Ford F-150 Striker R to debut at 2008 Sema Show

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:49:09 +0000

November’s SEMA Show will bring the best tuning houses and their latest masterpieces. One of these tuned machines will be the Ford F-150 Striker R, inspired by the Shelby GT500KR. The truck will be powered by a 5.4-liter V8 Ford engine connected to a Kenne Bell Blowzilla supercharger and intercooler, which will deliver an impressive 500 hp. The vehicle will also feature an Optimizer II electronic engine management system as well as a Corsa Cat-Back exhaust system. In order to improve the stability a Bell Tech suspension package was installed and due to the massive amount of hp new 15-inch Big Bite cross-drilled rotors found their place in the stylish pick-up. In order to complete the kit a new set of 22-inch alloy wheels and Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico ultra-high-performance tires were added.

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SMS Limited releases new details of the 570/ 570x Challenger

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:47:56 +0000

The latest company created by Steve Saleen is the SMS Limited and in order to celebrate its debut on the market, two new models were born: the SMS 570 and 570X, both based on the 2009 Dodge Challenger. The new vehicles will feature the patented SMS Red Butterfly Induction hood and new performance components such as drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics, tires, wheels and interior.

Under the hood both of the cars will have installed the SMS 296 Supercharger which with the 5.7-liter Hemi will be capable to deliver between 500 to 700 hp. The price of the vehicles will start from $60,000 for the SMS 570 and from $70,000 for the SMS 570X.

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2010 Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C Convertibles

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:47:00 +0000

If you enjoy the dynamics of the Lexus IS but yearned wind rushing through your hair, you may be in luck. We had our first at the 2010 Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C convertible, the third variant of the current IS line, this morning at the Paris motor show.

Like the larger SC 430 and its BMW 3-series competitor, the IS convertible eschews a ragtop in favor of its three-piece retractable hard top. Lexus says the system cycles open in as little as 21 seconds, allowing drivers to quickly switch from two-door coupe to open skies.

We’d argue the IS looks best in its topless state. Though the roofline of the IS convertible looks fine, the transition between the rear pillar and the beltline of the car is a bit awkward. Once the top is down, the trunk gently flows up to the tonneau cover, where it then cleanly wraps into the interior.

Though the car’s rear quarters are noticeably different, Lexus designers threw in a few other tweaks - but you’ll have to look carefully to spot them. Up front, the IS convertible displays a new fog lamp treatment, while new LED lamps adorn the rear fascia. The rear overhangs are slightly longer than the sedan, but it grants the convertible extra storage - Lexus says there’s room for two golf bags when the top is up.

Early reports indicated tat the car would be mated only to the IS 350’s 306-hp, 3.5-liter V6, but consumers may be happy to hear both the IS 350C and the IS 250C - equipped with a 204-hp, 2.5-liter V-6, will make their way to the U.S. IS 250C models are available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmissions; the IS 350C is mated only to a six-speed automatic.

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Lamborghini Estoque Concept

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:45:48 +0000

The Lamborghini of which you’ve been seeing teaser images over the last few days was finally unveiled yesterday at the Paris Motor Show. Called the “Estoque” (as expected,) the new Lambo is a four-door sedan (also expected.) Not something I’m particularly estoked about (get it?) but it is still a concept, so based on press and consumer response, it may or may not go into production as-is.

From what I gather, most press is rather critical of the new concept car, and I’m going to have to follow suit.

Not that the concept is ugly by any means; it’s just unremarkable. And a Lamborghini needs to be remarkable in design. The bulging Dodge Charger-like rear fender flares? Come on. The Aston Martin-esque front fender vent? Give me a break. It’s too long, and looks too typical to be a Lamborghini. The problem is that it looks too much like a car. Just a car. Lambos have always looked like space ships with razor blades attached - and that’s what the Estoque is missing. You know…razor blades.

Aside from the design problems, the whole idea of the car is wrong. A four-door sedan from Lamborghini? What!? These types of cars dilute the brand image in a negative way. Lamborghini making an everyday driver’s car? I would have never thought the day would come, yet here we are. This four-door coupe business should be stopped, especially with Lamborghini.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the “Estoque” is that long sword used by Matadors while bull fighting.

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Volkswagen and Porsche merger, Piech’s revenge?

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:44:25 +0000

Porsche’s takeover of Volkswagen is not going very smoothly. What was once established as friendly move to secure the independence of two companies is now redefining the meaning of hostile takeover. Sitting in the middle of this feud is Ferdinand Piech, chairman of Volkswagen’s supervisory board and a major shareholder in Porsche. As far as this merger goes, Piech has earned has seat at the table, but he might be eating two meals.

It started out innocent enough when Porsche announced it was buying a 30 percent stake in Volkswagen last September. Porsche said it did not want to own Volkswagen. Instead Porsche announced it needed to protect its interest in its business ties and own enough stock to prevent another company from taking over VW. This year Porsche has increased its stake in Volkswagen to over 35 percent (with plans to go as high as 50 percent in November) triggering an automatic takeover – what a difference a year makes.

There are many people having troubles with this deal: the unions are scared about Porsche’s past labor tactics; the German state of Lower Saxony, which owns 20 percent of VW, opposes the deal; and Volkswagen’s management is resisting sharing technological information with Porsche. So, with these problems why would Porsche, whose revenues are only about one tenth the size of Volkswagen’s, want to make huge and risky financing deals to obtain Germany’s largest automaker? The silent force behind it all may be the one less investigated: ego.

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AC Schnitzer presents new Type VII wheels for the BMW X5 and X6

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:43:26 +0000

We know how important good wheels are (mstly because they look good.) In order to sustain this AC Schnitzer, the German tuner specialized in BMW vehicles, unveiled today the Type VII Wheel, a new model designed exclusively for the Bmw X5 and X6. The new wheels come in 22 inch dimensions, feature a ten spoke design and can be bought in two colors called Sinful black and Radient silver. No word yet on pricing.

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2008 Chevy Corvette Coupe

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:42:10 +0000

It’s pretty amazing how far the Corvette has come in the past fifty years. The current, sixth-generation ‘Vette now gives you 430 horsepower, endless torque, better steering feel, and a better chassis than any Corvette in history, and enough rock-solid durability to drive to Africa and back. It’s a pretty far cry from the days of ladder frames and three-speed automatics.

Oddly, though, the performance isn’t what has me geeked. The current crop of ‘Vettes actually live up to their advertising hype - they can run with, and often embarrass, most world-class sports cars - but more important, they’re satisfying and engaging to drive quickly. You could say that about a C5 Z06, perhaps, but certainly not the earlier cars. It’s proof that GM realizes that a modern Corvette needs to do more than just perform - it needs to be involving, and it needs to be able to deliver the intangibles.

Things I dig: The dual-mode exhaust that switches into crazy primal scream mode above half throttle about halfway up the tach. The revised-for-2008 steering rack and gearbox; they both offer better feedback and a feel. (The Tremec six-speed is much better than it once was; shifts are no longer truckish and high-effort.) And while the chassis lacks the bombing-back-roads, knife-edged limit composure you find in the current Z06, the Z51 package still pairs a surprising amount of grip and balance with livable comfort.

p.s. Unplugging the vacuum lines from the little pot-shaped things on the exhaust tips sends the rear mufflers into Permanent Loud mode. It also unleashes a fiery hellstorm of bodaciously righteous noise and sets off every car alarm within a hundred miles.

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2009 Lincoln MKS Offers THX II Certified 5.1 Surround Sound System

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:38:43 +0000

When Lincoln says it’s news that their new MKS has a THX II Certified 5.1 Surround sound system, the first thing it makes me think of is “So that’s the BEST thing you got to say about your car?”

The second thing it makes me think is, “What a waste”.

I’m not a big believer in car stereos, and “Surround sound” car stereos have even less appeal to me. It’s not that I don’t like music, just the opposite, in fact. I’ve been a musician for decades, and a professional sound designer for just as long. And when it comes to stereo equipment, I probably have enough gear right now to blow your house into the nearest body of water.

Car stereos? Not really my scene.

Cars are a terrible acoustic environment, even more so when the engine is turning over and you’re actually driving. Not to mention that for me, music just gets in the way of driving. I end up paying more attention to the music, or trying to change it, than I do to the road, and that is, invariably, a bad thing.

That said, Lincoln has some how gotten George’s boys up at Skywalker Sound to sign off on giving their new car stereo a THX II certification (which ain’t easy to do, I can tell you). They also crammed in a 600- watt, 16-speaker “premium automotive entertainment system”, which is more than enough grunt for that small of a space. Fancy, and I guess it’ll keep the kids in the back seats more entertained and distracted on those long road trips.

Me, I’ll stick with the music my right foot makes.

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Citroen GT featured in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:37:32 +0000

These are the first snapshots of the newly launched GTbyCITROËN in the Gran Turismo 5 Prologue. The concept car was unveiled yesterday at the Paris Auto Show and developed cooperation with in Polyphony, designer of the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 5.

The GT is powered in the game by an electric motor powered by fuel cells that release no emissions. Maybe Citroen will be able to utilize this powerplant in a real car someday, but until then, the game will have to do

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It’s Official: Opel Volt coming in 2011

admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:36:37 +0000

It’s no surprise. Not only is the Chevrolet Volt easily one of GM’s most ambitious projects (new technology, short timeline), but we have also been hearing many rumors that the European Opel brand will get its own version of the gas/electric hybrid. So, very few were surprised at the official announcement from General Motors at the Paris Auto Show that Opel’s Volt will arrive in 2011 (Chevrolet’s will debut in 2010.)

“Since fuel economy and the whole issue of ecological driving is as important in Europe as it is in North America, we made a decision that we’re going to trail the North American Volt with an Opel version of that vehicle in the 2011 time frame,” said Hans Demant, managing director of Opel.

Opel will utilize the technology and powertrain from Chevy’s Volt, but says it will likely change the design for its customers. The final product will likely still look a lot like the Volt considering the final shape was chosen for its low aerodynamic drag.

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