New Fiat 500 US - LA Flagship Store Event (video)
New Stratos GT2 Design Review
If you're looking for the bragging rights with four wheels, getting your hands on any of a number of exotic supercars – most of them hailing from Italy – will undoubtedly do the trick. But if every kid on the block already has one, you'll need to go with a coachbuilt custom. Still not enough bragging rights? Then a racing version is in order.
New Stratos GT2
New Stratos GT2
New Stratos GT2 Wallpaper
New Stratos GT2 Hots DesignThat's what Jim Glickenhaus did with his custom Ferrari P4/5, commissioning a second Competition model to follow the road car. Now Michael Stotschek is following the same route with his new take on Lancia's fabled Stratos. The Pininfarina-designed New Stratos road car just made its debut at France's Paul Richard HTTT circuit, and already reports of a racing version are popping up online.
While the original Stratos cut its teeth on the rally stage, the new model is reportedly being prepared for circuit racing in accordance with GT2 specifications. The work is reportedly being carried out by Danisi Engineering, which has previously worked with the likes of Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Iveco and Pininfarina on a variety of racing machinery, from touring cars to Dakar trucks.
Few details are available at this point, but high-end model studio Amalgam has already got a 1:8 scale diecast model on its way, and as you can see from the images in the gallery below, some serious aero modifications are apparently in the works for the racing Stratos.
Monster Ford Fiesta Ready for Rally Race Debut
Ford has unveiled the Fiesta rally car for the Monster World Rally Team.While details are limited, Ford stated the car is "based on the race-winning European Rallycross Fiesta prepared by Olsbergs Motorsports Evolution." Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter Duratec engine which is capable of producing over 490 hp (365 kW), but due to a series-required turbo-inlet restrictor, the Fiesta will only be able to crank out 330 hp (246 kW).
Set to be driven by action sports figure, rally driver and DC Shoes co-founder, Ken Block, the Fiesta will compete in seven Rally America events this year. According to Block, "I am very excited to finally be in the Fiesta.
Ford has a great platform with the Fiesta, and I can't wait to see what I can do in the Rally America championship and at the X Games later this year."
Air Conditioners Flow System
The air conditioners found in the car works similarly as like as the air conditioners present in the houses and offices. In simple words, the air conditioning system of a car is the small unit of window air conditioning system. With the passage of time, the air conditions found in the car have got changes, and now the latest models are available, which provide more and comfortable cooling.
Air Conditioners Flow SystemIn order to understand, how the car air conditioning system operates, it is required to know various parts of this unit. First of all, the most important component which is present in this system is the compressor. The compressor is the central component which emits hoses of both high and low pressures. When these hoses come out, they go inside the condenser and finally to the evaporator. In this system, there are two types of valves like expansion and dryer valves, which are required for the proper functioning of this system. The function of expansion valves is to regulate the internal temperature of air, and it controls the refrigerant flow inside the system. There are certain anti-freezing agents as well like coolant or condensed gases, which pass through these valves.
The mechanism of a car air conditioning system is quite different from the conventional air conditioners. The car system instead of making the air cool, take out the heat, which is already found in the air. The Freon gas is used in the car air conditioning system which possesses a high temperature. When this gas passes through the compressor, the pressure channels mix it with the fresh air. The total gas mixture due to compression becomes liquid, and then it comes to the dryer. This chamber purifies the gas and sends to the evaporator through an expansion valve. The liquid gas absorbs the heat of the car which is then evaporated from here by the help of a blower or fan. This phenomenon repeats several times in order to make the environment cooler.
If you got certain problems in the car air conditioning system then you need to call a mechanic, since the fixing of this system is not a simple job. However; you can avoid the development of various problems in this system and hence can escape from big hassles. It is better to check the leakage of the car air conditioning system on a regular basis. Leakage takes out all the gas present inside the air conditioner and hence with the passage of time, the system becomes useless. It is also good to check the compressor regularly. It could be done by turning on the car followed by switching on the air conditioner. After that, lift up the bonnet and identify the compressor. If there is no movement in the compressor, it means there is some problem in the switching system. Sometimes refrigerant creates problems like the cooling does not happen in the opened system. If such types of problems are identified, call immediately to an electrician or a mechanic.
The mechanism of a car air conditioning system is quite different from the conventional air conditioners. The car system instead of making the air cool, take out the heat, which is already found in the air. The Freon gas is used in the car air conditioning system which possesses a high temperature. When this gas passes through the compressor, the pressure channels mix it with the fresh air. The total gas mixture due to compression becomes liquid, and then it comes to the dryer. This chamber purifies the gas and sends to the evaporator through an expansion valve. The liquid gas absorbs the heat of the car which is then evaporated from here by the help of a blower or fan. This phenomenon repeats several times in order to make the environment cooler.
If you got certain problems in the car air conditioning system then you need to call a mechanic, since the fixing of this system is not a simple job. However; you can avoid the development of various problems in this system and hence can escape from big hassles. It is better to check the leakage of the car air conditioning system on a regular basis. Leakage takes out all the gas present inside the air conditioner and hence with the passage of time, the system becomes useless. It is also good to check the compressor regularly. It could be done by turning on the car followed by switching on the air conditioner. After that, lift up the bonnet and identify the compressor. If there is no movement in the compressor, it means there is some problem in the switching system. Sometimes refrigerant creates problems like the cooling does not happen in the opened system. If such types of problems are identified, call immediately to an electrician or a mechanic.
Audi TT GT4 with 340HP Concept
When we saw the Ginetta G55 GT4 class racecar, we were impressed. Packing a potent 370HP engine at an affordable price, it's good looking, too, even though for obvious reasons that matters a lot less in the world of motorsports. Now, Audi also wants a piece of the GT4 action. On the occasion of the DTM race in Shanghai, the German automaker presented the concept of a GT4 car based on the TT sports coupe.
Audi TT GT4 with 340HP Concept
Audi TT GT4 with 340HP Interior Design
Audi TT GT4 with 340HP Concept
Audi TT GT4 with 340HP Drag Race Concept
Audi TT GT4 with 340HP Luxury ConceptThe Ingolstadt-based automaker has not yet released full engine specs, but it did note that the GT4 is equipped with a TFSI engine delivering about 340 hp, linked to an a S-tronic transmission with a differential lock. A modified production suspension with adjustable dampers, plus 9.5 x 18 inch light alloy wheels are also part of the racing package.
The front apron, rear apron and the rear wing are sourced from the production Audi TT RS, while the hood, doors and trunk lid are made of CFRP and the windows of plastic.
Being a racecar, the GT4 also gets a roll-cage, a safety-optimized fuel tank along with a host of other modifications.
The racer will set buyers back for about €120,000 (or US $158,868, at today’s exchange rates) which is a lot more than the Ginetta’s price tag (€88,387 or US $117,016). Even so, Audi says that the TT GT4 is an affordable option for potential customers with the company not only targeting Europe but also the Asian market.
The front apron, rear apron and the rear wing are sourced from the production Audi TT RS, while the hood, doors and trunk lid are made of CFRP and the windows of plastic.
Being a racecar, the GT4 also gets a roll-cage, a safety-optimized fuel tank along with a host of other modifications.
The racer will set buyers back for about €120,000 (or US $158,868, at today’s exchange rates) which is a lot more than the Ginetta’s price tag (€88,387 or US $117,016). Even so, Audi says that the TT GT4 is an affordable option for potential customers with the company not only targeting Europe but also the Asian market.
2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept
Grumblings about a new Opel Calibra have been around for years, and now there's some substance behind the rumors. In 2007 Opel spoke of developing a Calibra based on the Opel GTC Concept shown at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Now GM Europe chief Nick Reilly has waved his wand and said, "I believe we should have one, so we will have one.
2008 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept
2009 Opel Coupe Gran Turismo Concept
2010 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept Wallpaper
2011 Opel Coupe Gran Turismo Concept Interior DesignAlthough Reilly has said, "Make it so," issue remain. When the matter was brought up earlier this year, the question was whether to think of this as a Calibra or an Insignia Coupe, since the GTC Concept was quite a bit longer than the two-door Opel of yore. And if the 30,000-units-per-year is still the number to justify a Calibra, would it make sense for the brand to make a much smaller coupe that compromises the Insignia's roominess?
Engines are already being mentioned as Vauxhall's smaller displacement, turbo powerplants. The top trim could get some variant of the 320-horsepower motor in the Insignia GXR, and have all-wheel drive.
Engines are already being mentioned as Vauxhall's smaller displacement, turbo powerplants. The top trim could get some variant of the 320-horsepower motor in the Insignia GXR, and have all-wheel drive.
2011 Nissan Leaf Review
At the start of November, the 41 contenders for the 2011 European Car of the Year award were trimmed down to seven finalists. Today, for the first time ever, Europe's most coveted automotive award went to vehicle that that relies upon electrical juice flowing from its lithium-ion battery pack as its sole source of motivation.
2011 Nissan Leaf
2011 Nissan Leaf Interior Design
2010 Nissan Leaf Gadget GPS
2013 Nissan Leaf EngineThat battery-powered vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, marks the automaker's first win since the Micra took home the award way back in 1993. Head juror Hakan Matson proclaims that the Leaf is "a breakthrough for electric cars" and that it "is the first electric vehicle that can match conventional cars in many respects." Nissan chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn accepted the honor and responded with:
This award recognises the pioneering zero-emission Nissan Leaf as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, spaciousness and handling. It also reflects Nissan's standing as an innovative and exciting brand with a clear vision of the future of transportation, which we call sustainable mobility.
The Leaf faced strong competition from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroën C3/DS3, Dacia Duster, Ford C-Max, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Volvo S60/V60. Early predictions by some of the motoring press suggested that the pair of models from Citroën or perhaps even the lone Alfa Romeo vehicle would capture the award, but that's not how the jury of 57 automotive journalists ended up seeing it, and the electric Nissan Leaf grabbed the top spot. Last year, the Volkswagen Polo snatched the Car of the Year title away from second-place finisher, the Toyota iQ. In 2009, the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia just beat out the Ford Fiesta for the honor.
This award recognises the pioneering zero-emission Nissan Leaf as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, spaciousness and handling. It also reflects Nissan's standing as an innovative and exciting brand with a clear vision of the future of transportation, which we call sustainable mobility.
The Leaf faced strong competition from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Citroën C3/DS3, Dacia Duster, Ford C-Max, Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Volvo S60/V60. Early predictions by some of the motoring press suggested that the pair of models from Citroën or perhaps even the lone Alfa Romeo vehicle would capture the award, but that's not how the jury of 57 automotive journalists ended up seeing it, and the electric Nissan Leaf grabbed the top spot. Last year, the Volkswagen Polo snatched the Car of the Year title away from second-place finisher, the Toyota iQ. In 2009, the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia just beat out the Ford Fiesta for the honor.
Honda CR-Z 2011 Review
A sporty hybrid? At first glance, the 2011 Honda CR-Z might seem a bit oxymoronic. After all, Americans expect their hybrid cars to be purely about fuel economy, with flowers, rainbows and unicorns coming out of the tailpipe. But Honda is hoping that people are ready for a car that not only gets very good fuel economy but also happens to be fun to drive -- a hybrid without the drive-induced narcolepsy, if you will.
Hard-core enthusiasts will likely be disappointed, but somebody just looking for a sporty two-door with good fuel economy will likely be pleased with the 2011 Honda CR-Z.
Pros, Nimble size and handling, quick steering, good fuel economy, sporty looks. Cons, Poor rearward visibility, most competitors have backseats, missing a few upscale features.
Toyota Auris 2010 HSD, or Hybrid Synergy Drive
Toyota Auris 2010 HSD, or Hybrid Synergy Drive, will officially go on sale in Europe later this spring. The car uses a 1.8-liter petrol engine and electric motor to provide nearly 62 mpg (US), consuming 3.8 liters of petrol per 100 km.Featured in the car is a four-cylinder 1.8-liter VVT-i petrol engine producing 98 PS (72 kW) and up to 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is coupled with a 60 kW electric motor kicking out up to 207 Nm (153 lb-ft) torque. Surprisingly, maximum combined output is kept at 136 PS (100 kW), which seems low considering the strength of the motor.
Still, the hybrid's direct emissions is reduced to about 89 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The car is kept more efficient by a 0.283 drag coefficient, down from 0.290 on the other Auris models. This is due to aerodynamic changes seen only on the HSD, including longer bumpers, and a better designed grille that improves air flow over the top and reduces resistance underneath. Different lamps can also be seen.
The setup lets the car run on all-electric for up to two kilometers, and at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph). Regenerative braking is also a part of the package. The car features four driving modes, like EV, Eco, and Power. The fourth was not mentioned.
The Auris HSD is available in three different trim levels, with the base level including 15-inch V-design alloys, stability control, push-button start, hill assist, and a rear spoiler. One level up adds 17-inch rims, six-speaker CD radio, and Bluetooth. The last step up adds on Alcantara trim. Several options are also on offer.
