TECHART Refines Porsche Cayenne Diesel

TECHART launches performance and styling upgrades for Porsche Cayenne Diesel

combining low CO 2 and low running costs with style and high performance, for new and existing vehicles

A range of tuning and styling options for the Cayenne Diesel has been introduced by TECHART, the German Porsche tuning company renowned for creating some of the world's finest bespoke vehicles. Upgrades covering everything from sports-orientated engine and chassis conversions to luxury interiors and aerodynamic styling are available in the UK from Porsche specialist Tech9 Motorsport.

“With the top three podium positions at Le Mans won by diesel powered racecars this year, it is proven beyond any doubt that this is a superb fuel for very high performance motoring,” says Phil Hindley, managing director of Tech9 Motorsport. “Add in their low CO 2 output, which translates to low benefit-in-kind taxation, their excellent fuel economy and high residual values, and we can see why there is so much excitement about this car.”

TECHART's upgrade range has been developed to provide subtle enhancements to power, handling and styling, complemented by a range of interior trim options that can take the vehicle from comfortable to opulent. Every component is designed and manufactured to the same high standards as the original equipment parts and integration with the vehicle is rigorously engineered to ensure that safety and durability remain at the very high levels originally specified by Porsche. Specially developed for the Cayenne Diesel, Aerokit 1 includes a new front panel with a deeper front spoiler, elegantly integrated driving and fog lamps and additional cooling vents to help keep temperatures under control during consistently hard driving. Deeper sills help manage under body airflow and at the rear a new apron with integrated diffuser completes the underbody aerodynamics. Airflow behind the vehicle is managed by a low drag roof spoiler. All exterior styling components are manufactured from polyurethane to ensure long term durability and to provide a smooth, high quality appearance. For cars fitted with air suspension, Aerokit 1 also includes a unique TECHART suspension control module that lowers the vehicle, reducing roll and further improving aerodynamics. When the vehicle is stationary, the control system lowers the vehicle a little more to improve access and to further improve the low, aerodynamic look.

So what do you guys think? Does it worth the modifications? I think so!

Cars Ferrari

Cars Ferrari already since far times are considered as one of the best cars of a sports class, meeting all requirements of reliability and professionalism of assemblage. In cars Ferrari all best technologies of company Ferrari have converged. Perhaps, it has not been thought up such novelty which would not enter into new lineup Ferrari.

Today, not looking for the immodest sum of cars Ferrari, the given technics отнбдь has not ceased to be popular both among women, and among the stronger sex.

Perhaps, on the Earth for today does not remain any person to whom would speak nothing such brand as Ferrari. According to interrogation in the United States which question sounded so "About what car you dream", 86 % of the population of the majority of states have answered: "it is final Ferrari". Only small part participating in interrogation have answered differently, as it is not surprising, after all it is already so much years Ferrari it is represented to us, as something unimaginable, submitting a reality.

"Ferrari" the Italian company on release of racing and elite cars. With 1989 is concern "FIAT" affiliated company ("ФИАТ"). The Headquarters is in Маранелло.

The company (its initial name was "Auto Avio Costruzioni") has been based in 1939 well-known racer and the verifier of cars "Alfa Romeo" ("Romeo's Alpha") Энцо a Ferrari. Originally it made the various equipment for cars. The cars made the company were issued under mark "Alfa Romeo". With this company the Ferrari had a contract. The first car carrying already actually a name "Ferrari" has appeared in 1946. It was model Ferrari 125, with the powerful 12-cylinder aluminium engine, called to realise dream of its founder: to give to the ordinary road car of property racing without infringement of comfortableness. As the trade mark of firm Entso of a Ferrari has selected a skipping stallion on a yellow background.

By the end 1947 there were already two updatings of engine "Ferrari", and its working volume has grown at model Ferrari 166 to 1995 sm ³. Next year own command "Ferrari" has won for the first time in races Mille-Milja and Targa-Florio. 1949 has brought to a command and new triumph in the same competitions, and hardly later a victory in race "Twenty four hours Le Mans".

In 1951 appears этапная model Ferrari 340 America with the engine originally developed for Ferrari GT with working volume of 4,1 litres. In 1953 the same car is equipped with the engine in volume of 4,5 litres and receives a new name - Ferrari 375 America. The same year "Ferrari" represents Ferrari 250 Europa, with the three-litre engine.

In total to the beginning 1954 Энцо a Ferrari has let out about 200 cars in an is exclusive-road variant and 250 racing models. Creating the road cars, a Ferrari addressed to the different design companies, doing the models unlike against each other. But model Ferrari 250 GT has begun 1954 long-term and most fruitful cooperation with company "Пининфарина" which as well as possible has arranged the bodies to new короткобазным the chassis at which the leading back axis has been suspended on springs.

Already model Ferrari 250 GT have let out not only as a compartment, but also a cabriolet, and appeared in 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California, made to order, - the bright sample of open model Ferrari 250 GT sports type. In 1958 "Пининфарина" has created for model Ferrari 250 GT bodies of specifically angular form: these cars equipped with the 12-cylinder engine, and outwardly made impression of huge power, ideally obedient to any desires of the owners.

Models Ferrari 375 America and replaced it in 1956 Ferrari 410 Super America (them it has been let out only 14) intended for "mighty of this world": their design cast sensation of force and a self-trust.

With 1957 on 1962 was issued altered Ferrari 250 GT California with rapaciously pointed profile and a demountable roof. This car has gained the first victory in races Tourist Trophy 1960 on line Гудвуд.

"Ferrari" the most remembered cars 1960 belong: 250GT in 1960 has been transformed in фастбек 250GTE with a body "2+2", elegant and popular on which base in 1964 has been created Ferrari 330GT "2+2" with the four-litre motor and original "mowing" headlights. Unsurpassed remained womanly-graceful, prompt Berlinetta Lusso 1962, accelerating momentum over 225 km/h. On change Ferrari 330GT "2+2" in 1967 has come Ferrari 365GT "2+2" with a self-balanced back suspension bracket and the steering amplifier. In 1971 it more strict has replaced according to spirit of the age Ferrari 365 GT4.

In 1966 firm has developed the new V-shaped engine originating in racing motors: 12-cylinder, четырехкулачковый, with two camshafts in each head of cylinders, system of greasing with dry картером, provided high twisting moment and the flexibility, 300 h.p. having capacity In 1968 "Ferrari" has let out legendary Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona, with a forward arrangement of the 4,4-litre V-shaped 12-cylinder engine, capacity of 352 h.p., developing superspeed - 282 km/h. This model outwardly constrained and functional, is the most high-speed in the world car and, certainly, its advertising estimation as "the best in the world" is not too far from true.

Has in the early seventies appeared delightful Dino with it is central the located engine of manufacture "FIAT" - V-shaped 6-cylinder; the model was issued and in a 8-cylinder variant, but the 6-cylinder model is considered classical.

The model 365GT4, or Berlinetta Boxer, 1971 of release, had many lines of racing cars "Ferrari": its engine in working volume of 4,4 litres could accelerate momentum 275 km/h; it has been located horizontally in the middle of a body, and the transmission for more rational use of internal volume of a body settled down under the motor. The chassis also made use of experience of racing cars: a spatial tubular frame and steel panels of a body. On the basis of Ferrari 308 GT4 elegant models with bodies "Пининфарина" became; equipped with V-shaped 8-cylinder engines, they drew attention of buyers prior to the beginning 1980.

Having established horizontal 12-cylinder motor Boxer of racing model Ferrari 512 BB on Ferrari Testarossa, the company has created the massive heavy car meeting the most exacting requirements as sportsmen-racers and "зведных" of clients. The bright bright design "Пининфарины" bore in itself quintessence of advertising spirit, and its founder achieved not only an outer effect: ridge lateral воздухоприемники, the imitators which have found set, served for air giving in the lateral radiators which have replaced forward radiator Ferrari 512 BB. Technical indicators of model also were faultless: five-litre engine Ferrari Testarossa, with four valves on the cylinder, reached capacities of 390 h.p., and its maximum speed - 274 km/h.

In 1987 founder of company Entso of a Ferrari has headed collective of the designers who have prepared model F40, designated as "the sum of efforts of the company for years of its existence". Beginning F40 conducts from GTO 1984 and, at first sight, has much in common with Ferrari 308GTB, however has essential technical innovations: the turbo-supercharging, the V-shaped 8-cylinder engine longitudinal (instead of cross-section) the arrangements, established on the tubular frame strengthened by bearing panels from кевлара, of 478 h.p. - all says supercapacity that former there was only a configuration. The body of this supermodel is executed from углеволокна and кевлара, and its close salon quite answers sports essence of the car: in it there is no even a mechanism for adjustment of seats. Amazing technical characteristics and any comfort here the motto 1118-kilogramme Ferrari F40: The rigid suspension bracket did not absorb road roughnesses, the wheel responded to each hollow, and the magnificent motor showed infinite power. Exacting, uncontrollably vigorous and attractive - last child of the founder of firm became such.

Compartment Ferrari 360 Modena in 1999 were beaten off"by a part of buyers at more expensive model Ferrari 550 Maranello and in 2000 on the basis of Maranello party Ferrari 550 Barchetta is let out.

Company "Ferrari" cars, with 1969 supervised by corporation "FIAT", and with 1989 definitively departed to corporation, are reputed as the most expensive in the world. Each of them is a legend.

To 1981 racing cars "Ferrari" were under construction in Маранелло, about 1982 factory has constructed nearby Фиорано a test line, with an infrastructure which specialises on working out and manufacture болидов Formulas 1. In 1972 the line near to factory has been constructed. In 1988 "Ferrari" has bought a line "Mugello" about Florence, having reconstructed it and having replaced a cloth. Now it is one of the best lines in the world and on it competitions on auto-and to motorcycle sport of the highest level are held. Its length of 5,345 m.

In 2002 lineup of this mark has replenished with cars of a series of 575 M Maranello and new суперкаром which premiere has taken place at the World automobile exhibition in Paris.

Chinese University Students Want Me To Diddle My Car to Start It [Cars]

It's dark. There's a box. It beckons. You stick your finger in and curl "your index finger towards you in a summoning motion". Congratulations, you've just started your car. Two students, Zhao Wencai and Li Zhoumu, invented this gesture-based car interaction as a presentation for the third China-International Road Safety Expo. Not only can you pleasure your car to start it, you can shove your middle finger in there onto a fingerprint scanner to read how high your blood alcohol level is. Another possible use is as a security system, so the car wouldn't start unless your finger belonged to one of the registered drivers. Our prediction? These two students HAVE to be girls, or else they'd be more aware of the gesture they were promoting for this device.


[Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ][Tag: ]

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG

What it is: A high-performance version of the recently introduced C-class with a large V-8 stuffed under the hood.
Why it's important:it will be the most affordable car in mercedes-Benz's extensive AMG lineup of performance vehicles.
Powertrain:Likely to get the same 475-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 and seven-speed automatic you'll find in the CLK 63 AMG convertible.
Competition:Audi RS4,BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V,jaguar S-type R.
What might go wrong: Mercedes will probably make the stability control undefeatble,and the C64 AMG just might understeer liks its forebear.
Estimated costs and arrival:Look for the C63 AMG this fall at the Frankfurt auto-show-it could go on sale soon after,in the $60,000 ballpark.

2011 AUDI A7

What it is:Audi new four-door will slot into the lineup between the A6 and A8.
Why it's important:The very elegant A7 is designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Platform:It's based on the next generation Audi A6,which will have its longitudinally mounted engine set farther back to improve weight distribution.
Powetrain:The A7 will shareits engines with the upcoming A6.That means a 3.2-liter naturally aspired direct-injection V-6 with at least 265 horsepower and a new turbocharged 3.0-liter powerplant making 300 horsepower.Later,as S7 is planned with a 5.2 V-10 FSI engine and 460 horses.A six-speed automatic as well as the DSG will mate with Audi;s Quatttro system.
Competition:BMW6-series,Mercedes-Benz CLS-class.
What might go wrong:The four-door "coupe" segment is growing rapidly,so by the time the A7 arrives,it could face heady competition.Even the upcoming VW Passat four-door coupe might eat into sales of the A7.
Estimated arrival and costs:The A7s first auto show will be Frankfurt in the fall of 2009.It should go on sale in 2010 as a 2011 model,costing between $50,000 and $65,000.

2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA

What it is: Porsche's long-awaited front engine luxury sport sedan will add fifth model to the lineup.
Why it's important:Once exclusively a sport-car outfit,Porsche is fats becoming s highly rpofitable full-line luxury band.As such,the Panamera four-door is a crucial link in continuing the company's hot streak.
Platform:Ostensibly an all-new platform wholly developed by Porsche,the new front-engine,rear drive arhitecture may underpin future sedans in the Volkswagen/Audi family.
Powertrain:We're expecting tha Panamera to share its engines with Cayenne sport-utility.Tham means a 4.8 liter direct-injection V-8 with at least 385 horsepower an a twin-turbocharged version of the same engine with 500 horsepower.A six speed automatic might be the only transmission offered;a manual is belived to be unlikely.Europeans might get a base V-6 version making 290 horsepower.
Noteworthy technology: A gas-electric hybrid could debut in 2010 or 2011.
Competition: Aston martin rapide,Audi A8,BMW 7-series,Mercedes-Benz S-class,Jaguar XJ,Lexus LS460
What might go wrong: The Panamera is smaller than its competitors,which might turn off some buyers,And as Porsche continues to widen its reach into other car segments,the brand could lose the focus that was once devoted to sport cars.
Estimated arrival and costs:Should be unveiled at the 2008 Detroit show and then go on sale that year as 2009 model,with a price range of $70,000 to $100,000.

2008 JAGUAR XF

What it is:The XF replaces the poor-selling Jaguar S-type,which went on sale in the U.S in 1999.
Why it's important:Jaguar is up to its neck in hot water,especially in the U.S,where its grand sales plan failed to materialize-at current rates,the company could conceivably sell fewer than 20,000 vehicles in 2007,down from 54,655 in 2003.
Platform:The current S-type sits on the DEW98 arhitecture that was shared with the dearly departed Lincoln LS.The XF will use a further updated version of this platform,whish was heavily reworked for the 2003 model year.
Powertrain:The S-type currently comes with a 235-hp,3,0-liter V-6, a naturally aspired 300-hp V-8,or a supercharged 400-hp,4.2-liter V-8-all mated to six-speed automatics.The XF will be fitted with midly updated versions of the existing V-8,a3,5-liter V-6,and a supercharged 5,0-liter direct-injection V-8 in the range-topping supercharged R model.Expect it to make about 500 horsepower.
Noteworthy technology:The 5.0 liter V-8 is new but based loosely on the AJ-V8 engine tht also used on Land Rovers.
Competition:Audi A6 and A7,BMW 5-series,Infiniti M35/45,Lexus GS,Mercedes E-class and CLS-class.
What might go wrong:THe XF's dramatically edgy styling might alienate traditional jaguar owners.But as sales demonstrate,those buyers are dwindling lot anyway.
Estimated arrival and costs:Production is to begon later this year for sale next spring.Expect prices to start in the high $40,000s ad top out in the mid-$70,000s for the R.

2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI

What it is:This turbocharged,roadgoing rally car returns with a controbersial new look and a better interior.
Why it's important:The STI established itself as a performance icon,and Subaru plans to distance it even further from its mode sedate WRX brother.
Platform:Same as that recently introduced WRX.
Powertrain:In a move that seems motivatede by cost considerations,the STI employs a revamped version of the curent 2,5 liter boxer turbo that is expected to develop upwards of 300 horsepower and about 295 pound-feet of torque.A carry-over six-speed manual transmission in the cards
Competition:Audi S4,BMW 335i,Mitsubishi lancer evolution X,Volkswagen R32.
What might go wrong:The Impreza's new look,no matter how much STI cosmetic makeup gets tacked on,might turn off buyers.
Estimated arrival and cost:Expect to see the STI in showrooms early in 2008 for about $34,000 after a debut at this fall's Tokyoshow.

2009 CHEVROLET CAMARO

What it is:GM's much-hyped return of beloved played-muscle car it discontinued in 2002.
Why it's important:The succes of the 2005 Ford Mustang showed there is money to be made in the segment.
Platform:The reanimation of the Camaro doubled as an admission that engineering of the Global RWD Arhitecture,nee Zeta,never really ceased in Australia.
Powertrain: we're expecting two V-8s-a400-hp 6,0-liter and a high-po 500-plus-horse B-8-and an entry model with a 3,6-liter V-6.Buyers can choose a six speed manual or a six speed automatic.
Competition:Ford Mustang,Dodge challenger
What might go wrong:GM elder Bob Lutz has said proposed CAFE standards may prove too tough for rear-wheel-drive vehicles to meet.At the moment,the Camarois still a go,but there's a chance the convertible may not follow a year later.
Estimated arrival and costs:The Camaro is due in early 2009,the convertible in 2010.Look for prices to run from $25,000 to $35,000.

2008 DODGE CHALLENGER

What it is:A front engine,rear-wheel-drive,five-passenger retro coupe that slavishly copies the 1970 original
Why it's important:This Chrysler's play for a piece of the pony-car market that Ford has been gobbling whole since the introduction of the 2005 Mustang that sold 160,975 units that year.
Platform:The concept rides on a shortened version of the rear-wheel-drive LX platform(Dodge Charger,Chrysler 300),but the production Challenger could be a short-wheelbase version of the next-gen LY arhitecture.
Powertrain:Look under the hood for the 6.1 liter Hemi V-8 kicking up 425 horsepower,with the anticipated option of a 500 horse,392-cubic-inch V-8,as well as a base model with a V-6.In addition to the six-speed automatic,the hope is Chrysler wild do the right thing and offer a six-speed manual in the spirit of Challengers of yore.
Competition: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro.
What might go wrong:Ford was pleasantly surprised with the succes of the 2005 Mustang,but the Challenger,Camari,and Mustang likely will be duking it out for shares of a segment that has been partly sated.
Esimated arrival and costs:The production Challenger will get spotlight treatment at the Chicago auto show in February 2008.We expect production to begin next spring as a 2008 model.
Pricing will be competitive with the Mustang and Camaro,in the $25,000-to-$35,000 range.
A convertible is not planned,but we expect an SRT performance version,perhaps launching simultaneaosly next spring.

A few more photos of the superb Dodge Challenger:

2010 ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE

What it is: The Rapide is essentially a four-door version of Astons's DB9 two-plus-two coupe.It's a more elegant,less spacious,and more expensive alternative to existing four-door high-performance luxury sedans.
Why it's important:Now that Aston Martin has been sold by Ford to a consortium headed by David Richards od Prodrive,which builds Subaru rally cars among its many ventures,the Rapide gives Aston a fourth model line that should help increase output from 7000 cars annually to 9000.
Platform:The Rapide is built on Aston Martin's VH("vertical horizontal")all-aluminium structure,stretched nearly 10 inches in wheelbase to make room for a piar of adults in back.Overall,the Rapide is 12 inches longer than the DB9.
Powertrain:As it stands,the Rapide will use a version of Aston's 5.9-liter V-12 engine that will put out 473 horsepower,up from the DB9's 444.The show car that was revealead ad Detroit in 2006 also used the DB9's ZF six-speed automatic transmission with pafflde shifters.
Competition:Audi S8,Bentley Flying Spur,Maserati Quattroporte,Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG,Porsche Panamera.
What might go wrong:The likely asking price(more than $200,000)puts the Rapide in highfalutin company,particulary since the Porsche Panamera is reputed to cost as mach as 100large.
Estimated arrival and costs:Keep an eye out for Rapide sometime in 2009,priced at about $220,000.

BMW 135 i

M3:All eyes are on the 414-hp V-8-powered M3 coupe from the '07 series arhitecture.The engine based on the 5.0-liter V-10 in the M5 and M6,features an 8400-rpm redline and an accessible 295pound-feet of torque at 3900 rpm.Our initial test produced a 0-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds at 11mph.A six-speed manual is the only transmission available when the M3 goes on sale next spring.A twin clutch transmission is expected to debut in a year.The bad news is the M3 has put on about 300 punds over its '06 predecessor ,and the base price will likely be about $7000 more.
1-series: A coupe version of the smallest BMW is the U.S-bound in 2008.Two engines will power the 1-series: a 3.0 liter inline-six with 230 horsepower will be under the hood of the 128 i and 300 -hp twin-turbo inline-six will power the 135i.A sport suspension and body kit will be standard on 135 i and optional on the 128i.Both engines will come with a standard six speed manual and optional automatic. Price is expected to start below $30,000 and top off near $40,000 for a well optioned 135i.
5-series: Exterior styling is tweaked slightly front and rear,although the big news is in the six-cylinder models.Last year's 215-hp 525i becomes the 528i,thanks to a 230-hp,3.0-liter inline-six the 255-hp 530i morphs into the twin-turbo 300-hp 535i.
All wheel drive is available in both six-cylinder models.
The V-8 powered 550i gets the styling tweaks but is mechanically unchanged.
6-series:New front and rear fascias seek to keep design fresh,and the 6-series coupe and convertible soldier on with np major mechanical changes.
Unchanged: M5,M6,X5,Z4,Z4M,3-series,7-series
Dead:525i,530i

FERRARI

F430:
Ferrari will introduce a lighter,faster version called the Scuderia that will go on sale early in 2008 .It will have 503 horsepower -an increase of 20- and will be about 220 pounds lighter ,with an expected curb weight of about 3100 pounds.
Oh,and it will cost more than $200,000.

HONDA S2000 CR

THE GRAYING ROADSTER ATTACKS THE TRACK

"Warning!Auto racing is spectacular and exciting,but can be dangerous!" The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course posts this caution next to the driver's bathrooms,so it's probably worth repeating in this introduction to the Honda S2000 CR.For the CR-the initials stand for "Club-Racer"-is about rubber-chunking,brake-burning,wall-fanning track work.You wouldn't really want the shale-stiff CR for anything else,which is perhaps why Honda plans to sell only 1400 copies of the circa-$38,000 CR in 2008.
The CR,for which the air conditioning and stereo are optionals deletes, "brings the pure open-sports-car concept of tje S2000 to full maturation",says Shigeru Uehara,chief engineer on both the S2000 and Acura NSX,and honda's preeminent sports-car sensei.After 36 years polishing the big H,Uehara calls the CR his "final gift" before retirement this fall.
There's no bump to the base S2000's 2,2-liter four or its 237 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.The CR's credentials are mainly in suspension and aero improvments,some labels and cockpit detailing,and body stiffening.
The CR's front bumper is bearded with a thick spoiler that lowers underbody pressure and reduces lift.The wind tunnel shaped the rear wing to the bite into clean air to the left and right of the cockpit but preserve rear visibility.Twin fairings behind the seats channel air more cleanly for reduced lift when the aluminium hardtop is removed.The electric-folding roof is left of the CR,along with sound insulation and spare tire,adding up to a net 99-pound weight saving with the hardtop off and 51 pounds with it on,says Honda.An additional brace bridgets the vacant roof well for a claimed 11-percent increase in rear lateral stiffness.
Spring rates and shock-damping settings are hiked considerably,although they remain nonadjustable,and the antiroll bars are thicker.The steering ratio is hastened from 14.9:1 to 13.8:1,and stiffeners are added to the rack mount to increase rigidity.The CR's blocky Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires,tread-widened in back from 245 to 255,proved stickier while lapping Mid-Ohio back-to-back with base 2008 S2000s.
Compared with the base S2000,the CR is simply harder and sharper,with less body roll and tire scrubbing and more corner composure and stability under bracking.With no more horsepower,the CR pruned about three seconds off lap times turned in the base car.That's a gift any racer will surely find spectacular and exciting.

HUMMER H3 ALPHA

AMERICA'S ODD OFF-ROADER GOES FROM AN ECCENTRIC FIVE TO AN EVEN EIGHT.

Hummer's slamm-caliber H3 started life in 2005 as a tribute less to military hardware than to the old Daktari-style Land Rover,the one with narrow-gauge body,wee 2287cc engine,and storied off-road abilities.The current H3's reletively weeny 242-hp,3.7-liter five-cylinder,smaller body,voluminous23 galloon fuel tank,and optional wall-crawling 4:1 low range are actually ideal attibutes for slow-speed sojours in wild lands where fuel sparse and big engines just wast it.
Alas,even among H3 buyers,the serious safari types would barely fill a jury box.In the paved world,with its short on-ramps and shorter tempers,the five-cylinder is stressed hauling the H3's 4900-pound curb weight to expressway speed's.So Hummer bulks up for 2008 with the H3 Alpha,featuring a pushrod 5,3 liter V-8 with300 horsepower and,more important,320 pounds-feet of torque.
Alpha is Hummer's step-up brand,formely applied to the original civilian Humvee,the H1.The five-cilynder H3 remains in the lineup,starting at $30,695.The H3 Alpha digs in at $39,260.
The V-8 comes with a four speed automatic and is wrapped in the Alpha equipment package,which includes more deluxe interior decor,a Mansoon stereo witha six-CD changer,various power widgets,chromed wheels and trim,and a lower rear-end ratio.Towing capacity rises to a ski-boat-rated 6000 pounds.Plus,Hummer says the V-8 is better for slogging through deep sand where low-speed torque is vital.
Slogging through deep rush hour,the Alpha accelerates more effortlessly and makes V-8 rumbles,but it will never be called gazzele-like.It should slip under the nine-second mark to 60 mph(the five-cylinder does it in about 10 seconds).The ride is still bouncy,the visibility still sacrificed on the small-window altar of macho styling.
With the Alpha,the H3 becomes less an American Land Rover and more a typical Hummer.
....THE REST OF THE LINEUP
H1: Hummer's original product is now available only on special order.

H2: This behemoth gets a version of the Cadillac Escalade's 6.2-liter V-8 with 393 horsepower and nattier interior,plus frame, suspension,and eletrical-system upgrades inherited from GM's redesigned GMT900 full-size trucks.

Here are the main tehnical specification's:

VEHICLE TYPE:front-engine,4 wheel-drive,5 passenger,5 door wagon
BASE PRICE : $39,260
ENGINE TYPE:pushrod 16-valve,V-8,aluminium block and heads,port fuel injection
Displacement..........................325 cu in,5237cc
Power(SAE net).....................300bhp @ 5200 rpm
Torque(SAE net)...................329 lb-ft @ 400 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 4-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS:
Wheel base 111.9 in Lenght:186.7in
Widht: 85,5in Height 74,5 in
Curbweight:4900 lb

PERFORMANCE(C/DEST)
Zero to 60 mph.....................8,5 seconds
Standing1/4mile...................16,5 seconds
Top speed(governor limited)..99 mph

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY(C/DEST)
EPA city driving....................12 mpg
EPA highway driving............18mpg

MERCEDES-BENZ SLR McLAREN ROADSTER

A HALF-MILLION BUCKS WILL ALSO BUY YOU 21 MIATAS.BUT THE EFFECT WOULDN'T BE QUITE THE SAME.

From the perspective of Chris Davies,this car makes no sense.Davies is the Brit who's pushing a European Parlamient initiative to limit the top speed of all cars in Europe to just over 100 mph.Since the Mercedes SLR Mclaren roadster can do about twice that,it has to be near the top of the list of "boy toys" that Davies wants to ban.
There's something to his position,but not for the socioenvoironmental reasons davies cites.traveling at speeds of more than 100 mph in any top-down automobiles gets to be uncomfortable,and that applies to the SLR more than most,thanks to the basso bark of its side pipes,relentlessly reminding occupants of every combustion event in the 5,4 liter SQHC 24-valve V-8 engine.With supercharging and intercooling,these are eye-widening events,and they produce eyeball-flattening resoults:617 horsepower at 6500 rpm,a prodigious 575 pund-feet of torquw,0 to 60 mph in a little under four seconds,the quarter-mile in a little aver 11 seconds at about 125 mph.
The roadster may hit these marks a smidge slower than a hardtop,due to its slightly greater mass.Mercedes reports that the roadster weights about 100 more pounds than the 3858-puond coupe.But that won't matter to the deep-pocketed few.The roadster is about style and exclusivity,high speeds or low.
In fact,Klaus Nesser,head of exclusive products for Mercedes,expects drotop-SLR buyers to be more inclined ti cruising than racing.An open car provides more opportunity to been seen and envied.Just drop the automatic top,which takes about 10 seconds.
Nesser says the convertible conversion was easy:"All we had to di was remove the roof."Herr Nesser was joking,but only a little.The roadster's body uses a stronger carbon-fiber weave than the coupe(triaxial weave versus biaxial),and there are hefty steel beams in the A-pillars.But beyond that,the body shell needed no reinforcement.If there's any compromise in chassis rigididy,it's subliminal.
Chassis rigidity is the corner stone of agility,and the roadster's credentials on this score are hard to fault.Grip is abundant,responsses are mongoose quick,and the carbon ceramic brakes are equal to the power,which is both vast and seductive,
Still,the SLR's dynamics are aslo hard to love at first drive.The steering is overly weighted,a little short on feel,and quick at 2.3turns lock-to- lock: a tricky blend.And the brakes-by-wire system is too eager by half.It's hard to be smoth with this car.
But whaddya want for a half-million bucks?The SLR's capabilities are slightly outrageous,and it's curbside presence even more so.Exclusivity never comes cheap.

Here are tehnical specifications:
vehicle type:front-engine,rear-wheel-drive,2-passenger,2-door roadster

Estimated base price: $500,00

Engine type:supercharged and intercooled SQHC 24-valve0V-8 aluminium block and heads,port fuel injection
Displacement..........332 cu in,5439cc
Power(SAE net).....617 bhp @6500rpm
Torque....................575 lb-ft@3250rpm

Transmission:5-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

Dimensions:
Wheel base:106.3 Lenght:183,4 in
Widht:75,1 in Height:50,4 in
curbweight:3960 lb


Performance(MFR'S EST)
zero to 60 mph.............3,8 sec
top speed(limited)......207 mph

Projected Fuel Economy(C/DEST):
EPA city driving...........12 mpg
EPA highway driving....17mpg

Audi goes X3 hunting

Q7 suv gets a baby brother

Audi is poised to introduce two crossover sport-utility vehicles in the next years.Late in 2008,the midsize Q5 is expected to debuton the same arhitectures as the '08 A5 coupe and next generation A4 sedan.A year after the Q5 goes on sale,Audi will follow up with the smaller and sportier Q3 previewed by the Cross Coupe Quattro concept shown at the Shanghai auto show.Built on the same platform as the '09 Volkswagen Tiguan,the Q3 will have a transversely mounted engine and all-whell drive provided by an electonically controlled center clutch pack.Additionally,an electronically controlled locking rear differential similar to that of Saab's XWD system may find its way into the Q3.To distance the Q3 from its Volkswagen brother,the Audi will offer on-road performance,won't have a speck of off-road ability,and will be firmly entrenched in the $30,000 range.
Surprisingly,the Q3 will be packed with several features that Audi generally reserves for ots sportiiest cars,the RS4 and R8.Those options will include ceramic composite brakes like those of the R8,cross-linked dampers similar to the system on the RS 4,and driver-selectable suspension settings.In addition, a so called drive-select program will give the choice of three different modes(sport,efficiency,and dynamic)that affect suspension tunning,throttle response,transmission shifts,and steering effort.As one would expect,in efficiency mode the Q3 will work toward maximizing fuel economy:The engine will shut off when idling and minimize the use of air conditioning.Audi claims efficiency mode will boost fuel economy by 20 percent.
A new 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder will power the Q3.This engine will be introduced in the redesigned A4.Expected to meet emissions standard in all 50 states,the new engine will produce about 200 horsepower and 295 pund-feet of torque.Coupled to Audi's S tronic dual-clutch gearbox,the powertrain is purported to be able to return 40 mpg,in addition to the diesel,the 200-hp gas-powered turbo four from the Audi A3 will be offered.
At the 172,4 inches long,the Q3 doesen't promise Chevy Suburban levels of interior room, but Audi claims that pushing the wheels toward the corners will maximize interior volume.Other differences from the Tiguan will be a more aggressive exterior design with a large Audi-style grille,large wheels,and Q7 styling cues.One problem that remains is the name.Infiniti unleashead its legat office on Audi for using the letter "Q" for the Q7.Audi settled with infiniti and the Japanese automaker agreed to let Audi have the Q7 and Q5 names,but thr future of the Q3 name remains in limbo.

2008 Lamborghini Reventón

Deciding not to wait until a coachbuilder picks up a Murciélago to convert it into something different, Lamborghini decided it could do the job better and started work on project code LP640/2, aka the M.O.A., which stands for "Meanest of All." Spokesman Dominik Hoberg said the designation was decided on because the car is expected to have "at least" 650 bhp. However, we now know the final name of the car to be the 2008 Lamborghini Reventón.
We all agree that the look is stunning. All body parts are new, except for the windshield. Edgy, metallic-gray carbon panels form an extreme appearance inspired by modern aircraft design. The Reventón sports LED lighting front and rear, an all-new fuel inlet and black alloy wheels topped with carbon blades.

True to stock dimensions, the Reventón was designed in-house by Centro Stile Lamborghini and "embodies a compression of the brand's DNA," as CEO Stephan Winkelmann points out. Underneath, the Reventón is all Murciélago with a 6.5-liter V-12 drivetrain.

The interior is as special as the exterior. Instead of the stock instrumentation, you'll find functional 3D displays including a g-force meter. By pressing a button, instruments can be changed to a classic analog readout.

The 20 slated for production next spring carry a price tag of €1 million. Eleven cars are destined for the U.S.