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Video: 2011 Volvo S60 Crashes During Accident Avoidance Demo

Shahir R. Ali — Wed, 19 May 2010 08:37:39 +0000

Car crashes happen every day and some are worse than others. This particular crash is particularly bad because it happened at a 2011 Volvo S60 press event designed to show how effective the company’s new collision warning system with auto brake is at preventing accidents. In this case, the accident happened anyway. Enjoy the video.

Audi’s A7 May Debut In Paris

Shahir R. Ali — Fri, 07 May 2010 07:23:02 +0000

After showing a preview of its new A7 four-door coupe model at the 2009 Detroit auto show, Audi is reportedly ready to unveil the production-ready car this September at the 2010 Paris motor show in September. European sales would most likely start in the first quarter of 2011.

A source within Audi has indicated the A7’s public debut will occur in Paris and is designed to be a natural rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and also the likes of the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide. The A7 will share its underpinnings with the next-generation A6 midsize sedan, although the A7 will be positioned as an upscale model within Audi’s lineup.

Audi is planning a number of different powertrain configurations for the A7. Audi’s Quattro GmBH subsidiary on the other had has other plans, and is developing a high-performance S7 and RS7 variants. Base A7s will likely receive at least one version of Audi’s new supercharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter V-6, producing at least 272 horsepower.

The S7 could utilize a normally aspirated V-10 like the current S6, but wouldn’t be surprised if Audi installs its 4.2-liter V-8 instead. A second ten-cylinder may step on the toes of the RS7, which is rumored to use a version of the R8’s 5.2-liter V-10. Reports indicate this engine could produce nearly 580 horsepower, roughly the same power as the RS6’s current twin-turbocharged 5.0-liter V-10. Powering all four wheels would be a 7-speed double clutch gearbox.

Volkswagen Confirms Interest In Supplying Engines to Formula 1

Shahir R. Ali — Thu, 06 May 2010 07:05:07 +0000

With BMW out of Formula 1 and Mercedes forking off from McLaren to start its own team, there’s a lot of shakeup in the German side of the sport. And now it looks like there may be more coming: Volkswagen, the German giant has confirmed its interest in Formula 1, but not as a manufacturer backing a single team but in becoming the world engine supplier after the current V8s disappear in 2013.

“It is clear that we [Volkswagen] are looking at Formula 1,” but that VW is “waiting for the FIA’s decision with respect to the use of a world engine,” Hans-Joachim Stuck, former Formula 1 driver and VW’s current motorsport representative, told Germany’s Sport Bild. He also confirmed that VW has no interest in creating its own Formula 1 team.

Formula 1 teams currently use high-power 2.4-liter V-8s supplied by various manufacturers including Cosworth, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Renault. The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), is currently in discussions with the teams deciding what engine will replace the V-8s at the end of 2013. It is rumored manufacturers engines will be replaced with one “world engine” to help bring costs down. VW is interested in the position of world engine supplier.

FIA wants the new engines to be more fuel efficient and coupled to a kinetic energy recovery system similar to the one used last season. It is rumored that the engine will be a small 1.5-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder unit producing about 900 ponies. These are a few steps FIA are taking to improve the efficiency and green image of F1.

A decision regarding the engine specifications is expected before the end of the year. It remains to be seen whether the FIA decides on a world engine or if teams will be allowed to develop their own units. If VW does gain the world engine supplier position in 2013, it would be for a six year period ending in 2019.

Both McLaren and Ferrari’s technical directors are onboard with the idea of a smaller, turbocharged engine, but not necessarily with a world engine supplier.“As far as the 2013 engine is concerned, I think that Formula 1 does need to move on and show that it is moving in a fuel-efficiency age,” Tim Goss, chief engineer of McLaren’s MP4-25 Formula 1 car, said during a conference call. “So we [McLaren] fully support all the moves that the Engine Working Group and FOTA (Formula One Teams Association) are doing to push Formula 1 in that direction. The concept of a 2.4-liter V-8 is getting a little bit dated now and I think the move to turbocharged engines with KERS is the right thing to do.”

Madza3 – Euro/Asian Oil Hose Recall Pending

Jay WM Wong — Wed, 05 May 2010 06:46:53 +0000

Mazda, in the European and Asian markets, is looking to recall the Mazda3.

A report released by Mazda, with the Japanese transport ministry, mentioned that the car’s oil hose could rub against the radiator’s protective panel, causing the hose to experience more than usual wear and tear, and cause the oil to leak once the the hose is worn down enough when driving on rough roads. This will cause ignitions problems for the car.

In Japan and China, the Mazda3 is known as the Axela model and 89,822 units will be affected in those regions. However, 191,503 units sold throughout Europe will also be affected.

Lexus Hybrid Bicycle

Shahir R. Ali — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 03:33:57 +0000

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have their own branded bicycles and, now, Lexus has brought its own two-wheeler.

The Lexus Hybrid Bicycle, incorporates a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 240W electric motor and 25.9V lithium-ion battery. Riders have the choice of an Eco or Power mode and, although it is not specified, we would expect the Power setting to deliver as much thrust to the road tires as possible. The bicycle also features an energy regeneration function that helps recharge the battery by capturing kinetic energy generated under braking.

The carbon fibre construction shares the same light-but-strong composite materials technology that was used on Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP-winning motorcycle.

Lexus Hybrid Bicycle Concept specifications

- Bicycle

Length: 1,598 mm

Width: 425 mm

Seat height: 900 mm

Wheelbase: 1,080 mm

Tyre size: 20 x 1 3/8

Weight: 17 kg

- Electrical Parts

Motor output: 240 W

Battery type: Lithium-ion

Battery voltage: 25.9V/4.0Ah

Charge time: Approx. 2hrs

- Drive Parts

Gear system: Shimano 8-speed internal gear

Shift lever: Shimano dual control

Drive train: Belt drive

2010 Fiesta S1600 For UK Market

Shahir R. Ali — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:18:14 +0000

For the English customers looking for a little additional flair, Ford has crafted the new 2010 Fiesta S1600 to counter the likes of Volkswagen’s new Polo GTI.

The S1600, which is built upon the European Zetec S model, receives a unique body kit, which adds a mild lip spoiler, flared side skirts, a larger rear spoiler, along with a rear diffuser. 17-inch white aluminum wheels are standard, and either match or contrast with the two available colors, Frozen White and Performance Blue, respectively. Racing stripes are also part of the package, and the length of the car and alongside the Fiesta’s deep swage lines.

Unfortunately those stripes don’t help the Fiesta go any faster, but it does come with a 1.6-liter I-4 engine which produces 120 horsepower. Those desiring an extra 20 ponies can opt for an engine upgrade kit from Mountune.

In the cockpit, the S1600 models receive leather trim on the seating, steering wheel, handbrake boot, and shift knob. Heated seats are also included, as are unique doorsill plates and embroidered floor mats.
Ford says it’s limiting production to only 650 examples, each priced at £16,645 (RM 81,301.37).

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa Unveiled At Villa D’Este

Jay WM Wong — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:42:11 +0000

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa, designed by Andrea Zagato, has been unveiled at the Villa D’Este concours. Powered by the 8C Competizione’s V8, it’s very much like the TZ1 and Tz2 from the 1960s that retains similar design elements of a breadvan-like profile. But this is a true racing car, unlike its predecessors, where it it dons aluminium panels over its combination of tubular and carbonfibre chasis.

Zagato says that although the TZ3 was commissioned by German collector Martin Kapp as a special celebration of 100 years of racing from Scuderia Ferrari, Alfa Corse, Autodelta, and Scuderia Zagato, the looks of this car is still identifiably “molto Italiano!”.

No More Rotary Engines For Europe

Shahir R. Ali — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:14:29 +0000

Mazda’s RX-8 may have been updated in 2009, but strict emission standards have forced the automaker to drop the sports car from its European model range. According to Mazda, the 1.3-liter, dual-rotor “Renesis” Wankel rotary engine won’t meet the upcoming “Euro5″ emission standards.

Mazda Germany exec, Joseph Alois Schmid, stated that retrofitting the current engine would be too cost prohibitive and the Wankel can’t adapt quickly enough to Europe’s stringent emission standards.

Although a replacement is in the works – and a hydrogen version could arrive within the next few years, the rotary-powered sports car, which was just refreshed last year, is still confirmed for other markets, including Malaysia.

Lorinser’s 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Shahir R. Ali — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:30:26 +0000

Lorinser, one of Germany’s most prominent tuning houses, has announced a few custom accessories for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Though considered “new,” the parts are essentially the same as before. Bumpers have been swapped with a more aggressive replacements bent on increasing cooling capacity and reducing drag. Matched with side skirts and unique front fenders, the whole is pleasingly different than the run-of-the-mill AMG styling.

The S600′s biturbo V-12 was given a remapped ECU, larger turbos, higher-flowing fuel injection system, and less restrictive exhaust. Which boosts it up by 110 extra horsepower, to give it a massive 620 hp. That’s 16 more ponies than the top-tier S65 AMG.

The Lorinser LV 12 Biturbo will roll on 22′s , and comes with a lowered suspension, and a completely redone interior replete with the highest grade leather, chrome bits, and carbon fiber appointments.

Pricing hasn’t been announced yet.

Video Find: Ferrari 599 GTO Technical Overview

Shahir R. Ali — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 03:11:31 +0000

Warning: The eight minutes of 599 GTO drooling presented in this video come in Italian only. But don’t fear: There’s some on-track action, courtesy of Ferrari test driver Raffaele de Simone and some graphs too.