Thursday, October 9, 2008

LAmborghini Estoque Concept


Lamborghini like no other! That's right, when was the last time you saw a 4 door Lamborghini sedan? Never. Because they never came up with it until now. They've come up with an SUV, and that did not went well.
The interesting thing is, will this super-sedan making a hit? Well, we will have to wait until it comes to production line. It is said that The Estoque is a mid-engine sedan, official power train is yet to be confirmed. Rumour said that it maybe powered by a clean burner turbo diesel. Another break through from Lamborgini (if it comes to production).
As we can see from the picture, it is still have the Lamborghini line from front end up to the end. Strong lines, big air dam, sharp headlight, and low roof line. The back end, however, reminds me of the sweet old Lamborghini Countach. It is clearly said that this car is projected to fight head to head with the Porsche Panamera and the current Maserati Quattroporte.
We just have to wait and see, anxiously.

Source: RSportcar

Monday, September 29, 2008

Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse


Good news for you Maserati fans out there, Maserati has confirm their new GranTurismo line up which will start its debut in Paris Motorshow 2008. It is dubbed GranTurismo MC Corse. This car will come face to face with Porsche GT3 RS and Audi R8 GT3, and as we know, those are track ready cars. Yeap, Maserati is aiming those weekeend track drivers.
The engine are similar with the one used in the road version GranTurismo, but with a little modification the engine can reach 450 bhp and 376 lb-ft torque at 4750 rpm. And, since this is a track oriented car, weight is an important thing to consider. So, Maserati engineer has reduced the total weight from 4145 pound to 3086 pound. Carbon composite and carbon fiber materials used in many parts. As well as Lexan plastic windows. This all for the sake of weight reduction.

Some facts
Engine Type:
V8 naturally aspirated
Displacement: 4691 cc
Max. Output: 450 bhp
Torque: 376 lb-ft@4750 rpm
Price: tba

source: RSportscar

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Peugeot Prologue Concept & 908 HY


Peugeot released this official picture of the up coming Peugeot MPV. The design combines the architectural, style, modularity, and hi-tech equipment. Most likely, there isn't much change when Prologue goes into production.
It is still not known whether they will use petrol or diesel engine, but they claim that this car will have 200bhp with incredibly low emission (109 g/km). Another thing is, this car will be equipped with hybrid technology. What's new? It can operate in 'electric only mode'. Expect the prologue to go into production line in 2010.


For you Le Mans fans, Peugeot has unveiled their 908 HY. A hybrid version of 908HD. Yes, finally, somebody has come up with an idea of using hybrid in a race car.
The key is to recover kinetic energy from the breaking to be reused or stored. The energy will be stored in battery packs located within the cabin and under the floor. Now, those energy can be used as a booster for about 20 second (additional 80hp from the electric motor), or when the 908 HY comes to the pit lane it can runs as full electric (race) car. Peugeot 908 HY uses a V12 Diesel as the main power train. A succesful 2008 season proves the reliability of this engine
However, Le Mans series does not permitted any hybrid technologies yet. So, some Peugeot Sport officials have doubt whether they can use the hybrid in next year season.

Source: Peugeot, Autocar, RSportscar

VW Scirocco


Now this one here is a hot item, after 34 years VW finally introduce the new Volkswagen Scirocco. Basic concept is still the same as the first generation of scirocco, and a very basic of Volkswagen: Sports car that ideals for every day use, and -most importantly- affordable. Just like VW in the old days.
The design is about putting together spacious interior, and sporty look (and it's look georgeous!) add hi-tech gismo's, and cheap price. See where this is going? To be honest, I think this is the most handsome car a VW ever created.
It shares the same platform as the Golf GTi but, it is 40mm longer, 51mm wider, and 97mm lower. So it is lower and broader than the Golf. 4 adult can sit inside without cramping into each other. Power comes from a 2.0 Turbo which produce an impresive 197 bhp paired with 6 speed manual gearbox. 6 speed Dual Clutch DSG transmission comes as an optional. Next year the more economical version with 1.4 TSI engine and VW's new 2.0 diesel will be launch. the 1.4 TSI produce 158 bhp, while the 2.0 Diesel will produce 138 bhp.
Some say that the interior is too conservative for a futuristic look of Scirocco, but i'd say that the interior is enough. I dont really like the Air conditioning dials and the odd looking gear shift, but the rest is adequate. But, look at the triangular door handle and the handle near that ugly gear shift, is that looks cool or what?
Now, does this cheap VW comes with nothing? No. Absolutely not. This car comes with standard large vent sunroof, 17 inch wheels, height adjustable front seats, ESP, breaking assistants, and six airbags

Some Facts:
Name
: VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI GT
Engine Type: In line 4 cylinder Turbo
Displacement: 1996cc
Max. Output: 198 bhp
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Price: £20,940(UK)

Source: Autocar, RSporstcar

Saturday, September 13, 2008

More Efficient Honda Odyssey


Honda has confirmed that the 2009 Honda Odyssey will receive touch up in its EX-L line up. Some Touring type standard feature will appear in EX-L as standard. Such as Power Tail-gate, Honda Satellite Link Navigation, Bluetooth, and Handsfree.
Odyssey EX-L powered by 3.5L V6 i-VTEC with VCM technology for better fuel efficiency. Comfort features includes tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering column, power mirror and door lock, and keyless entry.
The Odysseys achieve 5 star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for both frontal and side impact. Safety features includes ABS, EBD, BA, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), Dual SRS Airbag, and Curtain Airbag.

Some Facts

Name:
Honda Odyssey EX-L
Displacement: 3.5 L
Engine Type: V6 i-VTEC with VCM Technology
Max. Output: 244hp @5750rpm
Transmission: 5 speed automatic

source: Honda

Honda Goes Advance?

Rumours has been saying that Honda is developing new engine called A-Vtec (advanced VTEC). the new engine might be inspired by the BMW innovative valvetronic system which controls the variable lift continously rather than steped like the present VTEC or i-VTEC. The technology will a simple, compact, and contain minimum moving parts and easily adjust.
Now, when most of the new engine technology uses DOHC system, the A-VTEC will be used in SOHC engine. Even so, it is said that the engine will have a similar characteristic as the DOHC. The variable lift duration will offer the same peak as in DOHC i-VTEC. The engine is still under development, but expect it to be launch in near future.

source: vtec.net

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT


The new Mitsubishi Eclipse GT is set to launch in 2009 in the United States. A Completely new front and back fascia gives a fresh improvement, Mitsubishi style. The design itself has won an award from the GOOD DESIGN Award in 2006. The eclipse will have 3 new colors, Solar -actually a yellow, seen in this page- Quick Silver metallic, and Maizen Blue Metallic. HID headlight, ASC, ABS, EBD comes as standard. Rockford Fosgate will provide the ICE with in-dash CD Changer design specially for the Eclipse
There will be 2 model of Eclipse available. The Spyder GS model comes with 164hp, 2.4L, 4 cylinder and 5 speed manual transmission (4 speed automatic also available), fitted with 17-inch alloy rims. And the more interesting and challenging version; the Eclipse Spyder GT. With 265hp, 3.8L V6 engine teamed up with 6-speed manual gearbox (or 5 speed automatic) fitted with 18-inch alloy rims. The GT goes 0-100kmh in seven second.

Some Facts
Name:
Mitsubishi Eclipse GT
Displacement: 3.8L
Engine Type: V6 Normally Aspirated (NA)
Max. Output: 265hp


source:RSportscar.com

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport

Another variant from the world's fastest road car. This time, it will come topless, and makes it the fastest, most rigid roadster on Earth! Yeap, Bugatti Veyron will comes with Grand Sport variant, a roadster version of -well- Bugatti Veyron. The grand Sport will be available in March 2009.
150 cars will be made and 50 of it will goes to the Bugatti's registered customer. With total 450 Veyrons going into production. This, however, will break Bugatti's own commitment about not making more than 300 Veyrons untill 2011. Bugatti works really hard in order to have that rigidity a roadster must have and couple it with the brutality of a Veyron.
Not much of a change on the design, except for the higher windscreen in order to protect the occupants from high wind, new LED headlights, new alloy rims, and due to the loss of the roof, some parts such as B-pillars and transmission tunnel has been reinforced to keep the rigidity and balance of the car and this add up 53 kg into the weight. The doors are made from carbon fiber with longitudinal beam intact.
About the roof, it is not quite what you imagine, it is actually a targa rather than cabriolet. Take off the polycarbonate roof and store it in your garage before you left home. And if disturbance from the rain comes, Bugatti still provides a soft top which is stored in the trunk, and with it on, you can drive the Veyron until 140km/h.
Safety wise a pair carbon fiber tubes has been put on the engine intake, just in case the car rolled, and Bugatti did not recommend you to drive more than 375 km/h with the top open!

Some facts:

Name: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
Displacement: 8.0 L
Engine Type: W16 Quad-Turbocharged
Layout: Mid-Engine, AWD
Max Power: 1001 hp @6000rpm
Transmission: 7 speed DSG
0-100kmh: less than 2.7 sec
Top Speed: 375kmh with the open top
Price: US$2.12 mill

source: Autocar, RSportscar.com

Thursday, August 28, 2008

The Jazz Phenomenon


Here's what happens when Honda was selling their first Jazz/Fit. It was in 2001 Honda Jazz/Fit made its appearance in Japan. Since then it has became a phenomenon of car selling. Now, we know that becomes famous in a second will lead you the other way in an instant. Like New Kids On The Block, how long did they last on the top chart? Well, fortunately Honda Jazz isn't like them. As I was saying, the Honda Jazz was first introduce in 2001 in Japan's Tokyo Motor Show as Honda Fit and became famous in an instant. Honda sold around 2 million Honda Jazz/Fit around the world from 2001-2007. It's well equipped and spacious interior is the main selling point. other than some useful inovations. Take a look at the rear seats that can 'disappear' in to the floor to create extra storage space.They call it the Ultra seat.If you open the bonnet, you'll find a reliable and efficient engine that will made you forget about gas station. And speaking of gas, Honda actually put the gas tank under your feet. Design wise, Honda's designer is really trying to accommodate everyone's opinion about a how a hatchback is should be. And they have succeed. New driver, daily driver, old and young mother, daddy's, even seniors love this car.
After 6 years Honda have finally come out with a new model. They still call it Jazz (and Fit), but with totally new look. New head lights, new back lights that will reminds you to the Mercedes A Class, longer wheelbase, etc. Even though when you see the curve lines, you'll know that it is a Jazz. Fuel tank position is still under your feet, this is actually to keep the car's stability in cornering, Ultra seat is still on the back but this time Honda provide extra head room by reorganizing the layout of the interior. As for the engine, two option are available 1.3L and 1.5L petrol fitted with the i-VTEC technology. With the fuel price being unreasonable these days, these two engine can be a reasonable choice, the 1.5L can produce 120hp, in my opinion that's sholud be enough for a family hatch. Honda is denying that they will fit the Jazz with hybrid engine, even so, some rumors says that Jazz/Fit hybrid will be launch in 2010. So, Will this new Jazz/Fit follow the previous model in selling? Here's a consideration for you. In Indonesia, 6933 old model Jazz was sold from January to May 2008. Before Honda Indonesia officially launch the new Jazz in early August, the customer booking order for this car is already until the month of December! Some Honda sales representatives says that the booking was started in May/June 2008. There, the Jazz Phenomenon is repeated.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

An Introduction

Well, first post. Here we go...
First of all, this blog is basically for anybody who wants to know about cars. Old, new, classics, exotics, anything. Why cars? because this is the field I know well. My interest to cars was back in 1992. That was the first time I laid my hand on a steering wheel. I was amazed by how a box with four wheel can move without me, the driver, put too much effort on it. Since then, I've started exploring automotive world. Until now.
Anyway, enough about why I like cars. I'll start to write something soon. Hope everyone likes it.