Car Blog Review: July 2010

Saturday, July 31, 2010

lamborghini murcielago wallpapers

Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari price Announced

The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari price starts at 29,600 GBP or the equivalent of 35,500 Euro and only 152 units will be sold in Britain.

The Fiat 500 Abarth Ferrari Tribute 695 is designed to develop powered by a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v, more than 180 hp. This is an MTA (Manual Transmission Automatic) gearbox in combination with race shifter electro-inspired paddle fully exploit the engine performance by reducing the time difference.

The top speed of the RHD Abarth Fiat 500 Tributo Ferrari is rated at 140mph and the company says the limited edition model can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.0 seconds. The fuel economy of the new limited edition is rated at 43.3mpg on the combined cycle.

In addition to the equipment specifications of the Abarth 500, the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari adds an Abarth leather steering wheel, ‘Record Monza’ dual-mode exhaust, Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Press Release

It has already attracted critical acclaim in both hard top and convertible form, and as a potentesseesse version. Now the Abarth 500 is arriving in even more exclusive style – as the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.

Every Abarth reflects the high performance brand’s direct connection with competition, and the new 695 Tributo Ferrari takes these links to a new level, with stunning performance matched to perfect day-to-day usability.

This exclusive car – just 152 examples of the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari will be available in right hand drive form in Britain – is priced at Euros 35,500 (£29,600). On the outside the new car’s livery is inspired by Ferrari’s models, with carbon wing mirrors and Corsa Grey wheels and front air intakes.

Powered by a 1368cc turbocharged engine, producing over 180bhp at 5750rpm and 230Nm torque at 3300rpm, the 695 Tributo Ferrari can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than seven seconds and has a top speed of 140mph. However, the frugal engine can return 43.3mpg on the combined cycle.

The car features a comprehensive list of equipment which includes:

five airbags
electronic stability programme (ESP)
torque transfer control (TTC)
Sport button
power steering
automatic climate control
Xenon headlights
Blue&Me hands-free infotainment
Abarth leather steering wheel
‘Record Monza’ dual-mode exhaust
Abarth Corsa by Sabelt seats
17-inch alloy wheels

Mounted behind the steering wheel are the paddles for the electro-hydraulic Abarth Competizione gearbox. Pressing the Sport button on the dashboard activates a more racy setting for the gearbox, engine control unit and steering for an even more responsive drive.

The original Abarth 695 was introduced in the mid-1960s. The pinnacle of this series was a 38hp engine – though fine-tuning could raise this to over 50hp.

“Abarth and Ferrari are both iconic names in Italian automotive history,” says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK. “Their passion and dedication helped to create a reputation for sporting excellence in Italian cars around the world, and this new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari upholds that tradition with some style.”

The Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari is available to special order only, through Abarth’s 19-strong UK dealer network.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer

After weeks of Ford’s infuriating teasers regarding the all-new Explorer, the SUV will start from $28,995 – $1,000 less than the outgoing model. The new Explorer marks a major departure from the outgoing model as the 7 seater model by switching from a BOF (body-on-frame) to a uni-body structure with independent front and rear suspension – shared with the Ford Taurus sedan and Flex. Ford said despite adding more features on the all-new Explorer, engineers were able to reduce gross vehicle weight by around 45kg (100lbs) through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminium bonnet.

Out goes the previous V8 petrol engine for a new base 3.5 litre Ti-VCT V6 engine that produces 290bhp (294PS) and 345Nm (255lb-ft) of torque. This means the 2011 Explorer is 20% more fuel efficient. However, with the towing package, the V6 can haul up to 2,268kg (5,000lbs).

Optional is the all-new 2.0 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine, producing 237bhp (240PS) and 339Nm (250lb-ft) of torque from 1,700 rpm. Front wheel drive is standard on all models, but only the AWD is available on the 3.5 litre Ti-VCT engine. Both engines are linked to a 6 speed automatic transmission. Expected is a 355bhp, 3.5 litre turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine that will be added to the range in the future.

The AWD features a Land Rover-esque Terrain Response. This terrain management system has four settings (normal, mud, sand and snow) and is controlled via a console-mounted knob. This also features hill-descent control. Bi-xenon headlamps will be standard on plusher grades, while Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert will be optional.

The entry-level Explorer, called Base will come standard with a 4.2” LCD touch-screen w/ MyFord driver connect, MyKey, air-conditioning w/ air filtration system, Easy Fuel capless fuel filler system, cruise control, tyre perssure monitoring system, x6 airbags, electric power steering, front & rear electric windows w/one touch auto down for driver, remote-control locking w/safety rear door locks, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, x4 12v power points and cargo hooks.

Mid-spec XLT adds rain & dusk sensors, 6 speed SelectShift automatic transmission, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors w/LED indicators and puddle lamps, SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, rear parking sensors and anti-theft alarm.

Flagship Limited includes XLT specification and electric folding door mirrors w/driver’s memory, ambient lighting, electrically adjustable pedals w/memory, cargo net, climate control, 10 way electrically adjustable fronts seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, reversing camera, remote start system, 110v power outlet, keyless entry & start and Universal garage door opener.

According to Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development, "The new Explorer simply does everything well. It raises the bar for ride and handling on the road and transforms the off-road experience. It's the hands-down winner for towing capability and ease. All this capability - and three rows of seating - with amazing fuel economy will make Explorer the absolute right choice for families with a sense of adventure."

Look for the 2011 Explorer to arrive at dealerships in Winter, just in time for the snow.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer

Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS

The first thing that strikes anyone viewing the Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS is its body styling. Svelte and subtle it is not with bulges and air intakes all over the front, including the 70mm longer (than standard) forward opening bonnet. The bonnet isn't the only part of the Tornado 750 GTS that has been lengthened, the front and rear bumper/spoiler combinations have also been extended compared to the standard Porsche Cayenne. Whilst dimensions have increased weight has actually reduced, impressively the all carbon body styling is estimated to reduce the weight of the Tornado 750 GTS by 250kgs in comparison to a standard Cayenne.

The weight saving is doubly useful when one considers the power and torque of the tuned engine Gemballa {link} have produced for the Tornado 750 GTS. From its now 5 litre turbocharged engine the Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS produces a very impressive 750PS and 1050Nm of torque. Enough power to propel this über-Cayenne to 62mph from rest in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 185mph. The extreme front body styling draws air into the engine, larger intercooler, radiator and brakes as well as actually drawing air away from hot areas in the engine bay too. Exhaust gases exit the engine through a custom designed exhausts system with 4 tailpipes.
With such explosive performance available Gemballa have had to improve the suspension and brakes considerably. Behind the 12x22" wheels, covered by 335/25 tyres, sit huge brakes (415mm diameter front and 380mm diameter rear) which offer excellent and durable braking. The handling has been radically altered and improved, the Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS sits some 70mm lower on coilover suspension. Even so the 750 GTS is no out-and-out sports car and has a higher centre of gravity than would be considered perfect for a car with 750PS.
Gemballa have created a sumptuous, refined and yet sporty interior with 4 sports seats, full leather and carbon seating, dash and door panels.
Exclusivity is assured as Gemballa are limiting the production of the £370,000 Tornado 750 GTS to 50 worldwide. Interested parties should contact Gemballa's Leonberg offices quickly as the über-Cayenne offers such performance that Gemballa are unlikely to struggle selling out, even in these difficult economic times.

Gemballa Tornado 750 GTS

Friday, July 30, 2010

Königseder Nissan GT-R

Königseder, the tuner company form Austria, has Releases its new styling and performance package for the Nissan GT-R R35.

Under the hood, the company installs a revised ECU, a sport air filter, and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust. These modifications enable the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine to produce 580 PS (572 hp / 427 kW), instead of 492 PS (485 hp / 362 kW), which allows the GT-R to accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.8 seconds.

At the exterior, the Königseder Nissan GT-R features new side skirts, new front spoiler and rear diffuser.