Garret Turbos Provide Incredible Performance And Reliability Without Breaking The Bank By Jack Leonard

If you are looking for a Turbocharger kit for your vehicle, no matter what size motor you have, you can find a wide variety of turbos available on Internet. However, it is important that you look into the Turbos are available, and to ensure that you find the right one for you. One excellent example is Garrett Turbos. Garrett is a spectacular manufacturer of Turbos, and the GT40/GT4088R is compatible for a variety of engines. This includes a rating of 370 to 650 horsepower, but his recommendation is for use on 3.5 to 5.0 liter engines. This makes it ideal for six, eight, 10 cylinder engines or larger, but there are many Hondas that are taking full advantage of Garrett Turbos and what they have to offer.

Garret turbos are extremely straightforward, as they are an excellent midrange Turbo, and provide oil and water-cooled CHRA, twin scroll turbine housing, an external waste gate and a ported compressor housing. This provides an increase in protection against surges, and it truly is excellent value for the price, because it is such a large ball bearing turbo. It is spectacular for low RPM, large displacement motors, but is not a good idea if you have a Honda Civic. The GT30R/GT3082R is excellent for Pro Street, because it proffers a smaller ball bearing turbo, which is ideal for 1.8 to 3.0 liter motors that are striving to put out up to 500 horsepower. The inlet flange is standard, with a T 3 on the entry, oil and water-cooled center and depending on your exhaust housing, engine size and will, you can choose from three different compressor wheel variations. These are 0.63, 0.82 and 1.06. With an open T3 turbine flange for internal or external waste heat, this is an excellent turbocharger for numerous applications. These turbos have been reported is producing for our horses and up to 26 pounds of boost. Garrett Turbos have been proven just off 15% faster than other market equivalents.

Quite possibly the most reliable turbocharger on the market that is rated 700 horsepower is the GT35R. Similar to the GT28R, this turbocharger offers a high-performance BCI-18, and has the UHP turbine. Simply put, this turbocharger will get you up to 30 pounds of boost and unbelievable acceleration. Particularly good for larger four and six cylinder engines, these turbocharger kits are available as standalone, or can be used as a twin set up on a V-8 engine. With standard fittings, four-bolt turbine outlet flange for standard housings, the only variations of this turbocharger, is the turbine housings have a 90-millimeter V band outlet. Because he so is an issue, when you use this Garrett turbo, you'll not have a problem with this, because the turbine housing is cast from extremely heat resistant nickel material, which will ensure that your turbo stays cool, and it also runs the classic oil and water cooled bearing system that all Garrett turbos offer. No matter what application you are looking for, Garrett turbos offer extreme performance under any condition, but at extraordinary prices.

Knowing How To Replace The Fuel Filter On Your Pickup Truck By Steve Smart

Knowing how to replace the fuel filter on your pickup truck is absolutely crucial in order to maintain the health and reliability of your vehicle. Though it is essential to have a filter attached to the vehicle, in order to prevent dirt, corrosion and water build-up, it is also important that you do not let the filter get blocked or clogged with pollutants. If this happens, there is the danger of not enough fuel reaching the truck's engine.

If this should happen for any reason, the vehicle will have difficulty running. In some cases it may stop working completely. For this not to happen, knowing how to replace the device is strongly suggested. Make sure that the engine gets the clean, unpolluted petrol its needs. You must first concentrate on parking the car on level ground and in a relatively quiet place. Once this is done, you will be required to relieve the petrol system pressure of the vehicle. If you are not aware of how to do this for the specific model, finding out is simple. Just detach the fuel panel which will be located beneath the dashboard.

Once this has been done, it is necessary to turn the engine on and keep it running in neutral until it starts to stop from a lack of petrol. This is evident and you will notice the engine's change of pace almost immediately. When you notice this, get hold of the battery and use a wrench to pull out the black negative wire. Once this is done, in order to relieve the fuel pressure you must unscrew the fuel cap from the tank. After doing this, you will be ready to move on effectively and safely.

After this has been done, it is time to identify the device in question. It will most often be located near the fuel tank, mounted on the left or right hand side of the frame rail. To operate efficiently, make sure you have enough room to fit adequately under the vehicle and manoeuvre as you see fit. If you cannot do so, use a jack or similar device to get it up as much as possible. This will give it the support that is needed.

Concentrate on disconnecting the fuel line from the filter, once you know you have identified it. The connection is held together by connect fittings and a plastic lock. For the disconnection to be possible, you may just need a screwdriver or similar tool to disengage the lock before simply pulling it out with the fingers. Certain models will require you to use a special tool for this purpose, which should be available at most auto parts suppliers and garages for a small price. This process might get a little messy on account of the petrol and the dirt, so carry a rag or a towel to deal with spillages and leaks.

Once you have disconnected the petrol line successfully, you will need to think about how to remove the filtering device itself. It will be held in place with the use of a clamp bolt which should be secured onto the vehicle tightly. By using a wrench, you need to attempt to remove the clamp bolt while you are holding the filtering device firmly with the other hand. Once you have detached it, remove the entire device from area of the lorry.

Attach your new device in the old one's place the same way as you removed the old one. Make absolutely certain that you position it in the correct way, so that the petrol flow points are pointed in the direction of the vehicle's engine. Once you are sure of this, you must use the wrench to fasten the fuel nut and clamp bolt securely, making sure no movement is possible. Re-install the fuel pump, reconnect the quick fittings and the black negative cable before starting the engine again and letting it run.

Before you replace the fuel filter on your pickup truck, you should ensure that the filtering replacement is exactly the right match for your vehicle's make and model. Make sure of this before reinstalling the device. If you would like to be completely certain that you have the correct type of replacement, you might want to take the old filter with you before making a purchase in order to compare the two. It is crucial that you continue to carry out this process of replacement at least once a year in order to ensure your truck's engine runs and operates to its maximum. Make sure that throughout the procedure you stay safe, by keeping a distance from sparks and flames.

Buy Auto Parts Online And Fix Your Car For Less By Chickie Maxwell

There is no worse feeling than driving down the road and realizing that you have an issue and may not be able to make it to your planned destination. When your car is broke down, it creates quite the hassle and can be a major headache. There is no question that you will want to get your car back on the road as fast as possible. The only issue with that is the fact that car repair can often be quite expensive. Even if you know how to make the necessary repairs on your own, car parts are not cheap at all. In many cases, you could easily spend hundreds of dollars on one small part just to get everything running again. Unfortunately, this is not the kind of expense that most people can afford and they are forced to wait until they have the extra money to get their car fixed. Purchasing auto parts wholesale is one way that you could get the parts that you need for a lot less money.

What Is Auto Parts Wholesale Exactly?

When you step into an auto parts warehouse to get something that you need for your car, you will see that they have a whole array of different products to choose from. Have you ever thought about where they get their parts? The truth is, most of these places actually order parts from auto parts wholesale retailers and markup the prices so that they can make a profit on each item. Wouldn?t it be great if you could just get the parts that you need at the price that they pay instead of paying all of that extra? Well, the fact is you can. This is not something that auto parts retailers want you to know, but most of the places that supply their inventory are places where you can shop on your own. This cuts out the middle man and can save you a ton of cash on the items that you need.

How Do You Find An Auto Parts Wholesale Store?

Auto parts wholesale stores are actually much easier to find than most people realize. Most operate a website that is completely available to whoever it is that would like to place an order, many people are under the impression that if they buy from an auto parts wholesale retailer they have to buy in large quantities in order to get the low price. However, that is not true at all. In most cases, you can order as few items as you wish and still get what you need for a very low price.

By shopping for the parts that you need at an auto parts wholesale outlet, you can get what you need for a lot less money. This means that you can place the order for the part, wait for in the mail, and get your car fixed rather quickly. There is no reason to wait until you have more money to get your car fixed if you can get it taken care of now and save money in the process.

Paintless Dent Removal Can be Beneficial for Your Car By Steve Jonesgwb

Dents and dings. We all dislike them. They are undesirable, depreciate the value of our vehicles and even impact an icon of position for certain individuals. Most individuals are cautious to get these imperfections set because we all know that a store is very costly. But, if we only realized that a substitute usually priced at 2/3 less than the conventional strategies were available, we'd think twice about existing with that car scratch.

When individuals want to fix dents and dings, there are two tips on how to do so. This contains getting the car to a store or using Paintless dent removal. The dimension and form will help decide which procedure is the best one for each personal car owner. Taking your car to a store is better for bigger dents and dings, dents and dings in which the color is gone, and those that are relevant to injuries and identical mishaps. However, lesser dents and dings and those that are not relevant to injuries work out well with Paintless dent removal or any dent in which the color is complete.

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is a process where modest dents and dings and marks can be eliminated by using specialized resources that allow a dent or dimple to be encouraged up (or drawn up) without unsettling the color exterior. Accessibility is obtained on the hurt section, and with these unique resources and hole is rubbed out with properly placed forces or brings. If the color is complete, the dent isn't too expanded (deep), and access allows, it can be fixed with PDR.

If your dent on your car suits the dent form that Paintless dent removal could help, then you will advantage significantly. First, using this procedure, the car unique complete will stay complete. Second, Paintless dent removal is much more cost-effective. Third, this procedure indicates you can have your car again in as little as a few time.

Paintless dent removal and fixes need the use of unique resources created for the job such as hammers and supports created from steel. These resources are used to appearance the steel so that it goes again to its unique appearance with no damage it further. This strategy can be used on many lesser dents and dings by softly forcing on them from the within of our body.

Myths:
While many individuals believe that this vehicle body procedure needs years of exercising to understand, this is basically incorrect. Actually, anyone can do it quickly provided that the right resources for the job are available. Other individuals notice about different techniques of dent removal, but they never work, and are beliefs such as using dry ice, or one of the "As seen on TV" gadgets. Using these techniques can make the dents and dings more intense in some situations.

When Paintless Dent Removal is not suggested:
While this strategy is efficient for eliminating lesser, non-broken dents and dings, there are some that basically are not a good fit for the strategy and need a seasoned veteran help. To help figure out if the dent on your car enables as a dent or dimple that can go through Paintless dent removal, consider these factors:

Compromised Paint:
If the color masking the dent is damaged, marks, other otherwise affected and are not complete, and then this procedure is not recommended.

Car Accident:
If the push occurred because you were in a car incident, then you will need expert help. If the pimple is lengthy, managing along the time the car, then you needs expert body-work. However, if you can say that the dent does not go with these circumstances, then this procedure may be in your car upcoming, and you just might avoid some money and aggravation.

Laser scanning with reverse engineering applications By Dan Sever

The castings for the classic rare cars and classic Harley Davidson motorcycles would never have been replicated if not for reverse engineering technology. This breakthrough makes use of laser imaging of complicated 3D objects, allowing the users to rebuild the plans or blueprints of many life-saving devices, luxury vehicles, airplanes and other machines.

ReverseEngineering.com assimilates the MicroScribe with the Kreon Skiron laser scanning machinery using patented reverse engineering technology to accommodate the industries in the aviation, defense and other sectors.

Thanks to ReverseEngineering.com, the software for this technology is made easily available to those who need to rebuild or enhance on existing objects which no longer have the initial plans or that can be best enhanced through 3D laser imaging.

If you are hooked on older autos or bikes, then you would have understood a long time ago how difficult and expensive it is to get castings of the parts, specifically when the original plans are gone or have been destroyed. Manufacturers used to consider this a nightmare especially when they needed to come up with an enhanced version of these specific vehicles. OEM Castings are usually made available only for repairs or for a handful of vehicles. What happens when the castings or OEM parts no longer exist?

The auto-racing industry is one of those that characteristically has a special need for laser scanning with reverse engineering. Racing is a specially risky career, and while the drivers are livewires and push their limits, they would not be so absentminded to careen down the track at 180 miles per hour without any assurance that the suspension parts in his or her vehicle will work.

ReverseEngineering.com makes sure that the moldings for vehicles are exactly recreated. It would normally take a lot of money to do that, but thanks to reverse engineering it is now feasible to reproduce very precise castings in a cost-effective way.

Most vintage autos are limited production and that also is applicable for the technical documentation. Via reverse engineering, manufacturers can reproduce the parts and every nook and cranny of the autos with minimal effort, while keeping exact to their geometry.

Not long ago, manufacturers were discouraged when they visited all the professional foundries only to see that they could not reproduce the casts. Apparently, the skill levels of the original producers were way beyond what the current generation could match. With the MicroScribe 3D laser imaging, manufacturers can now recreate a 3D digital replication of the vehicles and build a database that will aid them in improving current technology.

The finest facet about MicroScribe?s reverse engineering machines is that they are able to precisely create 3D computer models of almost all objects, whatever the size and shape. And those things can effortlessly be accomplished in the span of a few minutes! The tangible world has almost become conquerable thanks to reverse engineering technology.

Imagine how manufacturers can further existing technology for race cars and you will understand that the present speed known to humanity may just be history in a short time. With reverse engineering, it is quite easy to be amazed with the many opportunities and potential that we can achieve nowadays not only in the industry of racing and car production but also in science, animation and the arts.

Build your garage's reputation on the quality of your automotive lift service By Pat Casey

There are many procedures to follow and many different tools to use when inspecting or repairing an automobile. Doing a thorough job of inspecting and repairing a vehicle requires more than just looking under the hood. Of course, anyone who works in automotive repair knows this. And they know that providing an automotive lift service is one of the most important parts of servicing a vehicle. Incorporating an auto lift repair & service is the best way to ensure a vehicle is properly inspected and thoroughly restored.

If you want to build a reputation as providing the highest quality automotive repair, then you must have an auto lift repair and service that is second-to-none. The best way to ensure your mechanics are able to examine, diagnose, and repair vehicles in a safe and timely manner is to have an automotive lift service. The days of automotive repairman sliding under a vehicle with raggedy sliding boards are over. In the 21st century people want to see a repair service that uses state-of-the-art equipment.

To be sure, you may already offer an automotive lift service; but the question you must ask yourself is, is it good enough? Technological advances are being made all the time in the equipment used in an automotive lift service. You don't want to be left behind. In order to remain competitive you need to have the tools and equipment that will allow you to enhance the value of your auto lift repair and service. This can only be done by investing in the best equipment available.

Indeed, it is important to remember that automotive lift service equipment is an investment just like any other you've made or plan on making to grow your business. Your auto repair service can only grow on the strength of its reputation and an increase in the number of new customers you attract. An automotive lift service may seem like a minor thing, but it can mean all the difference between a vehicle that has been properly looked at and repaired, with a full view of all the various parts, gears, and combinations under the vehicle, and one that has only been briefly scanned and not thoroughly serviced. A repair shop in which vehicles are fixed in the first instance tends to do much better than one in which drivers have to return again and again because of the same problem.

Fortunately, finding the best in equipment for an automotive lift service is not that difficult. And the place to begin your search is on the worldwide web. The web gives you the ability to bring many of the vendors selling this kind of equipment to you. This will give you to opportunity to compare the price and value of the many firms offering this kind of equipment. Using the web will also enable you to find out the reputation of a firm. The best predictor of future performance is past performance. And the firm with a proven record of delivering high customer satisfaction is the one most likely to meet your needs and expectations.

The Five Main Types of Tyres For All Driving Conditions By Jennifer Biggins

Choosing car tyres is not always an easy decision for most motorists. Where to buy them, what kind to buy, and of course, the budget, is the price of the tyre really worth its coin? Every car has factory tyres that were made for that car and sticking with them is not a bad decision but there are other factors to consider.

First of all, what type of tread is needed? Where does the motorist live and what types of roads and terrain does the car travel on? Dirt roads or gravel roads will need a better grip tyre, while a car that travels a lot of highway miles will need a harder rubber tyre that will last longer and be quieter than the mountain climbing tyres.

There are five main types of tyres for all driving conditions.

1. Standard or all season tyres. This tyre's name says it all. It is good in wet or dry pavement, rain or snow and has a harder rubber compound that gives the tyre longer life. The tread pattern also cuts down on the noise and allows a quite smooth highway drive.

2. ALL Terrain Tyres. This tyre has the best grip and is designed to tackle any mountain the motorist can drive on.

Its tread design is for handling gravel, dirt roads, mud tracks, and sand dunes.

3. Winter Tyres. These tyres are not the most quite since they have little metal studs in their treads for gripping into snow packed roads. They are used only in the winter but insure safety to the motorist under extreme slippery conditions.

4. Performance Tyres. These tyres are for the warmer climates where the pavement gets really hot. They are made of a softer rubber compound that grips the hot pavement, but handles poorly on wet or slippery roads.

5. Run Flat Tyres. This tyre is different from the others because it allows the motorist to drive for a while to safety if they have received a puncture to cause a flat.

Finding the best price for tyres isn't that easy but here are something's to take in consideration. The best deals come with package buying. Many dealers offer buy three tyres get one free, or buy four rims and get half price tyres.

Online tyre prices may be cheaper but there is a shipping cost and a lot of dealers will offer free installation or free mounting and balancing with tyre purchase. Some dealers will offer lifetime tyre rotation and balancing, so there is a lot to consider.

The most important thing to remember, whatever tyre is needed, proper maintenance is a must. Make sure the car's tyres are properly inflated and properly aligned, this will add to the life of the tyre and the safety of the passengers.

The Rugged Land Rover Maintenance By Anthony Cerron

If you are looking for a rugged, indestructible, stylist and awesome looking 4 wheel machine then the Land Rover is the must take for you. The land lover is a motoring legend which has eternal qualities giving its owners an experience unlike any in its class. Seen for the first time in 1948, the land rover was the vehicle which hit the road as a working vehicle which would carry the load, in other words be the one which would provide utilitarian services and at the same time be a steadfast machine. It was the no problem machine which could move around in the worst rocky terrains as well. After passing hands at different owners, presently it is owned by the Indian company, Tata Motors.

Like any other car the Land Rover comes with its own set of problems and pit falls. But with a little information you can carry out land rover repair yourself, however in case you are not aware about the technicality of the car then innumerable land rover repair shops are available to your rescue. On the contrary one should try and gain as much information regarding land rover repairs so that if the need be you can carry out some tit bit repairs yourself. Also, if you are not able to carry out the repair at least you will have little idea about the problem and you can take it to any of the land rover repair shops where you can tell the mechanic about the problem and get it repaired in no time.

Finding information regarding land rover repairs and land rover services should not be a difficult task. The internet is loaded with all the information regarding the land rover and you can become an expert in no time, however you will be lacking skill which you can get with time. Not only this you have ample information available on the net regarding genuine spare parts and also the latest accessories which you can incorporate in your car like jazzy fog lights, spoilers , upholstery etc. You name it, it?s available on net.

4 Factors to Consider When Replacing Factory Exhaust Tips By Stella K.w

Factory exhaust tips are usually one of those exhaust accessories that you want to yank out the moment you leave the shop with your new car. One, they lack quality and succumb to rust as soon as they hit the road. Two, they are usually not designed for performance or quality sound and three; they rarely reflect your taste and style. For whatever reason, you have found it necessary to replace you tips but have found that it is not as easy as you thought. Here are a few factors to consider for that quality customized finish you desire.

Size

When choosing the size, you will need to be keen on two components. These are the diameter and length. The diameter of the inlet is the most important because it must fit perfectly onto your tailpipe. Tips come in various sizes depending on the type of your vehicle. For example, trucks and SUVs will usually have larger tips as compared to smaller cars. This is also true for different makes of vehicles so be keen when you order.

When considering length, you must choose something that is not too long to pose a risk to pedestrians or too short to vent the exhaust gases properly. Choose a length that will be functional and also look good.

Material

When customizing your exhaust tips, you will also need to consider the type of material you want. There are two materials in the market depending on what you want. Chrome tips are made of mild steel and provide a great short-term look at a lower cost. On the contrary, if you are looking for durability, stainless steel tips are the thing for you. Shops such as MagnaFlow sell them at affordable prices.

Design

If you are in the market for something that reflects your individuality, then this is your section. There are so many designs out in the market depending on shape (round, square, oval) and angle (turn down, wall-angle). There are also single walled and dual- walled tips. In such variety, you cannot lack something that gives your vehicle that personal tweak.

Clamps or welding?

Exhaust tips are either clamped or welded into place. Your choice depends on the money in your pocket or the style you desire. Clamping gives you the advantage of customization; you can install and remove them whenever you please. The disadvantage is that they may become lose due to vibrations and it may be tedious to keep tightening them.

Welding on the other hand gives you the tightest seal but will not be as flexible in terms of installation and removal and may cost you much more if you need to change you tips again. In this wealth of variety however, there must be something that will give your exhaust that personal tweak you are looking for.

Shops such as flowmaster and Magnaflow will provide a one stop shop for all your exhaust tip needs. You will also get more expert advice that the article may not have touched on. Changing exhaust tips has never been easier, go ahead and try it.

Ford EcoSport - arrival in Europe

A city SUV? Ford already offers a model in some countries, such as the Brazil. But the EcoSport will wait for Geneva to invest in Europe, where the tough competition it faces.

Small Ford, the EcoSport SUV was already present in the world, in a very discreet way. But in its European version, it is in the living room of Geneva which debut, while marketing will take place at the end of the year. Aesthetically, the markets of other changes are however minimal. They simply touch the inside of the bumper and taillights. Rablee silhouette, big mouth to the singular fence and angular headlights are for their part without changes. As the emergency backpack, grafted onto the safe side door, wheel that gives the impression that this EcoSport is more adventurer who captures 2008 Peugeot, Renault, Opel Mokka and Nissan Juke, their sworn enemies.

Simple effect of presumed, as only the front wheels are driven. Cousin of the technician of the Fiesta, this SUV of 4.24 m long must be a constant height and Hill Start assistance to face the hollow roads. It will be more comfortable in the city, where their three-cylinder 1.0 Ecoboost gasoline to 125 PS, powered by a turbo and associated with a Stop & Start, promises to combine performance and simplicity. Side without lead, an air of 110 1.5 PS is also available, then TDCi 90 HP 1.5 will be available only diesel. But the EcoSport is also proud of its advanced Sync multimedia system, which allows to use some applications from a connected Smartphone with Bluetooth and sort them by voice.

Citroen C3 facelift price - rates down

Citroen C3 leverages its discreet restyling of race to replace: if its range remains virtually unchanged, this is not the case of fares, which are experiencing a slight decrease.

For its basic version, the C3 is now committed to descend below the €13,000. Available for order today, your facelift version begins at $12.950, with three-cylinder 1.0 VTi 68 c engine and equal equipment, is $750 less previously. Even the aging four-cylinder 60 HP, abandoned during this facelift, 1.1 was more expensive US $350. The small Citroen closer to his cousin Peugeot 208 5-door, charged $12.550 of this mechanism. While the gap with a Renault Clio 1.2 75 horsepower, which requires a minimum of $13,700. For the VTi of 82 ch 1.2, the observation is identical. He is descended from 14.100 us $ to us $13.550. €1.850 Less than the equivalent of 5-door 208, it is some better equipped (touchscreen multifunction, air conditioning, etc.).

Deflation also affecting diesel: HDi 70 starts US $60,000, down from 500 euros, while the HDi 90 has the same decrease from €17,800. This is still more expensive than a Volkswagen Polo 1.6 TDI 90, directly 16,570 € in 5-door. On the other hand, this reduction in prices is not at the expense of the equipment. The attractiveness of entry level still has the front Windows and electric mirrors, seat of a 1-3/2-3 split bench, a steering wheel adjustable height and depth, or a centralized locking. While stability ESP, air conditioning, radio, CD or the drive always control will come on the second level of finish, comfort, like the new led daytime driving lights. On the other hand, I'm not sure that discounts and other promotional activities remain as generous as before.

Posted the 28/02/2013
Author: Yohann Leblanc

McLaren P1 - La fin des non-dits

Si la McLaren P1 nous en a déjà beaucoup dit, elle n'avait pas encore montré ses lignes définitives. Elle accepte de le faire aujourd'hui, et les différences avec le concept homonyme sont quasiment invisibles.

Employer un bloc de forte cylindrée pour atteindre des puissances démesurées ? La recette n'est plus vraiment à la mode. Même sur les supercars, la tendance est à l'hybride. Présentée à Genève  et quasiment identique au concept  du Mondial , la McLaren P1 retient donc le "modeste" V8 3.8 biturbo de sa petite sœur  MP4-12C , simplement porté de 625 à 737 ch, et de 600 à 720 Nm. Un peu maigre pour jouer dans la cour des grands ? Pas vraiment, car cette mécanique déjà musclée reçoit l'aide d'un moteur électrique, gratifié de 179 ch et 260 Nm. La puissance système peut ainsi atteindre 916 ch, alors que le couple culmine à 900 Nm. Tout cela avec des émissions de CO2 inférieures à 200 g/km : les millionnaires pourront même se payer le luxe d'échapper au malus fiscal de 6.000 € qui frappe bien des autos plus abordables.

Côté performances, les chiffres annoncés promettent de hérisser les poils des plus blasés. Certes, la vitesse de pointe est bridée à 350 km/h, bien loin des 407 km/h d'une Bugatti  Veyron . Mais le 0 à 100 km/h serait bouclé en moins de 3 s, le 0 à 200 km/h en moins de 7 s, et le 0 à 300 km/h en moins de 17 s ! Les freins en carbone-céramique spécifiques et l'aileron rétractable qui peut faire office d'aérofrein risquent donc de ne pas manquer de travail, tout comme les pneus Pirelli P Zeros Corsa spécialement développés pour la P1. Par ailleurs, comme sur une Porsche  918 Spyder , la batterie est rechargeable sur secteur. Sauf qu'ici, l'autonomie électrique se limite à une vingtaine de km en ville, au lieu de 25. 

Pour profiter pleinement de la P1, il faudra de toute façon combiner les deux types d'énergie. Le volant aidera à le faire, en accueillant un bouton "IPAS" pour forcer le moteur électrique à délivrer le maximum de puissance, et une seconde commande, baptisée DRS comme en F1, pour réduire l'appui aérodynamique généré par l'aileron arrière rétractable. Résolument high-tech, cette McLaren semble donc faire passer le W16 8.0 quadri-turbo d'une Bugatti  Veyron  pour un héritage de la préhistoire. Limitée à 375 exemplaires, elle garantit aussi son exclusivité. De quoi motiver plus d'un millionnaire à débourser 866.000 £ (1 million d'euros) pour repartir dans ses baquets en carbone. Mais à  Genève , la P1 sera confrontée à une autre supercar hybride tout aussi ambitieuse : la Ferrari  F70 .

Publié le 26/02/2013
Auteur : Yohann Leblanc

KTM X - Bow GT - this is Byzantium!

"Gran Turismo" is a word for the KTM X - Bow that only makes some concessions to comfort: only has a windshield, side Windows, which are also the doors of the Office, or campaign.

For the initial version of the KTM X - Bow, the word 'comfort' does not appear in the book charges. Fully dedicated to sports driving, this exclusively addressed to the pure and hard light and ultra efficient insect species. The ideal tool for pilots who, on the other hand, gladly put "beads" gloves to grip the wheel Morgan, Caterham or Westfield Hardy, preferring a more contemporary interpretation. Today, the surprises of the Austrian brand with its X - Bow GT, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. She takes up the concept of the first version of X - Bow (see video below), with elements of the KTM range absolutely unprecedented comfort.

Thus, the GT has the right to a windshield that releases two passengers from the obligation to wear a helmet. It offers even with side Windows. Electric window lift however need: ice can not retract in the doors, but they serve as doors. And is not over yet: the windshield is uniform heat and has a cleaner windshield wiper system. Heating has also been strengthened, and the bucket seats are now filled. For small natures, the brand offers even a hood attachment, approved for up to 150 km/h! Well, it is still far from the convertible bourgeois that heated the rear part of the passenger or his blowing warm air in the neck, but the concept of the ultra-sportive bare take a shot.

The key is however except: behind the pilot still has a turbo 2.0 four-cylinder Audi, which develops here 285 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Enough to reach the stratospheric performance... provided they have the means. Because, as you might expect, this X - Bow of luxury is not given. Even without hood, it will cost us $86.710 pay this March, that the first will be delivered in late April.

Posted the 27/02/2013
Author: Guntram Fiala

Future Mini video - early career for a star

Like all its predecessors, the next Mini hopes to become a star. It is not surprising, therefore, that seems for the cameras. While your first step on the screen is done informally, without the last small does the voice.

The Mini range is so different that you almost forget classic sedan. A model that continues to be the best-selling brand in France, while its sales fell 14% last year, just ahead of countryman SUV. Not alarmed him as the successor of this city comes in 2014 and will be released at the end of 2013. Our spies have been caught in the kind of snow, in a development meeting. Psychedelic camouflage is not enough to hide the style will be in continuity. On the other hand, for the moment, the new three-cylinder 1.5 Turbo just listening. Gasoline as diesel, which represent even more spectacular novelty, with the arrival of a five - door version only.

Posted the 27/02/2013
Author: Yohann Leblanc

Restyling BMW series 5 - early spring

To publicize his mid-race, the BMW 5 series facelift was expected from May. It was without relying on leaks, allowing us to discover the discrete changes today.

Small setback for 5 series: last year, in France, was surpassed by the Audi A6 in its class--for 28 copies! The Bavarian road did not me ASHAMED of his scores. What is preparing a facelift, already revealed by our Chinese colleagues of Auto163, which put the hand in the two images of the long version, reserved to its market. To identify the differences in this restyling, which will be formalized in May and marketed towards Frankfurt salon, however appropriate to open both eyes. At the front, especially smooth ice there are headlights, double bean and shield more aggressive, it evokes something 4 the concept of the last sample of the Detroit series. In the rear, it is even more discreet, but exhaust outlets are more rounded, at least in some versions.

The technical changes will not be more extravagant. Series 5 F10 reviews something about its multimedia interface that allows marking of the iDrive button and touch surface, étrennées in China last year. "Comfort access" to open the luggage compartment by sliding the feet under the shield, and a drowsiness detector also enrich the list of proposed equipment. The arrival of an EfficientDynamics Edition version, driven by a four cylinder diesel emitting less than 100 g CO2 per kilometer, will be the major mechanical change. Although we also observed an increase in the power of six cylinder and V8 turbo petrol, now respectively strong 320 and 450 HP.

Posted the 27/02/2013
Author: Yohann Leblanc

Audi A3 Sportback g-tron - gas in engine

Marginal in France, due to lack of pumps, natural gas began to take off in some of our neighbouring countries. Audi therefore relies heavily on fuel, since the brand has to produce "clean".

In France, only six models, Fiat and Volkswagen badges, offer the possibility to run on natural gas. Add the virtual absence of pumps, except around Toulouse, and you will understand why this fuel is so marginal here. I'm not sure, therefore, that the new Audi A3 Sportback g-Tron sold in our market: the brand still arises at the moment. Although it retains the ability to operate on gasoline, the interest of this variant is two additional fuel tanks located under the floor of the boot. They are able to maintain the gas 7 kg each, stored at a pressure of 200 bar. Enough to travel 400 km without resorting to unleaded, according to the cycle.

Consumption is meanwhile 3.5 kg / 100 km, which corresponds to emissions of 95 g/km of CO2 and would give right to a tax of $200 rebate. Under the hood is the 1.4 TFSI officiating. Revised for the occasion, this turbo four cylinder has lost a few feathers in the operation: power down 140 to 110 HP, while the couple settles from 250 to 200 Nm. Suddenly, the 0 to 100 km/h would require 11 s, up from 9.5 seconds. You should also expect a price increase. But the rate remains well below the of the hybrid rechargeable future A3 e-Tron (opposite), while this compact has a few arguments to seduce those who want to lead 'green'. Especially Audi is building a factory to produce the synthesis of recycled CO2 methane, a factory which will be powered by wind turbines. (see diagram)

Posted 03/01/2013
Author: Yohann Leblanc

essai - Changement de registre

Parmi les sportives compactes, la Clio R.S. a toujours été la plus à l'aise sur circuit. Question de gènes. Mais si la nouvelle venue revendique cet héritage, elle veut désormais élargir son auditoire. Un choix risqué : à devenir moins radicale, elle risque de se mettre à dos ses partisans sans forcément séduire les amateurs de polyvalence. Alors pour mettre tous les atouts de son côté, cette Clio a mis les petits plats dans les grands en s'offrant un nouveau moteur 1.6 turbo, associé exclusivement à une transmission à double-embrayage EDC. D'origine Nissan – c'est celui du Juke  – le 1.6 à injection directe et calage variable admission/échappement revendique 200 ch et surtout 240 Nm de couple de 1.750 à 5.500 tr/mn. 

Châssis vivant et très efficace
Direction convaincante
Polyvalence d'utilisationMoteur peu démonstratif
Sonorité quelconque
Boîte EDC décevante

Les spécialistes rétorqueront que le 1.6 turbo d'une  DS3 Racing  offre 275 Nm, mais la Citroën n'est pas bridée par sa boîte, comme c'est le cas de la transmission d'origine Getrag qui équipe la Clio. Toutefois, celle-ci a le mérite de rendre la conduite parfaitement fluide. En ville, c'est un vrai plus, cette Clio évoluant en douceur, sans secouer ses passagers comme le faisait sa devancière. Le mérite en revient aussi aux nouvelles butées de compression hydrauliques intégrées aux amortisseurs qui apportent de la progressivité sur les mauvais revêtements. Le confort en profite, mais aussi l'efficacité routière, comme nous avons pu le constater sur le petit circuit de Guadix, en Espagne.Le brouillard et l'humidité n'étaient pas les conditions idéales, mais la Clio s'en est sortie avec les honneurs. Une piste est idéale pour tester le nouveau "Launch Control" autorisé par la boîte EDC : R.S. Drive réglé sur Sport, pied gauche sur le frein, enclencher les deux palettes fait apparaitre "Launch Control" au tableau de bord.

Pied droit sur l'accélérateur, le régime moteur se stabilise à 2.500 tr/mn. Il suffit alors de relâcher son pied gauche pour que l'électronique gère seule le départ. Un vrai jeu d'enfant ! La Clio s'arrache avec efficacité – 0 à 100 km/h annoncé en 6,7 s – à défaut d'impressionner, le 1.6 turbo se montrant très linéaire dans ses montées en régimes. Ici en châssis Cup (garde au sol abaissé de 3 mm et ressorts plus fermes), la Clio dévoile un sacré potentiel dès la première courbe. Incisive, et bien campée sur ses appuis, elle réagit avec vivacité au lever de pied, l'arrière se plaçant à la demande sans jamais inquiéter. Une fois n'est pas coutume, la direction électrique transmet un ressenti correct de l'adhérence disponible. 

La belle est tellement facile que basculer en mode Race (antidérapage déconnecté) ne change rien à l'équilibre de cette Clio qui, par ailleurs, freine fort avec ses grands disques avant de 320 mm. En revanche, pas de miracle en sortie d'épingle, il faut attendre d'avoir les roues bien droites avant de réaccélérer franchement, sous peine de voir la motricité s'évanouir en fumée. De plus, la boîte ne convainc qu'à moitié : la gestion des rapports est pertinente, offrant notamment du frein moteur, mais la vitesse des changements de rapport ne bluffe pas. En mode Race, le plus efficace, ceux-ci s'effectuent en 150 ms ce qui n'a rien d'exceptionnel. Au moins, les palettes, solidaires de la colonne de direction, sont judicieusement positionnées. Enfin, regrettons que la sonorité du 1.6 turbo soit trop étouffée pour susciter le coup de cœur. Mais la Clio y gagne, sur l'autoroute du retour, une quiétude inédite qui s'appréciera surement au quotidien…

Publié le 26/02/2013
Auteur : Gaël Brianceau

Renault captured X - Mod - extended range

Although the capture of Renault will not be equipped with four-wheel drive, I will not fear the hollow roads. A few months after its launch, it will be supported by a variant called X - Mod, equipped with a so-called differential lock to help cope with the surfaces of furniture.

In general, the European auto market is in decline. Only a segment is resistant to the low, SUV and 4 x 4. A niche later invested by French brands, which are now in force with compact and affordable models, Peugeot and Renault 2008 capture in mind. As a client of this type of gear Street mainly in two-wheel drive variants, these introduced French are AWD. To improve their motor skills, the lioness must comply with a name 'Grip Control' advanced traction control which, through selective braking, can prevent a roller skate, without cutting the engine's power. Renault, the solution is mechanical. A few months after its launch, the child shall be entitled to a version equipped with a true differential lock, usually reserved for sports (usually on the back) or the franchisseuses (on both axes, or even with a lock).

This feature, referred to during the presentation of the study captured, in 2011 and then called "RX2", partially differential lock every time it detects too large a difference of speed between the two front wheels, history not to send all the available torque to the wheel that turns more easily, i.e., in loss of adhesion. Therefore, you must help the little adventurer of ruts and puddles, providing additional traction in mud. The image of the stage X - Mod, presented at the Geneva Motor Show, this variant will also receive a more demonstrative plastic covers, to distinguish itself from the first glance of their urban sisters.

Posted 03/01/2013
Author: Guntram Fiala

Toyota FT - 86 Concept - operation open open

"To judge the reactions of customers for the possible launch of a convertible version GT86": officially, it is the role of the FT - 86 concept open. But there is almost no doubt that this study will quickly become a model series.

A detectable Toyota? Since the demise of the grill of the Lord, in 2007, this was no longer present in Europe. Fortunately, the brand will be soon in this niche through the convertible GT86, announced by the FT-86 concept opened in Geneva. Contents weight, normally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive, soft top... are some aspects in common with the RM. But engine is now entrenched in the front and the already not rear center position, while two additional passengers (small) may occur on board. A figure of chest real even in the program, while his predecessor was symbolic. Another fundamental change, the passing of the four of you four - cylinder in line to a double shot flat and four, shared with the Subaru BRZ close cousin and 200 c.

If it is not visible by its torque at low rpm, this engine helps to lower the center of gravity. In the Cup, this translates a conduct of life and easy so we established our "coup de Cœur trophy" in 2012. Taken into account at the design stage, the convertible variant promises hardly differ at this point, since Toyota announced distribution moderate overweight and always careful of the masses. We also find a small steering wheel and an order for short trips, as well as a choice of six-speed automatic transmission manual transmission. Finally, everything you need to the nightmares of a Mazda MX-5. If Toyota decides to really market this convertible GT86: Although the official version has the doubt, otherwise it would be more surprising.

Posted 03/01/2013
Author: Yohann Leblanc

Nouvelle Citroën C4 Picasso contre l'actuelle - Acheter ou attendre?

Plate-forme inédite, faciès audacieux, interface tactile novatrice... le C4 Picasso 2 ne manque pas d'atouts pour vous convaincre d'attendre sa sortie. Est-ce à dire que son prédécesseur est dépourvu d'arguments ?

Même s'il a quitté le top 10 des ventes en France, le C4 Picasso actuel attire encore de nombreux acheteurs : en janvier, vous avez été 2.250 à craquer pour ce monospace compact, apparu en 2006. À peine retouchées en 2010, ses lignes n'apparaissent pas complètement démodées. Tout comme ses moteurs diesel, à la fois doux, performants et bien insonorisés. La modularité demeure également à la page, avec ses trois sièges arrière coulissant indépendamment et de largeur identique. De plus, ils s'escamotent dans le plancher en un tournemain, comme les deux assises supplémentaires disponibles sur la déclinaison longue, qui ne sera renouvelée qu'en fin d'année. 

Annoncé par le concept Technospace  à Genève , et commercialisé au début du second semestre en version courte, le prochain C4 Picasso retiendra cet aménagement, quasiment sans changement. En revanche, sur la variante sept-places, il promet un peu plus d'espace pour les passagers du fond, alors que le coffre de la version courte progresse de 37 dm3. Par ailleurs, l'ergonomie ne peut que s'améliorer : le modèle actuel figurait parmi les pires élèves dans ce domaine, avec son volant à moyeu fixe encombré de boutons. Partagé avec les  C4  et  DS4 , le cerceau classique du dernier-né sera moins déroutant. L'écran tactile 7 pouces et les sept commandes affleurantes qui l'entourent, pour piloter la climatisation ou le système multimédia, semblent également pratiques à première vue. D'autant qu'un deuxième écran, de 12 pouces, au format panoramique et en haute définition, vient surplomber la planche de bord pour afficher l'instrumentation, la navigation, voire des photos.

Pour les accros au diesel, ultra-majoritaires sur ce segment, la palette des mécaniques ne s'annonce pas révolutionnaire. Le C4 Picasso s'attachera surtout à modérer ses consommations, avec l'aide d'un poids en nette baisse : jusqu'à 140 kg de moins sur certaines versions. En revanche, le choix de l'essence devrait devenir plus pertinent. Le monospace Citroën recevra en effet le nouveau trois-cylindres turbo avec Stop & Start 1.2 e-THP. Un bloc décliné en 110 ch/205 Nm et 130 ch/230 Nm. Ajoutez-y l'arrivée de quelques équipements optionnels intéressants, comme le hayon motorisé, le régulateur de vitesse actif ou une clé mains libres, et vous comprendrez qu'il est urgent d'attendre. Ou de négocier sérieusement le modèle actuel : les remises hors actions promotionnelles atteignent déjà 11 %, et les mandataires proposent jusqu'à 36 % de réduction.

Acheter l'ancien C4 Picasso

Pour sa modularité futée, qui restera inchangée
Pour ses moteurs diesel à la page
Pour ses remises importantes

Acheter le nouveau C4 Picasso
Pour ses consommations, qui s'annoncent très basses
Pour ses moteurs essence, inédits et prometteurs
Pour sa planche de bord, plus ergonomique et innovante

Publié le 27/02/2013
Auteur : Yohann Leblanc

Volvo Announces New Active Headlights

It’s not enough any more to equip a car with automatic high beam headlights — the next step is active high beams, which shift light away from other cars while keeping full-beam coverage everywhere else. We’ve already seen similar systems from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, and Volvo will follow suit on a number of its recently-updated models.

We reported earlier this month that Volvo is updating its S60, V60, and XC60 models with new front fascias, but the automaker revealed today that those new clips offer new adaptive headlights, which Volvo dubs Active High Beam Control.

The Active High Beam Control system starts with typical Xenon headlights (which shift left or right depending on steering angle, the same as before), but the projector unit contains a small cylinder with smaller metal pieces inside. As the light passes through the cylinder, the system can push the metal pieces into the beam, blocking certain portions of the projected light.

The system makes the decision to block part of the beam based on input from a camera located in front of the rear-view mirror (the same system is also tied to Volvo’s City Safety automatic braking system). When the system detects a car up ahead (either a slow-moving car in the same lane or one coming in the other direction), it signals the projector to push a metal piece into the beam, shading out the car. The result is high-beam coverage everywhere around the car (at the road’s edge, for example) while still not blinding other drivers.

Volvo says that the system is active at speeds above 9 mph and works with motorcycles; it also says that the camera system is powerful enough to frame other cars with accuracy to within 1.5 inches.

The system will be rolled out (as an option, naturally) on 2014-model-year cars being launching in Europe later this spring, including the S60 sedan, V60 wagon, and XC60 crossover. What’s unfortunate, however, is that Volvo won’t bring the system to the U.S. any time soon. The reason: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards — also known as FMVSS — are fairly restrictive about low- and high-beam headlights (specifically, that there be two clear settings), and states require that drivers turn-off high-beam headlights for traffic in oncoming lanes. A system like this may follow the law in spirit — it won’t blind other drivers — but it is still technically driving with high beams on.

Source: Volvo

On This Day: Mazda Licenses Wankel Rotary Engine In 1961

Fifty-two years ago today, a Japanese firm by the name of Toyo Kogyo procured a license from a German company for a novel engine design. In those terms, it sounds relatively innocuous, but that move is precisely how Mazda first gained access to the legendary Wankel rotary engine.

The Wankel rotary is the handicraft of Dr. Felix Wankel, an engineer who worked in partnership with Germany’s NSU (which was later absorbed into Audi) to bring his piston-free engine to fruition. Wankel’s finalized design emerged in 1954, and passed durability tests in 1959. NSU not only began planning Wankel-powered cars and motorcycles of its own, but also licensed the technology to interested parties. Toyo Kogyo/ Mazda was the fourth firm to do so, but the first that intended on using the Wankel to propel a passenger vehicle. 

Mazda’s first car to utilize the Wankel was the vaunted Cosmo Sport. Development of the jet-inspired two-seat coupe began in early 1963, despite the fact Mazda’s second-generation Wankel design – a 798-cc, two-rotor engine dubbed the L8A — wasn’t fully ready until July of 1963. Mazda showed the car at the 1963 Tokyo Motor Show along with both the L8A and a single-rotor variant with half the displacement. 

Series production of the Cosmo Sport 110S didn’t start for another four years. In the interim, Mazda continued to build and showcase a number of Wankel-powered Cosmo Sport models as it perfected the design. In 1966, the L10 two-rotor, which displaced 982cc and offered 110 hp, was locked in for the production car. Mazda built another 60-80 development cars before series production finally commenced on May 30, 1967. Cosmo Sport production ran all of five years, resulting in roughly 1500 production vehicles.

Over the past 45 years, Mazda stuck the Wankel in a number of different vehicles, including small family sedans, luxury coupes, LeMans racers, and even compact pickup trucks. Still, Mazda’s rotary is perhaps best known as the hallmark of its RX-7 and RX-8 sports coupes. The RX-7 debuted in 1978, ran three generations, and was phased out in 2002. The larger RX-8 debuted in 2004, and was on sale until production – along with that of the RX-8's Renesis rotary engine – ended in late 2012. Although many automakers licensed Wankel’s design at one time or another, it’s safe to say Mazda stuck with the technology the longest.

Will the Wankel continue to live on at Mazda? The termination of the RX-8 and the Renesis are largely blamed on the engine’s inability to meet increasingly stringent fuel economy and emission standards around the globe. Mazda officials continue to say they’d like to reintroduce the Wankel — complete with new tricks and technologies to boost its efficiency – as it’s a key part of Mazda’s identity, but we keep hearing that possibility is still five years away at the very least. 

 Source: Mazda

Feature Flick: Peering into the Petersen Automotive Museum’s Vault

Written by: Christian Seabaugh [G+] on February 26 2013 12:00 PM

This week on The J-Turn, Jessi Lang visits the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles to check out the museum’s underground vault, which holds more than 200 rare cars including the 1952 Ferrari 212/225 Spyder that Enzo Ferrari gave as a gift to Henry Ford II.

Lang meets with Petersen representative Lesley Kendal, who shares a little bit of the history behind the museum. The museum was founded by Robert E. Petersen, the man who created both Motor Trend, and Hot Rod. As Kendal explains, the museum only has room to show about 150 cars in the exhibits upstairs, so it keeps the more than 250 other cars in the collection locked in the vault downstairs.

Kendal then walks us through some of the more special cars in the Petersen vault. The first car the two examine is a 1939 Bugatti Type 57C. This supercharged I-8-powered Bugatti has an interesting history: it was given as a gift from France to the Shah of Iran after he got married. Next, they check out a 1913 Mercer Type 35-J, which Kendal explains was the supercar of the day. While the two are in the vault we also get a peek at a few other interesting cars, like Petersen’s old hot rods, a vintage Rolls-Royce coupe, and even the pink Honda S2000 from 2 Fast 2 Furious.

Check out the latest episode of The J-Turn below.

Chrysler February 2013 Sales Rise Four Percent, Best February Since 2008

Chrysler Group reported that its monthly sales rose four percent year-over-year to 139,015 units. Although Chrysler’s trucks (including SUVs) saw sales fall eight percent, the loss was more than compensated by a 32-percent year-over-year car sales gain. Last month was Chrysler Group’s best February sales result since 2008.

Winner: Dodge Dart

After an extremely slow start last year, the Dart managed to sell 7720 cars last month, the best result since the Dart launched in June 2012, and up from just 7154 sales in January. That brings total Dart sales since last June to 40,177 sedans.

Winners: Dodge Avenger, Chrysler 200

The twinned midsize sedans (the 200 also is offered as a convertible) both set February sales records. The Avenger enjoyed a year-over-year boost of 52 percent to sell 9980 units, while the 200 recorded 11,446 sales for an 18 percent gain compared to February 2012.

Winner: Dodge Challenger

Think the days of big, heavy muscle cars are over? Think again — the Dodge Challenger had its best sales month ever, with sales jumping 34 percent to 4911 units. Sales of the Charger sedan were also strong, up 41 percent to 10,301 units.

Loser: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Usually the Jeep brand’s top-selling nameplate, sales of the Grand Cherokee were 26 percent off last year’s pace at just 9439 units. But the automaker says there is no reason for concern: switching factories over to produce the new 2014 Grand Cherokee will result in fewer new vehicles available for customers. “We expect to get our inventory gaps corrected over the next 90 days,” Chrysler head of U.S. sales Reid Bigland said in a statement.

Losers: Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country

For a company that likes to claim it invented the minivan, neither of its minivans sold very well last month. The Dodge Grand Caravan saw sales slip 18 percent to 10,415 units, while the Town & Country fell 10 percent to 8614 sales. At the same time, the Dodge Journey and Durango crossovers both enjoyed healthy sales gains, of 21 and 38 percent, respectively.

Loser: Chrysler 300

The big luxury sedan suffered a 35-percent sales tumble to move only 5023 examples last month. That can’t be solely attributed to drivers avoiding rear-wheel-drive luxury cars in winter, either: Chrysler says a full 20 percent of 300 sales were all-wheel-drive models.

Source: Chrysler

Tuner Thursday: More New Mansory Parts For The Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Should your brand-spankin’ new Mercedes-Benz G-Class not stand out from the oil baron/ oligarch/ Real Housewives crowd you run with, we have good news. Mansory, the Swiss tuner known for excess and retina-searing paint schemes, has a range of dress-up parts to help you personalize your G. 

Technically, Mansory’s always offered a number of similar parts for the hallowed Gelandewagen, but it’s now cranking out accessories for the latest iteration of the W463-series range, which launched last year. Many of these parts are similar to what Mansory previously offered – the grille insert, for instance, is split with a single bar of carbon fiber, ditches Benz’s three-pointed star, yet retains the logo’s circular surround. The front bumper vaguely resembles those used on the AMG-tuned G63 and G65 models, but with a trapezoidal-shaped center aperture, additional LED running lamps in the outer openings, and a carbon fiber lower lip.

Speaking of carbon fiber, we’d be remiss not to mention the custom carbon fiber hood, or the dozens of other exterior baubles crafted from the composite material. Mansory’s A-pillar spats? Carbon fiber. Mirror caps? Carbon fiber. Rear lamp surrounds, rear diffuser, and an odd roof spoiler that wraps around the rear drip rail? All carbon fiber.

Mansory says its modifications for the G’s slender cabin are “limitless,” but limits photography to a single shot of the center console, where we see a new shift knob enveloped with – what else? – carbon fiber. The tuner says aluminum sport pedals are also available, as is unique leather trim for seating surfaces, dash trim, and door panels.

Is this wild? Perhaps to some, but we can’t help but feel a little underwhelmed with the completed package. Maybe we’re just jaded,  but when the factory in Graz can shoehorn twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12s into G65 AMGs on a regular basis, a tuner – especially one known for being as guano as Mansory – needs to go above and beyond and skip directly to peyote-grade crazy. At least Brabus, with its 800-hp Widestar package for the G65, appears to understand…

Source: Mansory 

GM Hires New Chief Marketing Officer, Pushes Back Against Pay Increase Allegations

General Motors found itself at the center of a small storm this morning when it was suggested that CEO Dan Akerson’s pay package would grow for 2013. It’s a tiff that otherwise overshadowed GM’s other major move, installing a new Chief Marketing Officer who previously worked for Volkswagen.

The Detroit News reported yesterday that General Motors was planning to up CEO Dan Akerson’s compensation from $9 million to $11.1 million, an increase of more than 20 percent. The source: documents filed by GM (still partially owned by the federal government) ahead of a congressional hearing on executive pay.

General Motors fired back in a curt press release this morning, claiming that the reports are “false” and that the story was a result of “someone who obviously did not understand the compensation [leaking] the information that misrepresented the truth.” Detroit News writer David Shepardson doubled down this morning, saying that the documents still show the bottom line as $11.1 million, but it’s a result of restricted stock options becoming unrestricted. In essence, Akerson’s pay increases because stock given to him in 2011 can now be cashed in, although his $1.7 million cash base pay remains the same. That $1.7 million cash figure, it should be said, was approved for 2012 by the Troubled Asset Relief Program administrators (a condition of the 2009 automotive bailout). GM still maintains that the number—as it pertains to TARP—is $9 million.

For the record, Akerson is paid much, much less than his counterparts in Auburn Hills and Dearborn, a direct result of GM’s government ownership. Fiat/Chrysler head Sergio Marchionne made $22.2 million last year, while Ford (which took no TARP funds and didn’t file for bankruptcy) paid CEO Alan Mulally $29.5 million.

Forgetting about the executive pay mess for a second, GM did score a “big get” in hiring Tim Mahoney to be its new Chief Marketing Officer. Mahoney was previously the Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Volkswagen for the last two years, and before that worked for Subaru and Porsche. It’s worth mentioning that all three brands are known for their great on-point marketing, which should reflect well on Mahoney.

Mahoney is now tasked with coordinating General Motors’ global marketing efforts, including working with Commonwealth, a joint-venture between advertising superstars Goodby, Silverstein & Partners and McCann Erickson Worldwide. Commonwealth was selected in early 2012 to service GM’s advertising and marketing around the world. He’s also tasked with working on Chevrolet’s major new campaign, Find New Roads.

Sources: General Motors, Detroit News, Twitter

Geneva 2013: KTM X-Bow GT Adds Wraparound Windshield, Wipers

Written by: Jake Holmes [G+] on February 28 2013 7:28 AM

The stripped-out, go-kart-like KTM X-Bow has a big problem. Although a competent track toy, the X-Bow’s lack of a windshield, windows, and roof make it a pain to drive in anything other than warm, dry weather. Enter the X-Bow GT, which is headed to next week’s Geneva Motor Show with a big wraparound windshield, windshield wipers, a heater, and rudimentary doors.

We take some issue with the use of the GT moniker — it’s often used to mean Gran Turismo, signifying a comfortable and luxurious performance machine. Still, the car will be significantly more usable than a standard KTM X-Bow. The presence of doors and windows will make the KTM X-Bow a more useful tool for road driving, rather than simply a fair-weather toy best used for track days.

The GT model will reportedly continue to use the 2.0-liter turbo-four Audi engine of other versions; the X-Bow Street and Clubsport extracts 237 hp from that engine, while the R model manages 296 hp.

Although the KTM X-Bow is not officially sold in the U.S., an importer named British Racing Group LLC will help interested buyers import them as kit cars. No word on if the GT pack will also make its way stateside.

Sources: KTM, Autocar

Report: Former Porsche Designer Hired By Chery Automobile

Written by: Jake Holmes [G+] on February 26 2013 8:00 AM

Chinese automaker Chery Automobile has hired a former Porsche designer to lead its Shanghai design center. Bloomberg reports that Chery hired 47-year-old Hakan Saracoglu from Porsche in October 2012.

Saracoglu, born in Turkey but a German national, reportedly worked on projects including the Porsche 918 Spyder, Boxster, and Cayman. Before joining Porsche in 1998, he worked at Ford in Germany on the Focus, Puma, and Mondeo. In his new role with Chery, Saracoglu will reportedly lead a team of 30 designers and is tasked with creating auto-show concept cars encompassing everything from sedans to SUVs. Chery also co-owns startup Qoros Auto, which will show a production-ready sedan and two concept cars at the Geneva Motor Show.

Several Chinese automakers have recruited design talent from overseas companies in recent years. Bloomberg says that Beijing Automotive Group hired former Ferrari Daytona designer Leonardo Fioravanti, Great Wall Motor Co. hired former Mercedes-Benz stylist Andreas Deufel in 2011, and Zhejiang Geely Holding hired former Volvo designer Peter Horbury.

There is precedent for an Asian automaker hiring a European stylist to revamp its image. Kia hired Peter Schreyer from Audi in 2006, tasking him with reinventing the company’s design language and styling. He was so successful that, in addition to being named our 2012 Man of the Year, Schreyer recently was appointed the first non-Korean president in the history of Kia Motors.

The Chinese-market Chery Fulwin 2 and Chery Riich M1 EV are pictured.

Source: Bloomberg

Feature Flick: Stolen Mustard Ignites Rolls-Royce Car Chase

Written by: Jake Holmes [G+] on February 26 2013 10:00 AM

What would compel two otherwise ordinary gentlemen, and their chauffeurs, to race and fight in classic Rolls-Royce sedans? According to this new sepia-tinged commercial, the theft of Grey Poupon Dijon mustard would be more than enough cause.

The new ad for Grey Poupon picks up where the original 1980s clip left off. When one polite gentleman asks a passing motorist to borrow some mustard — and then drives off without returning it — the chase is on. The two Rolls-Royces dice through a golf course and slither through an urban street as their occupants duel with words, golf clubs, and special weapons. Those bespoke weapons are suited only to the most discerning of clientele: a gun that fires champagne corks and an oil slick device that spreads caviar on the roadway.

Sadly for fans of classic British cars, the two Rolls-Royce sedans used in the commercial meet an unfortunate end after the chase concludes. But we won’t spoil the fun — the new commercial, along with its original version and several “behind the scenes” clips, are embedded below.

Source: YouTube

Original commercial:

Trailer and behind-the-scenes interviews:

NHTSA Investigating 561,000 Toyota Prius Hybrids

Written by: Donny Nordlicht [G+] on February 26 2013 11:00 AM

The Toyota Prius is coming under fire once again for its steering. Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating an improperly installed steering shaft that could cause the Prius to lose steering control.

It is the second-generation of the hybrid – from 2004 to 2009 model years – that is currently under fire. Fox News is reporting that NHTSA is looking into a petition filed by Reston, Virginia-based Automotive Systems Analysis that had discovered the upper steering shaft of a 2005 Toyota Prius to have come loose from the electric power steering column.

According to NHTSA, there is just one complaint that has been filed with the agency regarding a failure of the steering column, but there are currently two other complaints on the agency’s websites citing issues with the steering and steering column being replaced under warranty. All of the complaints filed, along with ASA’s petition, state that drivers have lost control of steering control while driving. This investigation does not necessarily mean that there be a recall, though Fox News states that a recall could potentially affect some 561,000 vehicles.

Toyota recalled the 2004-2009 Prius last fall to repair steering shaft splines that could wear or deform over time. Dealers inspected and, if necessary, replaced the splines. The new investigation is similar, but different – it concerns the entire steering shaft assembly.

Source: Fox News

Geneva 2013: Land Rover Testing Electric Version Of Defender

Written by: Jake Holmes [G+] on February 28 2013 1:30 PM

The Land Rover Defender is a time-tested off-road machine, built for tromping through the roughest terrain available. Now, though, Land Rover is tentatively bringing the old-school SUV into the 21st century with a prototype electric powertrain.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover will introduce a fleet of seven electric Defenders that will be used for research and development purposes. There are no firm plans to put the car into production at this time — an all-new Defender is due in about two years — but the lessons learned from these cars could trickle down to future production Land Rover models.

Instead of the usual diesel engine, these Defenders use an electric motor that produces 94 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Power comes from a 27-kWh lithium-ion battery. The Defender’s usual four-wheel-drive system is in place but its transmission has been removed, as the electric motor’s low torque requires only a single drive gear.

While it has a driving range of only 50 miles, Land Rover says that in typical low-speed, off-road driving, the Defender’s battery would be enough for about eight hours’ of use. It can be fully recharged by a fast charger in four hours or by a standard charger in ten hours.

Switching to electric propulsion adds about 904 pounds to the weight of a Defender.Land Rover has put the electric fleet through the sorts of tests not normally used on zero-emissions cars: towing a 26,455-pound trailer up a hill, and fording 31.5 inches of standing water. (Clearly the electronics are well-insulated from moisture.)

“This project is acting as a rolling laboratory for Land Rover to assess electric vehicles, even in the most arduous all-terrain conditions,” Jaguar Land Rover research head Antony Harper said in a statement. “It gives us a chance to evolve and test some of the technologies that may one day be introduced into future Land Rover models.”

Source: Land Rover

Report: Cheaper Version Of Chevrolet Corvette Due For 2015

Written by: Jake Holmes [G+] on February 26 2013 1:00 PM

Want a 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray but wary of breaking the bank? Fear not: our colleagues at Motor Trend report that a cheaper model, possibly called the Corvette Coupe, will arrive for 2015.

Launching a slightly more affordable Chevrolet Corvette would help broaden the sports car’s appeal. It would drop the Stingray badges and names of the “real” Corvette (pictured) that bowed in Detroit, and it would use a less powerful engine. MT says to expect an aluminum, direct-injection 5.3-liter V-8 based on an engine from General Motors’ pickup trucks. It would produce significantly less than the 450 hp on tap in the regular Corvette’s 6.2-liter V-8.

The Chevrolet Coupe would also have unique front and rear fascias and aerodynamic parts to help distinguish it from its more expensive sibling. Expect a base price below $50,000.

MT says the Chevrolet Corvette Coupe could debut by 2015. First, we can expect to see the Corvette Stingray convertible next week at the Geneva Motor Show. MT also says we can expect both Z06 and ZR1 performance variants of the Corvette Stingray, potentially with 600 and 700 hp respectively.

Source: Motor Trend

Feature Flick: Searching for Fun With the Scion FR-S, Mazda MX-5 Miata

Written by: Jason Udy [G+] on February 28 2013 6:10 AM

The 2013 Scion FR-S and 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club are for those who value the driving experience over track times. On this Feature Flick, Carlos Lago and Kim Reynolds head to the canyons to search for the car that’s the most fun.

After throwing all the performance stats out the window, Lago evaluates the FR-S and Miata on canyon roads to see which sports car provides the most driving enjoyment. Despite the less pleasing induction sound, Lago is pleased with the FR-S’ back-to-basics focus as well as its controllable and flexible chassis. While the smaller Miata offers a more intimate driving experience, its good steering feel, noticeable body roll, and open top puts the focus on each moment.

Without a clear winner, Lago returns to the track to ask Reynolds to help him determine the better sports car. Reynolds reluctantly agrees to take both cars around the figure-eight without any vehicle- or heart-rate-monitoring equipment. So which Japanese four-cylinder sports car do they prefer? Watch the video to find out and share your thoughts below.