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2010 Chevrolet Volt Price Depend on Gas Price
Volt price will depend on gas price, GM says.
Although the conference call was supposed to be all about the progress on designing batteries for the Chevrolet Volt, the issue of the car's price loomed large in observer's minds.
With a potential asking price that's risen from an estimated $30,000 (U.S.) to a loftier $40,000 for the compact four-seater, Bob Kruse, executive director of the program, gave no specifics on its estimated MSRP, but said the price will depend in part on the cost of gas.
"We're not wishing for higher petroleum costs, but the economic viability of what we're doing only gets greater with higher fuel prices," he said. The plan to launch the car in November, 2010, is on schedule. "$1.50 gallon gas is not helping our business case."
The average price of regular gas in the United States was actually $1.96 a gallon earlier this week, according to American government figures.
GM is not sure what the price of the Volt will be, Kruse said, nor has the company established whether it will lease the battery separately from the vehicle itself, as Nissan plans to do with its all-electric vehicle, which is to go on limited sale next year.
"Part of the price will be dependent on fuel costs at the time, which will impact the value equation the Volt provides."
The focus of the update was on the progress of the lithium-ion battery design — as GM has said, once the battery is ready, the Volt will be ready.
It is the advanced battery technology that allows the Volt to promise up to 64 km (40 miles) of electric-only driving; the small internal combustion engine works only to recharge the batteries, instead of stranding the driver, as would have occurred with GM's ill-fated EV1 all-electric vehicle at the end of its range.
"As we've seen with computers, the technology has progressed to the point where they have morphed from large desktop models, down to the size of your Blackberry," said Denise Gray, director of battery systems engineering, while confirming that design work on generations two and three of the Voltec system is happening alongside the production Volt.
"We're looking for the same types of advancements (and cost reductions) in our electronics."
In a Q&A session afterwards with various media, one astute questioner asked at what temperature those promised 64 kilometres of electric-only driving were verified. Turns out, it was the figure achieved in the normal city cycle testing, said Kruse, which is done at 20 degrees Celsius.
So if your winter commute involves regular sub-zero starts and highway driving, the question isn't whether its electric range will decrease, but by how much?
GM was obviously very sensitive about the fact that the battery cells for the first-generation Volt will come from South Korea, courtesy of LG Chem, especially when it is receiving extra money from both state and federal U.S. governments to produce environmentally advanced vehicles in and around Detroit, on top of the federal bailout money it has and will receive to keep it afloat.
The first batch of pre-production prototypes will be produced later this summer, about 80 of them, soon after the world's largest auto battery facility will open near Detroit, said GM.
Overhyped Nano on sale in India
In yet another media-frenzy-generating launch event, Tata Motor officials confirmed that orders will begin being taken in April in India for the Nano, whose super-low starting price of around $2,900 has media outlets around the world breathlessly reporting on the debut of the "world's cheapest car."
Except it's not the world's cheapest car, it's the world's cheapest new car.
Option it up with various luxuries like a right-side rear view mirror, heating and air conditioning, and a cup holder, and that price moves to 172,360 Indian rupees, according to figures available at tatanano.com, or the equivalent of $4,152.
Still, offering any new vehicle at such a low price is a remarkable achievement, even if the lack of airbags and emissions controls would not allow the Nano as is to be sold in most developed markets, and certainly not in regulation-heavy North America.
"The Nano represents the spirit of breaking conventional barriers," said Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata. "It will provide safe, affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car." Or at least a new car.
The Nano offers a 35-hp. two-cylinder engine, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission, with a top speed of 105 km/h, for a published estimate of 33 seconds for the small four-seat hatchback to reach 100 km/h.
Plans are in the works to sell an upgraded version of this car to parts of Europe by 2011, the company said; it would a larger 90-hp, three-cylinder engine, available five-speed automatic, dual airbags, ABS and stability control, with a target starting price still under $5,000 (U.S.).
"Driven mainly by the change in demand that we see elsewhere in the world, we suddenly felt we had a product that could be of considerable interest as a low-cost product in western Europe, eastern Europe, the U.K. and even the U.S.," Tata told Reuters at this week's event.
Women's Car of the Year award launched
Female automotive journalists are a relative rarity in this business, but a group of 10 women auto writers from around the world will launch the first Women's Car of the Year award.
The initial group includes two journalists from Canada, as well as India, South Africa, the U.K., Australia and Europe.
"Most awards are chosen by a huge majority of men who tend to view cars differently to women," said Sandy Myhre, the New Zealand-based journalist who initiated the award.
"This award reflects changing times when you consider that today women make the final decision in as much as 85 per cent of all cars sold," according to Myhre.
After noticing that the 2007 World Car of the Year award's 43-member jury of international auto journalists did not contain one woman, Myhre helped organize a Women's COTY program in New Zealand last year, an award which went to the Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion (diesel) wagon.
"Newton-metres [or lb-ft] of torque weren't even considered, but we did look at drivability and sexiness," for those awards, as well as its carbon footprint, family friendliness, value, and, "of course," the range of colours, said Myhre.
Infiniti M to become brand's first hybrid
Playing some serious catch-up to arch-rival Lexus, Infiniti plans to start selling its own hybrid designs in North America next year, starting with its mid-size M sedans, Japan's Nikkei business daily reports.
While the Altima now offers a hybrid option, the hybrid uses leased Toyota hybrid technology, while Nissan, Japan's third-largest auto maker, struggles to come out with its own hybrid designs to rival those of Toyota and Honda.
Other luxury players are starting to jump into the hybrid market as well, with BMW and Mercedes-Benz both planning hybrid SUVs for North America and Europe this year, as well as the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid that will compete with Lexus' top-line LS600hl.
Although the conference call was supposed to be all about the progress on designing batteries for the Chevrolet Volt, the issue of the car's price loomed large in observer's minds.
With a potential asking price that's risen from an estimated $30,000 (U.S.) to a loftier $40,000 for the compact four-seater, Bob Kruse, executive director of the program, gave no specifics on its estimated MSRP, but said the price will depend in part on the cost of gas.
"We're not wishing for higher petroleum costs, but the economic viability of what we're doing only gets greater with higher fuel prices," he said. The plan to launch the car in November, 2010, is on schedule. "$1.50 gallon gas is not helping our business case."
The average price of regular gas in the United States was actually $1.96 a gallon earlier this week, according to American government figures.
GM is not sure what the price of the Volt will be, Kruse said, nor has the company established whether it will lease the battery separately from the vehicle itself, as Nissan plans to do with its all-electric vehicle, which is to go on limited sale next year.
"Part of the price will be dependent on fuel costs at the time, which will impact the value equation the Volt provides."
The focus of the update was on the progress of the lithium-ion battery design — as GM has said, once the battery is ready, the Volt will be ready.
It is the advanced battery technology that allows the Volt to promise up to 64 km (40 miles) of electric-only driving; the small internal combustion engine works only to recharge the batteries, instead of stranding the driver, as would have occurred with GM's ill-fated EV1 all-electric vehicle at the end of its range.
"As we've seen with computers, the technology has progressed to the point where they have morphed from large desktop models, down to the size of your Blackberry," said Denise Gray, director of battery systems engineering, while confirming that design work on generations two and three of the Voltec system is happening alongside the production Volt.
"We're looking for the same types of advancements (and cost reductions) in our electronics."
In a Q&A session afterwards with various media, one astute questioner asked at what temperature those promised 64 kilometres of electric-only driving were verified. Turns out, it was the figure achieved in the normal city cycle testing, said Kruse, which is done at 20 degrees Celsius.
So if your winter commute involves regular sub-zero starts and highway driving, the question isn't whether its electric range will decrease, but by how much?
GM was obviously very sensitive about the fact that the battery cells for the first-generation Volt will come from South Korea, courtesy of LG Chem, especially when it is receiving extra money from both state and federal U.S. governments to produce environmentally advanced vehicles in and around Detroit, on top of the federal bailout money it has and will receive to keep it afloat.
The first batch of pre-production prototypes will be produced later this summer, about 80 of them, soon after the world's largest auto battery facility will open near Detroit, said GM.
Overhyped Nano on sale in India
In yet another media-frenzy-generating launch event, Tata Motor officials confirmed that orders will begin being taken in April in India for the Nano, whose super-low starting price of around $2,900 has media outlets around the world breathlessly reporting on the debut of the "world's cheapest car."
Except it's not the world's cheapest car, it's the world's cheapest new car.
Option it up with various luxuries like a right-side rear view mirror, heating and air conditioning, and a cup holder, and that price moves to 172,360 Indian rupees, according to figures available at tatanano.com, or the equivalent of $4,152.
Still, offering any new vehicle at such a low price is a remarkable achievement, even if the lack of airbags and emissions controls would not allow the Nano as is to be sold in most developed markets, and certainly not in regulation-heavy North America.
"The Nano represents the spirit of breaking conventional barriers," said Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata. "It will provide safe, affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car." Or at least a new car.
The Nano offers a 35-hp. two-cylinder engine, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission, with a top speed of 105 km/h, for a published estimate of 33 seconds for the small four-seat hatchback to reach 100 km/h.
Plans are in the works to sell an upgraded version of this car to parts of Europe by 2011, the company said; it would a larger 90-hp, three-cylinder engine, available five-speed automatic, dual airbags, ABS and stability control, with a target starting price still under $5,000 (U.S.).
"Driven mainly by the change in demand that we see elsewhere in the world, we suddenly felt we had a product that could be of considerable interest as a low-cost product in western Europe, eastern Europe, the U.K. and even the U.S.," Tata told Reuters at this week's event.
Women's Car of the Year award launched
Female automotive journalists are a relative rarity in this business, but a group of 10 women auto writers from around the world will launch the first Women's Car of the Year award.
The initial group includes two journalists from Canada, as well as India, South Africa, the U.K., Australia and Europe.
"Most awards are chosen by a huge majority of men who tend to view cars differently to women," said Sandy Myhre, the New Zealand-based journalist who initiated the award.
"This award reflects changing times when you consider that today women make the final decision in as much as 85 per cent of all cars sold," according to Myhre.
After noticing that the 2007 World Car of the Year award's 43-member jury of international auto journalists did not contain one woman, Myhre helped organize a Women's COTY program in New Zealand last year, an award which went to the Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion (diesel) wagon.
"Newton-metres [or lb-ft] of torque weren't even considered, but we did look at drivability and sexiness," for those awards, as well as its carbon footprint, family friendliness, value, and, "of course," the range of colours, said Myhre.
Infiniti M to become brand's first hybrid
Playing some serious catch-up to arch-rival Lexus, Infiniti plans to start selling its own hybrid designs in North America next year, starting with its mid-size M sedans, Japan's Nikkei business daily reports.
While the Altima now offers a hybrid option, the hybrid uses leased Toyota hybrid technology, while Nissan, Japan's third-largest auto maker, struggles to come out with its own hybrid designs to rival those of Toyota and Honda.
Other luxury players are starting to jump into the hybrid market as well, with BMW and Mercedes-Benz both planning hybrid SUVs for North America and Europe this year, as well as the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid that will compete with Lexus' top-line LS600hl.
7:54 AM | 0
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Chevrolet Camaro SS Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Eaton TVS Supercharger The limited edition
Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro SSCamaros seem to be a favorite inspiration at the SEMA Show. Already, we’ve made a note to view the Camaro variations from Hurst, Lingenfelter, and Yenko.
Another one comes from Hendrick Motorsports, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Hendrick will be rolling out 25 of these fully loaded SS Camaros, with each having a price tag of $76,181.
Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR racing organization has commissioned Callaway Cars to develop and build a limited edition run of Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary 2010 Camaro SS vehicles. The 25th anniversary Camaro will include a host of engine, body and interior modifications.
Under the hood power hasbeen increased from 426 to 582 by way of Callaway's Eaton TVS series supercharger, high-flow air filtration system, low-restriction exhaust system and engine tune.
Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro SS
Keeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.This very exclusive Hendrick Motorsports vehicle is pricey but there are bound to be enthusiasts willing to part with their cash for this collector’s item.If you’re interested, these cars can be purchased through Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet in San Diego, Calif. or at one of three Hendrick Chevrolet dealerships.
The limited edition model will be tagged inside and out with 25th Anniversary badges for the silver Camaro SS. The 25 cars will be made available for sale after the SEMA show through Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet of San Diego, California and three Hendrick Chevrolet dealerships in North Carolina, Georgia and Kansas.
Another one comes from Hendrick Motorsports, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Hendrick will be rolling out 25 of these fully loaded SS Camaros, with each having a price tag of $76,181.
Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR racing organization has commissioned Callaway Cars to develop and build a limited edition run of Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary 2010 Camaro SS vehicles. The 25th anniversary Camaro will include a host of engine, body and interior modifications.
Under the hood power hasbeen increased from 426 to 582 by way of Callaway's Eaton TVS series supercharger, high-flow air filtration system, low-restriction exhaust system and engine tune.
Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro SS
Will come with 582 bhp and do the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.9 seconds. The additional horses coming by way of an Eaton TVS supercharger along
with some engine management tuning as well as a new air filter and sport exhaust system.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs,shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. Keeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.
with some engine management tuning as well as a new air filter and sport exhaust system.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs,shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. Keeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.
Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro SSKeeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.This very exclusive Hendrick Motorsports vehicle is pricey but there are bound to be enthusiasts willing to part with their cash for this collector’s item.
The limited edition model will be tagged inside and out with 25th Anniversary badges for the silver Camaro SS. The 25 cars will be made available for sale after the SEMA show through Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet of San Diego, California and three Hendrick Chevrolet dealerships in North Carolina, Georgia and Kansas.
12:49 AM | 0
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Chevrolet Camaro SS Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Eaton TVS Supercharger The limited edition
Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro SSCamaros seem to be a favorite inspiration at the SEMA Show. Already, we’ve made a note to view the Camaro variations from Hurst, Lingenfelter, and Yenko.
Another one comes from Hendrick Motorsports, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Hendrick will be rolling out 25 of these fully loaded SS Camaros, with each having a price tag of $76,181.
Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR racing organization has commissioned Callaway Cars to develop and build a limited edition run of Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary 2010 Camaro SS vehicles. The 25th anniversary Camaro will include a host of engine, body and interior modifications.
Under the hood power hasbeen increased from 426 to 582 by way of Callaway's Eaton TVS series supercharger, high-flow air filtration system, low-restriction exhaust system and engine tune.
Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro SS
Keeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.This very exclusive Hendrick Motorsports vehicle is pricey but there are bound to be enthusiasts willing to part with their cash for this collector’s item.If you’re interested, these cars can be purchased through Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet in San Diego, Calif. or at one of three Hendrick Chevrolet dealerships.
The limited edition model will be tagged inside and out with 25th Anniversary badges for the silver Camaro SS. The 25 cars will be made available for sale after the SEMA show through Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet of San Diego, California and three Hendrick Chevrolet dealerships in North Carolina, Georgia and Kansas.
Another one comes from Hendrick Motorsports, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Hendrick will be rolling out 25 of these fully loaded SS Camaros, with each having a price tag of $76,181.
Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR racing organization has commissioned Callaway Cars to develop and build a limited edition run of Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary 2010 Camaro SS vehicles. The 25th anniversary Camaro will include a host of engine, body and interior modifications.
Under the hood power hasbeen increased from 426 to 582 by way of Callaway's Eaton TVS series supercharger, high-flow air filtration system, low-restriction exhaust system and engine tune.
Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro SS
Will come with 582 bhp and do the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.9 seconds. The additional horses coming by way of an Eaton TVS supercharger along
with some engine management tuning as well as a new air filter and sport exhaust system.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs,shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. Keeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.
with some engine management tuning as well as a new air filter and sport exhaust system.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs,shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. Keeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.The suspension has also been upgraded with Callaway coil springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.
Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Chevrolet Camaro SSKeeping the power firmly mounted to the road is a set of new Callaway wheels.This very exclusive Hendrick Motorsports vehicle is pricey but there are bound to be enthusiasts willing to part with their cash for this collector’s item.
The limited edition model will be tagged inside and out with 25th Anniversary badges for the silver Camaro SS. The 25 cars will be made available for sale after the SEMA show through Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet of San Diego, California and three Hendrick Chevrolet dealerships in North Carolina, Georgia and Kansas.
12:49 AM | 0
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Toyota Yaris sedan Pictures
Toyota Yaris sedan
Toyota Yaris sedan photos
Toyota Yaris sedan Pictures
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Renault Bajaj ULC
Written By nyit on Friday, October 30, 2009 | 6:48 PM
Bajaj ULC is still under development by Bajaj Auto, Nissan and Renault. The idea is to turn it into a world project, more remarkable by its fuel consumption (about 35 km/l) than by its price. We just hope development to be quicker.
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2010 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSI Quattro Road Test
A bigger stick for the soft-spoken supercar, and a price to match.
By making available an R8 with a monster 525-hp V-10 engine—complementing the 420-hp V-8 model that was introduced two years ago—Audi has elevated its exotic-looking two-seater from “almost-a-supercar” status to a true competitor in the high-performance realm above mere sports cars.
The 105-hp increase comes from a 5.2-liter, direct-injection V-10 that is virtually identical to the engine found in the Lambor ghini Gallardo LP560-4.
Unique engine programming and intake and exhaust systems are the chief differences in the Audi engine over the Italian job, although both engines are made in the same plant in Hungary.
We’re told that the V-10 weighs just 68 pounds more than the V-8, and that fuel economy with the bigger engine will worsen by only 1 mpg.
Output is listed by Audi at 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, 27 horses and seven pound-feet fewer than in the Lambo, but we suspect some of that difference is simply marketing.
With the help of launch control, a first for the R8’s manual transmission, we managed the 0-to-60 dash in 3.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 121 mph.
That’s a full second quicker in the quarter-mile than we recorded in a manual-transmission V-8 R8 and dead even with a Porsche 911 GT2. This was measured in a down-and-dirty test run during a preview drive in Spain.
Lamborghini owners need not fret that this R8 will steal the Gallardo’s thunder, as the V-10 R8’s numbers are quite a few ticks behind those of the automated-manual LP560-4 we tested in February.
A more formal test with the paddle-shifted transmission should improve our times, but still, we don’t see a lot of cross-shopping between these corporate cousins.
The Lamborghini is a car for extroverts—loud, brash, in your face. The Audi is more of a speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick car. The exhaust—quiet during relaxed driving and escalating in volume above 4000 rpm—never fully intrudes on the serenity in the cockpit until you approach the 8700-rpm redline (700 more than the V-8’s and 200 higher than the Lambo’s).
The extra oomph is obvious as soon as the R8 5.2 starts moving, but the power increase hasn’t upset the R8’s user-friendliness and neutral handling. Easy driving is still the name of the game; both models have graceful manners even when driven hard around a track.
Visual differences between V-8 and V-10 R8s are slight. The V-10 model has wider intakes behind the doors, which sit atop wider body sills. In front and back, the black accents are glossy instead of flat, and there are two crossbraces to the air intake rather than three.
The V-10 R8’s exhaust tips are larger and oval-shaped, and this model also sports standard LED lighting, previously an option. The seats, a carry-over from the V-8 model, had us at times wishing for more lateral support.
We’re pleased the R8’s optional ceramic brakes might make it to North America. They’re strong, completely free of fade, and—unlike the on-off brakes in the Gallardo—can actually be modulated for smooth driving.
Audi won’t pinpoint when the V-10 R8 will go on sale or what it will cost. We’ll bet on late this year at the earliest, with a premium of maybe $45,000 over the V-8 R8’s $117,500 base price.
By making available an R8 with a monster 525-hp V-10 engine—complementing the 420-hp V-8 model that was introduced two years ago—Audi has elevated its exotic-looking two-seater from “almost-a-supercar” status to a true competitor in the high-performance realm above mere sports cars.
The 105-hp increase comes from a 5.2-liter, direct-injection V-10 that is virtually identical to the engine found in the Lambor ghini Gallardo LP560-4.
Unique engine programming and intake and exhaust systems are the chief differences in the Audi engine over the Italian job, although both engines are made in the same plant in Hungary.
We’re told that the V-10 weighs just 68 pounds more than the V-8, and that fuel economy with the bigger engine will worsen by only 1 mpg.
Output is listed by Audi at 525 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, 27 horses and seven pound-feet fewer than in the Lambo, but we suspect some of that difference is simply marketing.
With the help of launch control, a first for the R8’s manual transmission, we managed the 0-to-60 dash in 3.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 121 mph.
That’s a full second quicker in the quarter-mile than we recorded in a manual-transmission V-8 R8 and dead even with a Porsche 911 GT2. This was measured in a down-and-dirty test run during a preview drive in Spain.
Lamborghini owners need not fret that this R8 will steal the Gallardo’s thunder, as the V-10 R8’s numbers are quite a few ticks behind those of the automated-manual LP560-4 we tested in February.
A more formal test with the paddle-shifted transmission should improve our times, but still, we don’t see a lot of cross-shopping between these corporate cousins.
The Lamborghini is a car for extroverts—loud, brash, in your face. The Audi is more of a speak-softly-and-carry-a-big-stick car. The exhaust—quiet during relaxed driving and escalating in volume above 4000 rpm—never fully intrudes on the serenity in the cockpit until you approach the 8700-rpm redline (700 more than the V-8’s and 200 higher than the Lambo’s).
The extra oomph is obvious as soon as the R8 5.2 starts moving, but the power increase hasn’t upset the R8’s user-friendliness and neutral handling. Easy driving is still the name of the game; both models have graceful manners even when driven hard around a track.
Visual differences between V-8 and V-10 R8s are slight. The V-10 model has wider intakes behind the doors, which sit atop wider body sills. In front and back, the black accents are glossy instead of flat, and there are two crossbraces to the air intake rather than three.
The V-10 R8’s exhaust tips are larger and oval-shaped, and this model also sports standard LED lighting, previously an option. The seats, a carry-over from the V-8 model, had us at times wishing for more lateral support.
We’re pleased the R8’s optional ceramic brakes might make it to North America. They’re strong, completely free of fade, and—unlike the on-off brakes in the Gallardo—can actually be modulated for smooth driving.
Audi won’t pinpoint when the V-10 R8 will go on sale or what it will cost. We’ll bet on late this year at the earliest, with a premium of maybe $45,000 over the V-8 R8’s $117,500 base price.
6:42 PM | 0
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SEMA Show: Lingenfelter Supercharges 2010 Camaro SS to 750HP
Making its debut alongside the Lingenfelter 2010 Camaro-based Pontiac Trans Am Concept at next week's SEMA Show will be a supercharged Camaro SS with all kinds of mechanical and cosmetic revisions. The most significant changes on Lingenfelter's Camaro are hidden under the hood as this Chevy features a 750 horsepower supercharged 426 cubic inch (equal to 7.0-liters) LS7 V8 with an 8.8:1 compression ratio, forged JE pistons, production GM LS7 crankshaft and titanium connecting rods, just to mention a few of the upgrades.
In addition to the engine, Lingenfelter's 2010 Camaro package includes a 6-bolt LS9 twin disk flywheel and clutch assembly, a twin pump fuel system, Brembo brake calipers and rotors, a Corsa sport exhaust system, double adjustable Sachs shocks and Hotchkis suspension springs, anti-sway bars and subframe brace.
On the outside, the SEMA Show display vehicle features a new front fascia splitter, rocker extensions, carbon fiber grille, new hood with air extractors, rear deck lip and spoiler and rear fascia extension plus a set of 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels shod in Pirelli 275/40ZR20 tires on the front and Pirelli 305/35ZR20 on the back.
As for the interior, Lingenfelter's tuning proposal includes a Mito rear view mirror with video display, a custom-made steering wheel, machined pedal covers, floor mats and embroidered interior.
2:06 PM | 0
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SEMA Show: Lingenfelter Supercharges 2010 Camaro SS to 750HP
Making its debut alongside the Lingenfelter 2010 Camaro-based Pontiac Trans Am Concept at next week's SEMA Show will be a supercharged Camaro SS with all kinds of mechanical and cosmetic revisions. The most significant changes on Lingenfelter's Camaro are hidden under the hood as this Chevy features a 750 horsepower supercharged 426 cubic inch (equal to 7.0-liters) LS7 V8 with an 8.8:1 compression ratio, forged JE pistons, production GM LS7 crankshaft and titanium connecting rods, just to mention a few of the upgrades.In addition to the engine, Lingenfelter's 2010 Camaro package includes a 6-bolt LS9 twin disk flywheel and clutch assembly, a twin pump fuel system, Brembo brake calipers and rotors, a Corsa sport exhaust system, double adjustable Sachs shocks and Hotchkis suspension springs, anti-sway bars and subframe brace.
On the outside, the SEMA Show display vehicle features a new front fascia splitter, rocker extensions, carbon fiber grille, new hood with air extractors, rear deck lip and spoiler and rear fascia extension plus a set of 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels shod in Pirelli 275/40ZR20 tires on the front and Pirelli 305/35ZR20 on the back.
As for the interior, Lingenfelter's tuning proposal includes a Mito rear view mirror with video display, a custom-made steering wheel, machined pedal covers, floor mats and embroidered interior.
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GM Releases Official Cadillac CTS-V Challenge Race Video
Now that we all know the results of the spunky CTS-V Challenge at the Monticello Motor Club, it's time to see GM's official video take on the race with all the protagonists. If you happened to miss our previous post, former GM Performance Division Executive John Heinricy cut the ribbon first with a CTS-V, young Michael Cooper with a private BMW M3 Sedan came in fourth while Bob Lutz and his automatic CTS-V finished 7th beating Jalopnik's Wes Siler who raced a Mitsubishi EVO X after "XXXXX" withdrew its pledge to give him the "XXXX" (yes, we're trying to amuse one of our "anonymous commentators"...). Video after the break.
1:25 PM | 0
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GM Releases Official Cadillac CTS-V Challenge Race Video
Now that we all know the results of the spunky CTS-V Challenge at the Monticello Motor Club, it's time to see GM's official video take on the race with all the protagonists. If you happened to miss our previous post, former GM Performance Division Executive John Heinricy cut the ribbon first with a CTS-V, young Michael Cooper with a private BMW M3 Sedan came in fourth while Bob Lutz and his automatic CTS-V finished 7th beating Jalopnik's Wes Siler who raced a Mitsubishi EVO X after "XXXXX" withdrew its pledge to give him the "XXXX" (yes, we're trying to amuse one of our "anonymous commentators"...). Video after the break.
1:25 PM | 0
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Ferrari World Theme Park at Abu Dhabi: High-Res Photo Gallery Update
These are some of the very first photos of the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park after the completion of the almost alien-like external structure. Set to be the world's largest indoor theme park and the first ever Ferrari theme park in the world when it opens in 2010, it comes complete with a racetrack that will host the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, shops, hotels, various attractions, rides and just about anything else to make it a gear-head's "Disney Land".
Talking about Disney Land, the Ferrari theme park which is located on Yas Island between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will include the world's fastest rollercoaster. Travelling at speeds in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph), it is said to emulate the feeling of being in a Ferrari F1 car as the passengers go over 62 m through the roof and back down again.
As for the theme park's now completed red roof, which is claimed to have been directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, it covers a surface area of 200,000m² (2.15 million square feet) and features the largest "prancing horse" emblem in the world, measuring an astonishing 66 meters (217 feet) in diameter.
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Abu Dhabi Ferrari Theme Park: Key Facts
General
- World's first Ferrari theme park
- World's largest indoor park
- Opening in 2010
- Owned by Aldar Properties PJSC
- Managed by Farah Leisure Parks Management L.L.C, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group Inc.
- Located on Yas Island on the North East side of Abu Dhabi's mainland
- Yas Island is a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 30 minutes from the city of Abu Dhabi, and 50 minutes from Dubai
- Adjacent to the Yas Marina Circuit, hosting the inaugural 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Building
- Designed by globally renown architectural firm Benoy
- Building height is 45m (147.6 ft), with a roof edge circumference of 2,200 m (7217.8 ft)
- Enclosed space (area accessible to the general public) is 100,000 m2 (1,076,391 sq ft)
- Over 35,000 tonnes of steel have been used to reinforce the structure
- Landscaped area around the main building is 450,000 m2 (4,843,759 sq ft)
Roof
- Design inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body
- Made from metal and glass designed to reduce glare and heat
- Total surface area is 200,000 m2 (2,152,782 sq ft)
- The Ferrari logo is 65m x 48.5m, the largest Ferrari logo ever created
- Highest point is 48m, with a total of 6,900 meters of roof guttering
Rides
- Designed by one of the world's most prominent design firms Jack Rouse Associates
- Over 20 state-of-the-art rides and attractions.
- Featured attractions include:
- The world's fastest roller coaster emulating the feeling of being in an F1 car
- G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62m, through the roof and back down again
- State-of-the-art racing simulators using a similar system as those used by the Ferrari racing team
- Flume ride journey through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine
- Driving and Racing school for junior drivers, with expert training
- Aerial voyage over Italy following a Ferrari
- The world's fastest roller coaster emulating the feeling of being in an F1 car
Food & Beverage
- A broad range of dining, quick service and beverage locations offering Italian inspired delicacies as well as a variety of international dishes.
- Highlights include:
- Two restaurants inspired by the real Maranello food experience
- A true Italian ambiance of a traditional delicatessen, including:
- Customized fresh pasta and pizza made-to-order
- An array of international dishes to satisfy all tastes
- Customized fresh pasta and pizza made-to-order
- Two restaurants inspired by the real Maranello food experience
Shopping
- Visitors can expect a retail experience that celebrates Ferrari's rich heritage in a way never seen before.
- Highlights include:
- 825 m2 store celebrating Ferrari's rich history with vintage and contemporary racing memorabilia
- Souvenir photo opportunities for capturing the thrill of the moment
- "Interactive Corners" where children can customize their own park souvenirs
- 1300 m2 flagship store offering Ferrari and special Ferrari World Abu Dhabi items
- 825 m2 store celebrating Ferrari's rich history with vintage and contemporary racing memorabilia
12:04 PM | 0
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