Friday, March 13, 2009

2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 Monster Energy


Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-fourDisplacement: 1,352ccBore x stroke: 84.0 x 61.0mm Maximum torque: 154 N/m {15.7 kgf/m} 113.6 lb-ft @ 7,500 rpmCompression ratio: 12.0:1Fuel system: DFI® with four 44mm Mikuni throttle bodiesIgnition: TCBI with Digital Advance Transmission: Six speed Final drive: X-Ring chainRake / trail: 23 degrees / 94 mmFront Tire: 120/70 ZR17Rear Tire: 190/50 ZR17Wheelbase: 57.5 in.Front suspension / wheel travel: 43mm inverted cartridge fork with adjustable preload, 13-way compression and 11-way rebound damping adjustment / 4.6 in.Rear suspension / wheel travel: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak® and gas-charged shock with adjustable preload, stepless rebound and compression damping adjustments, adjustable ride height / 4.8 in. Front Brakes: Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with dual radial-mounted four-piston calipersRear Brakes: Single 250mm petal disc with twin-piston caliperOverall length: 85.4 in.Overall width: 29.9 in.Overall height: 46.1 in.Ground clearance: 4.9 in.Seat height: 31.5 in.Curb weight: 566.7 lbs.Fuel capacity: 5.8 gal.Color: Metallic Diablo Black with Monster Energy® graphicsMSRP: $12,399 Warranty: 12 MonthsWholesale distributor: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.9950 Jeronimo Road Irvine, California 92618(949) 770-0400www.kawasaki.com

Peugeot Flux (2007)


The concept car Flux, designed by Mihai Panaitescu, won the 4th Peugeot design competition. The car was designed to achieve universal pleasure by adapting different lifestyle situations. The theme of this fourth competition, summed up by acronym P.L.E.A.S.E. Innovate!, has inspired creativity of web based designers throughout world, resulting in more than 4,000 projects.
Complimenting present automotive aspirations, Flux has shown the theme’s most relevant illustrations, since its concept corresponds to a type of car that achieves utter driving Pleasure through its Light weight and Efficiency, while at the same time remaining Accessible through the Simplicity and Ecology of its design.
Flux was chosen by a jury chaired by Frédéric Saint-Geours, General Manager of Automobiles Peugeot and made up of Peugeot representatives, its Style Centre, Xbox, but also of web based people who voted online.
Unveiled at this year’s Geneva show, and thanks to its sophisticated design, Flux will be making a second appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Flux will appear ‘real’ in the form of a full-scale model presented at Peugeot’s exhibition space and ‘virtual’ in a new version of the PGR 4 game on Xbox 360. These two elements constitute the two most fantastic prizes of the 4th Peugeot design competition.
The 4th design competition attracted greater participation, with more than 200 additional projects compared with the 3rd competition (4,029 compared with 3,800), confirming its international appeal, with 113 countries represented as opposed to 107 in the last competition.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (2009)

With the new Gallardo LP560-4, Lamborghini once again sets a higher standard for super sports cars. With its new engine, permanent four-wheel drive transmission and new suspension, it delivers clearly improved performance and dynamics. In parallel, its innovative design takes the classic lines unique to the Lamborghini brand one step further. Powerful elegance has never been so defined before.
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is the successor of the most successful Lamborghini model of all time. Approximately 7100 Gallardo models have left the Sant'Agata Bolognese production plant since its launch in 2003. "The LP560-4 will consolidate this success story," states Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "It will outclass its predecessor in every aspect; its dynamics are distinctly breathtaking and its design sets new standards. With the introduction of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, we will consistently continue Lamborghini's growth strategy".
The powerful heart of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is the new 5.2 litre V10 engine with an output of 560 PS (412 kW) at 8000 rpm. The increase of 40 PS compared with that of the previous Gallardo, and the approximate 20 kilogram reduction in weight, improves the power weight ratio to 2.5 kilograms per PS (hp) and thus enhances performance. The LP560-4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, its speed at 11.8 seconds is 200 km/h and its top speed lies at 325 km/h. At the same time the new, highly efficient engine enthrals its driver with its direct fuel injection system - "Iniezione Diretta Stratificata". Despite its clearly increased power, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 per cent.

Ford GT90 (1995)

The Ford GT90 was a concept car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was unveiled in January 1995, at the Detroit Auto Show as "the world's mightiest supercar". Claimed performance included a top speed close to 250 mph (402 km/h) from a 720 hp (537 kW) quad-turbocharged V12 engine, the exhaust of which was claimed to be hot enough to damage the body panels, requiring ceramic tiles similar to those on the space shuttle to prevent this.
The mid-engined car was a spiritual successor to the Ford GT40, taking from it some styling cues, such as doors that cut into the roofline, but little else. All angles and glass, the Ford GT90 was the first Ford to display the company's "New Edge" design philosophy. The GT90 was built around a honeycomb-section aluminum monocoque and its body panels were moulded from carbon fiber.
The GT90 was built by a small team in just over six months and, as a result, borrowed many components from another high profile stablemate—the Jaguar XJ220. The all-round double wishbone suspension and the five-speed manual gearbox came from the Jaguar, while the engine was from another member of the Ford family.
The GT90's 48-valve V12 was a six-litre engine which, if Ford had ever produced it in volume, might have produced up to 720 hp (537 kW), thanks to four Garrett Systems T2 turbochargers. The engine was based on the Ford Modular engine. Two V8 engines each had portions removed, and the cut down engines were welded together. In total, this yielded a 90-degree V-12, with 90.2 mm bore and 77.3 mm stroke.
It is one of the cars that can be driven in the game Need for Speed II. It is also available to drive in Gran Turismo 2, Sega GT 2002, Ford Racing 2, Ford Racing 3, Ford Street Racing, Project Gotham Racing 3 and TOCA Race Driver 2.
Then Ford CEO Jacques Nasser was very proud of the car, and kept a model of it on his desk.

Friday, March 6, 2009

2009 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R

Ever since we introduced the Suzuki Hayabusa, it's had only one competitor: Itself. That's why the 2009 Hayabusa is so impressive - compared to the original, it's hotter than ever.
For enthusiasts, that comparison will make your heart pound. The Hayabusa's engine is thoroughly updated from the previous model for more power and an improved power-to-weight ratio, which you'll experience as an even greater rush of acceleration.
Its refined chassis and suspension help provide crisper handling. And its striking fairing offers sleeker aerodynamics. The original Hayabusa was the best. With the 2009 Hayabusa, you're looking at better than the best.Ever since we introduced the Suzuki Hayabusa, it's had only one competitor: Itself.

2009 Yamaha FJR1300A

With plenty ponies on tap, a lightweight aluminium frame and incredible stopping power, the 2009 Yamaha FJR1300A put the sport into sport touring. But we have not forgotten about rider comfort either. Excellent ergonomics, a stylish weather beating fairing and the peace of mind of ABS will have the miles disappearing in the mirrors... rapidly.
For those riders who still prefer a serious dose of power, comfort and handling in their sport touring machine, the 2009 FJR1300 is the perfect choice.
Featuring an electrically adjustable windshield, air management to keep things cool and sporty handling, you'll soon discover why the FJR1300 is one of the world's premier sport touring machines.

2009 BMW S1000RR

As the excitement builds for BMW Motorrad's introductory race to the Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island on March 1st 2009, the first series production version of the superbike has rolled off the production line in Berlin: the BMW S 1000 RR.
Based closely on the series production bike, the race version has been performing extremely well in recent tests held in Portimao and Valencia. BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team Alpha Racing, as well as riders Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus are very impressed with the bikes progress and what the future holds in the Superbike World Championship.

Caparo T1

The Caparo T1 - possibly the world's quickest 2-seater road and track car with a performance equal to an A1 GP racecar - will join a showcase of exotic vehicles in a special 'SuperCar Paddock' feature area at the British International Motor Show.
"This will be the first opportunity for half a million visitors to see close-up the next generation of supercar developed using Britain's world renowned expertise in the design and manufacturer of high performance vehicles," said Caparo Group chief executive Angad Paul. "The car's inspiration comes from Ben Scott-Geddes and Graham Halstead - two ex-McLaren engineers who worked previously on the McLaren F1, Mercedes SLR and Formula One projects and who now work, I'm pleased to say, for the Caparo group."
Commenting on Caparo's choice of London to premiere one of Britain's most exciting supercars since the McLaren F1, Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which owns the show, said: "It's logical that Britain's largest single-owner business should chose the British International Motor Show to premiere to a mass audience its first-ever car; and we're absolutely delighted that this latest example of British automotive technology will join our supercar paddock."

BMW M3 Race Version (2009)

BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."
BMW's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.
"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."

Volvo S60 Concept (2009)

The Volvo S60 Concept car which will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in early January 2009, will give an indication of what the all-new Volvo S60 will look like when it's launched in 2010. "The all-new S60 will be one of the strongest players in a segment where the competition is razor-sharp," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.
The coupe-inspired lines that gave the
original Volvo S60 its characteristic stance are more pronounced in this next generation. "The sporty design gives a visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise. The driving properties are better than in any previous Volvo," says Stephen Odell.
"The concept car's exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new Volvo S60. On the inside we've been even more daring," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.
Scandinavian inspiration
The front of the Volvo S60 Concept sports the enlarged iron mark in the trapezoidal grille. The two lamps that flank the grill emphasise the vertical stance of the front and highlight the bonnet's V-shape. The angled headlamps flow up into the strongly sculptured bonnet and combined with the lower air intake's reverse trapezoidal shape, this gives the concept car a very expressive "face".

The Jaguar XKR-S coupe

The Jaguar XKR-S coupe is the fastest production XK to date. Powered by Jaguar's acclaimed 4.2litre V8 supercharged engine, it has been developed for the true Jaguar enthusiast. It is faster and more agile than the XKR, taking the Jaguar sports car experience to a new level, whilst retaining the refined, dynamic excellence and crafted luxury that is unique to Jaguar.
Sharing the XKR's highly advanced lightweight aluminium body architecture, the high performance of the Jaguar XKR-S is made totally accessible by the enormous reserves of the 4.2-litre all aluminium four-cam supercharged V8's 420bhp (SAE) and 560Nm of torque.
With recalibrated engine management, the Jaguar XKR-S reaches an electronically limited top speed of 174mph (280kph) - 19mph (30kph) faster than the XKR. This additional performance is made accessible by improved aerodynamics (reduced drag and lift) and unique suspension set-up.
Sharing the XKR's class-leading six-speed sequential automatic transmission, the Jaguar XKR-S has exceptional refinement and the option of ultra-fast manual shifts controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts - with shift times measured in milliseconds to make this one of the fastest shifting transmissions in the world.
To match its increased performance, the Jaguar XKR-S adopts the most powerful brakes on any Jaguar production model, plus extensive changes to its suspension and steering to provide further enhanced ride and handling characteristics without compromising comfort.

Lamborghini Gallardo


Lamborghini Gallardo, the smaller cousin of the Lamborghini Murcielago, was design to be a cutting edge sports car that could still be used as an everyday car - a task that seems next to impossible. In order to succeed engineers had to achieve high comfort standards while maintaining the savage performance expected of a Lamborghini. The result is a 4.3 meters long 2-seater raging bull capable of over 300 km/h, fulfilling the high-performance sports car pedigree for which the company is famous, while still being enjoyable to drive outside the race track, in the city or country lanes.
The top speed of the Lamborghini Gallardo is an impressive 309 km/h (192 mph). This incredible machine will go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 s and cover the first 1000 meters in just 22.3 seconds. The car's fuel consumption figures are 9 mpg (29.1 liter/100km) in the city and 15 mpg (13,9 liter/100km) extra urban. Lamborghini Gallardo's MSRP Price Range is $175,000 - $195,000.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Gumpert Apollo (2008)


The Gumpert Apollo is the perfect synthesis between road vehicle and racing car. It exceeds all expectations with its passion and maximum driving fun. 650 HP, up to 360 km/h top-speed and an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds make it a full-blooded super sports car to which there is no alternative. The complete package is available at a cost-performance ratio unequalled in this exclusive vehicle class.
The production process is the one part of the manufacture philosophy in which exclusivity and precision are paramount to speed. Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur associates the term ‚manufacture' with it's the commitment to achieve quality and luxury by means of craftsmanship and hand-made production.
Roland Gumpert, founder, managing director and the driving force behind Sportwagenmanufaktur, has created a manufacturing environment that combines engineering excellence with a broad automotive and racing competence. Experts within the motorsports scene are all familiar with the name Gumpert: In the mid 1970s, the long-standing
Audi manager was the driving force behind the development of the four-wheel drive "Iltis", the original predecessor of today's "Quattro". In 1979 he not only succeeded in preparing the gnarled four-wheel drive "Iltis" for the Paris-Dakar rally, but also achieved victory. In the years that followed under his management, Audi Sport won a total of 25 World Rally Championship races and was the 4-time winner of the World Rally Championship. Gumpert's professional success is distinguished by his ability to combine innovative ideas with proven technology effectively and successfully.

Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione (2007)


The definitive version of the gorgeous exclusive Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Gran Turismo car that is to be produced in a limited edition makes its debut in Paris. The car, designed by Alfa Romeo, is directly derived from the concept car that aroused such admiration at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and has benefited from the best technical and industrial know-how that the Alfa-Maserati Sports Centre can offer. The cooperative venture between both manufacturers was conducted with a view to ensuring integration between the Alfa Romeo design departments and the Maserati production departments.
The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is inspired by Alfa Romeo's glorious past, projecting its brand values of technology and emotion into the future. The historical allusions begin with the evocative name, recalling the great sporting tradition of Alfa Romeo. The 8C code was used to identify cars (racing and on-road) of the Thirties and Forties equipped with the revolutionary eight cylinder engine produced by the famous designer Vittorio Jano. The term 'Competizione' is intended as a homage to the '6C 2500 Competizione', a sports coupé driven in 1950 by the duo Fangio and Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race.

Ferrari F430 Spider


The Ferrari F430 Spider is powered by 490 hp, 4,308cc, 90° V8 engine, which is capable of pushing the car to a top speed of over 310 km/h (over 193 mph) and covering the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 4.1 seconds. This lightweight and highly compact power unit produces a specific output of 114 hp per litre with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) per horsepower (dry weight).
Ferrari F430 Spider includes a number of important technical features which give hints of the car's F1 pedigree, starting with the innovative electronic differential - first developed by the racing division for the Scuderia's all-conquering F1 cars ' which improves traction and roadholding under all conditions. Just like the
Ferrari F430 Coupe, the Ferrari F430 Spider features the steering wheel-mounted commutator switch, known to the Scuderia's drivers as the 'manettino', which allows the car's set-up to be adjusted easily and quickly.
Formula 1 is thus again the inspiration for the development of the company's road cars. Designed by Pininfarina, the Ferrari F430 Spider's sinuous lines, in fact, were fine-tuned using state-of-the-art computer aerodynamics simulation programmes usually employed exclusively by the F1 team.

Ferrari FXX (2005)


Ferrari has developed a truly innovative technical collaboration programme around the Ferrari FXX prototype aimed at its The Ferrari FXX is the most advanced GT ever created at Maranello and its mission is to involve Ferrari's most valued Clients as genuine Prancing Horse Test Drivers in their own right. The wealth of data and experience gathered in the course of this very special programme will be exceptionally important.In fact, the feedback from these highly skilled, non-professional Client Test Drivers will be compared and supplemented with suggestions from Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Ferrari's professional in-house Test Drivers.

Lincoln MKT


Lincoln pulls the wraps off a new premium utility concept vehicle - unsurpassed in its balance of spaciousness, comfort and fuel efficiency - that shows customers a new way to tour in style.
The Lincoln MKT concept features a 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine with turbocharging and direct injection that produces the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. EcoBoost - combined with advanced transmissions, electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements - is a key part of Ford Motor Company's vehicle sustainability strategy.
The company is introducing EcoBoost engines that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America within the next five years. Ford will first introduce EcoBoost in the Lincoln MKS next year. The luxury sedan will feature a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6, delivering an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque on regular gas.
"EcoBoost engines can deliver better fuel economy and performance on a full range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. "The Lincoln MKT concept offers the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a full-size utility and the performance of a sporty roadster - executed with new technologies and materials that make it as environmentally friendly as it is elegant.

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