Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Pagani Zonda R Official Commercial

The Zonda has set more than one record at the race track. It raised the bar for road supercars. Passion, ingenuity, knowledge and craftsmanship created the parts to form an effective and focused package. What more could you want?”

These are the enticing words appearing at the beginning of this beautifully-shot video clip. In the clip is the new supercar Pagani Zonda R. It does not move or even start up. This is something of a commercial trailer for the super track car which was commissioned to Supercarmovies.com by Pagani.

At some point during the clip they show some of the components that make up the R and then progress to other shots demonstrating these parts being screwed together by hand to form a complete package. When it’s done you can’t help but admire the polished finished product.

To get the technical spec of this supercar is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine with 552kW (750hp) and peak torque of 710Nm. It comes with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and slick tyres.
source:worldcarfans

Pagani Zonda R Official Commercial

The Zonda has set more than one record at the race track. It raised the bar for road supercars. Passion, ingenuity, knowledge and craftsmanship created the parts to form an effective and focused package. What more could you want?”

These are the enticing words appearing at the beginning of this beautifully-shot video clip. In the clip is the new supercar Pagani Zonda R. It does not move or even start up. This is something of a commercial trailer for the super track car which was commissioned to Supercarmovies.com by Pagani.

At some point during the clip they show some of the components that make up the R and then progress to other shots demonstrating these parts being screwed together by hand to form a complete package. When it’s done you can’t help but admire the polished finished product.

To get the technical spec of this supercar is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine with 552kW (750hp) and peak torque of 710Nm. It comes with a 6-speed sequential gearbox and slick tyres.
source:worldcarfans

New York Auto Show Debut: All New Subaru Legacy Sedan


Subaru is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Legacy (Liberty) sedan with the unveiling of the all-new fifth-generation model next week at the New York Auto Show. Subaru is renowned for its love-or-loathe approach to designing cars, as seen in the frequent revisions to its Impreza line over the years, but the styling of the new Legacy is nowhere near as controversial though we’re sure it will leave opinions divided.


But some of the familiar stuff includes boxer engines and Subaru's symmetrical AWD. For the US market, which introduces the Legacy at dealer level soon after the show, three engines will be available. The first is a naturally-aspirated 2.5i. It produces 170hp (125kW) and 170 lb-ft (230Nm) of torque. Transmission options are a 6-speed manual and the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT. Up ahead is a 2.5GT turbo with 265hp (195kW) and 258 lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. Only the 6-speed manual is available on the GT. Subaru says this transmission is 25kg lighter than the previous one. Lastly the 3.6R with a 5-speed automatic replaces the old 3.0-litre. It makes 256hp (188kW) and 247 lb-ft (335Nm) maximum torque.


A distinctive wing-shape embellishment on the front grille shows the Subaru brand identity, and the front bumper designs accentuate flat horizontal surfaces. Embellished with solidly-designed headlamps, the front face of the Legacy is intended to be 'bold and powerful'. The cabin's dynamic design and a shorter deck give the vehicle what Subaru calls 'a sporty appeal', while the size and power of the vehicle are expressed in the rear-end design, which is rounded and capacious and framed by the combination lights.


The base Legacy engine is 2.5L unit, which is rated at 170hp (127kW) and 170lb-ft (230Nm) of torque, and this is followed by a 265hp (197kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) turbocharged version of the same engine for the Legacy 2.5GT. Filling out the range is the Legacy 3.6R model, which comes with a 256hp (191kW) and 247lb-ft (334Nm) of torque 3.6L engine.


Some of the interior features available are an electronic parking brake, a 10-way driver's seat and a new three-spoke steering wheel. Safety features installed include ABS with EBD, an electronic hill holder system and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
via:motorauthority




Other article:
Rendered Speculation: New York-bound 2010 Subaru Legacy
Subaru Diesel for Legacy and Outback
Geneva Motor Show: EDAG Light Car Concept

New York Auto Show Debut: All New Subaru Legacy Sedan


Subaru is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Legacy (Liberty) sedan with the unveiling of the all-new fifth-generation model next week at the New York Auto Show. Subaru is renowned for its love-or-loathe approach to designing cars, as seen in the frequent revisions to its Impreza line over the years, but the styling of the new Legacy is nowhere near as controversial though we’re sure it will leave opinions divided.


But some of the familiar stuff includes boxer engines and Subaru's symmetrical AWD. For the US market, which introduces the Legacy at dealer level soon after the show, three engines will be available. The first is a naturally-aspirated 2.5i. It produces 170hp (125kW) and 170 lb-ft (230Nm) of torque. Transmission options are a 6-speed manual and the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT. Up ahead is a 2.5GT turbo with 265hp (195kW) and 258 lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. Only the 6-speed manual is available on the GT. Subaru says this transmission is 25kg lighter than the previous one. Lastly the 3.6R with a 5-speed automatic replaces the old 3.0-litre. It makes 256hp (188kW) and 247 lb-ft (335Nm) maximum torque.


A distinctive wing-shape embellishment on the front grille shows the Subaru brand identity, and the front bumper designs accentuate flat horizontal surfaces. Embellished with solidly-designed headlamps, the front face of the Legacy is intended to be 'bold and powerful'. The cabin's dynamic design and a shorter deck give the vehicle what Subaru calls 'a sporty appeal', while the size and power of the vehicle are expressed in the rear-end design, which is rounded and capacious and framed by the combination lights.


The base Legacy engine is 2.5L unit, which is rated at 170hp (127kW) and 170lb-ft (230Nm) of torque, and this is followed by a 265hp (197kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) turbocharged version of the same engine for the Legacy 2.5GT. Filling out the range is the Legacy 3.6R model, which comes with a 256hp (191kW) and 247lb-ft (334Nm) of torque 3.6L engine.


Some of the interior features available are an electronic parking brake, a 10-way driver's seat and a new three-spoke steering wheel. Safety features installed include ABS with EBD, an electronic hill holder system and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
via:motorauthority




Other article:
Rendered Speculation: New York-bound 2010 Subaru Legacy
Subaru Diesel for Legacy and Outback
Geneva Motor Show: EDAG Light Car Concept

Next Generation Porshe Boxster Spy Photos


Late last year Porsche unveiled its updated Boxster and Cayman range and there are still several other models based on the same Boxster/Cayman platform in the works. One of these is a high-performance RS model, recently seen testing at Germany’s Nurburgring, and another is a chopped 'Speedster' model.


However, development of the next-generation model is also well underway and images of a prototype for the car have once again surfaced. This time the prototype has been spotted on its way to Germany’s Nurburging circuit for some high-speed testing.


It's hard to tell if this is a subtly changed design or if, as with previously-spied 2011 Boxsters, this prototype wears the sheet metal of the current car to disguise its new lines. The mismatched taillights reveal that there's something different going under the surface. These clear-weather photos hint at revised bumper contours, but as with the previous shots of this car there's not much to go on.


A rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder platform for the next-gen Boxster recently began making the rounds.
via:motorauthority




Other article:
Porsche Boxster en Cayman gefacelift
Porsche Boxster 2011
Four-Cylinder Porsche Boxster Coming in 2011
Porsche Speedster

Next Generation Porshe Boxster Spy Photos


Late last year Porsche unveiled its updated Boxster and Cayman range and there are still several other models based on the same Boxster/Cayman platform in the works. One of these is a high-performance RS model, recently seen testing at Germany’s Nurburgring, and another is a chopped 'Speedster' model.


However, development of the next-generation model is also well underway and images of a prototype for the car have once again surfaced. This time the prototype has been spotted on its way to Germany’s Nurburging circuit for some high-speed testing.


It's hard to tell if this is a subtly changed design or if, as with previously-spied 2011 Boxsters, this prototype wears the sheet metal of the current car to disguise its new lines. The mismatched taillights reveal that there's something different going under the surface. These clear-weather photos hint at revised bumper contours, but as with the previous shots of this car there's not much to go on.


A rumor alleging that Porsche insiders are talking about a lightweight, turbocharged four-cylinder platform for the next-gen Boxster recently began making the rounds.
via:motorauthority




Other article:
Porsche Boxster en Cayman gefacelift
Porsche Boxster 2011
Four-Cylinder Porsche Boxster Coming in 2011
Porsche Speedster

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan released official photos


Mercedes has taken the wraps off the new range-topping E-class: the E63 AMG.

Despite talk from within AMG about ending the horsepower war between German car makers, this new model has more power than the car it replaces — although at 11bhp, it’s a modest gain.

The standard car comes wearing 18-inch AMG alloys with size 255/40 front and 285/35 rear tyres. There is an optional 19-inch rim available. In terms of exterior cosmetics the big AMG gets LED daytime running lights, a more aggressive front spoiler, a rear diffuser and four tailpipes as per current AMG standard issue.

To improve handling, the E63 AMG has been fitted with a newly developed front axle with more negative camber, a 56mm wider track, new control arms, a tubular stabiliser and revised wheel bearings. The rear axle also has extra negative camber and a new subframe mounting for greater stability on the limit.

It is expected that the new E63 AMG sedan will go on sale in the UK in September. It is also expected that the public will get first live glimpse at the 2009 New York International Auto Show next week.




More Photos



Other article:
New Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
New York Auto Show: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG
Continues Testing:Mercedes E63 AMG Prototype
Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION
Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series by Kleeman
Renntech Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series
Kicherer Tunes the Mercedes CLK63 AMG Black Edition
Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series Revealed
Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series

2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan released official photos


Mercedes has taken the wraps off the new range-topping E-class: the E63 AMG.

Despite talk from within AMG about ending the horsepower war between German car makers, this new model has more power than the car it replaces — although at 11bhp, it’s a modest gain.

The standard car comes wearing 18-inch AMG alloys with size 255/40 front and 285/35 rear tyres. There is an optional 19-inch rim available. In terms of exterior cosmetics the big AMG gets LED daytime running lights, a more aggressive front spoiler, a rear diffuser and four tailpipes as per current AMG standard issue.

To improve handling, the E63 AMG has been fitted with a newly developed front axle with more negative camber, a 56mm wider track, new control arms, a tubular stabiliser and revised wheel bearings. The rear axle also has extra negative camber and a new subframe mounting for greater stability on the limit.

It is expected that the new E63 AMG sedan will go on sale in the UK in September. It is also expected that the public will get first live glimpse at the 2009 New York International Auto Show next week.




More Photos



Other article:
New Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
New York Auto Show: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG
Continues Testing:Mercedes E63 AMG Prototype
Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION
Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series by Kleeman
Renntech Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series
Kicherer Tunes the Mercedes CLK63 AMG Black Edition
Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series Revealed
Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series

Nürburgring: Audi RS3 Mule First Spy Photos


According to a recent report, Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board of management for technical development has stated that the company is considering building a new RS3 – and here’s the first pictures that prove the car is in fact rolling. We snapped a mule of Audi’s future pocket-rocket testing at the Nürburgring.


First unveiled in the upcoming TT-RS, the RS3's 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine utilises a turbo to force out 250kW (340hp) and 450Nm of torque through the quattro AWD system. Anticipating that the RS3's weight will be almost the same as the TT-RS, we think it's safe to use the TT-RS's performance specs as the standard of comparisson here. The 0 - 100km/h dash should be achieved in about 4.6 seconds and an optional unlimited top speed will be 280 km/h (173.98 mph). This kind of performance is approaching RS4 territory but at a considerably lower price.


The car spotted has S3 badges, but we can already see larger air intakes in the front bumper.

Power will very likely come from Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, that develops 340 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.

Same engine is under the new TT RS. We expect RS3 to hit 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 4.6 seconds while the top speed is around 288 km/h (179 mph)

Stay tuned, as we will be seeing more test mules with new details in the near future.
via:evo.co.uk



Other article:
Upcoming Audi RS3 powered by the turbo engine found on TT-RS
Driven: 2009 Audi S5 vs. 1985 Audi Ur quattro
Audi to be Featured Marque at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Rumormill: Audi TT RS, RS5 coming Stateside

Nürburgring: Audi RS3 Mule First Spy Photos


According to a recent report, Michael Dick, a member of Audi's board of management for technical development has stated that the company is considering building a new RS3 – and here’s the first pictures that prove the car is in fact rolling. We snapped a mule of Audi’s future pocket-rocket testing at the Nürburgring.


First unveiled in the upcoming TT-RS, the RS3's 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine utilises a turbo to force out 250kW (340hp) and 450Nm of torque through the quattro AWD system. Anticipating that the RS3's weight will be almost the same as the TT-RS, we think it's safe to use the TT-RS's performance specs as the standard of comparisson here. The 0 - 100km/h dash should be achieved in about 4.6 seconds and an optional unlimited top speed will be 280 km/h (173.98 mph). This kind of performance is approaching RS4 territory but at a considerably lower price.


The car spotted has S3 badges, but we can already see larger air intakes in the front bumper.

Power will very likely come from Audi’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine, that develops 340 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque.

Same engine is under the new TT RS. We expect RS3 to hit 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 4.6 seconds while the top speed is around 288 km/h (179 mph)

Stay tuned, as we will be seeing more test mules with new details in the near future.
via:evo.co.uk



Other article:
Upcoming Audi RS3 powered by the turbo engine found on TT-RS
Driven: 2009 Audi S5 vs. 1985 Audi Ur quattro
Audi to be Featured Marque at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Rumormill: Audi TT RS, RS5 coming Stateside

2009 VW Jetta TDI Road Test: Turbocharged Torque

Torque is described as a force that tends to turn things and, in the case of the 2009 Jetta TDI, its abundance turned me into a fan of this latest in a long line of Volkswagen "oil-burners" by providing strong performance and flexibility along with exceptionally high levels of fuel economy.

Torque is what you get when you, for example, tug on the handle of a wrench to tighten or loosen a nut. Doing so exerts a twisting force still expressed here, in Ye Olde English, in lb-ft, as nobody on this side of the Atlantic has any idea what a newton-metre is.

Torque in an engine is generated by burning a fuel/air mixture in a cylinder, with the pressure of the expanding gases pushing the piston, which is linked to the crankshaft by a connecting rod, downwards.

As this occurs, the angle generated by the crankshaft "throw" increases and the rod, like the wrench handle above, rotates the crank. And that, with a few things such as clutches and transmission gears in between, is what makes your car move.

The Jetta TDI, with its turbocharged diesel engine, does this with a degree of vigour, accompanied by a high degree of overall flexibility not normally experienced in the compact-car category. Most small-displacement gasoline engines don't produce a lot of torque, and what they do is generated at higher engine speeds.

The TDI's four-cylinder engine delivers a disproportionate (for its displacement) amount of low rpm "grunt" that lets it charge off the line like a V-6 but also maintains that strong pulling power at highway speeds.

This allows it to coast along at minimal revs in top gear while sipping fuel at such a frugal rate that 1,000 km per tank wouldn't be an unlikely achievement. In fact, the number on the trip computer that estimates how much distance I had before needing more gas disconcertingly went up for the first hundred kilometres or so that I drove the car.

The TDI's arrival last year marked the return of the popular diesel engine option to the VW lineup in North America — it hadn't been able to sell a diesel here in 2007 due to U.S. emission standards — and the Jetta range now offers three engine choices, each of which gives the car a different driving character.

There's a gasoline-fuelled, 2.5-litre, four-cylinder that makes 177 hp at 5,700 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque peaking at 4,250 rpm. With six-speed automatic transmission, it delivers very good performance and fuel economy ratings of 10.5 L/100 km city and 7.2 highway.

Also available is a performance-oriented, gas-burning, turbocharged 2.0-litre unit rated at 200 hp at 5,100 rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque from 1,700-5,000 rpm. This makes the 2.0 TSI Jetta a very quick car indeed and, thanks to the turbo, produces plenty of torque over that wide rpm range, which helps it garner very good fuel economy ratings of 9.0 city and 6.8 highway.

The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine in the TDI delivers the least power, 140 hp at 4,000 rpm, but the most torque, 236 lb-ft, all of which is available from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Its fuel economy ratings are 6.8 city and 4.9 highway. The on-board readout was showing an average of 7.1 L/100 km when I returned it.

The "oil burner" appellation used above is in reference to the bad old days of low-powered and stinky diesel engines. This new one makes 40 hp more than the previous 1.9-litre unit and burns ultra-low-sulphur diesel very efficiently and cleanly and is also quieter.

And the direct shift gearbox (DSG) is a treat, snapping off lightning-quick shifts automatically or allowing you to select gears yourself. Although it takes a while to get used to the fact that it only revs to about 4,500 rpm between the gears, acceleration is surprisingly strong.

And its direct steering, firm suspension and good brakes also contribute to making it a very enjoyable car to drive.

The Jetta TDI is available in base manual transmission Trendline form at $24,275, in Comfortline trim at $26,775 and Highline versions go for $29,775. Our DSG-transmission-equipped tester had a sticker price of $31,175 and an all-in-but-the-taxes cost of $33,510. By comparison, a base gasoline Jetta 2.5 goes for $21,975 and a base 2.0 TSI for $27,475.

The base TDI comes with the usual features at this price, plus cruise control, climate control, 16-inch wheels, exterior temp gauge, a single CD audio system and front, side and side-curtain airbag systems.

The Comfortline has some extra chrome trim, a power-reclining driver's seat, heated seats, leather-wrapped wheel and a premium six-disc audio system. The Highline adds a compass, leather upholstery, a multi-function wheel, a sunroof and a rear armrest/pass-through.
In typical VW fashion, the interior is designed to meet more utilitarian than utopian standards for style. There's rather-uninspired plastic aplenty, not only where you can see it but also feel it — the surprisingly nasty and hard-edged door pull, for example.

The somewhat stark look and feel is ameliorated by stitched padding on the armrests, rather-nice mesh-finish aluminum trim and thin aluminum bezels around the gauges that perk up the plainness a bit.

The cabin is quiet enough at highway speeds, the leather-clad front seats are supportive and comfortable, the rear seat will handle two in comfort, headroom is good front and rear and the trunk capacity is fine at 400 litres.

In fact, if I had to cover a lot of mileage on an annual basis, I'd be happy to do it in the TDI, and would likely save some money if I kept doing it long enough. But the potent 2.0 TSI turbo's fuel economy numbers are pretty good, too, and it would still be my choice among the Jetta triad.