Video: Funny Parody of The Chevron Cars!

Even as kids, we’ve been taught that blue is a trademark colour for men and pink for women…but what the heck is going on with these two talking cars here ? Hilarious animation clay parody of the “Chevron Cars”

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BRABUS Presents The World's Fastest Sedan: The 362.4 km/h Mercedes CLS Based, ROCKET

The BRABUS ROCKET, a small-series production model based on the Mercedes CLS series, is not only the world's fastest sedan but also one of the most expensive production models, costing € 348.000 – or about $ 435.000. During test runs on the high-speed track in the southern Italian town of Nardo the German Night Rider improved upon the previous record of 350.2 km/h, held also by BRABUS with the E V12 Biturbo.

V12 Engine: The heart of the new record car is the twin-turbo V12 engine from the latest Mercedes 600 models. It was fitted into the tight confines of the four-door with almost surgical precision. BRABUS increases displacement to 6,233 ccm with a special crankshaft, larger cylinder bore and forged pistons. In addition the engine is extensively modified internally: Airflow in both intake and outlet manifolds of both cylinder heads is optimized and sport camshafts are installed.

The BRABUS engine specialists further equip the engine with custom-developed larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with four exhaust pipes and low back-pressure metal catalysts. Newly programmed engine electronics orchestrate the perfect interaction of all new components and contribute not only to maximum power yield but also to meeting the latest EURO IV emission limits.

Output: After the engine conversion, also available for all current Mercedes-Benz 600 and 65 models with twin-turbo V12 engine, the BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo engine is the most powerful TÜV-tested engine of German origin: The maximum power output of 730 hp / 537 kW is produced at 5,100 rpm. Peak torque is 1,320 Nm, but is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm, available from a low 2,100 rpm.

Performance: In addition to the top speed of 362.4 km/h, limited electronically for street-legal operation to 350 km/h, the BRABUS ROCKET also offers acceleration at the highest level: 0 – 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 0 – 200 km/h in 10.5 seconds, 0 – 300 km/h in 29.5 seconds. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission and the BRABUS locking differential.

Suspension: The BRABUS ROCKET engine and the entire drivetrain are operated with high-performance lubricants from technology partner ARAL. Naturally the unique performance of the world's fastest sedan must be kept safely in check at all times. In order to do so BRABUS in cooperation with Bilstein has developed a custom-calibrated height-adjustable coil-over suspension with gas-pressure shocks for the ROCKET. The shocks feature six settings each for bound and rebound.

Brakes: Maximum size and state-of-the-art materials characterize the BRABUS high-performance brake system of the ROCKET. The front axle features vented ceramic brake discs in size 375 x 36 mm and 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers. Vented and perforated steel discs in size 355 x 28 mm and 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle complete this efficient and strong brake system.

Wheels: The giant size of the brake components and the enormous vehicle performance necessitate the use of BRABUS Monoblock VI or S light-alloy wheels with 19-inch diameter. BRABUS technology partner Yokohama made the record run possible with the help of its ADVAN high-performance tires. The perfect tire/wheel combination for the BRABUS ROCKET features 8.5Jx19 wheels in front with 255/35 ZR 19 tires and 10Jx19 rims with 285/30 ZR 19 tires on the rear axle.

Design: Specifically for the ROCKET the BRABUS designers have developed a front apron with large air inlets for optimal airflow to radiator and oil coolers. Like all other BRABUS body components for the four-door the front spoiler received its final aerodynamic touches in the wind tunnel. It not only reduces lift on the front axle but also contributes to a further improved drag coefficient.

Its aerodynamic counterpart on the rear axle is the custom-developed BRABUS rear spoiler lip. It emphasizes the bow-shaped design of the rear and together with the front apron improves directional stability by minimizing aerodynamic lift.

Integrated lights are the main feature of the BRABUS rocker panels and rear apron. Pushing a button on the keyless-entry remote or pulling on a door handle activates five LED lights on either side and in the rear. They illuminate the ground on both sides and behind the vehicle for added user friendliness in the dark.

The BRABUS rear apron is the perfect stylish backdrop for the four tailpipes of the BRABUS high-performance brake system. Its integrated diffuser is also part of the refined BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement concept for the ROCKET.

Interior: The BRABUS ROCKET also meets the expectations of the most discriminating customers when it comes to the interior of one of the world's most exclusive automobiles. Soft and breathable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara are part of the exclusive BRABUS ambiance as an ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel and the speedometer with 400-km/h scale.

Technorati Tags: Brabus+Rocket, Mercedes-Benz+CLS, tuning, fastest, pictures, images, specifications, press+release, autos, auto+news, automotive, cars,automobile

Nascar King Drives ’72 Charger At Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Over the weekend of 7 July, Chrysler Group will bring together one of the world’s legendary motor racing personalities and one of its most celebrated race cars at the largest historic motor sports event in the world.

As part of the activities to celebrate the introduction of the Dodge brand to the UK, NASCAR racing legend Richard Petty will drive a restored 1972 Dodge Charger race car on the famous hillclimb course at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Known in NASCAR circles as ‘The King’, Richard Petty is the most decorated driver in the history of NASCAR, winning a record number of 200 career victories and seven Cup Championships in his illustrious career.

Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group UK, said: "We jumped at the chance to invite Richard Petty over for this great event, as the new Dodge brand, and the new Dodge Caliber are launched in our dealerships in July.

"The Goodwood Festival of Speed is much more than just a hillclimb. As motor racing's equivalent of Wimbledon it is an extravaganza of motoring sound and colour and I’m sure that Richard and his classic Charger will fit right in."

Richard Petty said: "It’s an honour just to be asked to be a part of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s such a prestigious event and one that is popular worldwide. The names that have been a part of this Festival throughout the years are true champions and it’s always special when you’re invited to be a part of something as big as this.

"We’re going to drive our 1972 Dodge Charger during the weekend so we’ve put a lot of time and effort into restoring this car. We want to make sure it’s at its best for Lord March and all the visitors to the Festival. Dodge has been a huge partner throughout my career and I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel during this prestigious event."

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Official: 2007 BMW X3 Facelift

Following yesterday’s news (click here: Carscoop), BMW revealed the first official pictures and specifications of the 2007 BMW X3 facelift. Due to go on sale in Europe in September and the US towards the end of the year, the BMW X3 has received subtle exterior and interior styling changes while it now comes powered by three new different engines - two petrol and one diesel unit. Also it should be noted that its BMW’s first X-Series model with Dynamic Stability Control+ as standard

PRESS RELEASE

Diesel Power: The headline-grabbing powerplant is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel with an output of 286hp and 580Nm of torque that has been developed from the engine used by the BMW 535d. Such power places the X3 3.0sd into the realm of sports car acceleration courtesy of a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds and a 149mph top speed.

What sets the X3 3.0sd apart from previous X3s is that it comes equipped with the same twin-turbo technology that has already been showcased in the BMW 535d. By using two turbochargers, one smaller one larger, the X3 3.0sd offers high levels of low down pulling power as well as top end performance. It can do this because the smaller turbo boosts at low revs for instant, smooth and swift acceleration, but as engine speed builds the larger turbocharger comes into play to continue the rapid progress. The result is an engine that develops peak torque from just 1,750rpm through to 2,250rpm, but is capable of continuing to rev up to 4,400rpm – an unusually high limit for a diesel.

New 6cylinder petrol motors: Completing the triumvirate of new six-cylinder engines to the X3 are a 2.5-litre 218hp petrol unit and a new 272hp 3.0-litre petrol engine. Both of these powerplants are based on the world’s lightest production six-cylinder engine constructed of aluminium and magnesium alloy. The smaller capacity engine can power the X3 from zero to 62mph in 8.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph. The higher output 3.0-litre engine reaches 62mph from zero in just 7.5 seconds before attaining a top speed of 142mph.

For those new car buyers looking to balance performance with economy, two other choices of engine are offered. A 150hp 2.0-litre diesel represents the entry point of X3 ownership. Further up the scale the existing 218hp 3.0-litre diesel engine is also offered.

With the exception of the BMW X3 3.0si and 3.0sd, which use a six-speed automatic gearbox, all X3 variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A six-speed automatic gearbox is also an option on all six-cylinder engined cars.

A new look: The introduction of a new X3 isn’t just a story of new engines. BMW’s designers have subtly altered the car to freshen its appeal. At the front a larger kidney grille sits above a redesigned front bumper and spoiler. On the new car a colour-coded spoiler with vertical uprights is positioned below the dark swathe of the bumper, while the front foglights are now incorporated into the main section of the bodywork. The X3 3.0sd rides on 18-inch light alloy wheels as standard while larger twin exhaust pipes protrude from under the rear valance.

The side profile remains true to the original X3, but the new rear light clusters feature rods of LED lights. The styling of the rear bodywork has also changed with colour-coded panels now extending lower down the bodywork.

Interior: Inside, the driver can get to grips with a new style of three-spoke steering wheel while enhancements to the type of materials used on the centre console have also been included. Again, the owner of a X3 3.0sd gets special treatment with stainless steel foot pedals to underscore the performance nature of the vehicle.

Enhanced traction control:To aid performance and safety the new BMW X3 features the very latest traction control system allied to xDrive, BMW’s unique four-wheel drive system. For the first time on a BMW X model BMW’s innovative Dynamic Stability Control + (DSC+) system is fitted as standard. In addition to the all round traction control benefits of such technology, DSC+ on the X3 comes with four additional features aimed at improving safety:

Technology: Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should the driver lift off the accelerator sharply in preparation. Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake discs. Hill Start Assistant allows a manual transmission car to pull away smoothly on a gradient without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or handbrake. Brake Fade Compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose ‘bite’ due to heat build up.

DTC: In another first on an X model the driver will now be able to select the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function of DSC. DTC allows for a greater degree of wheel slip for more spirited driving without the main traction control system safety net intervening. This option can be selected via a button on the centre console.

Model	Power hp	Torque Nm	0–62mph Seconds	Top Speed mph	Com/ned mpg
2.0d	150	330	10.2	123	39.2
2.5si	218	250	8.5	137	28.5
3.0si	272	315	7.5	142	27.4
3.0d	218	500	7.4	137	35.8
3.0sd	286	580	6.6	149	32.5

Technorati Tags: BMW+X3, SUV, 2007, facelift, model+year, images, official, autos, auto+news, automotive, cars, automobile,

Transformers Movie Exposed

Nearly a year before the “Transformers” movie comes alive on the Big Screen, and the “Deceptecons” seem to have leaked quite a lot of information on the net. First there where some pictures of the allegedly “Bumblebee” car which in the movie will be a rebuilt 2008 Chevrolet Camaro (based on the 2006 concept) in the place of the yellow VW Beetle. The Camaro will actually be built on a…2006 Ford Mustang underbody by Saleen (see pictures). Saleen is also in charge of building a custom Ford Mustang police car for the movie (also see pictures).

The film which is due for release on July 4th, 2007 (07-04-07) was first announced last year and it’s a collaboration between Paramount, DreamWorks, and Hasbro. As you can see bellow, I’ve gathered some movie footage & alleged demos I found on the net. Not sure which of them are actually the real thing, but nevertheless, their quite amusing. Enjoy! Read more at www.transformersmovie.c...

Demo Reel Transformers: Optimus Prime

Transformer VW Beetle

Preview Transformersmovie

Alleged Footage from the Transformersmovie

Technorati Tags: Transformers, Movie, Video, Clips, pictures, Deceptecons, Optimus+Prime, Bumblebee, Saleen, autos, auto+news, automotive, cars, automobile

Amazing Lotus Elise Cup Race

Couldn’t have said it better myself. The title that our friends over Autoblog put on this video clip say’s it all: Mr. Sorpasso (translated Mr Surpass). Just look at Dean Evans pass every single car in this Lotus Elise Cup race in Bathurst Australia. Via: Autoblog

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Official: 2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe & Cabriolet

Jag’s brand new wild cat got caught “sneaking” on the web…From the info I’ve gathered, the new XKR wears a 4,2 litre V8. With the help of a compressor (supercharger) the british V8 pumps out 420 Hp & 57,1 kgm of torque.

The XKR will be available as a Coupe and Cabriolet versions. The XKR Coupe is good enough for a 5,2 sec for the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint while the Cabriolet needs 5,3 sec. Prices for the two models in Europe are 94.990 Euros for the Coupe and 102.990 for the Cabriolet.

*More information and pictures coming up. Stay tuned.

*Update see new pictures here: 2007 Jaguar XKR

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It’s Official: Smart vehicles coming to the USA in 2008

This time its true: Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler AG and head of Mercedes Car Group officially announced today that innovative Smart brand will enter the U.S. market in 2008. The first model coming over at the States will be the successor to the smart fortwo and it will be available in three models.

Like its predecessor, the smart fortwo successor will have all the features that make customers feel safer and more comfortable. As part of the Mercedes Car Group, the smart vehicle will be equipped with unique technology, including the “hard shell” tridion safety cell, ESP and various airbag systems.

The exclusive distribution of smart vehicles has been given to the international automotive retailer UnitedAuto Group, Inc. UnitedAuto will be responsible for awarding potential dealers and developing and maintaining a smart vehicle dealership network throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Read more at www.smartusa.com/

Quotes: Dieter Zetsche

“Following the success of the smart fortwo in our first North American market, Canada, and the increasing demand for affordable and fuel efficient small cars in the U.S.A., we are now bringing this new kind of mobility to U.S. cities. The time has never been better for this – and I am convinced that the smart fortwo as an innovative, ecological and agile city car will soon become just as familiar a sight on the streets of New York, Miami or Seattle, as it is today in Rome, Berlin or Paris."

Quotes: Roger Penske (UnitedAuto Chairman)

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to represent the smart brand in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through our international diversification, we’ve seen the benefits the smart brand provides in Europe. We believe the U.S. market will embrace the smart vehicle with its exceptional fuel economy, environmentally friendly features, and advantageous price point. We look forward to a successful launch of this vehicle over the next several years.”

Technorati Tags: Smart, Fortwo, USA, official, images, pictures, autos, auto+news, automotive, cars, automobile