Car Reviews: 06/16/09

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Audi A5 Sportback

The 1st official picture. Just a teaser so far.
Audi has also mentioned that the US market will not get this car.

I guess they still think Americans don't like hatchbacks...

Here is a teaser video.

Audi A5 Sportback

The 1st official picture. Just a teaser so far.
Audi has also mentioned that the US market will not get this car.

I guess they still think Americans don't like hatchbacks...

Here is a teaser video.

Audi A5 Sportback

The 1st official picture. Just a teaser so far.
Audi has also mentioned that the US market will not get this car.

I guess they still think Americans don't like hatchbacks...

Here is a teaser video.

More real life pictures of the 2010 Taurus

2011 Mustang to get new 3.7Liter V6

Finally.
The Mustang won't be using the old Explorer engine anymore. Starting next year.

It is supposed to be getting a version of the 3.7 Liter already in used in other Ford models.
It will make over 275hp. Much closer to the Camaro's 300hp V6.

This should be a really nice car. There is really no need for V8s anymore in our new "2009 over $3 a gallon world".
(Which is what I just paid yesterday, by the way...)

2011 Mustang to get new 3.7Liter V6

Aston Martin DB8

Aston Martin DB8, originally uploaded by Rob Cherry.

Aston Martin DB8

Aston Martin DB8, originally uploaded by Rob Cherry.

Aston Martin DB8

Aston Martin DB8, originally uploaded by Rob Cherry.

Top Five Ferrari Cars Based on speed design and costs

Competition on the car market is huge. With over 20 car manufacturers and various models, it's definitely not a gap in the market. Ferrari however, has a huge automobile history. Ferraris are pure emotion. They aren't most reliable, one of the cheapest or practicable. But every Ferrari driver probably agrees that they are the best cars in the world. So which Ferrari gives you most thrill?

1. Ferrari Enzo (FXX)

A car is really good if Ferrari names it after its founder Enzo Ferrari. The Enzo FXX is a project still going, with the car getting updates still. The Enzo FXX is sold only when you're chosen by Ferrari and changes owner for about €1,300,0000. Maintenance is huge, about €40,000 per year. But everyone will look at you when you drive one, guaranteed. And when it's dark out… I dare you to take it out for a spin.

2. Ferrari F430 Ferrari's new race car, replaced the 360 in 2005. It has a maximum speed of 317 km/h and is sold starting from €180.000. Remarkable is that it's the official car of the Ferrari race classes and the car is rumored to be replaced soon.

3. Ferrari california Central front engine with maximum speed of 310 km/h. First Ferrari car with dual clutch and most recent Ferrari released. The California is the most aerodynamic Ferrari yet. It costs €140.000 and average maintenance costs are unknown.

4. Ferrari 550 Maranello It has an front V12 engine with an maximum speed of 323 km/h. Beautiful curves and nice a beautiful interior. It's not the best or most recent Ferrari but will give you a huge thrill. Why? Because it costs €70,000 if you search right, and maintenance average is lower than the 612. Biggest maintenance post is that the car eats tyres for breakfast.

5. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti It has an engine providing 533HP, a maximum speed of 315 km/h. It's biggest feature that sets it apart: it has four seats. It's still not a family car though, it will cost you €300,000 to purchase and if used as an everyday car about €10,000 per year to maintain.

Read this as intended with pictures of the interior and exterior. ferrari car top 5 list

Top Five Ferrari Cars Based on speed design and costs

Best looking cars of 2009

Best looking cars in each class 2009. The AutoBild group, a publisher of more than 27 magazines, each year asks their readers what they think is the best looking cars of that year. The tests are separated into 4 groups. On average 40 million people each year vote for the winners of the design award 2009. The results aren't final yet but here are the leaders at the moment.

Category A (small/compact cars)

3. Volkswagen Polo.

2. Citroen C3 Picasso

1. Renault Megana

Category B (Sedan/station wagons)

3. Porsche panamera.

2. BMW 7 series

1. Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

Category C (Coupe/cabrios)

3. Audi A5 cabriolet

2. Aston Martin DBS Volante

1. Aston Martin One-77

Category D (MPV/SUVs)

3. Lexus RX 450h

2. Saab 9-3X

1. Audi A4 Allroad

Interestingly in the last category the difference between then number 2 and 1 is huge in terms of votes. So the Audi A4 looks like a sure winner when the final numbers of this year's design awards come in. Can't wait.

The cars on this list are all voted on by autobild readers and site visitors. It doesn't represent the whole population but it does represent the opinion of a lot of people.

For pictures go to the site:
Best looking cars of 2009 according to autobild

Best looking cars of 2009

Tuning a Mustang

Tuning a mustang can be simple or complex. There are a few ways to tune a mustang. The common way is through the use of a hand held tuner. The other way is by tossing the car on the dyno and testing tunes to get the maximum power and efficiency.
First, the hand held tuner. The typical mustang tuner is going to come with a few programs on it. Typically you get an 87 octane, 91 octane, and 93 octane tunes. Each tune has been dyno tested on a dynamometer which measures horse power and torque throughout the entire rpm ranges, so you can see the mustangs torque curves. The tuners also allow for speedometer recalibration for those who go to larger or different sized tires, or even for different axel ratios. They also read and clear DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes) or check engine lights. Typical gains on a diablosport predator mustang tuner are about 20 horse power. Most mustang tuners come with extra tunes for the people that have added an air intake or an exhaust system. Diablosport doesn't batch test their tuners when they make them either, they are all tested individually to ensure the best quality possible.

Second, you have the dyno tunes. Now remember, we mentioned that most mustang tuners were tested on a dyno before they are made for the masses. One thing that must be kept in mind here is that even though you might have ten of the same car that were produced on the same production line, the same day, they all seem to act just a little different. The tunes created on a dyno with the mustang that is being worked on are made specifically for that mustang and can generate slightly higher gains, but in most cases we're only talking about a few horse power. Tuning the mustang either way will also improve engine efficiency and improve fuel economy one to two miles per gallon, and sometimes even a rare three mpg. This is great for the weekend warriors that use their mustang to commute during the week, where they will have the maximum fuel economy, and then on the weekends they will have the maximum power.

Our preference here is the hand held tuner, because it gives the end user the ability to make the changes themselves. For example, you can tune your stock mustang and gain some really good power. You can then add a cold air intake, and alter the tune, and add an exhaust, and alter the tune. You can even add a supercharger or turbocharger system which require the use of a tuner to make the engine even run at all once the the forced induction system of your choice has been added. You also have the ability to get in touch with the manufacturer of the tuner. Diablosport for example, can create custom tunes for whatever someone is wanting to do to their mustang. You can see how four or five trips to the dyno guy for each time you add a part after having saved up for it, can get expensive. If all the parts that are ever going to be added to the mustang are all done at the same time, then the dyno tune is going to be the most accurate and produce the most power. If parts are going to be added over time, and for me, I'm always looking for the next mod for my mustang, then the tuner is the best way to go.

Tuning a Mustang

Hemi Car Performance

The new Hemi cars, such as the Dodge charger, magnum, challenger, and Chrysler 300's can come with plenty of power for most of us. There are the few that can't get enough and there are also those that went for the cheaper smaller engine. This obviously doesn't make you less of a man or a woman it just means you weren't worried about the extra power when you bought it.... For most people, that changes over time though. You get used to what you have an want to feel a difference in the seat of your pants feel again, like when you first bought the car. Whether you went with the larger or the smaller engine you aren't stuck with what you drove off of the lot with. There are several things that can be done to give that hemi car that brand new feel again. The most common upgrades are a tuner, chip or programmer, an air intake, and an exhaust system. These parts are going to give a transition from the "I'm used to this car" feel, to the "this car feels new again" feel.
First we'll talk about what you can do from inside the hemi car to modify it. The tuners and programmers are installed through the computer port that is just below the steering wheel. They add about 20 horse power and usually about 1 to 2 miles per gallon to the fuel economy, just because of the improved engine efficiency. The hand held devices also give the ability to read and clear the check engine lights, saving a trip to the dealership and some time. They also make way for future upgrades with the ability to get custom programs from the handhelds manufacturers.

The second place to modify is under the hood by replacing the factory air box with a more efficient air intake system. The aftermarket systems have much larger filters and are able to suck a lot more air into the engine to create power, and make it run more efficiently. And the third place is under the car. Upgrading the exhaust will do a few things. The most noticeable will be the different sound. You'll end up with a more aggressive tone. The other thing is does is free up the exhaust flow. This will help the engine to run cooler. It also help the engine not have to work to push exhaust gasses away, because they are more free to flow through the pipes. This will also improve engine efficiency.

Why's doesn't the manufacturer do all of these upgrades automatically. Think about that question for a second. Think of the behind the seat dvd players that the aftermarket came up with that would strap on with velcro straps. Now you can see built in dvd players from the factory. Now think of the wheels and suspensions that the aftermarket came up with, and now take a look at some of your local dealerships, and you'll see that they are catching on to these things. The aftermarket is what makes the auto industry evolve. The car manufacturers then take what looks like it will be most profitable and then incorporate those things into their cars. The aftermarket industry will always take what they make and make it better.

Installing Air Intakes and Chips on the hemi cars can easily be done all by your self with simple tools. The tuners upload in under 10 minutes and the intake usually take about 25 minutes which isn't bad for getting years of extra power and efficiency. The hemi car exhausts can be installed at home as well but will require a little more skill than the Intake and Chip.

Hemi Car Performance

How Volkswagen and Porsche Share Common Ties

While many of us know that the Volkswagen Beetle Car originated in Germany and was produced as the "people's car", few know how its origins are tied in with Porsche. So what is the story, you ask?
It all started when Adolf Hitler had a vision of his countrymen being able to own a cheap car and that they would use these cars to travel on great networks of roads called autobahns. At the same time, a man named Ferdinand Porsche had just set up an automotive design company, which became known as the Porsche Büro. The company patented a sophisticated independent front suspension system, which consisted of transversely mounted torsion bars connected to two trailing arms on each side. At the time, this was lighter than most other common types of suspension. In 1931, a German motorcycle company, Zündapp, asked Porsche if he could design a suitable car for them, this was followed by the design of a streamlined two-door sedan, which had lines similar to the Beetle. It was designated the Type 12.

Hitler saw Porsche's work and invited him to submit a design for this peoples car with requirements that it had to be cheap, economical, fast (all of 60 miles per hour) and to accommodate two adults and three children comfortably. So, in January 1934 Porsche gave Hitler a proposal for his car and by June that year work had begun.

While the idea of a people's car wasn't exactly a new one as before 1930 there were many attempts to design such a car, it wasn't until Porsche that the concept was met. Creating such a car was much more than design and engineering, it also required finding a way to create the car in a way that an average worker only had to spend his yearly wage to buy it.

The production of the car went well until World War II when manufacturing had to have a military twist. Believe it or not Volkswagen came up with a military version of the Beetle and they were called the Kübelwagen and Schwimmwagen. Porsche also at this time produced several designs for heavy tanks but lost out to Henschel & Son in both contracts that ultimately led to the Tiger I and the Tiger II. However, not all this work was wasted, as the chassis Porsche designed for the Tiger I was used as the base for the Elefant tank destroyer. Porsche also developed the Maus super-heavy tank in the closing stages of the war, producing two prototypes.

By 1945 the Volkswagen factory fell to the British and Porsche lost his position as Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen. British Major Ivan Hirst was put in charge of the factory and Porsche was arrested for war crimes, but not tried. During his 20-month imprisonment, Ferdinand Porsche's son, Ferry Porsche, decided to build his own car because he could not find an existing one that he wanted to buy. He also had to steer the company through some of its most difficult days until his father's release in August 1947.

As time went by, both Volkswagen and Porsche car companies collaborated to make the VW-Porsche 914 and 914-6, whereby the 914-6 had a Porsche engine, and the 914 had a Volkswagen engine. In late 2005, Porsche took an 18.65% stake in the Volkswagen Group, further cementing their relationship, and preventing a takeover of Volkswagen, which was rumored at the time. Speculated suitors included DaimlerChrysler AG, BMW, and Renault.

On March 26, 2007, Porsche took its holding of Volkswagen shares to 30.9%, triggering a takeover bid under German law. On September 16, 2008, Porsche increased its shares by another 4.89%, in effect taking control of the company, with more than 35% of the voting rights. It again triggered a takeover bid, but this time over Audi.

While the history of a man named Porsche and a car called the Volkswagen have worked hand-in-hand, today each have their own unique meaning as well as their own unique looks.

How Volkswagen and Porsche Share Common Ties

All new 2010 Ford Taurus on the road

New pictures of the new Ford sedan.
It looks pretty impressive. But still a bit busy.
It also looks pretty big.
A large sedan with only V6 engines might not be exactly what most people want right now.
But if the price is right, and gas mileage decent....

All new 2010 Ford Taurus on the road

ASI TETSU Bentley Continental GT Car

The ASI TETSU Bentley Continental GT is the work of the Japanese tuning company ASI Corp. from Nagoya, Japan. ASI is a shorten name for Accuracy, Spirit, Imagination. ASI had its debut at the 2007 SEMA Show and specializes in modifying Bentley automobiles. The ASI TETSU Bentley Continental GT has been tuned to develop 800 bhp, and features a wide-body kit. The ASI TETSU Bentley Continental GT is expected to go on sale on April 31st, 2008. Unfortunately, only 29 units ASI TETSU Bentley Continental GT will be built

ASI TETSU Bentley Continental GT Car

Aston Martin Race Series on Aston Martin Asia Cup

An exciting new one-make race series for Asia had been launched by Aston Martin. This follows the announcement of two new Aston Martin dealerships in Beijing and Shanghai. Aston Martin Asia Cup (AMAC) starts in 2008 and will consist of 12 races throughout the Asia Pacific region including Japan, China, Malaysia and Singapore. Each race will feature a grid of 18 Aston Martin Vantage N24s, a 410bhp, 4.3 litre race-developed evolution of the V8 Vantage, which has been proven in endurance and sprint races in Europe and the Middle East. The AMAC will include a variety of 30 minute sprint races and longer endurance races, some of which will support Formula One events in the region