CARS

KTM X-Bow Concept

2007-03-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

The KTM X-Bow’s long-stroking, four-valve engine delivers a powerful performance: 221 lb-ft of torque peaks at a level between 2200 and 4000 rpm. The peak performance of 220 bhp is achieved at 5900 rpm. Even more powerful engine variations in the 300-horsepower range are planned at a later date.
The drive unit package is complemented by a manual 6-gear transmission, which is also made by VW and can be equipped with a limited-slip differential if so desired. An optional S tronic transmission will also be offered. The drive comes from the rear wheels.

The First KTM Sports Car in Company's 50-year History

An aggressive design and sporty potential: the X-Bow is not merely a milestone in the KTM brand’s more than 50-year history, it’s also a new citation in the small, but elite segment of radical, lightweight sports cars. This exceptional position is the result of the concept: for their first car, KTM employs the finest materials, high-tech and the know-how of respected development partners such as Audi and Dallara. The result is a street-homologated sports car with racing technology, like an avantgarde, carbon-fiber monocoque. Thanks to the basic version’s light weight and the 220 bhp Audi TFSI engine, the performance values of the KTM X-Bow outstrip those of super-sport cars with more than twice the power: with a deadweight of approx. 1543 lbs, the KTM X-Bow accelerates to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

But the X-Bow isn’t just a racing machine, even if it is going to accomplish spectacular performance feats on racing circuits. With its modern technologies and exceptional solutions, it’s much more oriented towards sporty drivers who seek a purist’s driving experience. By foregoing electronic assistants and today’s standard comfort features, the X-Bow offers an unfiltered adventure – aided by its standalone wheels in the style of monoposto racing cars, transparent technology and the car’s reduced concept, i.e. no roof, doors or windscreen. The sports car has only a 70-millimeter, transparent wind deflector. With all these unique features, driving the KTM X-Bow becomes an experience with an immediacy that otherwise can only be felt when riding a motorcycle.

Carbon-fiber Monocoque: Racing Know-how from Dallara

Carbon-fiber monocoques have been the Formula 1’s safety net for years. On the road, this technology was formerly reserved for the elitist, super sports cars in the highest price classes. KTM would now like to be the first to offer this solution in a much more affordable environment.

KTM has thereby been able to call upon the expertise of its development partner, Dallara. These specialists from Varano (near Parma) in Northern Italy have long been acclaimed as carbon technology experts, from the conception to the production of components made of this light, yet rigid material. The monocoque developed for the KTM X-Bow is not only extremely robust it is also safe, thanks to an integrated crashbox. And yet it weighs only about 70 kilos and is therefore a crucial factor in the vehicle’s spectacular performance.

The Engine: TFSI Technology from Audi

KTM was able to gain Audi AG as its partner in developing the drive unit. The four-cylinder TFSI engine represents the X-Bow’s construction principles in an ingenious way: by featuring lightweight, high-performance and intelligent technologies.

The engine’s outstanding attribute is its gasoline direct injection technology, FSI. In this case, it’s combined with an exhaust turbocharger plus an intercooler. Thanks to FSI, the engine can utilize fuel better than one with ordinary intake manifold injection and it even gets by on less fuel in the frequently used partial load range.

The KTM X-Bow’s long-stroking, four-valve engine delivers a powerful performance: 221 lb-ft of torque peaks at a level between 2200 and 4000 rpm. The peak performance of 220 bhp is achieved at 5900 rpm. Even more powerful engine variations in the 300-horsepower range are planned at a later date.

The drive unit package is complemented by a manual 6-gear transmission, which is also made by VW and can be equipped with a limited-slip differential if so desired. An optional S tronic transmission will also be offered. The drive comes from the rear wheels.

The Aerodynamics: Exceptional Contact Pressure

The primary development goal for the KTM X-Bow was not attaining extreme final velocities, but in optimizing the driving dynamics. The sports car is thereby aided by an ingenious aerodynamics arrangement, the result of many hours in Dallara’s wind tunnel. The most vital element in this area is the underbody, which is equipped with a prominent diffuser at the rear. To make this diffuser work even more effectively, the linking points for the rear suspension were set as high as possible. This enables the KTM X-Bow to achieve a phenomenal downforce of about 200 kilograms at a speed of 126 mph – about three times more than most other super sports cars.

In combination with the high-performance chassis, this fantastic downforce makes extreme curve speeds possible. The transversal acceleration of 1.23 g that can thus be attained noticeably surpasses the usual values achieved by street homologated sports cars.

A decision will be made concerning the small-series production of the KTM X-Bow by the end of April 2007.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

2007-03-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is currently the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407.5 km/h or 253.2 mph). It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS in its Molsheim (Alsace, France) factory and is sold under the legendary French Bugatti marque. It is named after French racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm.

Specifications

The Veyron features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders, or the equivalent of two narrow-angle V8 engines mated in a "V" configuration. Each cylinder has 4 valves, for a total of 64, but the narrow V8 configuration allows two camshafts to drive two banks of cylinders so only 4 camshafts are needed. The engine is fed by four turbochargers, and it displaces 8.0 L (7,993 cc/488 in³) with a square 86 by 86 mm bore and stroke.

Putting this power to the ground is a dual-clutch DSG computer-controlled manual transmission with 7 gear ratios via shifter paddles behind the steering wheel boasting an 8 ms shift time. The Veyron can be driven by full automatic transmission. The Veyron also features full-time all-wheel drive developed by UK based Ricardo helping to transfer power to the road. It uses special Michelin run-flat tires designed specifically for the Veyron to accommodate the vehicle's top speed.

The car's wheelbase is 2710 mm (106.3 in). Overall length is 4462 mm (175.8 in). It measures 1998 mm (78.7 in) wide and 1206 mm (47.5 in) tall.

Curb weight is estimated at 4,160 lb (1890 kg). This gives the car a power to weight ratio of 529 bhp/tonne.

The Bugatti Veyron has a total of 10 radiators.

* 3 radiators for the engine cooling system.
* 1 heat exchanger for the air to liquid intercoolers.
* 2 for the air conditioning system.
* 1 transmission oil radiator.
* 1 differential oil radiator.
* 1 engine oil radiator.
* 1 hydraulic oil radiator for the spoiler.

Performance

Top speed was initially promised to be 252 mph (406 km/h), but test versions were unstable at that speed, forcing a redesign of the aerodynamics. In May 2005, a prototype Veyron tested at a Volkswagen track near Wolfsburg, Germany, and recorded an electronically limited top speed of 400 km/h (249 mph).

The Veyron is the quickest production car to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) with an estimated time of 2.5 seconds. It also reaches 200 and 300 km/h (124 and 186 mph) in 7.3 and 16.7 seconds respectively. This makes the Veyron the quickest-accelerating production car in history. It also consumes more fuel than any other production car, using 40.4 L/100 km (5.82 mpg) in city driving and 24.1 L/100 km (10 mpg) in combined cycle. At full-throttle, it uses more than 125 L/100 km (2.1 mpg), which would empty its 100 L fuel tank in just 12.5 minutes. The car's everyday top speed is listed at 234 mph (377 km/h). When the car reaches 137 mph (220 km/h), hydraulics lower the car until it has a ground clearance of about 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm). At the same time, the wing and spoiler deploy. This is the "handling" mode, in which the wing helps provide 770 pounds (3425 newtons) of downforce, holding the car to the road. The driver must, using the key, toggle the lock to the left of his seat in order to use the maximum speed of 253.2 miles per hour (407.5 km/h). Theoretically it can go faster but it is electronically limited to 253.2 miles per hour (407.5 km/h) to prevent tire damage. The key functions only when the vehicle is at a stop when a checklist then establishes whether the car—and its driver—are ready to enable 'top speed' mode. If all systems are go, the rear spoiler retracts, the front air diffusers close and the ground clearance, normally 4.9 inches (12.4 cm), drops to 2.6 inches (6.6 cm).

Roadster 3.2 TURBO

2007-03-31T19:51:00.000-07:00

Engine: 3.2 liter V6
Aspiration: natural & turbocharged
HP: 255 hp & 355hp
HP/Liter: 79.7 & 110.9 hp per liter
0-62 mph: 3.9 seconds (turbo)

If you like fast and fancy cars, you definitely need to give the YES! Roadster 3.2 Turbo a look. In fact, give it two looks. I’ve never heard of the YES! Car company before, but they sure have produced one heck of a set of wheels.

The Roadster 3.2 has a turbocharged 3.2L V6 engine that is larger than its predecessors. This engine gives 255-355hp, that gives the driver 0 to 60 in just 3.9 seconds. The rear wing spoiler is designed to bring this fast vehicle safely to the streets.

This car has probably the best use of chrome and leather on the market. Apparently, this car demands “complete” concentration to drive. Be warned, though: you may be distracted looking for cops driving this speeding ticket-magnet.

Jaguar 2007 XKR Coupe

2007-03-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

Jaguar has announced the pricing of the mouth watering 2007 XKR Coupe and Convertible, so start saving up guys! The new 2007 XKR is stunning piece of workmanship and includes advanced aluminum chassis, refined transmission and superior sporting exterior and interior styling cues. It includes a 420bhp supercharged AJ-V8 engine and is a perfect amalgamation of style and performance.

For those who want something extra can opt for the Luxury Package which includes, soft-grain leather, leather-trimmed instrument panel and 16-way power seats with adjustable bolsters. Then there is the Premium Sound Package for all the audiophiles out there as it offers an eight-speaker, 525-watt surround sound Alpine Premium Dolby ProLogic(R) II system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The 2007 XKR Coupe would retail for $86,500 (USD) and the 2007 XKR Convertible for $92,500 (USD). For a complete look at the pricing, check out the extended entry below.

2007 Jaguar XKR At-A-Glance Highlights

* New supercharged Jaguar XK sports car the XKR, available as
a Coupe or Convertible
* All the attractions and attributes of the XK, but amplified in the 'R'
to complement the extra power and performance
* 4.2-liter, supercharged V8 engine developing 420bhp and 413 lb.-ft.
(560Nm) of torque
* 0-60mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds and 155mph (electronically limited)
top speed
* All-aluminum construction means a lighter, stiffer vehicle, which
improves handling and agility
* Uprated springs and dampers, and recalibrated Computer Active
Technology Suspension (CATS) system for enhanced ride and handling
* Class-leading six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-
mounted shift paddles for ultra-quick gear shifts in milliseconds
* Active Exhaust System to ensure cruising speed refinement, but
purposeful V8 roar under hard acceleration
* Subtle XKR exterior styling enhancements include a sportier grille and
front bumper design, vented hood, unique aluminum-effect side power
vents and new wheel designs
* Enhanced interior includes unique aluminum 'weave' design on the fascia
(polished burl walnut is optional at no extra cost) and XKR sports
seats
* Intuitive controls and driver-focused technologies are available --
including Keyless Entry, Keyless Start, advanced Touchscreen and Active
Front Lighting

2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom

2007-03-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

HYBRID CARS 2007

2007-03-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid / GMC Yukon Hybrid
A hybrid version of the Cadillac Escalade will go on sale sometime in the first half of 2007 as a 2008 model. It will likely use a smaller, more economical V8 than the Escalade's standard 6.2-liter unit, hooked up with a two-mode hybrid system that will also be used in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Fuel economy gains of 25 percent in city driving are likely, with smaller gains on the highway

Saturn Vue Green Line
While the Saturn Vue's basic design has been around for a while, the Vue Green Line's high-tech powertrain makes it considerably more attractive. With GM's Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) hybrid system, the Green Line pairs a frugal 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator system, together making about 170 hp. Despite being a truncated hybrid system, preliminary EPA estimates of 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway are impressive, as is the $23,000 base price.

Saturn Aura Green Line
The Aura Green Line will feature a 164-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor/generator. This setup, which is the same as on the soon-to-be-replaced 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line compact SUV, cannot run on battery power alone. The system will boost fuel economy by 25 percent versus a Saturn Aura XE by shutting down the gasoline engine during temporary stops and upon deceleration, as well as by supplementing the gas engine during full-throttle acceleration. Production will likely begin in March.

2008 Lexus LS 600h L
While European luxury automakers put out increasingly powerful and gas-guzzling V12 engines, Lexus has opted for a hybrid powertrain in its new top model. The LS 600h L features the world's first full-hybrid V8, a 5.0-liter engine mated to two electric motors. Together they deliver 430 hp to all four wheels. The car debuts as a 2008 model and will only be sold in a long-wheelbase version.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
The redesigned Ford Escape boasts a higher hood and beltline for a more rugged look. The interior features seats made entirely of post-industrial, recycled materials and a suite of airbags. This is the first Ford to use the automaker's new Ice Blue dashboard lighting color scheme. The Hybrid carries a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, drawing 155 combined hp; the non-hybrid is a 2.3-liter V6 generating 153 hp

Hottest SUVs for 2007

2007-03-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

Toyota FJ Cruiser
The midsize FJ Cruiser’s retro-modern design is loosely inspired by the original FJ Land Cruisers that helped establish Toyota in the U.S. during the 1960s. It mates a flashy and fashionable exterior with rugged, proven off-road underpinnings from the Toyota 4Runner. The new FJ is powered by a 239-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission and comes in both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions. As the FJ is geared toward younger buyers, it’s only available in a two-door body style with smaller, rear-hinged half-doors that ease access to the backseat.

Saturn Vue Green Line
While the Saturn Vue’s basic compact-SUV design has been around for a while, the Vue Green Line’s high-tech gas/electric hybrid powertrain and low price relative to other SUVs make it attractive. The Vue Green Line pairs a frugal 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor/generator system, together making about 170 hp, with a four-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates rank the Vue Green Line at an impressive 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway — the best highway mileage of any SUV. Starting at around $23,000, it promises to be quite a bargain, as well.

Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG
It’s hard to definitively label Mercedes-Benz’s R-Class — Mercedes-Benz calls it a “Grand Sports Tourer” — but the R63 AMG is certainly one of the quickest SUVs or wagons, or whatever it is. With a new 503-hp 6.3-liter V8 engine (shared with the M63 AMG), a seven-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, the big R63 AMG can dash to 60 mph in about five seconds. And despite weighing around 5,000 pounds, the Airmatic suspension system and huge brakes allow the big R-Class to handle more like a sport sedan than other vehicles of its heft.

Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
Highway patrol officers not attuned to what visually differentiates the ML63 AMG from the mild-mannered ML350 SUV — flared fenders, big polished wheels and twin chromed exhausts — might overlook the law-breaking potential of this SUV’s 503-hp 6.3-liter V8 engine. With a seven-speed automatic and a revised version of the ML-Class’ all-wheel-drive system (delivering 40 percent of the power to the front and 60 percent to the rear wheels) to aid high-speed maneuvering and stability, the ML63 accelerates to 60 mph faster than many sports cars (less than five seconds). And a specially tuned version of the Airmatic suspension provides better handling and more agility than other ML models. Shhh.

Mercedes-Benz GL450
Mercedes-Benz’s new full-size SUV seems poised to compete with large American SUVs that have dominated the SUV segment for years. Looking like a larger, slightly boxier version of the midsize M-Class, the new GL-Class has different, more passenger-friendly underpinnings than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator (built with car-like unibody construction rather than on a truck frame). The new GL450 has a 335-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive and an adjustable air suspension are standard, and a power-folding third-row seat conceals beneath the cargo floor.

Lincoln Navigator
The Ford Expedition’s very luxurious sibling, the Lincoln Navigator, sees a complete redesign for 2007 and a new stretched L version like the Expedition EL. The interior is significantly quieter than before, and upscale appointments include Dark Ebony or Anigre wood trim with satin-nickel and chrome accents and cool white lighting. There’s also an available 600-watt premium audio system with 14 speakers. Power-folding running boards, a popular option on the former Navigator, return with an improved design. A power-folding third-row seat is optional and the front seats are 10-way adjustable with built-in heating and cooling. All Navigators have a 300-hp 5.4-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Lincoln MKX
Replacing the truck-based Aviator, the new MKX is a luxurious, car-based SUV with a stunning interior. The exterior may be rather understated, but the inside is accented with real wood and satin-nickel trim, cool white lighting and two cushy rows of seating for five. Options include a big “Vista Roof” sunroof with power sunshades. A 250-hp 3.5-liter aluminum V6 and six-speed automatic transmission is mated to a road-oriented all-wheel-drive system. The MKX is based on the Ford Edge.

2008 Land Rover LR2
Set to replace the now-discontinued Freelander, the new LR2 follows the design direction used by the recently released LR3 and Range Rover Sport. It will likely provide a much more car-like driving experience, without giving up much or any off-road ability. A 230-hp 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine will be standard, along with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Interior appointments will include high-end audio and navigation options.

GMC Yukon Denali
The full-size Yukon is completely redesigned for 2007, with a more comfortable interior and improved performance and refinement. It’s still based on a heavy-duty truck frame for serious towing and hauling capabilities. The new Yukon is nearly identical to the Chevrolet Tahoe, while the Yukon XL is equivalent to the Suburban. A 290-hp 4.8-liter V8 is standard on rear-wheel-drive models, while the 4WD and XL models get the 320-hp 5.3-liter V8. At the top is the luxurious Denali with an upgraded 380-hp 6.2-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic with tow mode and many extras.

Ford Expedition / Expedition EL
The redesigned Expedition takes some styling cues from the latest F-150 pickup on the outside. Inside, it’s completely reconfigured and more spacious, with fold-flat second- and third-row seats. There’s also an improved, five-link independent rear suspension for a smoother ride with more control. All Expedition models are powered by a 300-hp 5.4-liter V8 engine paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum tow rating is 9,200 pounds. Top options include heated and cooled front seats and a new-generation navigation system. A new, stretched EL version replaces the discontinued jumbo-size Excursion.

Chrysler Aspen
Based on the Dodge Durango but with more-luxurious appointments and refined styling, the Aspen is a lower-priced, slightly smaller alternative to Cadillac’s Escalade and Lincoln’s Navigator. The Aspen is a bit more maneuverable than other full-size SUVs, yet it offers third-row seating and has a towing capacity that is in the same range as the other big trucks (up to 8,950 pounds). The Aspen gets either a 235-hp 4.7-liter V8 or a 335-hp 5.7-liter V8. Both engines are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission driving either two or all four wheels

Chevrolet Suburban
GM’s big Suburban, one of the oldest SUV model names and essentially a longer version of the Chevy Tahoe, keeps its familiar silhouette and similar dimensions but has become a little sleeker and aerodynamic. The interior has been completely redesigned and is more car-like, while the third-row seats now fold completely flat within the cargo floor. An optional power-folding feature for the second row allows it to stow away with the touch of a button. A 320-hp 5.3-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management is standard on the Suburban — and surprisingly economical for such a huge vehicle at 21 mpg highway — while a new 366-hp 6.0-liter V8 is optional.

Cadillac Escalade
Though based on the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon, the luxurious new Escalade (and extended-length ESV) is in another class altogether, with unique styling and a completely different interior. The plush cabin includes a power-folding second-row seat and a power-assisted rear liftgate. The Escalade gains nearly 60 hp versus last year’s model, with a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 delivering its power through a six-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, Cadillac is offering huge 22-inch wheels as a factory option.

2008 Buick Enclave
The first of a new generation of larger, car-like SUVs from General Motors, the Enclave is aimed at bringing more youthful buyers to the Buick, a company known for having one of the oldest buyer bases in the industry. The Enclave offers a classy, wood-trimmed interior with three rows of seating and will be powered by a 270-hp 3.6-liter V6 with all-wheel drive.

Acura RDX
The sleek RDX doesn’t stake any claims off-road, but it pitches to urbanites who want solid street performance, a roomy, high-style interior and ease of parking. Acura’s first-ever turbo engine, a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, makes 240 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque delivered through a paddle-shifted five-speed automatic and a performance-tuned, all-wheel-drive system. The high-tech interior includes a voice-activated navigation system and parking sensors, among other options.

Acura MDX
A new version of the popular MDX is larger and flashier than its more mundane-looking predecessor. Style-wise it takes after the smaller RDX. And like its sibling, the new MDX puts more of an emphasis on handling and performance than before. It’s 3.7-liter V6 puts out 300 hp and gets 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway.

Hottest Sports Cars for 2007

2007-03-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Saturn Sky
The sprightly Saturn Sky is a slightly better equipped and restyled version of General Motors' Pontiac Solstice. It features the same 177-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in base form and a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in a hotter Red Line version that should sprint to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Value is perhaps the best selling point for the Sky; with a starting price under $25,000, you don't have to spend a lot to get plenty of open-air thrills.

Porsche 911 Turbo
Despite being larger and more powerful than the car it replaces, the all-new 911 Turbo weighs 90 pounds less. It again features all-wheel drive for power delivery. It's 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder engine features variable-geometry turbochargers that boost output to 473 hp and 502 pound-feet of torque. Porsche claims a top speed of 193 mph and a zero-to-60-mph time of less than four seconds.

Porsche 911 Targa
The new 911 Targa offers open-air motoring without compromising structural integrity thanks to its sliding glass roof panel. The car will initially be offered with all-wheel drive as the Targa 4 and 4S. The former will feature the 325-hp 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, and the latter will come with a 355-hp 3.8-liter version.

Porsche 911 GT3
Based on the 911 GT3 RSR race car, the $106,000 911 GT3 brings racing technology to the street. A special version of Porsche's 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine produces 415 hp with a redline bumped up to 8,400 rpms. The six-speed transmission and suspension have been modified for all-out performance. Beginning next spring, an even more extreme GT3 RS will feature carbon-fiber components for reduced weight.

Pontiac Solstice GXP
The svelte Solstice gains a higher-output GXP variant for 2007. Its 260-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers nearly twice as much as power as the engine in the base model. A sport suspension, limited-slip rear differential, styling tweaks and various other performance improvements complete the package and transform the Solstice from a fun roadster into a serious sports car.

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640
Lamborghini takes its exotic, $350,000 Murciélago supercar even further over the top with a thoroughly reworked 640-hp 6.5-liter V12 engine, a retuned suspension and modified looks. The term "LP640" has been added to the name to denote the engine output and its longitudinal, rear position in the chassis (logitudinale posteriore, in Italian). A slick sequential-manual transmission and standard six-speed are available. Transparent glass panels showcase the engine for an added $7,200.

Jaguar XK/XKR
Jaguar's flashy and fast XK coupe and convertible are overdue but worthy replacements for the aging XK8. They offer a roomier, higher-quality interior, a more rigid body and improved powertrains. A 300-hp 4.2-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission are standard. The higher-performance XKR versions upgrade to a 420-hp, supercharged V8 and a stiffer suspension.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
The 599 GTB Fiorano is the latest in a long line of front-engine 12-cylinder Ferraris. Its 620-hp 6.0-liter V12 makes the 599 GTB the most powerful street-legal Ferrari ever — good for a sprint to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph, Ferrari says. Italian design house Pininfarina designed the aluminum body. It will be the first Ferrari to feature a self-adjusting suspension that uses magnetic currents to vary damping rates.

BMW Z4 M Coupe
The Z4 M Coupe is a higher-performance version of the standard Z4 Coupe and complements the Z4 M Roadster, which debuted for 2006. Like its ragtop twin, the M Coupe features the same 330-hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine as the vaunted M3, along with styling tweaks, a stiffer suspension, retuned steering system and other performance upgrades.

BMW Z4 Coupe
Based on the Z4 Roadster, the new Z4 Coupe appeals to sports- car purists who shun frou-frou convertibles yet value distinctive styling and practicality. The latter is thanks to a decent trunk, comfortable seats and good gas mileage from the car's 255-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel are both available.

Bentley Continental GTC

A sexy, new convertible version of Bentley's Continental GT features a soft fabric top that stows neatly under a leather-lined cover for a sleek top-down look. Bentley's usual impeccable interior treatment makes the Continental GTC's cabin a feast for the senses. And with a 552-hp W12 engine and all-wheel drive, it's sure to set the heart racing.

WORST CARS OF ALL TIME

2007-03-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

Malcolm Bricklin was Yugo's old importer in the U.S., and he wants to bring the vehicles back. Malcolm Bricklin also built a vehicle called the Bricklin SV-1 in New Brunswick, and they say that if he ever sets foot in New Brunswick again they will shoot him on sight. Yugos, priced below $4,000 when first introduced, came to America as a great benefit to comedians, and at the expense of value-conscious customers. The GV was Yugo's bread-and-butter model, and owners complained constantly about engine problems, steering problems, problems with the stereo, problems with the floor--basically, everything. What worked in a Yugo worked as poorly and cheaply as possible.

With names like Borgward and Wartburg, some cars made in postwar Germany just seem to shout "junk." The name Trabant carried connotations of greater ignobility; it was a poor man's Volkswagen, and Volkswagen itself used to cater to budget-minded buyers who expected quality problems. Trabants were built of a material called Duraplast, basically because its Sachsenring factory couldn't afford steel. Duraplast was resin reinforced with cotton fibers, and it made the Trabants look, feel and last like Soviet appliances.

you want to know what sank Renault in the U.S., look further back in history than Le Car. The Dauphine, one of the first postwar Renaults, was analogous to the first Hyundai Excel: high volume, newfangled and bad. Renault used to be one of the biggest car companies; the Dauphine, a populist vehicle that sold neck and neck with Volkswagen's Beetle for a time in the late 1950s, started a pattern of unacceptable engineering that almost killed the company. Here are some sample horsepower figures from Dauphines of the 1950s: 19, 32, 38. Folks, we're talking about taking half a minute to do 0-60 mph.

the time Pontiac killed its unprofitable Fiero after a four-year run, the vehicle was quite good. But GM spent a lot of money fixing a car that was billed originally as a fuel-efficient commuter car, when buyers expected it to be a high-end sports car. Whatever they may have been expecting, Fiero customers got a car that was initially unreliable. Pontiac issued 403 service bulletins on the '84 Fiero, plus a recall for engine fires. The vehicle had particular problems with driving in reverse--the gear would engage suddenly, or it wouldn't engage at all, or it would just do it very, very slowly.

GM had two famously bad engines in the early 1980s: one that could operate on four, six or eight cylinders, and an Oldsmobile diesel. While the "variable displacement" engine was a pioneering idea that is just coming back on cars, the worst it usually got was that owners would have to clip undercarriage wires to get away from malfunctioning four- and six-cylinder modes. Oldsmobile's 5.7-liter diesel, which appeared from 1979 to 1984 on the Delta 88, was a bigger problem--a converted gasoline engine that was just a disaster. It would "smoke," demonstrating "rough idle" and "reduced performance," according to service bulletins

There's a good reason that rotary engines never really caught on. Rotaries--which run in circles, unlike pistons, which run up and down--are like diesels; they had major problems early in life, creating a buying populace that to this date does not fully trust them. Mazda's RX-2, one of the first rotary-engine cars, had problems with catching on fire. It also raised the classic problems of rotary engines: bad fuel economy and emissions. Rotary seals would wear out early in an RX-2's life, leaking fuel and emissions along the way.

Early Honda Accord buyers were delighted to have a small car that looked and drove better than comparable American offerings. What they weren't so happy about were young Honda's Fiat-like quality problems; had they remained unaddressed, Honda may have gone the way of Fiat in this country. The first Accord's fenders would rust from the inside out. Pieces of interior trim would change color or fall off. An Accord owner might change his transmission five or six times, as he watched his primitive aluminum engine blow its gaskets.

"You don't want to talk about the Pinto," said a Ford official. "Leave that one in the cemetery." Apparently, Ford has not forgotten the lawsuits and the public relations disasters forged by its Pinto hatchback and sedan. The Pinto's famous safety flaw, of course, was that it was prone to blowing up if rear-ended. When people talk about how bad American small cars created an opportunity for the Japanese to come in and clean house in the 1970s and '80s, they are referring to vehicles like this (and see Chevrolet Vega, second slide).

The Edsel is an automotive punch line, but its mechanical underpinnings were pretty decent; the car just never sold. It was overly laden with features and overpriced; i.e., Ford asked customers what they wanted to see on cars, but not what they were willing to pay for. Then, of course, we have the fact that the vehicle's polarizing styling drove it off the market two years after it appeared. Think of the Pontiac Aztek in an era when cars were mechanically inferior to the way they are now.

For its Strada subcompact, Fiat was issuing service bulletins--instructions that manufacturers send to dealers about recurring problems--before the vehicle ever went on sale. Lawsuits over rust--and that must be some serious rust--helped drive Fiat out of the U.S., and the Strada was a particular stinker in this regard. Its floors, suspension, wheel arches and engine mounts had rust problems--to name a few parts. Not that the engines were even worth saving; the Strada's "range" began at 60 horsepower and topped out at 75.

Here was a car that had the potential to be totally awesome. The Citroën SM's half-covered rear wheel prefigured the look of Honda's Insight hybrid coupe, and while the SM's bizarre hydro-pneumatic suspension was years ahead of its time, it was poorly engineered and designed. The suspension would collapse. Its nitrogen and mineral oil would leak, and rubber seals on the suspension would wear down over time. Had you pressed the car to its absolute limits, the SM might have ended up riding on its axles

Early Vegas were poorly designed, and their aluminum engines failed constantly. The first time General Motors tested this car on the track, its front end reportedly broke off from the rest of the vehicle. When the Vega did reach the market, it was one of the most unabashedly no-frills cars in history. Starting at $2,090, the Vega offered little space with its 97-inch wheelbase (the distance from the center of the front wheel to the center of the rear) and had disturbingly little horsepower, 90, out of its four-cylinder engine.

Like the Chevrolet Vega on our list, AMC's Pacer was supposed to be fitted with a rotary engine--but both rotaries had technical problems late in their development (read: after incurring heavy research costs) that prevented them from seeing the light of day. Of course, both vehicles had plenty of problems that did reach production. The Pacer was a dud in terms of quality, execution and particularly styling. Make your own assessment about its bizarre proportions, but don't miss the one door that's bigger than the other

TOP TEN MOST BEAUTIFUL CARS OF ALL TIME

2007-03-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

The Jaguar E type, also known as the XK-E, was launched in 1961 and immediately became a major hit on the market. It combined not just performance and engineering excellence, but also a stunning design. An aerodynamics engineer, Malcolm Sayer, is the man to blame for this beauty. Many consider it probably the most beautiful production sports car

This elegant design is a result of a combined effort of Count Carlo Felice Trossi, who bought the chassis of the SSK in 1930, and an unknown English body worker, Wiilie White (coach-builder), who put Trossi's vision into reality. It has surely earned its name, the Black Prince. This magnificent car is in the famous Ralph Lauren car collection.

It is one of the fastest, the most expensive, the most powerful and the most beautiful cars of our time. Veyron holds the Bugatti car making tradition, which never failed in creating beautiful and stylish cars. Its aerodynamically structured body expresses a perfect union of luxurious and sportive elements. Bugatti, or Volkswagen-Audi Gruppe to be exact, wanted to show the world the capacity of automotive industry with Veyron. Such an engineering and design jewel is a phenomenon whose characteristics will not be available in any everyday car, but with its existence, Veyron makes the world a much better place for any automotive enthusiast.

When first describing it, the press used a special expression for this car - goute d'eau, a drop of water. Later it was translated as 'teardrop.' Goutte d'eau was a new term, an acknowledgment that the automobile's speed had crossed an invisible line where aerodynamic drag and stability began to influence performance as much as weight and power. Jaguars William Lyons once said: 'That car is positively indecent.'

It is the beauty and the beast at the same time. The provocative and futuristic Zonda design is the creation of Horacio Pagani, and is a result of the intense search for aerodynamic and ergonomic aesthetics linked to the need to create a sensational and exceptional car. It is wild and raw, and surely won't leave you indifferent. It is interesting that Horacio used his wife for a model during designing this car. And actually, when looked from above, Zonda really has the figure of a supermodel.

This car became more famous than ever after the Gone in 60 Seconds movie, where it got its name - Eleanor. The car in the movie was a modified version of 1967 GT500 and featured extensive external body upgrades. Since it became so popular, and it is obvious why, Shelby started production of Mustang GT-500Es. Everyone just went crazy for it. Even a couple of years after the movie, Eleanor is still exceptionally popular. In USA, there are a couple of workshops that offer outstanding Eleanor replicas with even more power than the original version had.

The name "Dino“ honours Dino (Alfredo) Ferrari, the son of Enzo Ferrari, who suggested his father developed a V6 racing engine for Formula 2 in the early 60s. He died before the car was finished, and Enzo, for the memory of his son, put the V6 into a mid-engined sports car and named it "Dino." Like all beautiful Ferraris, the Dino was designed by Pininfarina. The chief designer, Leonardo Fioravanti, gave Dino a very sexy, low shoulder body which was different from previous Ferrari designs and influenced the future models. By many, it is still the most beautiful Ferrari ever built.

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL is a two-seat, closed sports car with characteristic gull-wing or butterfly wing doors, which, when opened, resembled a bird's outstretched wings. This car definitely attracts attention and has a distinctive and unique appearance, but is not very practical or comfortable. Still, beauty comes first, and this one deserves its' title.

The list wouldn't be complete without the legendary Rolls-Royce. It is massive (the Phantom’s aluminium space frame is the largest of its kind ever built for automotive use) and every line and detail on this car screams power and elegance.

The DB4 Zagato appeared in 1960, and was produced for only two years. During that time, only 19 cars were built and all are still existing in the hand of Aston Martin enthusiasts. It was basically a DB4 GT improved by the Zagato factory, by Ercole Spada. Aston Martin wanted a series of DB4 GT's that would be lighter and more competitive racing against the Ferrari 250 GT's. In 1960 it contracted Zagato to build bodies for 19 chassis. What they have come up with is the most desirable Aston Martin ever - beautiful, yet aggressive. This car marked one of the most memorable chapters in Aston history.

Top 5 World’s Most Successful Cars Ever

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The making of Corolla started in 1966 when Japanese manufacturer decided to present a small compact car which integrates quality, style and cost-effectiveness of more prestigious models. During 40 years Corolla had as many as nine generations, and in 1997 it was the best selling car of all time. To the present day more than 35 million vehicles were sold and we can expect it to stay on the top in the future.

It is almost unbelievable that the second ranked in total sale is a pick-up vehicle. Even more impressive information is that this vehicle reached such a score only on North American territory. However, the most surprising is the fact that Ford’s F series is at present the best selling car in the world. Every year Ford sells almost a million cars, that is almost one vehicle every 30 seconds. So far, 25 million vehicles of the F series were sold.

Third ranked is second of two Volkswagens - Golf, which gained in popularity on a global scale through five generations, and to the present more than 24 million cars have been sold. The latest Volkswagen generation will once more try to win the American market, and its advantage is the fact that the American buyers are more and more oriented towards buying more cost-effective cars. Golf has been produced since 1974, and its sports GTI version recently celebrated its 30th birthday.

Volkswagen’s Beetle is the best selling car in history. Legend has it that Adolf Hitler himself drew its legendary shape on a paper towel. During almost 60 years, the incredible 21,529,464 Beetles were produced, which is particularly significant when taking into account the fact that during 60 years the Beetle had the same car body, with some mechanical changes. The original form of the Beetle was produced until 2003, when the last car left the Volkswagen factory in Mexico.

Ford Model T

With 16,500,000 sold cars, T model is the second best selling car in the world, but also much more than that. This is the first car manufactured by the so called assembly line manufacturing, which simplified the car making, and more importantly, made it cheaper and started more massive production. The famous line of the founder Henry Ford refers to T model: “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black” since, due to express production, no other color could dry as fast as black.

LEAN AND GREEN: 1997

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1997 : Car Manufacturers get green

Manufacturers have acknowledged that oil reserves will dry up in the future. They’re now developing engines that use more than one fuel source – hybrid engines.

Honda and Toyota initially introduced their petrol/electric hybrids to the Japanese market, before releasing them in America and Europe in 2002.

SAFE STOPPING: DISTANCE DECREASED 1978

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1978 : Safe stopping distance decreased

The first antilock braking systems (ABS) were developed for automobiles by German manufacurers, Bosch. They first appeared in trucks and cars made by Mercedes-Benz.

ABS brakes to allow the driver to maintain steering control and to shorten braking distances.

ENERGY CRISIS 1973

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1973 : Energy crisis

After the Arab oil Embargo beginning in October 1973, oil prices rocketed causing a world shortage. Though it was lifted a year later, the effect was explosive – especially in America, where huge gas-guzzling cars were the norm. Fuel economy was suddenly something to consider when buying a car.

EMISSION REGULATIONS INTRODUCED, SO WAS SEAT BELTS 1965

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1965 : Emissions regulations introduced

Controls on harmful emissions initially introduced in California, the rest of the world soon followed suit.

Safety devices also became mandatory – before this, manufacturers only included seat belts as optional extras.

PROGRESS AT FAST PACE 1911

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1911 : Key development

Working for Cadillac’s design and development department, Charles Kettering invented the electric ignition and starter motor. Cars could now start themselves.

Kettering later introduced independent suspension, and four-wheel brakes. And By 1930, most of the technology used in automobiles today had already been invented.

FORD ESTABLISHED 1903

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1903 : The Ford Motor Company Formed

After fitting moving assembly lines to the factory in 1913, Ford became the world's biggest car manufacturer.

By 1927, 15 million Model Ts had been manufactured. Workers on the production line assembled the car just in ninety-three minutes.

FIRST CAR ACCIDENT,FIRST CASUALITY 1903

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1896 : First Road Traffic Death

Bridget Driscoll, a 44-year old mother of two from Croydon, stepped off a kerb and into the history books. She was hit by a passing motor car near Crystal Palace in London. She died from head injuries.

The driver, Arthur Edsell, was doing just 4mph at the time. The coroner, returning a verdict of accidental death, said “I trust that this sort of nonsense will never happen again.”

GRAND PRIX: FLAGGED OFF 1894

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1894 : Grand Prix racing begins

Motor racing began as cars were built. Races quickly evolved from a simple chases from town to town, to organised events like time trials endurance tests for car and driver.

Innovations in engineering soon saw competition speeds exceeding 100 mph. Since races were often held on open roads, fatalities were frequent among drivers and spectators.

MERCEDES,MAYBACH AND CARBURETTOR: 1890

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1890 : Maybach speeds things up

Wilhelm Maybach built the first four-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Three years later, he develops the spray-nozzle carburettor, which becomes the basis for modern carburettor technology.

A decade later, Maybach developed a race car using lightweight metals fitted with a 35-hp four-cylinder engine and two carburettors. Named the Mercedes, the car reaches 64.4 km/h to shatter the world speed record.

THE FIRST MOTOR COMPANY: 1889

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1889 : The First Motor Company formed

Two former French wood machinists, Rene Panhard and Emile Levassor, set up the world’s first car manufacturers. Their first car was built in 1890 using a Daimler engine.

Another French company, Peugeot was formed the following year, and still going strong today.

ADVENT OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE: 1886

2007-03-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

1886 : Motor age moves forward

The first vehicles driven using internal combustion engines were developed roughly at the same time by two engineers working in separate parts of Germany – Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz.

They simultaneously formulated highly successful and practically powered vehicles that, by and large, worked like the cars we use today. The age of modern motor cars had begun.

BRITISH CARS: STEAM POWERED 1801

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1801 : Britain’s steam powered cars

Richard Trevithick improved the design of steam engines, by making smaller and lighter with stronger boilers generating more power. In 1801, he put one of his new compact steam engines on wheels.

His ‘road locomotive’ - known as the Puffing Devil – was the first horseless carriage to transport passengers. Innovations like hand brakes, gears, and steering improvements were developed in subsequent decades.

THE FIRST CAR: SELF PROPELLED 1769

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Nicolas Cugnot, a French military engineer developed a steam powered road-vehicle for the French army to haul heavy cannons.

Using a steam engine fixed to a three-wheeled cart, Cugnot successfully converted the back-and-forth action of a steam piston into rotary motion.

The truck reputedly reached walking speed and carried four tonnes. The army later abandoned his invention.

A SAGA UNTOLD

2007-02-14T03:11:00.000-08:00

The automobile as we know it was not invented in a single day by a single inventor. The history of the automobile reflects an evolution that took place worldwide. It is estimated that over 100,000 patents created the modern automobile. However, we can point to the many firsts that occurred along the way. Starting with the first theoretical plans for a motor vehicle that had been drawn up by both Leonardo da Vinci and Isaac Newton.

In 1769, the very first self-propelled road vehicle was a military tractor invented by French engineer and mechanic, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot (1725 - 1804). Cugnot used a steam engine to power his vehicle, built under his instructions at the Paris Arsenal by mechanic Brezin. It was used by the French Army to haul artillery at a whopping speed of 2 1/2 mph on only three wheels. The vehicle had to stop every ten to fifteen minutes to build up steam power. The steam engine and boiler were separate from the rest of the vehicle and placed in the front (see engraving above). The following year (1770), Cugnot built a steam-powered tricycle that carried four passengers.

In 1771, Cugnot drove one of his road vehicles into a stone wall, making Cugnot the first person to get into a motor vehicle accident. This was the beginning of bad luck for the inventor. After one of Cugnot's patrons died and the other was exiled, the money for Cugnot's road vehicle experiments ended.

Steam engines powered cars by burning fuel that heated water in a boiler, creating steam that expanded and pushed pistons that turned the crankshaft, which then turned the wheels. During the early history of self-propelled vehicles - both road and railroad vehicles were being developed with steam engines. (Cugnot also designed two steam locomotives with engines that never worked well.) Steam engines added so much weight to a vehicle that they proved a poor design for road vehicles; however, steam engines were very successfully used in locomotives. Historians, who accept that early steam-powered road vehicles were automobiles, feel that Nicolas Cugnot was the inventor of the first automobile.

After Cugnot Several Other Inventors Designed Steam-Powered Road Vehicles
Cugnot’s vehicle was improved by Frenchman, Onesiphore Pecqueur, who also invented the first differential gear.
In 1789, the first U.S. patent for a steam-powered land vehicle was granted to Oliver Evans.
In 1801, Richard Trevithick built a road carriage powered by steam - the first in Great Britain.
In Britain, from 1820 to 1840, steam-powered stagecoaches were in regular service. These were later banned from public roads and Britain's railroad system developed as a result.
Steam-driven road tractors (built by Charles Deitz) pulled passenger carriages around Paris and Bordeaux up to 1850.
In the United States, numerous steam coaches were built from 1860 to 1880. Inventors included: Harrison Dyer, Joseph Dixon, Rufus Porter, and William T. James.
Amedee Bollee Sr. built advanced steam cars from 1873 to 1883. The "La Mancelle" built in 1878, had a front-mounted engine, shaft drive to the differential, chain drive to the rear wheels, steering wheel on a vertical shaft and driver's seat behind the engine. The boiler was carried behind the passenger compartment.
In 1871, Dr. J. W. Carhart, professor of physics at Wisconsin State University, and the J. I. Case Company built a working steam car that won a 200-mile race.