[CARS-MANIA] Fiat Grande Punto Abarth 2008

Fiat Grande Punto Abarth is creating a world all of its own, a world that revolves around the core values that led to its great success in decades gone by: innovative design, state-of-the-art materials, and love for detail. It will be on the market in Switzerland by the end of the year, and will also be available in other countries during the course of 2008.

(From Abarth Press Release)
A glorious past becomes the present, an all-conquering passion that is as strong today as it ever was: this is the inspiration behind Fiat Group Automobiles' plan to re-launch the Abarth name. Always synonymous with tough, spirited cars, challenges, passion and thrills, Abarth is back with a new range to whet the appetites of all sports car enthusiasts.

The novelty lies in the modern-day interpretation of everything that Abarth used to do in the past - starting with motor-racing, followed by prototypes and vehicle conversion kits, and even fashion accessories representing the Abarth style. An expression of the ultimate racing lifestyle, the new company will be active on several fronts: firstly, in the world of motorsport, an environment strictly related to competition, one-make trophies and cars prepared for private customers. Second, the commercial environment, including tuning - hence the production of conversion kits - not forgetting the extensive licensing and merchandising operations.

In short, Abarth is creating a world all of its own, a world that revolves around the core values that led to its great success in decades gone by: innovative design, state-of-the-art materials, and love for detail. Behind it all is an absolutely genuine passion for motoring, not to mention the company's human and technological assets, and the professional pride of the thousands of people - technicians, workers and executives - who have come and gone from the factories, offices and race tracks.

The target of Abarth's first project, later to be extended to other models, was the Grande Punto - on sale in Italy from September. It will be on the market in Switzerland by the end of the year, and will also be available in other countries during the course of 2008. There will hardly be time to draw breath between each launch: between now and the end of 2008, no less than four new product launches have been planned. The brand's development plans will force it to expand its production capability in the short term, and within a few months, Abarth's new home will have been completed at the Mirafiori plant. The new premises will group together the company's manufacturing, design and management divisions.

This fast pace explains the decision to give Abarth its own brand, managed by an independent company (Abarth & C. S.p.A., 100%-owned by Fiat Group Automobiles) whose distribution is entrusted to an exclusive commercial organisation covering four levels: flagship service centres, dealers, specialised tuners and workshops.

Agile and quick off the mark (in the best Abarth tradition), Abarth & C. S.p.A is in the hands of Chief Executive Officer Luca De Meo, and covers three areas of activity: Business Operations, Engineering & Manufacturing Operations and Racing Operations. The first division, led by Antonino Labate, has the task of designing the products and services for the customisation and tuning of standard sports cars, organising the sales and service network, and managing Abarth's merchandising and licensing operations.

The second area, Engineering & Manufacturing Operations, is headed by Paolo Ollino. He is responsible for technical development and production, together with the tuning and servicing of competition cars, and developing the car customisation and tuning products. The division works in partnership with the Engineering & Design division of Fiat Group Automobiles (led by Harald Wester).

Finally, the Racing Operations division, led by Claudio Berro, has the task of coordinating Abarth vehicles' entries in national and international motorsport competitions, organising the championships reserved for private customers, and managing relations with racing and rallying clients and sponsors.

Last but not least, Abarth can rely on the assistance of Paolo Martinelli, director of the Engine Division (Racing Operations) at Ferrari until October 2006, and currently head of the Petrol Engine Development Division at Fiat Powertrain Technologies.

--
Posted By tyson9500 to CARS-MANIA at 11/02/2009 03:36:00 AM

[Super Cars] Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2008

Mazda Tribute Hybrid is a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) that is equipped with a special 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine features Atkinson-cycle combustion for improved efficiency and produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. When additional power is required, the Tribute HEV's 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine seamlessly engages, contributing 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 124 lb.-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. As a result, the Tribute HEV pushes out a combined 155-hp, with 0-60 times comparable to a 200-horsepower V-6 engine, while increasing city-driving fuel economy by nearly 75-percent. The Tribute HEV is equipped with a smooth-shifting, electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that realizes seamless, highly efficient adjustment of the gear ratio under electronic control.

(From Ford Motor Company Press Release)
Showing its commitment to improving the world's air quality, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) will unveil the all-new 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. With a hydrogen-powered version of the RX-8 and a hydrogen-powered hybrid version of the MAZDA 5 undergoing extensive testing in Japan, the Tribute HEV is the latest environmentally friendly vehicle to join the Mazda lineup.

Tribute HEV will debut in mid-2007, as a 2008 model-year vehicle. Mazda will provide more details - exact timing, pricing, distribution, sales volumes, etc. - closer to the launch date.

"With virtually all new Mazda vehicles sold in the U.S. earning either Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) or Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) status, protecting the global environment is a long-standing concern of ours," said Robert Davis, senior vice president, Quality, Research and Development, MNAO. "The Tribute HEV is the next step towards strengthening Mazda's environmental efforts."

A "full" hybrid, the Tribute HEV can run on 100 percent electric power up to approximately 25 mph, maximizing in-city fuel economy and making it one of the least-polluting vehicles sold. Still, the Tribute HEV stays true to the Zoom-Zoom Mazda owners have come to expect by delivering the performance required by SUV owners. The Tribute HEV provides plenty of power yet meets California's strict Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) requirements by achieving Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEVII) standards, plus zero evaporative emissions standards - the strictest emission regulations a gasoline-fueled vehicle can meet.

Tribute HEV technology, at a glance:
* A special 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine features Atkinson-cycle combustion for improved efficiency and produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
* A 70-kWatt (equivalent to 94 horsepower) electric traction motor provides an added boost to the drive wheels when maximum acceleration is desired.
* A generator-motor recharges the batteries, starts the engine and helps regulate how the two propulsion channels blend together in the transaxle.
* A special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT) harnesses internal combustion and electric power sources to drive the vehicle.
* A 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed at the rear load floor stores electrical energy.
* An electronic vehicle system controller manages charging, drive assist and engine-starting functions. This device shuts the engine down during coasting and at stoplights to save fuel. It also converts the traction motor into a generator during braking to help recharge the batteries.

The Tribute HEV offers superior environmental performance with its MZR 2.3-liter gasoline engine, which has been modified to run on the Atkinson combustion cycle for superior fuel efficiency. The Atkinson cycle modifies the timing of the closing of the valves, enabling the engine to realize more power with cleaner emissions. At low speeds or in low-load situations, drive is provided by a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor, producing 70 kW @ 5,000 rpm and 330 V maximum voltage.

When additional power is required, the Tribute HEV's 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine seamlessly engages, contributing 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 124 lb.-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. As a result, the Tribute HEV pushes out a combined 155-hp, with 0-60 times comparable to a 200-horsepower V-6 engine, while increasing city-driving fuel economy by nearly 75-percent. The Tribute HEV is equipped with a smooth-shifting, electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that realizes seamless, highly efficient adjustment of the gear ratio under electronic control.

Once the vehicle reaches speeds above 25 mph, or vehicle load exceeds a certain threshold (such a fully-laden vehicle or a "jack-rabbit" start), the motor supplements the gasoline engine, providing extra torque as needed. During deceleration, it charges the battery by working as a generator. The generator-motor also provides power boosts during heavy load situations, helping Tribute HEV accelerate briskly to speed. In addition to fuel-free operation, electric motors deliver maximum torque at low rpm, so they are an ideal complement to gasoline engines that generate peak power at higher rpm.

The transition through four modes - all-electric, gas-electric, gas-only and charging the battery pack - is seamless, and the only clue to the mode in which the vehicle is operating is the "charge/assist" gauge on the dashboard.

An electronic vehicle system-controller manages charging, drive-assist and engine-starting functions. This device shuts the engine down during coasting and at stoplights to save fuel. It also enables the traction motor to convert to a generator to provide engine-braking and recharge the batteries.

Equipped with standard front-wheel-drive or optional electronic four-wheel-drive, Tribute HEV is offered in two trim levels, Touring and Grand Touring. Mirroring design cues shared by its gasoline-powered sibling, Tribute HEV offers a bold, rugged exterior set off by 16" alloy wheels and new front and rear fascias, hood, liftgate, body-side molding, power side view mirrors, headlamps, taillamps and standard fog lights - features that can all be found on the redesigned conventional 2008 Tribute as well.

Like all good SUVs, the Tribute HEV has a commanding driving position, great visibility, good ground clearance, a tall roof and large cargo area. The elevated seating position and superb visibility mean drivers get a better view of the road when weather conditions are bad, such as heavy driving rain. The vehicle seats five adults in comfort. Storage compartments in both front doors provide easily accessible storage options. In addition, a center console storage compartment with removable bins offers enough space to store a laptop. There is 29.2 cubic feet of carrying space behind the rear seat when it's up, and 66 cubic feet when the seatback is reclined. The rear seat is asymmetrically split 60:40, which improves carrying versatility. For extra practicality, the tailgate features a rear window that lifts separately, ideal for loading less heavy objects.

Safety is a priority. The all-steel unibody construction is not only very rigid, it is also enormously strong. The crumple zones and 'Triple H' construction are designed to absorb and redirect energy away from the passenger cabin. 'Triple H' refers to the H-shaped structures in the sides, floor and roof that provide a rigid cell around the cockpit. Side impact door beams are also fitted, further to improve safety in a side impact.

The Tribute HEV comes with advanced front airbags that use various sensors to deploy each front airbag with exactly the right amount of force to deal with the impact. Sensors measure the weight of the seat occupant, the force of the impact and the seat distance from the steering wheel. Side airbags, fitted into the seats rather than the doors - so they work equally effectively, irrespective of seat position - are standard. Front side-impact airbags, side-impact air curtains, independent multilink rear suspension and four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) are also standard. Front three-point seat belts have pre-tensioners to reduce slack in the early moments of a frontal impact. In the rear, all three seats have three-point belts and adjustable head restraints for extra safety. Providing additional safety and security, a tire pressure monitoring system is standard.

--
Posted By tyson9500 to Super Cars at 11/02/2009 03:32:00 AM

[Super Cars] Porsche RUF CTR 3 2008 Supercar

Porsche RUF CTR 3 is a mid-engined sports car with turbocharged boxer engine. Continuing the Ruf tradition of modifying Porsche automobiles, This car shares both the body panels and engine from Porsche. Built out of steel, aluminum, and kevlar-carbon, the car altogether weighs 1,475 kg (3,250 lb). The engine of the CTR3 is a Porsche derived 3.8 L flat-6 paired with twin KKK turbochargers; this means the CTR3 produces 515 kW, or 700 hp at 7,000 rpm, and has a maximum torque of 890 N·m (656 lbf·ft). As for performance, the CTR3 has a top speed of approximately 375 km/h (235 mph), and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds.

(From Porsche Press Release)
Body build in steel, aluminium and kevlar-carbon. Rollover protection in A-pillar and in birdcage. The birdcage forms a torsion resistant unit with the front chassis by joining to the sill beam and the A pillar.

Front structure steel, zinc dipped
Safety passenger compartment steel, zinc dipped
Engine and transmission frame space frame and birdcage
Front bonnet and doors aluminium
Body shell Kevlar-Carbon composite

Engine
Type turbocharged boxer
Cylinders 6
Displacement 3,746 cc / 228.6 in3
Bore 102 mm / 4.01 in
Stroke 76.4 mm / 3.01 in
Output 515 kW (700 hp) at 7,000 rpm
Max. torque 890 Nm / 656.5 lb-ft
Compression ratio 9.2 : 1
Engine control unit Bosch Motronic with OBD-2
Turbo charger two KKK turbo chargers
Intercooler two air-air-intercoolers

Transmission
Power delivery rear wheel drive
Transmission sequential 6-speed-manual transmission,
transversal, angle drive, shift indicator in the instrument panel
Limited slip differential multi-disc locking differential
Locking value load / deceleration 40 % / 60 %

Chassis
Front axle McPherson struts, anti-roll bar
Rear axle multilink rear axle, anti-roll bar
horizontal coil over shock absorbers
Steering Power assisted rack and pinion

Brakes
Brake callipers front/rear 6 piston fixed light alloy callipers
Brake discs front/rear ventilated and cross drilled
ceramic composite discs
Brake disc diameter front/rear 380 mm / 15 in / 380 mm / 15 in
Anti-lock braking system Bosch ABS 8.0

Wheels and tyres
Wheels front/rear 8.5 x 19 / 12.5 x 20
Tyres front/ rear 255/35 ZR 19 / 335/30 ZR 20

Size and weights
Length 4,445 mm / 175.0 in
Width 1,944 mm / 76.5 in
Height 1,200 mm / 47.2 in
Wheelbase 2,625 mm / 103.3 in
Front track 1,506 mm / 59.3 in
Rear track 1,585 mm / 62.4 in

Empty weight with 6 speed manual transmission
According to DIN 1,400 kg / 3,086.4 lbs
According to EG-standards 1,475 kg / 3,251.8 lbs

Performance
Top speed 375 kph / 235 mph
0-100 kph / 0 62 mph 3.2 sec

Price
Euro 380,000.00 (plus VAT)

--
Posted By tyson9500 to Super Cars at 11/02/2009 01:00:00 AM

[CARS-MANIA] Honda Factory Performance Accord Coupe 2008

Honda Factory Performance Accord Coupe with 3.5 liter V6 engine, natural aspiration can produce 268 hp @ 6200 rpm (76.6 hp per liter).

The supercar has 248 lb-ft torque @ 5000 rpm. With a full aerodynamic body kit (front, sides and rear) further elevates the style quotient of the entire vehicle. Interior and exterior HFP emblems complement the package.

(From Honda Press Release)
Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Accord Coupe

As a dealer-installed accessory, Honda's in-house HFP products carry the same 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as the rest of the vehicle, when installed at the time of new vehicle purchase, and are engineered to be fully compatible with the vehicle. The Accord HFP package includes a wide range of performance- and style-enhancing products.

The Sports Suspension package (available Spring 2008) reduces ride height by about 25 mm, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity, and enhancing the Accord Coupe's sporty road-handling characteristics.

Larger wheels and tires include 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels designed for high-performance 245/40R-19 tires (sold separately).

A full aerodynamic body kit (front, sides and rear) further elevates the style quotient of the entire vehicle. Interior and exterior HFP emblems complement the package.

All of the Accord Coupe HFP components except suspension can currently be purchased individually, and the full HFP package including suspension will go on sale in the spring of 2008.

American Honda launched its performance accessory program in 2002 with the introduction of a Honda Factory Performance package for the Civic EX Coupe, and currently offers HFP products for the Civic, Accord and Fit.

--
Posted By tyson9500 to CARS-MANIA at 11/01/2009 10:49:00 AM

[Super Cars] BMW 850CSi Supercar

Car: BMW 850CSi
City: Tehran (Darabad region)
Date: December 2008
Story: Built only between 1989 to 1996, the CSi version of the 850 is the closest BMW ever came to selling an M8. Merci to Hanirad and Shahin Armin for these rare spottings.

--
Posted By tyson9500 to Super Cars at 11/01/2009 06:10:00 AM

[Super Cars] Veritas RS III: Insane BMW V10-Powered Supercar goes into Produc...

Remember the Veritas RS III, the open-cockpit purebred supercar with the M5-sourced V10 engine that pays homage to the 1940's era BMW racing team? Well, it's finally going into a limited series production with the first of a total of 30 hand-made examples set to be delivers to customers in January 2010. Veritas says that even before the actual start of production, five of the 30 luxury cars have already been sold while another eight have been reserved. But before you start day-dreaming, learn that prices start at a whopping €345,00 or about $517,000 at today's exchange rates.

The German company said that a staff of 15 people install the chassis, bodywork and interior at three workstations, with production of a completed model taking about eight weeks.

The RSIII is a 1+1 seater with a covered passenger seat that can be opened if required. The vehicle's body that is made out of ultra-light carbon fiber is built atop of a tube frame developed by Vermot AG.

The 4.68 meter long and 2.02 meter wide supercar is powered by a 5.0-liter V10 from the BMW M5/M6 that makes 507HP and is coupled to either a 7-speed SMG transmission or a manual 6-speed gearbox that send all those ponies to the rear-wheels.

Weighing in at just 1080kg or 2,380 lbs, it is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in under 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 347 km/h or 216 mph.

The RS III rides on 22-inch alloy wheels shod in high-performance Dunlop tires size 255/30 at the front and 325/25 at the rear while other highlights include a new braking system from Brabham Racing with 380 mm rotors and six piston calipers at the front and 355 mm rotors and four piston calipers at the back as well as a height-adjustable sport suspension.




--
Posted By tyson9500 to Super Cars at 10/31/2009 03:51:00 AM

[CARS-MANIA] Tuner-Friendly Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec to Debut

Next week's 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas will see Hyundai performing the official debut of the Genesis Coupe R-Spec that was first announced at the Chicago Auto Show back in February. The tuner-friendly R-Spec is essentially a stripped down version of the 2.0T Track model with a 210HP 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that does away with several non-essential convenience features such as Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls to reduce both cost and weight.

However, it does keep the performance goodies from the Track model like the sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance Summer tires, Brembo braking system and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Hyundai said that the R-Spec will also receive a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts (dealer installation - optional for customer to install) to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response.

It will be available only with a manual transmission and a choice of three exterior colors - Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. At $23,750 (not including a $750 freight charge), the new Genesis Coupe R-Spec is priced $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model.





____________________________________________________________________

'R-Spec' Trim Equipment Includes:

-- 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine

with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 30 mpg

EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph

-- 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission

-- Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic

Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist

-- 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width

high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires

(225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)

-- Brembo braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm

four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear

rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)

-- Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock

absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front

strut brace)

-- Torsen-type limited-slip differential

-- R-Spec badging

-- Tire Pressure Monitoring System

-- Front, side, side curtain air bags

-- Active front head restraints

-- Driver's lumbar support

-- Air conditioning

-- Remote keyless entry system

-- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

-- Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors

-- AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers

-- iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity

-- Projector beam headlamps

-- Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)


--
Posted By tyson9500 to CARS-MANIA at 10/31/2009 01:00:00 AM