Monday, September 20, 2010

GMC Denali XT Concept, 2008






50-percent increase in combined fuel economy over comparable small pickup trucks when running on gasoline, and it incorporates a new, muscular form in a performance-styled, hybrid sport-utility truck (SUT).

The Denali XT has a unibody architecture and rear-wheel drive, enabling its distinctive design and efficient performance. It builds on the equity of the Denali line and its reputation for advanced engineering and refinement, the first combination of GM's two-mode hybrid system with an E85 ethanol-capable engine. Denali XT's new, more efficient 4.9L version of GM's small-block V-8 features fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection technology and Active Fuel Management.

The engine is matched with GM's unique two-mode hybrid propulsion system, giving the powerful SUT exceptional fuel economy and uncompromising capability - including all-electric drive at low speeds. It is a powertrain combination that makes the Denali XT perfectly suited to a variety of active lifestyle activities, such as hauling skis and snowboards to the mountain or towing a sport jet boat to the lake.

With its unibody structure, the Denali XT is lighter than conventional body-on-frame trucks, with great ride-and-handling characteristics. This design enhances fuel economy while giving the vehicle a sporty driving experience. True to its GMC Professional Grade heritage, the Denali XT is filled with technologies and features that maximize its flexibility, including a cargo space-enhancing Midgate and height-adjustable suspension.
The Denali XT's proportions are framed around a high cowl and 123.4-inch (3,134 mm) wheelbase. This enhances the vehicle's truck functionality, but packages it in an efficient, unibody architecture.

Design and construction were spearheaded by Holden Design, within the Australian arm of GM's global design and engineering network.

The Inside,
The Denali XT blends mechanical functionality with leather-trimmed comfort.
Billet-metal surrounds, controls and instruments convey the cold precision of an aircraft cockpit. This is balanced by the warmth of bespoke saddle-leather trimmed seats and other contact surfaces.

The Denali XT seats four. The high-cowl vehicle architecture enables higher seating positions, allowing the couple distance between front and rear occupants to be reduced without compromising knee room. This packaging efficiency creates generous interior and cargo bed dimensions within a more compact package.

Truck capability
With stiffness that is greater than most conventional, body-on-frame trucks, the Denali XT's unibody structure supports a very capable truck platform. It also serves as the mounting point for a four-wheel independent suspension that gives the vehicle its performance feel on the road. The multilink front suspension features a forward-mounted steering rack and dual lower links with ball joints at the outer ends, providing sharp responses to driver input. At the rear, a four-link suspension design uses coil-over shocks and a decoupled stabilizer bar to enhance cornering control, reduce body roll and optimize longitudinal compliance. In short, it's a truck that hauls more than cargo on twisting roads.

The rear cargo area is wide, deep and flat, with no suspension or wheelhouse protrusions; the cargo floor measures 55 inches long (1,397 mm) by 47.5 inches wide (1,206 mm). It all adds up to the space to haul a wide variety of lifestyle accessories.

The easy-to-operate Midgate can be lowered to extend the cargo-carrying capacity inside the vehicle. The rear seats fold flat to provide a longer floor for carrying items such as skis, surfboards or wood from the home improvement store. A fixed rear window allowed engineers to retain the vehicle's structure, reducing mass and complexity.

The Denali XT has an estimated payload capacity of 1,100 pounds (499 kg) and a towing capacity of an estimated 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg). This capability is delivered through unique vehicle and powertrain integration, where the multiple modes of GM's two-mode hybrid system provide towing capability.

New 4.9L SIDI V-8 and two-mode hybrid system
The GM's rear-wheel-drive two-mode hybrid transmission is paired with a smaller-displacement version of the small-block engine. The new V-8 4.9L E85-capable engine powers the Denali XT with an estimated 326 horsepower (243 kW).
It uses direct-injection technology to produce the power of a larger engine, but consumes less fuel and produces lower emissions.

The Denali XT's two-mode hybrid system is partnered with the 4.9L engine and uses an electrically variable transmission to enhance fuel efficiency in city and highway driving. In city driving, all-electric propulsion is used at low speeds; on the highway, fixed-gear operation enables efficient performance even when towing a trailer.
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GM Sequel Concept, 2005






GM Sequel Concept, 2005

The Sequel is a hydrogen fuel cell-powered concept car and sport utility vehicle from General Motors, employing latest generation HydroGen3 technology developed by Opel. The Sequel uses a drive-by-wire system. It has a range of three hundred miles, and its only emission is water. It debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show and is now being shown at the 75th international car show in Geneva, Switzerland.

The vehicle can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than ten seconds. It provides a high level of control on bumpy terrain, snow, and ice. 42 percent more torque and quicker deceleration when braking are additional benefits of some of the new technologies used in the Sequel.

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Sunday, September 19, 2010

Hummer H2, 2008






The heart of the '08 H2 is a new, 6.2L V-8 engine that uses variable valve timing technology to maximize performance and fuel efficiency. It is rated at 393 horsepower (293 kW) and 415 lb.-ft. of torque (574 Nm). The engine features lightweight materials, including an aluminum cylinder block, which helps reduce the vehicle's overall mass.

The 6.2L V-8's technologically advanced features also help it meet new federal emissions standards a year before mandatory implementation.

A new six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 RWD electronically controlled automatic transmission backs the 6.2L engine. The 6-speed automatic has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio - including two overdrive gears - that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. Also, the 6L80 has a "tap up/tap down" capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts with a button on the column shifter.

The new powertrain combination helps the 2008 H2 and H2 SUT deliver an additional 1,500 pounds (680 kg) in towing capacity - an increase from 6,500 pounds (2,948 kg) to 8,000 pounds (3,629 kg). A host of additional powertrain revisions contributes to the H2's improved performance and efficiency:
  • Larger-capacity cooling system complements larger, more powerful engine
  • Electric engine cooling fans reduce "drag" on engine, enabling more horsepower
  • Regulated voltage control maximizes fuel economy by charging electrical components only when necessary
  • New LAN electrical architecture is more efficient and uses less electrical energy
  • Standard 3.73 rear axle ratio
Off-road acumen also was enhanced with the new powertrain system. The 6L80 transmission's tap up/tap down feature provides more control on grades and it offers automatic grade braking. It also improves the off-road crawl ratio to approximately 39:1 - an improvement of about 20 percent.

The transfer case is improved in the '08 H2; it is stronger with improved performance. A new traction control system also is standard, which helps ensure sure-footed traction in most driving conditions.

Driving performance off the road or on is enhanced by a revised steering gear that has a quicker ratio and improved on-center returnability. The driving experience also is quieter and more refined, thanks to new, tuned air intake and exhaust systems.

Safety standard

Complementing the H2 lineup's performance and comfort changes are enhancements to the safety system. They include several new standard features:
  • Roof rail head curtain side air bags for first-, second- and third-row passengers with rollover sensing system
  • Safety belt pretensioners (first-row seats)
  • Electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
  • New traction control system
  • Tire pressure monitoring system

The first application for a full-size GM truck or SUV - which detects emergency braking situations and maintains maximum brake pressure to help stop the vehicle more quickly and with more control. It is a standard feature on all H2 models. Also, the standard OnStar system now offers the optional Turn-By-Turn navigation system. Additional optional features that contribute to a safer driving experience include HUMMER's Rear Vision System - a rearview camera system - and a navigation system.

Exterior enhancements

All 2008 H2 models are distinguished from previous models with functional changes that maintain HUMMER's instantly recognizable design identify. The iconic, seven-slot grille features larger openings and the lower grille also is enlarged, accommodating the cooling needs of the more powerful 6.2L V-8 engines. The lower bumpers on '08 models are painted silver (previous models had black lower bumpers).

The soul of a HUMMER

While the '08 H2 is offered with a new powertrain and interior, its foundation remains the same: a fully welded ladder-type frame that features a modular, three-piece design incorporating a number of hydroformed components. This design delivers outstanding strength, stiffness and dimensional accuracy.

The H2 has short overhangs for radical approach and departure angles, and exceptional ground clearance for minimal impact on trails. Standard 17-inch wheels, heavy-duty independent front suspension and a five-link rear suspension provide superior handling, carrying and towing capability. The solid rear axle ensures durable sure-footedness, particularly in tight, off-road situations. Also standard is underbody protection and rocker protection. These elements help the H2 deliver on HUMMER's mantra of capability, including traveling through streams 24 inches (508 mm) deep, climbing 16-inch (406-mm) steps and rocks and paddling through deep sand or snow.

A new, four-channel anti-lock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS) provides optimum control on slippery surfaces. In addition, the ABS can detect and adjust its braking capabilities to rough off-road surfaces like gravel and potholes. The TCS also includes the ability to gain traction through a single wheel, if necessary, and more wheel slip in a second traction control mode for sand and desert racing conditions.

H2 SUT - maximum utility and fun


Like the H2, the H2 SUT carries passengers and cargo, but does so with a twist: an open cargo bed enables convenient storage of larger items. When cargo requires more space, a 4-foot by 6-foot (122-cm by 244-cm) pickup bed can be created by powering the rear window into the Midgate, then folding forward the Midgate and rear seat. With four passengers on board, the bulkhead at the rear of the SUT's passenger compartment remains upright, still providing ample cargo-carrying capacity.
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Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, 2010






Since its victorious introduction at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, Ford Mustang Cobra Jet has created a legacy of power, performance and triumph.

The 40th Anniversary 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet lived up to the legend of the original, duplicating the NHRA Winternationals victory in 2009 and dominating drag strips across the land.

Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind "SEMA Special" silver Ford Mustang Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.

With the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, the luxury of a longer development cycle and the result is absolutely stunning. Where the 2008 Cobra Jet was an extremely potent starting point for NHRA Stock competition, the 2010 will enhance the car further.

For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country.

The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified roll cage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.
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Fiat 500 Abarth, 2009






From racing to our everyday roads, but always with a sporty approach. The goal behind the debut of the long-awaited '500 Abarth', announced for the 2008 Geneva International Motor Show. The new car was developed by the Fiat Group Automobiles Style Centre in the spirit of the legendary Fiat 500 Abarth of the 1960s.

With a strong sporty personality, the new car powered by a Fire 1.4 16v petrol Turbo engine, which delivers a maximum of 135 bhp (99 kW) at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 206 Nm at 3,000 rpm in 'Sport' mode (in 'Normal' mode, torque is reduced to 180 Nm at 2,500 rpm). The brilliant, smooth new engine is a friend of the environment.

Other interesting feature of the Fiat 500 Abarth is the fact that it adopts the new TTC (Torque Transfer Control) system, which improves the transfer of drive torque to the wheels, but, above all, ensures that the car behaves impeccably on bends, making it safer and more entertaining even with a sporty driving style. In other words, it is faithful to the phrase coined for the Abarths of the 1960s 'small but wicked'
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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Dacia Duster Concept, 2009





The Dacia Duster Concept - Dacia's first concept crossover - is proud to be different. Seen from the driver's side, it is visibly a sporting coupé, yet passengers entering from the other side will see it as an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) with a traditionally opening front door and rear-hinged rear door which suggest plush travelling refinement.
The Dacia Duster Concept's height of 1.49 metres, short front and rear overhangs (65cm and 80cm respectively), generous wheelbase (2.80m) and compact volumes (4.25m long, 1.64m wide) exude an overriding sense of robustness and sports appeal.

The front end features a broad bumper with two horizontal air-intake slits that suggest power. The grille features evident Dacia styling cues and is flanked by headlamps which wrap over the front wings to form a tapering line of light that stretches rearward towards the doors.
Viewed from the side, the clear-cut lines of the wheel arches and tall doors reinforce the impression that Dacia Duster Concept sits squarely on the road. The Anthracite Grey bodywork and extensive one-piece glazed sweep - made possible by the absence of a central pillar - highlights the styling of the sides which are unmistakably reminiscent of Dacia Duster Concept's graphic identity.

At the rear, the engraved Dacia logo further emphasizes the concept car's robust, dependable credentials.

Special care has gone into Dacia Duster Concept's aerodynamic efficiency (Cd: 0.30) and the fluid lines of the body sides enable air to flow freely along the vehicle's flanks before being jettisoned through the rear lights. The aerodynamic, wing-like forms of the roof-mounted direction indicators also channel airflow towards the rear. The sum of all this work has naturally been beneficial to fuel consumption, and Dacia Duster Concept stands out as a particularly environmentally-respectful crossover. Despite its performance potential, the particulate filterequipped 1.5 dCi 105hp engine (77kW) emits just 139g of CO2/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 5.3 litres/100km.

A CROSSOVER WITH DACIA HALLMARKS
The futuristic crossover showcases the brand's core values - namely simplicity, robustness and authenticity - in a surprising form, yet Dacia's hallmark ingenuity and generosity are immediately apparent in the way designers have approached Dacia Duster Concept's cabin.
The concept car's two-tone chocolate and blue interior exudes a sense of well-being and conviviality. The fully glazed roof floods the cabin with light, while the enveloping forms of the staggered slim-line front seats provide first class comfort and support. The driver's seat is incorporated in a structure which extends all the way from the sill to the centre console, forming a sculptural, one-piece ensemble that echoes the exterior's sporty appeal.

Dacia Duster Concept is an adaptable, modular concept car. The four-seat 'daily driver' layout can be swiftly converted into a leisure configuration in a matter of seconds. The passenger seat slides underneath the driver's seat on rails concealed in the floor to leave just one front seat and consequently free up a total carrying volume of two cubic metres. Thanks to a recess in the floor and a strap located under the dashboard, this space can be used to carry a trials mountain bike.

Dimensions
* Length: 4,250 mm
* Width: 1,640 mm
* Height: 1,495 mm
* Overall width, doors open: 4,285 mm
* Wheelbase: 2,804 mm
* Front track: 1,637 mm
* Rear track: 1,640 mm
* Unladen weight: 1,300 kg
* Boot volume: 470 dm3 (VDA)

Technical data
* Engine type: dCi 105
* Maximum power: 105 hp (77 kW)
* Maximum torque: 240 Nm at 2,000rpm
* 0-100 km/h: 9.6 s
* CO2 emissions: 139g/km
* Combined cycle fuel consumption: equivalent to 5.3 litres/100km
* Transmission: Manual six-speed gearbox
* Tyres: 245/35 ZR21
* Wheels: 21-inch diameter wheels
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Brabus E V12 Coupe, 2010






The Brabus E V12 Coupe celebrates its world debut as the world's fastest Gran Tourismo. Based on the new Mercedes E-Class Coupe, Brabus builds a luxurious 2+2-seater in small-series production. It is powered by a Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 twelve-cylinder displacement engine that produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW of power and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft). Brabus accepted by the German Federal Vehicle Registration Agency (Kraftfahrtbundesamt) as an automobile manufacturer, offers this high-performance automobile capable of reaching speeds in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph) starting at 478,000 Euros MSRP.

Like the fourth-generation Brabus E V12 sedan the new E V12 Coupe is powered by a Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 displacement engine. Drawing upon decades of experience in developing and building high-performance vehicles the twelve-cylinder engine was fitted into the engine bay of the two-door E-Class.

The basis for this engine is the twelve-cylinder twin-turbo engine from the latest Mercedes 600 models. Displacement of the engine is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 cu. in.) with the help of a special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and correspondingly larger pistons. Both three-valve cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow, and fitted with sport camshafts.
Brabus E V12 Coupe

Underneath the custom-made hood with integrated carbon-fiber RAM airbox is space for a completely newly developed air intake system. This twin-turbo system was designed from the ground up for the new E V12 generation. It includes two custom high-performance headers with integrated turbochargers and four water-to-air intercoolers. The stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts was also custom-tailored for the confined space under the E-Class Coupe.

In addition, the Brabus engine specialists have developed a precision engine management system that controls injection, ignition and driving dynamics systems. The result is an optimal combination of impressive power yield and eco-friendly emissions that meet strict EURO IV exhaust limits.

The Brabus SV12 R Biturbo 800 engine is lubricated with high-tech motor oil from technology partner ARAL. It produces a rated power output of 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm. The even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available already at a low 2,100 rpm, is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission and a Brabus high-performance limited-slip differential. The Brabus E V12 comes standard with state-of-the-art driving stability programs that can be deactivated at the push of a button.

Performance of the coupe is as exceptional as that of the four-door model: The Brabus E V12 Coupe sprints from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and reaches 300 km/h (186 mph) after a mere 23.9 seconds. For street-legal use the top speed of the Gran Tourismo is limited electronically to 350 km/h (217 mph). Without the limiter the two-door twelve-cylinder car is capable of speeds in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph).

This extreme performance also places highest demands on the vehicle's aerodynamic properties. The Brabus designers went into the wind tunnel to develop a body conversion kit made from high-strength yet especially lightweight carbon fiber. The kit combines sporty design and aerodynamic efficiency to perfection.

The Brabus front was designed to reduce lift on the front axle and to provide all radiators of the V12 with an optimal supply of cooling air. Air outlets in the sides route the air quickly away from the heat exchangers.

A wider track means better directional stability at high speeds. Because of that Brabus has developed special carbon-fiber sport fenders with integrated air vents for the front axle. Special carbon-fiber rear fenders add 60 millimeters (2.4 in.) to the width of the coupe on the rear axle. The Brabus E V12 Coupe runs on especially wide wheels fitted with high-performance tires from Pirelli or YOKOHAMA. The 19-inch combination is perfect for the enormous top speed the car is capable of. The wheels are 9.5 inches and 10 inches wide and customers can choose from Brabus Monoblock designs VI, E, Q and S. Tires in size 265/30 ZR 19 are mounted on the front axle. Size 285/30 ZR 19 tires on the rear axle provide optimal traction.

Rocker panels with integrated illuminated Brabus logo and LED entrance lights route the air stream along the sides with minimum turbulence. They also lend the two-door car a longer, sleeker appearance.

The Brabus rear apron with carbon-fiber diffuser features a centrally mounted reflector and custom-tailored cutouts on either side for the Brabus quad sport exhaust system. The Brabus rear spoiler is essential for well-balanced aerodynamics at high speed.

To make the Brabus E V12 Coupe not only a superior road warrior but upon request also an extremely sporty racer on the track the suspension was completely redesigned. The redesign includes special suspension components on front and rear axle that offer a wider range of individual suspension settings.

These measures are complemented by a Brabus coil-over suspension that features a multitude of selectable settings for bound and rebound. The shock absorbers on the front and rear axle feature ten selectable settings for bound and rebound. The ride height has an adjustment range of 35 millimeters (1.4 inches). Sport sway bars can further minimize body roll during fast cornering.

The Brabus high-performance brake system meets the toughest demands, on the road or on the track. The front axle features 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and vented and grooved steel brake discs measuring 380 x 37 millimeters (15.0 x 1.5 inches). The rear axle stops on six-piston aluminum fixed calipers gripping discs measuring 360 x 28 millimeters (14.2 x 1.1 inches). The Brabus high-performance brake system incorporates all functions of the standard Brake Assist system of the Mercedes E-Class.

The interior combines sporty character with luxurious ambiance. An ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel is part of the equipment list of the Brabus E V12 Coupe as are sport seats upholstered with the finest leather. The seats provide excellent seating comfort and lateral support.

Genuine carbon-fiber trim on dashboard, center console and doors adds further sporty highlights.
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Friday, September 17, 2010

Daihatsu Materia Design Concept, 2008






The Materia's funky yet practical shape maximises interior space and was designed to be both distinctive and spirited. It is sold as both a Toyota and Daihatsu in Japan.

Its exceptionally short overhangs and flared wheelarches give a ground-hugging stance, while the squared-off passenger compartment promises - and delivers - outstanding space.

The front design is quite imposing with a chunky, deep bonnet and chiselled look to the headlamps and narrow but wide grille, cut into the deep bumper.

The Materia's rear also emphasises its width, strength and stability, emphasised by a swooping, low-mounted panel that connects the narrow rear lamps which gently curve over each rear wheelarch.

From the side, large 15 ins diameter spoked alloy wheels - linked by deep side skirts - further reinforce the message of stability. The generous 185/55 tyres combined with a wide track 'fill' the wheel openings.

Size Comparisons
The Daihatsu Materia's spacious cabin features both a generous interior width and length clothed in a compact body with excellent manoeuvrability thanks to good visibility and a tight 9.8 metre turning circle (kerb-to-kerb).

Its overall length of 3,800 mm is between the Renault Modus (3,792 mm) and Vauxhall Meriva (4,042 mm). The Daihatsu's width of 1,690 mm is almost identical to the 1,695 mm of the Renault and 1,694 mm of the Vauxhall.

The Materia's 1,635 mm height compares with the1,589 mm of the Modus and 1,624 mm of the Meriva, while the Daihatsu's wheelbase of 2,540 mm exceeds the 2,482 mm of the Renault but is slightly shorter than the Vauxhall's 2,630 mm.

Its 1,420 mm interior width far exceeds the Renault Modus which can only offer 1,280 mm. This, combined with an interior length of 1,950 mm (Vauxhall Meriva 1,825 mm) offers outstanding useable space.

Versatile, Funky-Looking Interior
The Materia's stylish and versatile interior includes a rear seat that has a rake-adjustable backrest which can also be fully reclined to form a bed, joining the equally fully-reclining front seats.

The rear seat also features a 60/40 split plus fore and aft slide adjustment of 160 mm. This allows a fully-flexible rear legroom/load space compromise. The rear tailgate opening is flush with the load floor for easy loading and unloading.

A compartment under the rear floor allows the storage of various items such as tools, while a deep bottle holder is also included in the side of the luggage compartment. Interior bottle holders can be found in both front and rear doors plus four in the centre console.

Meanwhile, the interior design itself is both funky and interesting with, for example, blue illumination of the front door armrests and circular front door speakers.

The centrally-mounted acrylic instrument panel creates a futuristic, three-dimensional look boosted by a swooping, stadium-shaped arc to the entire fascia.
Other distinctive features include a glossy black finish to the flush-fitting audio unit and side air-conditioning vents for a high-quality look.

Lively, Frugal, Advanced Petrol Engine
The new Daihatsu Materia features a lively and frugal 1.5 litre petrol engine offered with the choice of either five-speed manual of four-speed automatic transmission.

The engine itself is highly advanced and is similar to that fitted to the Daihatsu Terios compact SUV and can also be seen in 1.3 litre form in the Sirion supermini.

Featuring Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) which enhances low-speed pulling power and high-rev response, the twin overhead camshaft unit is compact and light, with an alloy head and block.

Power is 103.3 PS at 6,000 rpm with torque of either 97.4 lb ft at 4,400 rpm for the Daihatsu Materia manual or 101.8 lb ft in the automatic. The engine has a 10.0:1 compression ratio and features a bore and stroke of 72 x 91.8 mm.

The five-speed manual gearbox and four-speed automatic both have carefully chosen ratios that provide sprightly acceleration from standstill yet relaxed cruising.

To further aid refinement, various sound-insulation measures enhance noise-suppression. These include asphalt sheets for the passenger floor plus fascia, engine compartment and body frame insulators. All four doors have double seals for a quality closing experience and further refinement boost.

World's First Self-Regenerating Catalyst
The new Sirion 1.3 litre launched in 2005 featured the world's first self-regenerating catalyst. This innovation is also standard on the new Copen 1.3 and now the new 1.5 litre Daihatsu Materia.

It effectively extends the life of the catalytic converter, reducing maintenance costs and is kinder to the environment as it keeps the catalyst 'healthier' over a higher mileage meaning the already low 169 g/km does not increase as the engine becomes older.
The revolutionary technology works by providing a self-regenerating capability in the particles of the precious metal which normally degrades.

European-Tuned Chassis
Daihatsu has tuned the Materia's chassis for European markets and the result is a firmly-damped but smooth ride and excellent control of body roll despite the car's higher-than average stance.

The power-steering is well-weighted, with good straight-line stability and reassuring self-centring. Meanwhile, the front and rear anti-roll bars coupled with generous low-profile tyres keep understeer well in check.

The semi-independent rear features a conventional torsion beam and coil springs with separate shock absorbers. The anti-roll bar is complemented by a curved shape to the torsion beam which further improves roll stiffness.

The Daihatsu Materia has a conventional hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system as opposed to the growing trend towards electric power-assistance. The benefits are greater feel and sensitivity.

High Safety Levels Safety is given high priority in the Daihatsu Materia, especially considering its likely roll as a family car. It therefore has all the latest life-saving and injury-reducing initiatives.

For example, both front seats have seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters. These are designed to provide just the right amount of restraint for the level of retardation.
Should parents wish to carry their offspring in a child seat placed on the front passenger seat, a switch can be used to disable the passenger airbag.

Twin front airbags and side airbags are also standard as are dual side-impact door beams. The body structure is designed to absorb all-angle impacts while maintaining survival space around the occupants.

Various materials are used around the cabin to minimise impact injury such as to the knees and lower legs, while the brake pedal features a special mechanism which reduces intrusion into the cabin.

The braking system features servo-assisted front ventilated disc brakes and rear drums. Anti-lock (ABS) is also standard as is Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) which further avoids the locking-up of individual wheels during severe braking.
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SSC ULTIMATE AERO TT, 2007






SSC ULTIMATE AERO TT, 2007

Want to drive fast? really seriously fast? you’re spoilt for choice at present – at least in terms of the machinery available, if not the roads to do it on... There’s the 253mph Bugatti Veyron, the 250+mph Koenigsegg CCXR and the Bristol Fighter T with a claimed top speed potential of 270mph, but which will be restricted to 225mph.
There’s also the Hennessey Venom Viper with a claimed top speed of 255mph.

The world’s most powerful production car, ever.
Boasting a truly gargantuan 1,183bhp, the small, little-known Washington State-based company claims a top speed capability of 273mph. In tests earlier this year on a closed section of Nevada highway the SSC managed 230mph in the two miles available, but had the originally intended 12 mile site not been hit by snow, then the Veyron could well have been humbled.

There’s little that’s impressive inside as fit, finish and detailing falls far short of the current supercar norm.
On the plus side the Aero TT is easy enough to climb in and out of, the leather seats are supportive, it’s reasonably spacious with ample headroom and the driving position is fine apart from the front wheel arch intruding into the footwell,

Despite the Aero TT’s massive torque, moving away sedately from a standstill requires a delicate balance of clutch and throttle.
It’s eager either to launch like a dragster, or stall. Despite SSC’s brochure claiming the TT’s rack and pinion steering is assisted.
Manoeuvring at parking speeds required strong arms and a firm, two-handed grip on the wheel, but once rolling the SSC is easy enough to drive with a precise gearchange and direct, accurate steering, even by mid-engined supercar standards.

Specification:
* Engine - mid-mounted, all-alloy 16-valve V8 twin turbo
* Displacement - 6,348 cc (387.2 cu in)
* Power - 1,183 bhp (1,199 PS) @ 6,950 rpm (7,200 rpm redline)
* Torque - 1,094 lb/ft (1,484 Nm) @ 6,150 rpm
* Transmission - 6-speed manual, rear wheel drive
* 0-60 mph - 2.78 secs
* Standing 1/4 mile - 9.9 secs @ 144mph
* 60-0mph - 31.4 metres (103 ft)
* Top speed - 273 mph
* Chassis - steel tube space frame
* Body - carbon fibre composite, flat undertray with venturi tunnels
* Cd - 0.357
* Brakes - 14 inch vented, cross-drilled discs, 8-piston* calipers (front), 6-piston* (rear), (*see text)
* Suspension - double wishbone (front); upper rocker arm, lower wishbone (rear), remote reservoir, adjustable Penske dampers, coil-over springs, anti-roll bar
* Wheels - forged, 3-piece alloy, 19 x 9.5” (front), 20 x 13” (rear)
* Tyres - Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, 235/35 19 (front), 335/30 20 (rear)
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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Artega GT, 2008






The Design features: agility, driving dynamics and safety

The high-grade drive components of the Volkswagen Group are installed as rear engine traverse to the direction of travel. The 3.6-litre V6 is the ideal drive for a vehicle of this class. Along with the highly praised and well-tried direct-shift gearbox, the engine is mounted in a compact module made of highstrength steel tubes. The backs of the comfortable sports seats fold back to make loading easier. Especially effective crash modules as well as a steel side-collision protection as essential features of the passive safety system protect the passengers with front and side airbags in the case of accident. To ensure a maximum of active safety, the Artega GT design integrates state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, such as ASP (Artega Stability Program) such as the electronic stability program ASP (Artega), ABS and the traction control TC. Just as in other super sports cars, four different drive programs can be selected at the Headunit: Normal (ASP with early intervention, TC on), Sport (ASP with later intervention, TC on), Race (ASP off, TC on) and Off (ASP off, TC off).

In designing the body and interior of the car, great care was taken to consider the needs and comfort of the occupants. The generous amount of space compared to the extremely compact overall dimensions, numerous convenient interior places to put things and two separate luggage compartments (one behind the seats and the other under the front hood) are exceptional for a car this size. Such storage conditions were made possible by the engine's transverse installation in the rear. Though the Artega GT provides phenomenal handling performance and drive capabilities, the chassis fine-tuning ensures that comfort in no way comes too short. Even long trips will be savoured in happy memory by the driver and passenger - and even if the top cruising range provided by the optional 80-litre tank is fully used.

Operation: paragon makes driving easier, more pleasant, and safer
The competence of the electronic specialists at paragon AG has provided comprehensive innovative systems for operation and driver information. One of the primary concerns of the Artega idea is to prove their benefit in the Artega GT.With innovative sensor buttons and the unique dual-pointer dashboard for road speed and engine speed, paragon offers a novel ambience as a significant, distinctive attribute of the Artega GT.These features are emphasized by a plaque with the inscription "Cockpit systems from paragon" in the interior of the vehicle.
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Ascari A10, 2007



Ascari A10, 2007

The British Supercar manufacturer, Ascari has produced the answer to the Ferrari Enzo FXX.

Whereas the Enzo FXX is not road legal, it was produced to be driven during track days only, the A10 is road legal so can be driven home and parked on your drive.

Designed, engineered and hand built in Banbury, England the A10 has 625bhp and weighs in at around 1200kg, thanks to its lightweight carbon fibre bodywork. Reaching 60mph in just 2.8 seconds and 100mph in less than 6 seconds, the manufacturer claims the A10 is the fastest road going production car around a race track.

The A10 is more than just a revamped KZ1, which has found success in its first year of competing in the GT3 in 2006. It has new body panels, a reworked engine and suspension, with extensive brake modifications to cope with the extra power. Some luxuries such as remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, climate control and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system.
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