Found this one on e-bay, a 1/43 scale model that want's us to believe it's the real thing –the 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso MPV that is scheduled to be unveiled in Paris in September. Although the car seems a tad different than the various scoops have suggested it to be, I have to say that this chinese made 1/43 model doesn't look anything out of the ordinary so it may very well be giving us a glimpse of the real production model.
Technorati Tags: Mazda+MX-5, Miata, Roadster+Coupe, videos, clips, TV, adds, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive,
The Field Reporter
The Waiter
The Dancing Club
The Battering
The Wedding
Bump in the Head
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The Manthey Racing team from PRESS RELEASE: Porsche decided to build the new GT3 RSR after analysing the relevant A.C.O. and FIA regulations in a specification which allows a minimum weight of 1,225kg (predecessor: 1,125kg) and permits the tyre width to be increased by two inches to 14 inches. Thirty-five kilogrammes of the required additional weight may be placed as ballast in the vehicle, resulting in a lower centre of gravity.
ENGINE For the normally-aspirated Porsche engine this specification allows a capacity of 3.8-litres with two 30.3 millimetre air restrictors (predecessor: 3.6-litres, 29 mm diameter). The increase in displacement was achieved through the enlargement of the bore to 102.7mm with the unchanged stroke of 76.4mm. With the mandatory air restrictors, the unit delivers 359kW/485bhp at 8,500rpm. Maximum torque increased to 435Nm. Top engine speed is reached at 9,000rpm.
GEARBOX For the 24 hour race in Spa, the GT3 RSR features the proven sequential six-speed gearbox of its forerunner. The customer vehicles for 2007 will be delivered with a new sequential six-speed transmission featuring the gears of the RS Spyder which competes in the American Le Mans Series.
THE BODYSHELL of the GT3 RSR with the welded-in safety cage is ten per cent stiffer than its predecessor. Distinctive wheel arches widen the body by 50 millimetres on each side. The track is enlarged correspondingly; wheels and tyres of the maximum allowable dimension can be fitted.
THE SUSPENSION with Porsche-optimised struts at the front and the Porsche multi-link axle at the rear corresponds to the configuration of the standard GT3 RS car. The modified kinematics is set-up for the wider tyre footprint and for the lowest possible camber change in rebound and compression. The new ZF-Sachs shock absorbers feature the Through-Rod-System with considerably lower chamber pressure and hence less friction than conventional dampers. As a result they offer a significantly improved response characteristic. The position of the rear axle was optimised. The axle features a new anti-roll bar, an adjustable upper link and an optimised lower link.
THE BRAKE SYSTEM features six-piston aluminium callipers and 35 millimetre thick brake discs measuring 380 mm in diameter at the front and 30 millimetre four-piston aluminium callipers with 355 mm diameter discs at the rear.
Technorati Tags: Porsche+911, GT3+RSR, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures, official, press+release
Honda seems to want to put some of that high revving V-TEC magic into the skies as the Japanese announced that their innovative HondaJet will enter the growing light jet market, with the process of accepting sales orders in the U.S. in fall 2006. Toward this goal, Honda will establish a new U.S. company to hold FAA type certification and production certification. Honda’s goal is to complete type certification in about 3-4 years, followed by the start of production in the U.S.| Basic Design Specifications | |
| Seating | 2 crew + 5 pass/ers or 1 pilot + 6 pass/ers |
| Maximum Speed | 778 km/hr (420 knots) |
| Engine | HF-118 Turbofan Engine – x 2 |
| Length x Width x Height | 12.67 x 12.2 x 4.1 m (41.6 x 39.9 x 13.2 ft) |
| Operational Ceiling | 12,497 m (41,000 ft) |
| Range | 2,037 km (1,100 nm) |
"Aviation has been an important dream of Honda for more than four decades," said Satoshi Toshida, senior managing director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. "Our goal is consistent with the philosophy of other Honda products -- to provide convenient and efficient transportation that will make people’s lives better. We are excited now to enter a new dimension of mobility."
"In Piper we believe we have a partner we can collaborate with in our effort to bring new value to customers in the very light jet market,"said Toshida.
1986: Honda begins research in Japan on both small aircraft and jet engines.
1993: Honda begins research on composite body aircraft with Mississippi State University (MSU), leading to development of aircraft called “MH-02” that is jointly fabricated and tested by Honda and MSU. Research continues until 1996.
1999: Development begins of the HF118 turbofan jet engine in the 1,000 to 3,500-pound thrust class. Compact, lightweight, low emission, fuel efficient.
2000: Honda R&D Americas establishes a research facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina in October 2000 for the purpose of researching, fabricating and flight testing of HondaJet.
2002: Honda conducts high altitude tests of the HF118 engine starting in June 2002.Honda publishes and reports its first technical paper in June 2002 concerning technological achievements of the new airframe. Honda continues publishing technical papers, with the most recent paper in June 2005.
2003: HondaJet takes first test flight, December 3, 2003. Honda makes first public announcement of the achievement days later.
2004: Honda and GE Aviation announce February 16, 2004, an alliance to commercialize the HF 118 engine, and establish a joint venture, GE-Honda Aero Engines, LLC, in October 2004, to pursue the development, production and sales of Honda’s HF118 turbofan engine in the light business jet market.
2005: HondaJet makes its public "world debut" at the EAA AirVenture 2005 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 28, 2005.
2006: Honda announces that it will commercialize HondaJet at the EAA AirVenture 2006 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 25, 2006. HondaJet has achieved an altitude of 43,000 feet and a speed of 412 knots
Technorati Tags: Honda, HondaJet, Piper, aircraft, airplane, light+jet, aviation, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures, official, press+release
As I wrote before (click here to read more: HondaJet), Honda announced today that their going in the light jet business with the all new "Hondajet". Click on the following video to watch the flying Honda in real life action.
Technorati Tags: Honda, HondaJet, Piper, Video, clip, aircraft, airplane, light+jet, aviation, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures, official, press+release
A lot of sites referred that the car shown in these pictures was the production version of Fiat’s Trepiuno Concept, the 500. But a more thorough check shows that this in fact is the Trepuino and not the 500. Beside the fact that the word “Trepiuno” is written in the license plate, a closer look at the interior unveils a prototype cabin (check out the gear lever and the centre console) while the glass roof is something that doesn’t seem fit for a car that intends to be cheap. It should be noted that the pictures were taken during a fair or show in
Technorati Tags: Fiat+500, Trepiuno, concept, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, images, pictures
The multimillion-dollar campaign for the Compass, targets young buyers, aged 22-30, are single, college educated, city-dwelling, and with an average income of around $40,000.
Phil
Bounce
Gear
Monday
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"It was like a giant slalom on an alpine mogul piste. The only difference was that it was not flexible poles we had to get round but enormous tankers and container vessels," said Rinderknecht
The Rinspeed "Splash" - a concept amphibious vehicle that was unveiled in the Geneva Motor Show in 2004, skims over the water on extendable wings like a hydrofoil. Packed with a 140 Hp, 750 ccm two cylinder, 4 stroke Weber Motor engine, the Splash can go up to 80 km/h in the sea, but at that speed even small waves feel as hard as rock. Watch the videos bellow
Video 1
Video 2
Technorati Tags: Rinspeed+Splash, Guinness+Book+of+Records, videos, clips, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive,
New 1.6 120 Hp & 1.6 Twin Scroll Turbo 175 Hp engines, 60 mm Longer, New Underbody, Sales start in October 2006After more than 800,000 units sold worldwide, BMW decided that it was time to change its hugely successful Mini. Although the 2007 model is scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September (with sales starting in Europe in October), the Bavarian company gave a handful of journalists the chance to get a taste of their new Mini by organizing a mini presentation in Europe which included driving the car. Luckily for us, Mini gave out a dozen or so, slightly camouflaged pictures.
According to BMW-Mini press release, the seemingly unchanged Mini has gone through quite a bit of changes including all brand new power units and transmissions, suspension and steering, brakes and safety systems. As for the design, the second model generation of today's modern Mini gets a carefully but thoroughly upgraded interior, and evolutionary body design. Most important though is the fact that the 2007 has grown by approximately 60 millimetres or 2.76 inches in length.
The 2007 Mini is entering the market in the guise of the Mini Cooper (1.6 with 88 kW/120 hp) and MINI Cooper S (1.6 Turbo with 128 kW/175 hp), with the Mini One "basic" version following somewhat later. Finaly, the new MINI will also be available with a turbodiesel.
PRESS RELEASE
Evolution in exterior design: The revised body design of the new MINI not only considers the even stricter safety standards to be observed in future, but also – with the car’s dimensions increasing only slightly, for example with exterior length up by approximately 60 millimetres or 2.76 inches – accentuates the proportions and design features .
As a result, the new MINI not only retains the proportions so typical of the car, but naturally also boasts characteristic features such as the hexagon grille, large headlights, the diagonal joint between the engine compartment lid and side direction indicators as a clear reminiscence to the welding seam on the classic Mini stretching out over exactly the same connection line in the past, and the upright rear light clusters.
From the side, the car is naturally still dominated by glazing all round the passenger cell, the extremely short body overhangs both front and rear, and the extra-large wheels, all of these features once again accentuating the masculine "stance-on-the-wheels" character.
Revolution in the cockpit Reflecting the formula of offering maximum car on minimum space, the interior of the new MINI looks even lighter than before, but is even more generous in its features. Moved far to the outside, the air vents accentuate the horizontal orientation of the dashboard and create a harmonious transition from the cockpit to the door lining. And last but not least, the decal elements may be supplemented by up to 16 chrome-plated trim surrounds on the instruments and air vents themselves.
Now even larger than before, the Center Speedo, a genuine MINI icon in the cockpit, comprises all entertainment and, as an option, navigation functions over and above the analogue-face speedometer. Through its high, central position, the Center Speedo allows optimum ergonomic control by both the driver and front passenger, while the slender centre console ensures even more space and roominess within the footwells.
Mini Coope1.6 120 Hp: The MINI Cooper features a normal-aspiration power unit developing maximum output of 88 kW/120 hp at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 160 Nm/118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. The intake valves are controlled in a fully variable process by the BMW Group’s absolutely unique VALVETRONIC technology, allowing the engine to breathe freely, without the usual restrictions imposed by a throttle butterfly.
Mini Cooper S 1.6 Twin Scroll Turbo 175 Hp: The turbocharged version of the new 1.6-litre four-cylinder featured in the MINI Cooper S offers even more impressive performance data: Maximum output is 128 kW/175 hp, a figure which certainly sets the standard for an engine of this size reaching its maximum power at 5,500 rpm.
The engine's peak torque of 240 Nm or 177 lb-ft is maintained consistently between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. When accelerating, torque is even boosted briefly to 260 Nm or 192 lb-ft by a short increase in turbocharger pressure. Referred to as "Overboost", this function gives the MINI Cooper S even more dynamic acceleration, acting exclusively on the engine’s torque, not on maximum output.
Standard 6speed gearbox: Both engine versions of the MINI come as standard with a 6speed manual gearbox. The optional automatic transmission available in each case also features 6 speeds controlled by 5 clutches to provide an absolutely smooth and consistent gearshift virtually without the slightest interruption of traction and pulling power.
Both models are available as an option with sports suspension comprising even firmer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars.
Limited-slip differential: As an option the MINI Cooper S is also available with a mechanical limited-slip differential referred to as the Super Differential preventing the drive wheels from spinning by feeding engine power to the wheel with better traction.
Technorati Tags: Mini+Cooper, Cooper+S, 2007, BMW, Paris+Motor+Show, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, official, press+release, images, pictures, specifications
Now, however much of a fan of Mercedes-Benz you are, this is one heck of a Benz that you never-ever wish to be seen in: the Binz CLS Hearse edition. German based Binz, a well known rebuilder of Mercedes Limos seems to have married the elegant style of the CLS with a you know what… Come to think about it, this could be the ultimate vehicle for the 
UPDATED: August 1st, First official pictures & specifications unveiled, to read more click here: 2007 Audi S3 Inside info: Thanks to a tip I got, I learned that Audi is going to unveil its long awaited sport version of the A3 in the middle of the week. The S3 quattro will be equipped with VW Group's most powerful version of its 2.0 TFSI engine up to date, producing 260 Hp. Power will be driven to all wheels either through a 6speed manual or through VW Group's renowned 6speed double clutch semi-auto gearbox.
Technorati Tags: Audi+S3, 2007, specifications, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars, official,
What does your car say about you?
"This week while we bake in soaring temperatures, thousands will flock to the British International Motor Show to see the launch of the first right-hand drive Hummer and other gas guzzling luxuries. Based on a war fighting assault vehicle, the Hummer’s size and fuel consumption will make it a deadly addition to the fleet of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) on the roads of our cities. Our mole inside the motor show will also pontificate about the latest fuel efficient and electric cars on the lot."
Technorati Tags: Greenpeace, TV+Add, Commercial, funny, humor, SUV, Hummer, British+International+Show, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars, official,
I leave this commercial uncommented. Just take a look at the previous post by clicking here: Greenpeace anti SUV Add
Technorati Tags: Porsche+Cayenne+Turbo+S, commercial, TV+add, video, clip, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars
Your in the mid 30s or 40s, and your family needs dictate that you should find a car with space and versatility but you still can't get over that beloved GTi you drove a few years ago ? Well in
Technorati Tags: Top+Gear, Ford+S-MAX, Mercedes-Benz+B200T, Opel+Zafira+OPC, Vauxhall+Zafira+VXR, video, clip, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars
Beginning today, Bimmer fans will have their own BMW mobile site located at the address: www.bmw.mobi. This mobile portal offers product information on all BMW models. Additionally, users can download for free a large selection of background pictures, ring tones and videos. Further services which will include a technique encyclopedia or a mobile dealer search are to be included in the near future according to BMW.Although www.bmw.mobi is currently available only in two languages (German and English), gradually, locally adapted language versions in the international BMW markets will follow.
Technorati Tags: BMW, mobile+phones, sites, press+release, downloads, wallpapers, ring+tones, autos, auto+news, automobile, automotive, cars
The main differences between the S3 and the A3 S Line versions concern the mask and the slightly changed air vents in the bumper. Maybe that was intentional as it is rumored that Audi will produce in the near future a more powerful version of the A3, the RS3 with a turbocharged 3.2 V6 FSI engine producing about 350 Hp. As with the A4 range (RS4 vs S4), the RS3 will get a much more dynamic and mucho bodykit than the subtle S3. Stay tuned as according to my information, the 2007 Audi S3 quattro will make its official debute on Wednesday.
via: Autoblog.it
Technorati Tags: Audi+S3+quattro, pictures, images, official, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars
Technorati Tags: Land+Rover+Defender, 2007, pictures, images, official, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars
Following various leaks in the net over the past 24hours, Audi let the all new S3 quattro "on the loose" a day before its programmed official presentation. As reported, the top notch A3 model comes equipped with a 2.0 TFSI engine producing 265 Hp and quattro permanent four-wheel drive with 0 to 100 km/h (62 mp/h) coming in just 5,7 sec. Read the official press release bellow:
Exterior Design: The dynamic potential of this three-door sports car is obvious at first glance. The single-frame grille sports chrome trim, the front skirt has a spoiler with large air-intakes and the side sills have been restyled. There is a contrasting platinum grey diffuser built into the rear skirt, along with two S-style oval chrome tailpipes. Aluminium-look door mirrors and a body-colour roof spoiler give added impact to the visual statement.
Interior: Sporty atmosphere: The interior conveys an atmosphere of sportiness, with materials of the highest quality and painstaking craftsmanship. The elements that dominate the styling are the sports seats with prominent side sections, the black headlining, also available in silver, and the instrument cluster with its special dials and needles.
TFSI in its most powerful form: The 2.0 TFSI, which combines direct injection and turbocharger technology, delivers 195 kW (265 bhp) at 6,000 rpm. And at just 2,500 rpm it already musters up an impressive 350 Nm of torque - this pulling power remains constant up to 5,000 rpm. In the combined driving cycle the 2.0 TFSI displays another welcome character trait, consuming just 9.1 litres of fuel over 100 km.
Compared with the A3, this engine is an advanced version which has undergone fundamental changes. The new turbocharger with its enlarged turbine and compressor rotor generates 1.2 bar of boost pressure. A modified intercooler significantly lowers the temperature of the compressed air, thus increasing the air mass necessary for combustion.
Pistons with stronger pins and strengthened connecting rods with new bearings transmit the powerful forces to the crankshaft. The cylinder block has been stiffened up and the head is made of a new, highly heat-resistant alloy.
The exhaust camshaft timing has been adjusted to accommodate the increased power output. High-pressure injectors with an enlarged cross-section squirt the fuel straight into the combustion chamber.
Despite all this progressive engineering, the high-performance turbo weighs in at just 152 kilos, which is less than comparable power plants from direct competitors, and this has a positive effect on the axle load distribution.
6Speed Gearbox: To go with its sporty nature and firm handling, the new Audi S3 has a six-speed, close-ratio manual gearbox. Gearshift travel has been reduced for the S3, enabling even sportier and more precise gear changes.
Quattro 4wheel-Drive As will all Audi S models, the new S3 drives all four wheels by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, positioned at the rear for the benefit of weight balance, distributes the torque as needed - delivering plenty of grip and maximum driving safety. All the components in the drive train have been strengthened to cope with the high level of engine torque
Performance The S3 redefines the standards of its class - at the level of a sports car. The sprint to 100 km/h is accomplished in 5.7 seconds, and acceleration is only halted on reaching 250 km/h.
Handling: Lightning-fast reactions In terms of handling, the Audi S3 exhibits all the qualities of a high-performance sports car; it responds immediately to steering movements and achieves high cornering speeds. The innately sophisticated suspension of the A3 - with subframes front and rear, triangulated lower wishbones at the front and four-link suspension at the rear -has been further refined.
Price & Extras: The extras include a leather steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim and – in the quattro GmbH range - folding bucket seats. In the infotainment area, Audi is presenting a new generation of audio systems. The premium package is rounded off by universal interfaces for mobile phone and iPod, plus a sound system from Bose. Standard equipment includes deluxe automatic air conditioning, a driver information system with a new lap-timer function, and an anti-theft alarm. Front fog lights and xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights underline the impressive price/performance ratio. The basic price of the 265 bhp Audi S3 in
Technorati Tags: Audi+S3+quattro, Paris+Motor+Show, pictures, images, specifications, press+release, official, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars
If youre thinking that the Porsche broke the red ribbon with ease, well think again. Luckily for you, no bets allowed here because the "martian" looking 8 wheel Eliica gave the 911 Turbo a whip in the ass, needing a mere 7,02 sec compared with the 9,2 sec of its german counterpart ! Watch the video bellow via Jalopnik
Technorati Tags: Eliica, Porsche+911+Turbo, Drag+race, video, clip, ecology, electric+vehicles, pictures, images, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars
Talk about speaking literately… Im referring to a toll-free number listed in more than a million Honda and Acura owner's manual printed between August 2005 and July 2006 that was intended to direct them to a government hotline for matters of highway safety. But a typing mistake (instead of 880, they wrote 800…) directed owners to a real hotline where a female voice urged them to call 1-800-918-TALK for "just 99 cents per minute"… Honda sent a letter last week to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, saying that they'll send postcards to dealers and owners in August with the correct NHTSA hotline information -1-888-327-4236- along with instructions to insert the card into the proper section of the manual. via: Windingroad
Technorati Tags: Honda, Acura, owner+manual, funny, humor, hotline, auto+news, automobile, autos, vehicles, automotive, cars
