When it comes to sports cars, there are not may companies out there that can do it better than Chevrolet. The Corvette is one of the main reasons for that statement being true. Well, if you have been a big fan of the Corvettes of the past, then you can rest assured that the new 2009 Corvette is not going to let you down. This new 2 door, 2 passenger sports car is going to blow you away.First of
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Fisker now taking orders for Fisker Karma S convertible
Fisker Karma is out to prove that green cars don't have to be boring with its extended-range plug-in hybrid Karma, available in both sedan and retractable hardtop variants. Potential buyers have already placed over 1,300 orders for the four-door model and now we hear that the burgeoning automaker is accepting deposits of $25,000 for the Karma S drop-top. Those placing orders early are being told they can expect a delivery date in late 2011.
Both Karma models come equipped with lithium ion battery packs that can provide gasoline-free travel for up to 50 miles, after which a GM-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injected Energizer Bunny powerplant will kick in to recharge the battery. There's reportedly enough juice to power twin electric motors that offer over 400 horsepower to the rear wheels, which is sufficient to push the electric stunner to 60 in under six seconds and up to a top speed of over 125 mph.[Source: eGMCarTech]
The 2009 Aston Martin DBS Volante
Here the details on the 2009 Aston Martin DBS Volante. The drop-top version of Bond's uber-Aston features a fabric roof that can be retracted in 14 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph and supposedly looks just as good with the top up as the top down. Motivation is provided by the same 6.0-liter V12 found in the standard DBS, putting out 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque to a rear-mounted six-speed manual or "Touchtronic" sequential gearbox. The run to 62 mph is dispatched in a scant 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 191 mph. Aston says it was able to keep the weight down (the DBS Volante tips the scales at 3,990 pounds) through the use of a lightweight roof mechanism, along with a carbon fiber hood, front splitter and trunk lid. The standard carbon ceramic brakes – pulled directly from the fixed-roof DBS – reduce unsprung weight at all four corners and provide the neck-punishing stopping power you'd expect. We'll get our first look of the DBS Volante at the Geneva Motor Show next week, but in the meantime, get all the details in the press release below the fold.
Toyota HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle)
Next year, Toyota Australia will begin local production of the Camry Hybrid. To celebrate this (and drum up some PR), Toyota Style Australia has created the HC-CV (Hybrid Camry Concept Vehicle) for the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show. What is that, exactly? Well, it's essentially the recently-updated 2010 Camry Hybrid, gussied up with a custom white paint color, a modified fascia, some snazzy wheels, blue decals and accents, and leather seats that incorporate the Hybrid Synergy Drive wave logo. Strip away the assorted pieces of flair, and you get the production car that's already been unveiled, only with the steering wheel moved over to the wrong side. [Source: Toyota Australia]
Bentley goes green - really fast - with the Continental Supersports
Bentley has decided to go green, and the fabulously white coupe you see above is how they've done it: "a muscular two-seater that delivers supercar performance and a highly focused driving experience." Sounds green so far, right? It's called the Continental Supersports, and the marque from Crewe hasn't merely pulled out all the stops... they created a few extra stops, just so they could pull them out as well.
Under the hood is the Supersports' main event: the most powerful engine Bentley has ever created, it is a 621 brake horsepower, 590 pound-feet of torque, E85-capable W12 that pulls the ghostly looking thing to 60 in just – ready for this? – 3.7 seconds. The engine is fitted with sensors to monitor how much gasoline and/or ethanol is being used, and power and torque stay constant no matter what the ratio is. Speaking of torque, all of it is available at the low, low rpm of 1,750. In case there's a Polaris rocket in the next lane you need to teach a few lessons.
While that engine might take the title card, there is a massively full undercard as well. That 3.7-second 0-to-60 flip is not only about the engine, it's about the fact that the car is 110 pounds lighter than its 4-seater brethren. The Supersports has rear deck where back seats once resided, and it has also scored a raft of weight-saving components like the wheels and those carbon fiber thrones. It also benefits from Quickshift, which halves gear change times.[Source: Bentley]
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Corvette Stingray C7 R
While the Corvette Stingray Concept (a.k.a. Autobot Sideswipe) introduced at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month sports heritage-inspired cues, its futuristic styling could also hint at the design of the next-generation model. GM made no comment on whether any of the concept would find make its way into the C7 Corvette, but there will doubtless be plenty of people willing to speculate. The gang at BadBoyVettes.com have taken it one step further and have come up with what the C7.R would look like if the Stingray went to production as-is. Using one of our live shots from the show, they've added the Corvette Racing livery, complete with the "Jake" skull mascot featured prominently on the hood. We think they did a good job, which is to be expected, since BBV helped put together the design schemes for the actual C6.R racers. In full race livery, the Stingray looks like it'd be equally adept at chasing down Gulf-liveried Aston Martins or battling giant evil robots. After all, Jake plays no favorites; he's an equal-opportunity intimidator. [Source: BadBoyVettes.com]
Check out CorvetteGuys.com and their large inventory of Corvette Apparel.
Audi TT RS official pictures details
Here's the rest of the car. When it premieres in Geneva next month, the Audi TT RS will arrive in both coupe and convertible bodystyles. Both are powered by a 340-horsepower, 331 lb-ft, 2.5-liter turbo five cylinder. The driver rows a six-speed stick, and quattro channels power to all the wheels. 0-62 mph takes under 5 seconds. As the teaser shots hinted, look for more aggressive front and rear fascias, LED driving lamps, and a fixed rear spoiler. As with other RS cars, the brakes and suspension are also beefed up. Inside? Typical good stuff from Audi -- you know the drill. If you missed the engine sound clip yesterday, hit the play button below. You won't be disappointed. Sadly, there are no plans to offer the hottest TT to enthusiasts on this side of the Atlantic.
[Source: CarScoop]
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio
Mansory, car tuner from Germany, has revealed its second appearance kit for the Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio with a two-tone, black and white, color scheme.
The Black and White Mansory Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio is equipped with lighter components such as the ultra-light forged wheels and lighter carbon fiber body parts to reduce the weight.
The front apron was designed to channel air to the intercoolers while the rear apron with an integrated diffuser provides additional downforce. The car is also equipped with new side skirts and rear wheel arch extensions.
Inside, the car receives leather and carbon fiber trim and new aluminum pedals and illuminated door tread plates. The Black and White Mansory Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio is powered by a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 700 hp (522 kW) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. The power increase is made possible with the installation of Mansory custom supercharger, high flow exhaust system and a reprogrammed ECU.
With the power increase, the Renovatio is two tenths faster than the stock model from 0 to 100 km/h with the top speed of 340 km/h.
Top 5 Motoring Days Out in the UK
There is more to motoring than just driving to and from work and renewing your car insurance. England has a proud motoring heritage and therefore boasts one of the most comprehensive ranges of interesting motor experiences that are great for days out with friends and family. Here are my top five:
5. Military Tank Driving
Ask yourself the following: is your Renault Clio still exciting you? Aren’t you sick of the lack of turning circle that your Volvo estate can manage?
Well then, why not try a day out driving an actual 15 tonne tank?! Also included in this thrilling day out in Surrey are such activities as quad biking, 4x4ing, and even a bacon sandwich when you arrive in the morning.
Visit Action Days Out for Tank Driving
4. Beaulieu
Beaulieu is situated in the heart of the New Forest in Southern England.
Alongside the abbey and the James Bond museum, it is also home to the National Motor Museum which features a replica 1930s garage, an exhibition of Ducati motorbikes, and a ride that takes you on a journey from the birth of the wheel, and on into the future of motoring.
Visit the Beaulieu website
3. Coventry Transport Museum
Similarly, Coventry Transport Museum boasts a huge collection including over 200 cars, commercial vehicles and buses. Exhibitions change frequently with the focus currently being on custom bikes, including those owned by Charley Boorman.
In March, the museum will be hosting a Doctor Who exhibition.
Visit the Coventry Transport Museum website
2. Superdriver Experience
This experience gives the wannabe 4x4 driver the opportunity to let rip in a variety of vehicles over a huge terrain that has been purpose-built. You need your wits about you as you navigate through mud splashes, down vertical drops, and into huge craters.
There is also an award ceremony at the end of the day and the skills you learn are said to stay with you for the rest of your life.
1. Supercar Driving Experience
A day out driving supercars is a truly special experience. Try out such beautiful machines as the Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Aston Martin at high speed round the lap. Later, take the passenger seat with a professional who will really push the vehicle to its limit!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Cool James Bond Cars
Across 46 years, 22 films and six leading actors, the James Bond film legacy has featured some of the world’s most luxurious and iconic sportscars. From the signature Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger to the Lotus Esprit Turbo in For Your Eyes Only, 007 has spared no expense in choosing his wheels. To celebrate the release of the Quantum of Solace, here’s a list of the 007 hottest cars from the James Bond Legacy…
001: the BMW Z8
In the 1999 film The World Is Not Enough, James Bond piloted this bad little Beemer before it was officially produced by BMW. Apparently, those are the kind of perks that accompany a license to kill. During filming, the crew actually used a series of working mock-ups of the Z8 that vary a bit from the official production car. After the first model rolled out of the factory, all 5,703 of the original BMW Z8’s sold out, going for a starting price of $128,000.
002: the Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 is among the latest James Bond sportscars, as featured in the 2008 Bond film Quantum of Solace. This one, however, isn’t driven by 007– but a chase scene rival pitted against Bond’s Aston Martin. During the production of the film, the set was closed down due to a third and terrible accident where a stuntman driving the 159 crashed into a wall. The stuntman was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he lay in a coma for days– the same hospital in which he was treated for injuries in shooting the same scene days prior. If you perform your own stunts and want a piece of the Bond villainy action, you can get your hands on an Alfa Romeo 159 for around $33k before import costs…
003: the 1971 Mustang Mach-1
In 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, 007 took to the streets of Las Vegas in a Ford Mustang Mach-1– in hot pursuit of the Las Vegas Police. Diamonds was Sean Connery’s last film, but also the first film in history to feature the now-famous “two-wheeled stunt”, where a car is lifted off the ground, balancing on two wheels on one side of the car. The ‘71 Mach-1 featured plenty of muscle in its 429hp V8 option, which will fetch you around $25,000 well-restored on today’s market.
004: the Aston Martin DBS
Bond’s Aston Martin finally got itself a facelift. Like the BMW Z8, the Aston Martin DBS was featured in a Bond film before it hit the public. This $265,000 Aston Martin features a 6.0L V12 pushing 510 horses to hit 62mph in 4.3 seconds. The DBS was pitted against that Alpha Romeo 159 above, and this one didn’t escape without bruises either. During filming, a stuntdriver reportedly lost control of the Aston Martin– which wound up in Lake Garda in Italy…
005: the Toyota 2000GT
Produced between 1967 and 1970, the Toyota 2000GT was built in very limited numbers, designed to show that Japanese autos could compete with the sportscars of Europe. Apparently James Bond took notice, as the 2000GT was famously featured in 1967’s You Only Live Twice. However, Bond’s 2000GT had a slight problem– Sean Connery was too tall to fit in the Toyota, so a convertible version was made to compensate. While the original 2000GT sold in the U.S. for $6,800, it can be found at auction today for as high as $200,000.
006: the Lotus Esprit
In 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me featuring Roger Moore, the Lotus Esprit became one of Q’s most impressive sportscar mods. In a long chase scene between 007 and the infamous Bond-villain Jaws, Bond’s Lotus Esprit makes a cunning escape by transforming into a fully-diveable submarine. While a submersible version featuring that bikini blonde above are not available today, a similar Lotus Esprit could be originally purchased for around $16,800 at the dealer in 1977.
007: the Aston Martin DB5
Last but certainly not least– the original Bond-mobile, the 1963 Aston Martin DB5. In the 1964 film Goldfinger, 007 was provided with a weaponized DB5 by Q Branch himself. Aston Martin, however, wasn’t so keen on the deal. After much negotiating, Aston Martin finally agreed to a product placement deal that made automotive history for the brand. The DB5 was the latest-and-greatest sportscar to be produced in the UK, initially selling for $13,000. Its inline six engine produced 282hp to hit 62mph in 8.1 seconds. Bond’s version, however, was outfitted with an array of gadgets from smokescreens to heavy machine guns. Its not the weaponry that makes the Aston Martin DB5 a legend– it is its design which symbolizes the class and cool that has made James Bond the legend he is today. If there is one car that fully explains what StyleCrave is about, you’re looking at it, front and center.
9 Cool Movie Cars
Here are 9 of the coolest cars that graced movie screens over the years.
Aston Martin: A long association between 007 and the marque began on screen with the silver DB5 that appears in 1964’s GoldFinger. Although Bonds company car was replaced by a BMW for a bit, the Aston Martin made a strong return in Casino Royale and now the new DBS can be seen in the upcoming “Quantum of Solace.”
Station Wagon: Remember the days before SUV’s and Cross-Overs where in every driveway? Station wagons were coined with the term “Grocery Getter”, but what really put this car on the map was it’s amazing ability to fly 100 feet through the air while seating 7 comfortably in the 1983 classic “Vacation!”
Mini Cooper: Although the original Mini Cooper has a loyal fan base, the new Mini has really taken off in America with its appearance in the modern day iteration of the classic “The Italian Job”
Shelby Mustang: Ok, so Touchstone’s 2000 movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” made this car popular to the masses, not the 1974 Movie. Why? Because the 1974 movie did not sport a Shelby or Angelina Jolie. Unfortunately, Ford is spitting out Shelby Mustangs like horny rabbits and completely killing the elite-ness of what a Shelby Mustang truly is.
Dodge Challenger: Dodges Pony Car stormed on the scene in 1971 in the cult classic “Vanishing Point”. Delivery driver Kowalski had made a wager to deliver the car from Colorado to San Francisco in 15 hours which set the stage for one of the most intense car chases to hit the big screen.
Nissan Skyline: Although the Skyline made it’s big screen debut in the movie “2 Fast, 2 Furious”, Nissan’s flagship was made popular years earlier in Sony’s mega selling video game “Gran Tourismo” which is very much responsible for today’s “Now Sold in America” Nissan GT-R.
Dodge Charger: One of the most recognizable cars of all time finally made it’s big screen debut in the movie version of the popular television series “The Dukes Of Hazzard”. The Charger did make an appearance in the movie Bullitt, but was over shadowed by the next car on the list.
Mustang: Wow, Steve McQueen put Ford on the map when performance was all the rage in 1960’s America. The 1967 Mustang used in “Bullitt” was the first year ford used the “Big Block” in their pony car. Sporting 390 cubic inches, the Mustang was put to the test in one of the most memorable car chases in movie history. In 2001, Ford began production of the “Bullitt Mustang” for sale in the US in memory of the McQueen classic and even used movie clips to help promote the sales.
DeLorean: Made popular in the movie “Back To The Future”, this stainless steel, no paint needed car was not what it seemed. With it’s 170hp, getting the DeLorean to that 88mph mark needed to travel through time would definitely require a flux capacitor or at least a mile of real estate . Contrary to popular belief, the Gull Wing doors would not help the car fly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
