Top Gear Tests A 1968 Dodge Charger 440 R/T

In this episode, Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, also known as the “Hamster”, took the all-American classic 1968 Dodge Charger R/T out for a spin to see how it rides. The Charger R/T, one of our personal “dream garage cars” was fitted with improved suspension, heavy-duty brakes, dual exhaust, and of course, the all-mighty 440 V8 Magnum engine (7.2-liters, 375 bhp) combined with a Torqueflite 727 3-speed auto or optionally, with a 4-speed manual gearbox. As much as they would have liked to, Top Gear avoided practicing their usual mischief on the R/T so don’t except to see any explosions or cliff jumps (thank God), just your usual Brit sarcasm. -Video after the jump

Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 Will Attempt To Break World Land Speed Record

This August FoMoCo will take its Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 fuel cell car to the Bonneville Salt Flats in an attempt to set the world land speed record for a production-based hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 was designed by Ford engineers and built by Roush while Ohio State students provided the design of the 770 Hp strong electric motor with Ballard supplying the hydrogen fuel cells. Ford retiree Rick Byrnes, a veteran Bonneville racer, will pilot the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 car on its record attempt.

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 is one of two vehicles Ford's fuel cell research team is helping prepare to set world land speed records as the researchers also are working with Ohio State University student engineers on the Buckeye Bullet 2, a fuel cell-powered racer that will compete for a similar world record in the unlimited class category. The land speed record attempt will take place during Bonneville Speed Week from Aug. 10-17. -Full press release after the jump

FORD FUSION HYDROGEN 999 RACER TO ATTEMPT SPEED RECORD FOR FUEL CELL-POWERED VEHICLE

• Ford to attempt land speed record for production-based fuel cell powered vehicle at Bonneville with the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999.
• Ford, Ohio State University, Ballard and Roush are collaborating to build and engineer the hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains.
• Ohio State University will attempt to set the land speed record for unlimited class fuel cell powered vehicle with the Buckeye Bullet 2.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 10 – Ford Motor Company will take its 10 years of hydrogen research expertise to the Bonneville Salt Flats in August in an attempt to set the world land speed record in a hydrogen fuel cell powered Ford Fusion.

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 fuel cell car – a collaboratively engineered racer with Ballard, Roush and Ohio State University – is one of two vehicles Ford’s fuel cell research team is helping prepare to set world land speed records. Ford researchers also are working with Ohio State University student engineers on its Buckeye Bullet 2, a fuel cell-powered racer that will compete for a similar world record in the unlimited class category.

“Racing is part of Ford Motor Company’s DNA so it seemed only natural for us to build a fuel cell race car that runs on hydrogen, a fuel that could someday play a key role in meeting the energy needs of the transportation sector,” said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research & Advanced Engineering for Ford Motor Company. “Our goal in attempting this record is to further expand our technological horizons with fuel cell powered vehicles. The collaboration with Ohio State University also affords us an opportunity to work closely with a prestigious university, which provides out-of-the-box thinking from student engineers and helps us recruit talented young people to work at Ford Motor Company.”

The land speed record attempt will take place during Bonneville Speed Week from Aug. 10-17. The attempt will be sanctioned by the Southern California Timing Association®.

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 land speed record vehicle was designed by Ford engineers and fabricated and built by Roush in Allen Park, Michigan. Ohio State students are providing the design of the 770 hp electric motor, while Ballard is supplying the hydrogen fuel cells. Ford retiree Rick Byrnes, a veteran Bonneville racer, will pilot the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 car on its record attempt.

Ohio State students have designed their unlimited class vehicle, dubbed Buckeye Bullet 2, from the ground up. Ballard donated the hydrogen fuel cells for Ohio State’s car, Roush its engineering services and Ford has provided overall project coordination and expertise in fuel cell drivetrains.

In 2004, Ohio State students set the unlimited land speed record for an electric vehicle by running 315 mph in the first Buckeye Bullet, dubbed BB1.

Hydrogen Part of a Broader Effort

Ford’s strategy for alternative fuels is built around multiple technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells. This flexible approach allows the company to meet goals for customer needs, environmental impact and shareholder interests. The strategy does not focus on one catch-all solution but includes a flexible array of options, including hybrids, E85 ethanol, clean diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engine and transmission technologies and hydrogen fuel cells.

The company already has a fleet of 30 hydrogen powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The 30-car fleet has accumulated more than 540,000 miles since its inception in 2005.

Ford also is conducting tests with the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive uses a series electric drivetrain with an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator to give the vehicle a range of 225 miles with zero emissions.

Currently, Ford offers gasoline-electric hybrids including the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The company will also offer hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008.

1.500 Pound Wrecking Ball Causes Chaos In Pennsylvania

Holly bowling! A wrecking ball used by a crane in Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, suddenly broke loose from its chain and rolled downhill injuring three people and causing damages to a dozen or so cars in the process before coming to a stop slamming the rear end of a car waiting to cross an intersection!

Take in consideration that we’re talking about a massive wrecking ball that weighs in at about 1.500 pound or 680kg and measures 3-feet across. As you can see from the picture, the wrecking ball completely destroyed the rear end of the Ford Taurus which as the Police noted, was pushed by the ball about 20 feet before coming to a halt! Crazy, but at least no one got seriously injured.

Via: dailymail

eBay Humor: The Mazda 929 - Ferrari 400i GT Replica

Who said German’s don’t have a sense of humor? While searching on the German eBay we noticed this odd ad bearing the title: “Replika Ferrari 400i GT auf Mazda 929 HB Coupe Replica” along with the image you see above. Obviously, you don’t need a doctorate in Deutsch to make ends meet and see that someone’s trying to sell a Ferrari 400i GT replica based on a Mazda 929 Coupe. Yeah right, you wish! Follow the jump and see the surprise that the seller had in store for us… -Click “Read More…” below

And yes, the Mazda 929 Coupe based Ferrari 400i GT replica was nothing more than a… Mazda 929 Coupe with Ferrari logos - LOL! Apparently, in the eyes of the seller, the two cars were so identical that there was no need for him to do anything more that stick a badge on the hood and presto; a Ferrari replica!

Link: eBay

Woman Crashes While Taking Driving Lessons

Talking about the 2008 Lancer EVO X’s dual-clutch gearbox in John’s previous post today reminded me of a video that a friend sent to me. I don’t really know if the people in this video are actors or if the scene is taken from some sort of Reality TV Show, but its hysterical!

Actually, it reminds me of the first few times I drove a standard transmission, except my teacher started me out in an empty parking lot the size of two football fields. But this driving instructor and hesitant pupil take it to the road for some driving lessons and have a little fender bender in the process. Apparently, this teacher didn’t have a passenger side break to take advantage of. Things like that come into handy at times like these...

PS: Our readers informed us that this is a Polish and not Russian Video

Posted by Dani

Alfa Romeo 159 GTA Scoop

Here we go again… In this new episode of the Alfa Romeo 159 GTA saga, Swedish magazine AMS obtained two new scoop images of the Italian sports sedan. We won’t start bullshitting you with you with Ferrai/Maserati engine stories etc, because to be honest, and as we’ve previously noted on Carscoop, we have no official or unofficial confirmation that Alfa is actually working on a 159 GTA. For all we know, the Italians could be just testing a new engine.

However, for the sake of conversation, if the car pictured here is a test-bed for an upcoming GTA version of the 159, we think we’ll agree with the guys at AMS who are talking about an upgraded version of Alfa’s 3.2-liter V6 unit pumping out more than 300Hp. Maybe even more as Autodelta has proved with the Alfa 147 GTA AM Super. The latter wears the same 3.2-liter V6 petrol unit, with enlarged capacity to 3.7-liters and an supercharger lifting power to 422Hp.

Pics Via: AMS

Mayor in Chinese City Urges people to stop buying cars!

Τhat’s a new one. Xu Zongheng, mayor of Shenzhen, a metropolis of 10 million people just north of Hong Kong, has issued a request that residents in the city refrain from buying any more cars.The plea was issued as a result of the increasing traffic and pollution problems in this already congested city.

As a result of the 70% percent of air pollution that car exhaust fumes are accounted for, China is feeling pressured to create certain obstacles to deter people from purchasing vehicles such as increasing fuel costs and creating congestion charges. In Shanghai, new car owners were required to separately purchase license plates, which have recently sold for almost 48,000 yuan ($6300). With all these cars and all these people, aside from the pollution issue, I can’t help but wonder where do all these people park?

Posted by Dani

Via: theaustralian

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X: Details On Dual-Clutch Transmission And Vehicle-Dynamic System Revealed

The big news here is without doubt, the EVO X’s all-new 6speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, or to put it simply, Mitsubishi’s version of Audi-VW’s renowned clutchless DSG gearbox that bears the name “SST”. If you’ve driven an Audi or a VW with this kind of gearbox, you’ll know what we’re talking about, if not, an automated manual transmission allows drivers to choose between fully automated and manual gearbox changes.

Difference is that, compared to semi-automatic transmissions, dual-clutch gearboxes permit drivers of all abilities to shift rapidly through the gears (without the use of a clutch of course) faster than any manual gearbox. To be honest though, it does take out all the fun and personally, I prefer the engaging mechanical feel that you get out of a classic manual gearbox. But anyway, like other dual-clutch transmissions, Mitsubishi’s SST lets the driver to switch between three shifting programs - Normal, Sport and S-Sport - covering the full range of driving situations, from town use to sporty motoring on open roads.

As for the Lancer EVO X’s revised vehicle-dynamic system dubbed S-AWC, the difference is the addition of an ASC (Active Stability Control) feature to the ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control) and Sport ABS (Sport Antilock Brake System) which permits the system to control each wheel under a wide range of driving conditions. -Detailed press release and images after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

Mitsubishi Motors Develops S-AWC Vehicle Dynamics Control System & Twin Clutch SST Automated Manual Transmission

July 10, 2007 – Tokyo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed two new component systems that are expected to feature in the new Lancer Evolution, due to be launched this autumn. S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) is an advanced vehicle dynamics control system that regulates drive torque at each wheel. Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) is an automated manual transmission that delivers slicker shifting through the gears while freeing the driver from the need to operate the clutch.

In line with its corporate philosophy, Mitsubishi Motors strives to deliver a dynamic driving experience while making advances to keep drivers safe. Twin Clutch SST and S-AWC do so by making driving more intuitive. Both the systems work to efficiently distribute power appropriate to road conditions, and deliver outstanding control and stability maintained by an "intelligent" system that reads and reflects driver intent in real time.

S-AWC:

The system now adds an ASC^*1 (Active Stability Control) feature to the ACD^*2 (Active Center Differential), AYC^*3 (Active Yaw Control) and Sport ABS^*4 (Sport Antilock Brake System) components that have proven themselves in the Lancer Evolution series. Integrated system management of these four components allows regulation of torque and braking force at each wheel. S-AWC also now employs yaw rate feedback control. This allows the system to control each wheel under a wide range of driving conditions, thus realizing vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver inputs and allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy sporty motoring with confidence.

Twin Clutch SST:

MMC's new automated manual transmission employs dual clutches to realize power transmission efficiencies on a par with a normal manual gearbox while also allowing slick and swift shifting. Allowing drivers of all abilities to shift rapidly up and down through the gears, Twin Clutch SST delivers satisfying acceleration while also returning superior fuel mileage thanks to its high-efficiency power transmission mechanism. The new transmission also features three operating modes tailored to different situations: from around-town drivability to instant-response and follow-the-line sporty motoring on the open road.

1.S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control)

System overview

The S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system integrates management of all its AYC, ACD, ASC and Sport ABS components (see below) while adding braking force control to Mitsubishi Motors' own AYC system. As a result S-AWC elevates drive power, cornering performance as well as vehicle stability under all driving situations, from everyday motoring to emergency evasion maneuvers.

ACD (Active Center Differential)

The Active Center Differential incorporates an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. The system optimizes clutch cover clamp load for different driving conditions, regulating the differential limiting action between free and locked states to optimize front/rear wheel torque split and thereby producing the best balance between traction and steering response.

AYC (Active Yaw Control)

AYC uses a torque transfer mechanism in the rear differential to control rear wheel torque differential for different driving conditions and so limit the yaw moment that acts on the vehicle body and enhance cornering performance. AYC also acts like a limited slip differential by suppressing rear wheel slip to improve traction. The first component of its type, AYC was first used in the Lancer Evolution IV launched in April 1996. It then took an evolutionary step forward in the Lancer Evolution VIII launched in January 2003 as the Super AYC when it switched from the use of a bevel gear to a planetary gear differential, thereby doubling the amount of torque it was able to transfer. In comparison to the system used in the Lancer Evolution IX, AYC now features yaw rate feedback control using a yaw rate sensor and also gains braking force control. Accurately determining the cornering dynamics on a real-time basis, the system operates to control vehicle behavior through corners and realize vehicle behavior that more closely mirrors driver intent.

ASC (Active Stability Control)

The ASC system stabilizes vehicle attitude while maintaining optimum traction by regulating engine power and the braking force at each wheel. Taking a step beyond the previous generation Lancer Evolution, the fitting of a brake pressure sensor at each wheel allows more precise and positive control of braking force. ASC improves traction under acceleration by preventing the driving wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces. It also elevates vehicle stability by suppressing skidding in an emergency evasive maneuver or the result of other sudden steering inputs.

Sport ABS (Sport Anti-lock Braking System)

ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control and keeps the vehicle stable by preventing the wheels from locking under heavy braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The addition of yaw rate sensors and brake pressure sensors to the Sport ABS system has improved braking performance through corners compared to the Lancer Evolution IX.

S-AWC control system

The use of engine torque and brake pressure information in the regulation of the ACD and AYC components allows the S-AWC system to determine more quickly whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating. S-AWC also employs yaw rate feedback for the first time. The system helps the driver follow his chosen line more closely by comparing how the car is running, as determined from data from the yaw rate sensors, and how the driver wants it to behave, as determined from steering inputs, and operates accordingly to correct any divergence. The addition of braking force regulation to AYC's main role of transferring torque

between the right and left wheels allows S-AWC to exert more control over vehicle behavior in on-the-limit driving situations. Increasing braking force on the inside wheel during understeer and on the outer wheel during oversteer situations, AYC's new braking force control feature works in concert with torque transfer regulation to realize higher levels of cornering performance and vehicle stability.

Using integrated management of the ASC and ABS systems allows S-AWC to effectively and seamlessly control vehicle dynamics when accelerating, decelerating or cornering under all driving conditions. S-AWC offers three operating modes: TARMAC for dry, paved surfaces; GRAVEL for wet or unmade surfaces, and SNOW for snow covered surfaces. When the driver selects the mode best suited to current road surface conditions S-AWC operates to control vehicle behavior accordingly and allow the driver to extract the maximum dynamic performance from his vehicle.

2.Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission)

The mechanism

Twin Clutch SST puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts, each connected to an individual clutch. With both clutches under precise system control, this arrangement allows lightening-fast, smooth and lag-free gear changes with no interruption in power delivery. Using clutches instead of a torque converter to transmit power makes the Twin Clutch SST simpler in structure and reduces power transmission losses for higher transmission efficiency that leads to improved fuel mileage.

Drive modes

Twin Clutch SST allows the driver to switch between three shifting programs - Normal, Sport and S-Sport - to cover the full range of driving situations, from town use to sporty motoring on open roads.

a. Normal mode

For use around town and other normal driving situations, Normal mode scheduling uses relatively low-speed shift points to deliver unobtrusive shifting for maximum comfort together with optimum fuel economy.

b. Sport mode

For use when driving in the mountains or when engine braking is required, Sport mode scheduling uses higher shift points and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response that instills in the driver a closer man/machine relationship.

c. S-Sport mode

Compared with Sport mode, S-Sport mode scheduling keeps the engine turning at higher revs while allowing lightening-fast shifting.

eBay: Chevy Camaro "Bumblebee" From Transformers!

With the Transformers movie breaking all records in its first week at the box office, we’re seeing all kinds of memorabilia emerging from the original show. This 1977 Chevy Camaro, that played Bumblebee, is being auctioned off on eBay. Priced at just over $24,000, whatever the final bid price is, all of the proceeds will be donated to the Fischer House Foundation, helping veterans by building homes for their families and other injured military personal. We consider this buy, not only a total deal but a piece of present day Hollywood and a nostalgic part of our early days.

Posted by Dani

Via: Motorpasion , Link: ebay

Nissan 350Z Limited Racing Edition Released

Don’t you just love sports cars in polar white? We certainly do, and if the particular sports car happens to be the recently updated Nissan 350Z with the new 313Hp 3.5-litre V6, its love at first sight. Apart from its exclusive metallic white paintjob, this limited edition 350Z that was launched today by Nissan Germany has a few extra features hidden up its sleeves.

Dubbed “Racing Edition”, this particular “Z” pays tribute to the racing 350Z GT4. It’s equipped with contrasting black colored 19-inch rims in 235/35 (front) and 255/35 (back) Dunlop tires and a fully adjustable Bilstein suspension that enables the user to adjust the vehicle's ride height by adjusting the threaded shock bodies (front) and the threaded rear spring perch (rear). Nissan has also fitted the special edition 350Z with a Cobra muffler. Finally, all cars will bear an interior plaque with the signatures of the Nurburgring drivers Kurt Thiim, Holger Eckhardt, Nicole Lüttecke und Tim Schrick. The base price for the 350Z Limited Racing Edition in Germany is €48.590 or about $66.200.

Chevrolet Captiva: New Accessories Pack

Chevrolet UK just launched a new range of accessories for its new Captiva. The Korean mid-sized SUV with the American nameplate can be accentuated by a set of Irmscher 20-inch Evo Star alloy wheels and stainless steel side bars. Other exterior styling accessories for the new Captiva include side steps, a chrome tailpipe trim, chrome effect door mirror housings, door handles and tail light surrounds, and side wind deflectors for the front windows to minimise wind noise. -Continued after the jump

Towing and touring accessories, including a base carrier to support both bike carriers and roof boxes, tow bars, mud guards, towing mirrors and a reverse parking sensor along with a range of floor mats, cargo liners and a dog guard.