a rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights and sporty front bumper are added to give an aggressive appearance, along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires. Inside, the R3 adds a 300-watt Bose audio system with Centerpoint surround sound and AudioPilot noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake handle and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system.
