Saturday, February 10, 2007

Subaru - 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Limited



Engine Type Turbocharged Flat-4
Displacement cu in (cc) 150 cu in (2457 cc)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM 293 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM 290 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Redline at RPM n.a.
Brakes ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires 225/45 ZR17
Length 175.801 in 4465.3 mm.
Weight 3351 lbs (1521 kg)
Acceleration 0-62 mphs < 5.0 seconds
Top Speed mph (km/h) 155 mph (250 km /h)
Fuel economy EPA (1/100) 18/24
Base Price n.a.

Volkswagen - 2007 JE Design Volkswagen EOS



Engine Type Inline-6
Displacement cu in (cc) 194 (3189)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM 250 bhp (184KW) / 6300 rpm
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM 236 lb-ft (320NM) / 2500 rpm
Redline at RPM n.a.
Brakes ABS, vented disc/disc
Tires 235/35 R 19
Length 172 in
Weight 3751lbs (1702 kg)
Acceleration 0-62 mphs 7 seconds
Top Speed mph (km/h) 155 (250) - electronically limited
Fuel economy EPA (1/100) n.a.

Base Price $36,850

2007 Volvo V50



Base Price $26,690.00

The V50 is the station wagon version of the Volvo S40 compact near-luxury car / small family car, produced by the Swedish automaker Volvo Cars. It is based on the Volvo P1 platform shared with the Mazda Mazda3, and the new European Ford Focus. Ford Motor Company's Premier Automotive Group assembles the V50 at the Volvo factory in Ghent, Belgium. Volvo Cars Special Vehicle also produced a concept car based on the V50, the V50 SV, whose engine produces 340 hp (179 kW), and debuted at the 2004 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Highlights of the V50's interior design include soft "theatre" lighting of various sections, and a translucent "iced aqua" center stack. In safety, the V50 features "Volvo Intelligent Vehicle Architecture". The top-of-the line V50 is the T5 AWD. This model features all-wheel-drive and a straight-5, 2.5 L petrol-powered engine with a light-pressure turbocharger. Its valvetrain has four valves per cylinder and is a DOHC design with variable camshaft timing. The engine provides 220 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. The T5 AWD and T5 both provide increased power, in fact, but the base trim 2.4i makes up in a smoother ride what it lacks in power because of the wheels and suspension that come standard with the 2.4i (more power usually means stiffer suspension.)

2007 Volvo S60



Base Price $30,885.00

entry-level luxury car / compact executive car built by Volvo that was first introduced in 2000. It uses the Volvo P2 platform, which is shared with the Volvo V70, Volvo S80 and Volvo XC90. It was one of the first "curvy Volvos" designed by Peter Horbury and appropriately used the tagline "Revolvolution" in its advertising campaign. The model was refreshed in 2004, while a new generation model is scheduled for 2008.

2007 Volvo S40


Base Price $24,240.00
Top Speed mph (km/h) 140mph


The Volvo S40, V40 and V50 are compact near-luxury cars / small family cars produced by Volvo Cars. There have been two generations, the first launched in 1995 and the second one in 2004. First generation (1995-2004) The 1995 S40 sedan and V40 wagon were built in the Netherlands at the NedCar factory, a pre-Ford joint venture between Volvo and Mitsubishi Motors. It was based on common platform with Mitsubishi Carisma but did not sell as well. Despite the shared platform, they were not the same car. Of the 5,000 parts on the cars, 4,000 were unique to each. Of the remainder, 650 were produced by Volvo and 350 by Mitsubishi.

Volvo's traditional emphasis for safety and ergonomics were thus easily identifiable in these models too. In 2000 the 40 Series went through a facelift, and a number of technical improvements were simultaneosly introduced, such as increasing the size of brake discs, upgrading some suspension components and slight widening of the track width. These new specification 40 Series Volvos are often referred to as "Phase II" models. The 40 Series cars were equipped with a 1.9 L diesel or 1.6 L, 1.8 L or 2.0 L fuel-injected gasoline engines, not forgetting the sporty low (2.0T) and high (T4) pressure turbo variants on top of the motor range. The 1.9T was the only engine available in the United States.

In the UK trim levels were base, SE and CD. The 1.9 diesel was criticised by the motoring press as being stolid. First generation (2004-present) Introduced in the middle of the 2004 model year, the second generation S40 introduced a new design based on the Volvo P1 platform built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. At the same time, the V40 was replaced by the V50 wagon, also based on the P1 platform and built in Ghent. The S40 was nominated for the World Car of the Year award for 2005 and won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Sport Compact award for 2005.

It has also been elected the South African Car of the Year for 2005 by the South African Guild of Motoring Jounalists. The S40 T5 (one of the several variants of the S40) features a 2.5 L (2521 cc) five-cylinder fuel injected engine with a light-pressure turbocharger. The valvetrain has four valves per cylinder and is a DOHC design. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle and drives the front wheels.

Thursday, February 8, 2007

Lamborghini - 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo

Base Price $175,000

Engine Type V10 18-degree crankpin offset.
Displacement cu in (cc) 4961.00 cc 302.7 cu in. 5 L.
Power bhp (kW) at RPM 500.00 BHP (368 KW) @ 7800.00 RPM
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM 376.00 Ft-Lbs (509.9 NM) @ 4500.00 RPM
Redline at RPM7800 rpm BrakesABS, vented disc/vented disc
TiresP235/35ZR19 - P295/30ZR19
Length169.301 in 4300.2 mm.
Weight3150 lbs 1428.8 kg
Acceleration 0-62 mphs4.3 seconds.
Top Speed mph (km/h)309 km/h 192 mph
Fuel economy EPA (1/100)10 / 19 mpg

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Alfa Romeo - 2006 Alfa Romeo Brera

Alfa Romeo - 2006 Alfa Romeo Brera
Base Price : 22,800 $
Top Speed mph (km/h) 149 mph

From concept to production, the Brera has grown in length and height. It's now 4,414 mm (173.8 in.) long, 1,830 mm (72.1 in.) wide and 1,372 mm (54.0 in.) high, as opposed to the show car, which measures 4,390 mm (172.8 in.) long, 1,890 mm (74.4 in.) wide and 1,290 mm (50.8 in.) tall. While entry and exit won't be done through scissor-type doors, the Brera does keep the fixed panoramic glass roof of the concept.


"The interior has an ambience that is both cozy and sophisticated". Through the use of high quality materials and novel designs. If current Alfa products and the Brera concept are any indication, the production version should rank amongst the best for build, as well as delivering a rich, luxurious feel that nothing this side of a Maserati could match.

The Brera will be built with three different engines, including powerplants from the company's own engine bank, as well as drawing from the extensive GM-Fiat engine range. Unfortunately, the concept's Ferrari/Maserati-derived V8 powerplant won't be on the list, and neither will the Selespeed sequential manual gearbox.

Alfa-speak for direct-injection. Buyers can also select a more powerful 260- horsepower, 3.2-litre V6 developed. Unfortunately, the concept's Ferrari/Maserati-derived V8 powerplant won't be offered in the production version. This motor is a part of GM's modular V6 family, and shares some of its components with the larger 3.6-litre unit found in the Cadillac CTS and the Saturn Aura concept.

As with the GT Coupe, Alfa also intends to offer a turbo diesel powerplant for the Brera. As a general rule of thumb, it's been thought that sports cars and diesels aren't to be mixed, but many automobile manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz and BMW have utilized diesels in their sports cars. The concept itself is very logical; with mountain-moving amounts of torque and 240 horsepower on tap, the 2.4-litre JTD turbodiesel motor could very well make this the fastest Alfa currently in production without the devastating fuel bill.

Alfa has worked hard to develop the 'Q4' power delivery system to seriously challenge the Germans through permanent all-wheel drive. Since its move to front- wheel drive, Alfa has once again reached the limits of power with the 156 GTA.

To get the upper hand on whatever the road dishes out, the Q4 system is completely adaptable. Should snow or rain compromise traction, the Torsen differential can shift up to 70 percent of the power to the rear wheels, or up to 60 percent to the front wheels.

The advanced all-wheel drive system will be standard equipment on the more powerful JTD and V6 models, while the entry-level JTS will make do with front-wheel drive. Advanced traction and electronic systems which monitor braking and road holding will also provide an added edge in all driving conditions.

2006 Acura RL


Base Price $49,300

The 2006 Acura RL is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in two trims, the Sedan and the Technology Package. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 290-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2006 Acura RL is a carryover from 2005.

Saturday, February 3, 2007

2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster

Base Price $42,100.00

Like the current BMW M3 Coup้ and Convertible, the new BMW Z4 M Roadster features the five-time International Engine of the Year. The reigning three to four-litre champion delivers 343hp at 7,900rpm and 365Nm of torque at 4,900rpm from its 3,246cc six-cylinder Motorsport engine. The powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and BMW M’s variable M differential. The result is excellent stability and traction, especially when accelerating out of bends.
Unlike the ‘standard’ Z4 that uses an electromechanical steering system, the new Z4 M Roadster uses a hydraulic power assistance system. The ‘standard’ car also uses Run-flat tyres as opposed to the M Roadster’s non-Run-Flat items – both features that M, as a separate division, believes give the car its own ‘M’ character. These features are reinforced by BMW M’s floating compound high-performance braking system, originally conceived for the BMW M3 CSL, resulting in a 62mph to zero stopping distance of just 34 metres.
Visually, the new Z4 M Roadster is differentiated from the ‘standard’ car by numerous details inside and out. From the front, the lower valance, large air intakes and dual styling lines on the bonnet clearly identify the M car while, at the rear, BMW M’s trademark quad-tailpipes and aerodynamic diffuser highlight the car’s potential. The M-styling is finished off with exclusive M double-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45ZR18 tyres on the front and 255/40ZR18s on the rear.
The Z4 M Roadster is available in eight exterior colours, with three exclusive M colours – Sepang Bronze, Interlagos Blue and Imola Red.
Internally, the familiar Z4 interior is complemented by new leather finishes in Black, Imola Red, Light Sepang Bronze or Sepang Brown and trim strips in Hexagon Aluminium, Black Carbon Leather or Madeira Walnut wood. In front of the driver a bespoke BMW M instrument binnacle featuring a black background with white numerals and red needles helps keep the driver in touch with vital driving information.

Mercedes-Benz CL 600 (2007)




Specifications
Engine Type Twin-turbocharged V12
Displacement cu in (cc) 5513.00 cc 336.4 cu in. 5.5 L.
Power bhp (kW) at RPM 517.00 BHP (380.5 KW) @ 5000.00 RPM
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM 613.00 Ft-Lbs (831.2 NM) @ 1900.00 RPM
Redline at RPM n.a.
Brakes ABS vented disc brakes
Tires Front : 255/45 R18 and Rear : 275/45 R18 all season tires
Length 197.501 in 5016.5 mm.
Weight 2185 kg 4817.9 lbs
Acceleration 0-62 mphs 4.6 seconds.
Top Speed mph (km/h) 155 mph 249.4 km/h (limited)
Fuel economy EPA (1/100) 16 / 24
Base Price $85,400.00

2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano set a new benchmark of excellence in the sports car world after it was introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. This stunning new all-aluminum two-seater is summed up rather succinctly by its own name and delivers everything that this promises. Fiorano after the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB as in Gran Turismo Berlinetta after the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built; and 599 to reflect the displacement of its V12 engine divided by 10.


The Ferrari 599 GTB was designed with several specific objectives in mind: to surpass the intense driving pleasure of such renowned models as the F40, to guarantee stunning performance courtesy of its highly innovative content and technology transfers from the F1 single-seaters, and to deliver superior standards of roominess, comfort, ergonomics and safety. The result is the absolute pinnacle of achievement in terms of thoroughbred Ferrari sportiness and technology.

The 599 GTB Fiorano is a strikingly sculptural car. The design is so supple, in fact, that each new angle brings something new to light. Its forms say it all about its extreme sportiness yet still retain a unique sophistication.

A balance has been struck in the interior between the car's sporty vocation and the feeling of intimacy and safety that only skilled hand-crafting and detailed personalization can achieve. The passenger areas of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano are trimmed in sumptuous leather while the driver area and controls boast more high-tech detailing in carbon-fiber and aluminum.

In addition to the steering wheel and manettino, the central rev counter with a choice of red or yellow background and solid aluminum passenger controls, the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also boasts attractive new styling cues including a central grip to provide extra support for the passenger and new adaptive racing seats featuring carbon-fiber side rests. Other standard accessories include front bi-xenon headlamps and rear LED lights, dusk and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable steering-wheel column, hideaway radio/CD player and key with integrated volumetric anti-theft device with motion sensors.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also benefits from an already vast choice of personalization options available for every Ferrari model. Four areas are covered by this program: Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colors, Interior and Materials, Equipment and Travel.

Interior and Materials options include a new Enzo Ferrari-inspired carbon-fiber steering wheel with LED rev display which can be specified along with a special carbon-fiber trim kit for the door panels, instrument panel, gear stick surround and sill kick panels. Various types of leather trim are also available for the seats and interior too. Travel and Equipment accessories include front and rear parking sensors, iPod-friendly set-up, satellite anti-theft system and a luggage set specially tailored to fit this model.

The technical specification of the engine speaks for itself: 366 cu in displacement, a specific power output of 103 bhp/liter (a first for a naturally aspirated production engine of this displacement).

Twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank boast continuously variable timing on both inlet and exhaust cams to optimize torque delivery and drivability at both low and high revs. A twin-plate, low inertia clutch in unit with the engine also helps lower the centre of gravity. Chain driven distribution reduces noise and is maintenance-free. The Fiorano's engine delivers a maximum torque of 446 lb-ft at 5,600 rpm and means that the car pulls well at all engine speeds. The new model's breathtaking sportiness is due in part to record maximum revs for an engine of this displacement (apart from the Enzo). Its maximum power output is 620 bhp at 7,600 rpm with a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. Particular attention was also paid to fuel consumption which is the same as in the previous model, under similar use, despite a significant leap in performance. Development work for the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also focused specifically on the distinctive sound the engine makes, reducing mechanical resonance in favor of a pure V12 soundtrack from both the intake manifold and the exhaust system. This not only enhances driving pleasure but makes for a quieter ride inside the cabin itself.