Monday, August 31, 2009

2010-Mercedes Benz E 500 Estate




Mercedes Benz E 500 Estate Pictures
Technical Specifications Mercedes Benz E 500 Estate :
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: E 500 Estate
Engine: 5.5 litre V8
Aspiration: Natural
Maximum Power: 285 kW (388 hp)
Maximum Torque: -
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive

Preview :
2010-Mercedes Benz E 500 Estate luxurious family car. The E-Class Estate is seen as the progenitor of the premium lifestyle estate segment more than 30 years ago. Since the launch of the first Estate in 1977, more than one million customers have discovered their enthusiasm for this most practical way of driving a Mercedes luxury car. This success story is set to be continued by the fifth generation of the E-Class Estate – following up on the successful launch of the Saloon. Only introduced in Europein spring 2009, the E‑Class Saloon had already achieved world-wide market leadership in its segment by May 2009. Some 40,000 new E-Class models have now been delivered to customers.The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate follows the launch of its sedan sibling earlier this year. Sharing the same platform, the wagon variant adds more utility and cargo capacity with its flat-folding rear seats, cargo area under the rear floor, and third-row rear-facing seats that fold away when not in use. Like the sedan, the Estate will be powered by a range of six- and eight-cylinder powerplants and offer standard rear-wheel drive with 4Matic

Manhart introduced V-10 powered, 550 hp BMW Z4

Manhart Racing has introduced the latest impressive package for BMW Z4, taking the Z4 to its M Division V-10 extreme.

The standard factory model has an enough power of 373kW (507hp). Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 gets a 5.0-liter V10 engine from the current M5 generation, producing 550 horsepower. This is enough to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and also remove the factory-set 250km/h speed limit.

Backing up all that power is an M5 E60 6-speed manual transmission, a Fichtel & Sachs clutch and an M5 E60 differential. The tuners also added a catalytic converter and a modified DME electronic control unit.

Since a sports car is not only about the power and its design, but also about the sound it makes when it accelerates. The Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 also comes with an AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust system with four muffler tips has been fitted with HJS racing catalytic converters caters.

Due to the final curb weight of 3,212 pounds and a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.8 pounds per horsepower - on par with a Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari F430 - the car is sure to please on the road and the track.

There is not much change for the exterior. The 19-inch Black BBS Challenge wheels with 8.5Jx19 ET35 235/35ZR19 front tires and 10Jx19 ET20 285/30ZR19 back tires are offer. And thanks to the Bilstein PSS10 coilovers, the car is as agile as it is quick.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car

Based on the 911 GT3 RS, the 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car will be shown at 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 2010 GT3 Cup is the first GT3 Cup features the 44-millimetre (1.73") wider body at the rear, allowing for larger wheels and a widened track. The wheels are set of new 18x9-inch (front) and 18x9.5-inch three-piece alloys suited for all-out racing duty. A 15mm (0.6") lower front spoiler lip providing more downforce on the front axle, and a larger rear wing (for additional downforce on the rear axle) are also included.

The car has been stripped out to keep its weight down to just 1200kg. Lightweight features include 18-inch alloy wheels, carbonfibre bodywork and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes which weigh 20kg less than the standard brakes.

Under the hood, the Cup shares the same engine with the 911 GT3 RS, a horizontally-opposed 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 450 bhp (331 kW) at 8,500 rpm. It also fits a sequential six-speed manual gearbox for quick-shifting performance. Though performance figures haven’t been released, the GT3 Cup should accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than four seconds before hitting a top speed in excess of 314 km/h (195 mph).

Other special equipments include a special racing exhaust system, a fully controlled catalytic convertor and a fully adjustable suspension. The streeting wheel and data display offer a total of six user-customizable switches.

The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Race Car will be available exclusively in Carrara White, the first delivery begins this October with prices starting at €149,850(about $213,000).

2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
2009 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

2009 Pontiac Vibe GT
2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

2008 Cadillac Escalade

2008 Cadillac Escalade
2008 Cadillac Escalade

2008 Cadillac Escalade

2008 Cadillac Escalade
2008 Cadillac Escalade

2008 Cadillac XLR-V

2008 Cadillac XLR-V photos
2008 Cadillac XLR-V

2008 Cadillac XLR-V

2008 Cadillac XLR-V photos
2008 Cadillac XLR-V

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Nice Silver Toyota Aygo





Rev Counter From Pugeot
PiperCross Panel Filter
Debadged Rear Bumper.
De wipered Rear Window.
Flatblade Wiper Front From Ebay.
Lowered 35mm on Apex Springs From Ebay
Honda Civic 'Jordan' 15" Wheels on Lowprofile tyers
PowerFlo'Stafford' Custom Center BackboxExhaust
Front and Back Bumper Smoothed in By - [BodyMatters Stafford]
Roof And Wing mirros Also Sprayed Gloss Black also by - [BodyMatters Stafford]
Tinted Rear Windows and Sunstrip By [Eclipse 'Stafford']

2010 Saab 9-5 reveal ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show launch

The highly anticipated Saab’s new flagship vehicle - 2010 Saab 9-5 will be launched at this Frankfurt Motor Show. Selling is set to start in 2010.

At launch, the 2010 Saab 9-5 will be available with a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo diesel — producing 118kW(160 hp) — a 220 horsepower 2.0L turbo gas motor and a range-topping a 2.8-litre V6 petrol producing 221kW (300hp) and peak torque of 400Nm. Models fitted with the 2.8L will also come equipped with Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system.

Soon after the launch a 1.6-litre petrol turbo with 132kW (180hp) and a 2.0-litre BioPower E85 engine will be added. Mated with all these engines are 6-speed transmissions.

In terms of styling, the car takes some inspiration from the Aero X concept car with its low-slung stance, muscular build, uncluttered lines and curvaceous shapes. The 9-5 will gain some extra weight, height and length over the current model. The wheelbase is also being increased by 14 cm to make the car a large one indeed. It should fit in nicely within its competition cluster which consists of cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac CTS and Volvo S80.

The new 9-5 is claimed to be the most technically advanced car that Saab has ever made. It offers an array of high-tech features including an aircraft-inspired head-up information display, keyless entry and starting - the ignition is still located between the front seats, Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights, an adaptive chassis with real-time damping control, SAAB's XWD with eLSD, parking assistance and all-wheel-drive.

"This car is the start of a new era for our brand," says Jan-Ă…ke Jonsson, SAAB Automobile's Managing Director. "We have created an advanced and very distinctive product by leveraging the power of our roots in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design, sporty driving and responsible performance. The new 9-5 delivers in all these respects, as will every future product from Saab."

Other options include a heads-up display for the driver, a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system which is accessed through an 8-inch touch screen for the rear passengers, a 10GB harddrive for music storage.

Friday, August 28, 2009

2009-Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss




There may be no better way to pay tribute to the end of the modern SLR - as well as its racing forbears - than with the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss.The exclusive SLR Stirling Moss rounds off the current SLR family and is limited to 75 units. It is priced at 750,000 euros. The new SLR Stirling Moss is characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8

First Drive: Rossion Q1

Rossion Q1

"How fast can you take it?" I ask Craig Spuhler, Rossion's technical engineer and my passenger at this particular moment in time. "About 75 mph with an 85 mph exit speed." I was behind the wheel of a Rossion Q1 winding my way up a 270-degree decreasing radius on-ramp that shoots straight onto Florida's I-95. As Spuhler has put more miles on Rossions than anyone else alive, and I'd been in the car all of 15 minutes, I decided that 65 mph was a nice, sane, journalist-safe speed. Even in fourth gear there was enough twin-turbo'd torque to get me to 80 mph by the end of the ramp. Truth is, I could've done the deed at 75 mph in third, if not much, much faster.

Rossion recently relocated from Ohio to Pompano Beach, FL and invited us to spend the weekend with 'em, flogging their brand-new Q1, thus far their only product. It's hard to talk about the Rossie (pronounced in the Johannesburg accents of owners Dean Rosen and Ian Grunes as "Raw-Zee") without discussing the 2,400-pound Gorilla in the room, the Noble M12 (and to some degree, the more track focused M400). The two cars are very closely related and both come from the Hi Tech Automotive assembly line in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.



Other similarities include the mild-steel space frame, integral four-point roll cage, Getrag six-speed with Quaife LSD, mid-mounted traverse 3.0-liter Ford Duratec V6 fitted with twin-turbochargers and a G.R.P. (a.k.a. fiberglass) body. And that's largely where the similarities stop. The Q1 gets its own optimized Koni dampers, H&R springs, unique sway bars and rear unequal length control arms, though the two cars do share a double wishbone design up front.

Externally, the differences are quite apparent. Whereas the Noble M400 (Rossion happened to have one in the shop for comparison's sake) resembles a caricature of a kit car with its garish, tacked on scoops reminiscent of those found on the original California Special Mustangs and panel gaps you can stick your thumb between, the Q1's a totally different – and altogether more refined – story. Not only do all the body panels look as if they were designed by the same person at the same time, but gap tolerances have been tightened up to less than 5 mm. We found the car quite handsome, though its 96-inch wheelbase makes it look small.



Inside, the two cars are night and day. Rossion has fitted, snug-but-comfy leather-coated, four-way adjustable carbon fiber seats. Not only are they light, but they look sharp. They've also covered up the standard roll bars with Alcantara padding. The rest of the innards are covered by leather and/or aluminum. Cases in points, the pedals are aluminum while the Momo steering wheel is leather wrapped. Those of you with big feet might find the pedal box a bit cramped (size 13 over here), but the pedals do adjust side-to-side. Best of all, as our late August South Floridian weather proved, the air-conditioning blows cold. All in all, a surprisingly pleasant place to be.

Especially on the road. Knowing what we knew about Nobles going in, we rightly assumed the Q1 would be quite quick and handle extremely well. But we didn't expect the ride to be cushy. However, since the steel space frame and roll cage already render the car diamond stiff, Rossion has been able to keep the damping and spring rates out of the spine-smashing range. The Q1 offers a much smoother ride, for instance, than track-focused machines like the Mazda RX-8 R3 or Lotus Elise/Exige. On Florida's smooth concrete roads it was especially subtle. Comfortable, even.



But you're not here to talk about how shockingly pleasant we found the Rossion Q1. You want to know how it drives when pushed. Exceedingly fantastic, we're happy to report. The aforementioned 3.0-liter V6 with twin-turbos produces a glorious 450 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Redline is 7,200 rpm (turbocharged engines don't need lofty revs) and peak torque occurs at 5,250 rpm. And the Q1 weighs 2,495 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of about 5.5 pounds per pony. For comparison's sake, a 997 GT2 has a power-to-weight of six pounds per horse.

Calling the Q1 quick is like calling water wet. It's more a question of how quick. Check out these (manufacturer claimed) numbers. 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-100 mph in 7.5 seconds, the quarter-mile in 11.1 at about 120 mph and on to top speed of (probably) 185 mph. While the flat-out velocity may not play in the same league as today's supercars, every other number sure does. In fact, should those numbers hold up to scrutiny, the Q1 is one of the quickest production cars the world has ever seen, featuring a 0-60 mph time equal to the McLaren F1, Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo and the Koenigsegg CCX.



Does the seat of this journo's pants agree? We've been extremely spoiled in recent weeks, playing with such monsters as the Nissan GT-R and Lamborghini LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. On one run in particular, with the Q1's blowoff valve venting like a cross between a semi's air brakes and a gasping whale, the Rossion Q1 felt significantly faster than either car. Brutal, violent even. In fact, CEO Dean Rosen claims that when the Q1 laid down those numbers it was a humid, wet day. He figures that 3.1 or even 3 seconds flat to 60 mph is possible. Regardless, its kooky fast.

As quick as the Q1 is, dancing left to right is the little rocket's actual forte. Again, the numbers are silly. The Q1 can pull 1.065 g in either direction and slaughter a slalom at 75 mph. For comparison's sake, A Ferrari Enzo can "only" run the cones at 73 mph (and takes a leisurely 3.4 seconds to reach 60 mph) and it musters "just" 1.02 g around a 200-foot skidpad. Sadly, we and the Q1 were not destined to spend any time on the track together – instead we were stuck playing on off-ramps or mired in Boca Raton traffic. While we experienced moments of unfettered hoonage, the affair was far from ideal. So we phoned up someone who had put the Q1 through its track day paces: drift and rally legend and host of Supercars Exposed, Tanner Foust.



"Knowing that it's based on a car with the magical suspension geometry that the Noble was known to have is the golden gem. Normally when a car is introduced and claims to have supercar capabilities, you figure sure, yeah right. But with the Noble-based Rossion, it's worth a second look... the Rossion feels very neutral, very light and very spooky in how responsive it is, like a mid-engine car should be. It handles the bumps at the limit and all that, but most important it's very predictable. Even when you're driving it completely sideways – which I did – it just does what's expected."
High praise indeed.

So, we hear you wondering, how much? A typical Q1 with the engine installed by American Speed Factory (the same place that sets up Ferrari Challenge cars, Grand Am Racers and Pro Formula Mazdas) will set you back between $103,000 and $109,000. That's Porsche Carrera S money for a car that will frankly outrun the Turbo. True, you can go crazy with the options list, choosing exotic paint schemes like matte finishes, painted wheels and diamond interior stitching, but even then you're talking about $130,000 or so, a price that's half off what you'd pay for a Ferrari F430 Scuderia.



And speaking of Ferrari, Dean Rosen is considering a Ferrari Challenge-style spec series featuring more track-prepped Q1s (poly bushings and all that). Still not convinced? Does $100,000+ for "just" 450 horses not float your supercar boat? Well, no one is making you go with the Mondeo-sourced 3.0-liter V6. You're free to buy the Q1 sans motor and shove in whatever you like – it's just that no one has done so. In fact, Rosen himself floated the idea of using Ford's new EcoBoost direct-injected twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, uncorked to the tune of 600 hp. But that's far in the future. For now, it's best to think of the Rossion Q1 as the American (via Britain and South Africa) supercar deal of the decade.

[Source: Autoblog]

Ferrari 458 Italia: Maranello releases more details

Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari 458 Italia

The Frankfurt Motor Show is fast approaching, but rather than hit the brakes as they would for an approaching corner, Ferrari is pulling out all the stops. In gearing up to unveil their new 458 Italia at the show next month, Ferrari is giving us a little more each week. We've already seen the first batch of shots, downloaded the ringtone and heard the company's brand and technical directors talk about the car; now Maranello has released an additional video of Paolo Pininfarina of the eponymous design studio talk about the car's styling, and with it released a new batch of interior, motion and studio shots.

Always eager to adopt lessons learned on the grand prix circuit into its road cars, Ferrari has further centralized the controls onto the Italia's steering wheel. What we'd usually find on column-mounted control stocks has apparently all been moved to the steering wheel's fascia, including the turn indicators, headlamps and windscreen wipers – in addition to the chassis setting switch and ignition button, while redundant stereo controls move to the back of the wheel ahead of the even larger shift paddles.

There's also a new Vehicle Dynamic Assistance system to monitor operating temperatures and tolerances of the engine, gearbox, brakes and tires and alerts the driver to whether the car is warming up, overheated or ready to go. Check out the images in the gallery below and read all about it in the press release after the jump – which is where you'll also find the video interview. Oh, and don't forget to stay tuned for the next segment, as Ferrari says it will include an interview with Michael Schumacher!

[Source: Ferrari]



PRESS RELEASE:

More news on the Ferrari 458 Italia on www.ferrari.com: new photos and interview now on the site in the run-up to the Frankfurt Show

Maranello, 27 August 2009 – In the run-up to the official unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Motor Show on the 15th of September, enthusiasts can find out more about the car on www.ferrari.com. There they will find the first photographs of the 458 Italia's interior and of the steering wheel and instrument binnacle which represent a significant step forward in the concept of the ergonomic interface between driver and car.

In fact the main commands are now grouped on the steering wheel, the secondary commands are handily set in two satellite pods either side of the dash and there are now comprehensive instrument displays on the panel ahead of the driver. These solutions represent an important safety aspect, enabling the driver to concentrate fully on driving. Similarly this layout ensures maximum control of the car in highperformance driving, an uncompromising approach that derives directly from Ferrari's F1 experience.

Working closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the engineers have thus reinterpreted the positioning of the major commands to provide a truly driver-oriented cockpit. All steering-column mounted stalks have been eliminated, with the indicators, full beam, flash and windscreen wiper functions now being activated by buttons on the steering wheel boss. The button to select the shock absorber setting is now positioned next to the 'Engine start' button where it falls readily to hand. Behind the wheel are a number of secondary functions, such as the stereo, while the gearbox paddles are now longer making shifts even easier from any steering angle.

The right-hand satellite pod on the dash incorporates controls for the infotainment, the Bluetooth connection, sat-nav, digital speedo and rear parking camera. Clustered on the left-hand satellite pod instead are the optional cruise control, buttons for choosing the video setting of the left-hand dash TFT screen and the on-board computer interface. The latter controls the trip computer, the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance and the display of the car's set-up.

The Vehicle Dynamic Assistance monitors the operating parameters of the most important areas of the car - engine/gearbox, tyres and brakes. The VDA is enabled in the following manettino settings – Race, CT off and CST off – and provides visual confirmation of the status of each component based on an algorithm from parameters reading lateral and longitudinal acceleration, revs and speed. This enables the driver to assess the ideal operating conditions for the car. There are three status settings: WARM-UP (operating temperature too low), GO (ideal operating conditions) and OVER (one or more components are no longer at their optimum level and need cooling).

Along with the photos now on-line, the Ferrari site also includes an exclusive videointerview with Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of Pininfarina S.p.A., who provides indepth insight into the 458 Italia's design philosophy and exterior styling. The next release on www.ferrari.com will include an analysis of the car's performance characteristics with an interview with seven-times F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher.

Watermelon Juice - the next great automotive fuel?

Watermelon Juice


Corn as a source for ethanol has its problems. While there are a number of backers, there are real issues that need to be addressed, including (but not necessarily limited to) the huge amount of corn required to brew large batches of the alcohol fuel and the large quantities of water needed in the process. A new alternative is just now popping up that may offer at least a partial solution: watermelon juice.

According to Discovery News, 360,000 tons of watermelons are left to rot and spoil each and every year as farmers leave between 20 and 40 percent of their crops on the ground. Why? It seems consumers just won't buy watermelons that don't look quite as attractive as their siblings, whether that's due to an odd shape, smaller size or minor animal damage. Researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture in Lane, Oklahoma, have found that its possible to create ethanol from these unwanted watermelons. We've heard about this potential biomass before.

Though there's only enough watermelon juice available to brew 2.5 million gallons of ethanol (total ethanol production will top 9 billion gallons this year), researchers indicate that the tasty nectar can be used to displace up to 15% of corn or molasses, cut down on water usage and supply needed nitrogen to the mix.

College Station, Texas-based company Common Sense Agriculture, LLC is reportedly working on a prototype plant to produce ethanol from waste watermelons. Company President Jim Rausch points out:

"This is not going to replace corn. In that sense it will remain a niche source of biofuel. But unlike algae biodiesel or cellulosic ethanol, it's a right now thing. There's no new technology that needs to be developed to make it economical."

[Source: Discovery News]

Stillen Nissan GT-R: 620 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds (w/ video)

Stillen Nissan GT-R Targa Race Car


It's been more than six months since Stillen started working on their Nissan GT-R race car and we're happy to report it's finished and already on its way to Eastern Canada where it will compete in the Targa Newfoundland in a few weeks. Before the hopped-up GT-R was loaded on the trailer, Steve Millen and his crew took the car out to the El Toro Marine base for a few shakedown runs. Road and Track tagged along to record some performance numbers that, as you might expect, are nothing short of impressive.

Thanks to a huge list of performance parts, the Stillenized GT-R produces 620 horsepower at 15psi from its dual turbochargers. Perhaps more importantly, several hundred pounds have been removed thanks to a stripped interior, lots of carbon fiber body components and lightweight racing seats. The extra power and weight savings results in a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a 1/4 mile pass in a mere 11.0 seconds at 127.9 mph. Lateral grip is a gut-clenching 1.1g.


[Source: Stillen]

STILLEN GT-R Targa Race Car

Performance Numbers (As Set Up For 2009 Targa Rally)
  • Horsepower: ~620 @ 15psi (91 Octane Pump Gas)
  • 0-60mph: 2.9 seconds **
  • 1/4 Mile: 11.0 seconds at 127.9mph **
  • 0-130mph: 11.4 seconds **
  • Lateral Grip: 1.1G+ **
** (as tested by Road & Track)

Engine
  • STILLEN Downpipes
  • STILLEN Secondary Cat-Delete Y-Pipe
  • STILLEN Race Exhaust w/Center Rear Exit
  • STILLEN Intake System w/K&N Filters
  • Turbosmart e-Boost Street 2-Stage Electronic Boost Controller
  • Turbosmart Dual Port Blow Off Valves
  • COBB Tuning AccessPORT
  • Dodson Motorsports Transmission Cooler
  • Red Line High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil – 0W40
  • Red Line High Performance Synthetic Gear Oil – 75W140
  • Red Line WaterWetter

Suspension
  • High Performance Coil-Overs – Adjustable Bump & Rebound, Ride Height – Eibach Race Springs
  • STILLEN Adjustable Sway Bars
  • STILLEN Adjustable Endlinks
Brakes / Tires
  • STILLEN / AP Racing Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotor Upgrade
  • STILLEN / AP Racing Brake Pads
  • STILLEN Brake Cooling Package
  • STILLEN Stainless Steel Brake Lines
  • AP Racing PRF High Performance Brake Fluid
  • Bridgestone RE070R 255/40ZRF20 Front Tires
  • Bridgestone RE070R 285/35ZRF20 Rear Tires

Interior
  • STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Chromoly Roll Cage
  • STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Seat Frames
  • Status Racing Seats
  • Status Racing Harnesses
  • Monit Rally Computers
  • ChaseCam On-Board Video Camera System
  • Nordskog GPS Speedometer (KPH)
Exterior

STILLEN Urethane Front Lip Spoiler
STILLEN Urethane Side Skirts
STILLEN Urethane Front Canards
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Custom Race Hood
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Wing
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Radiator Shroud
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber NACA Ducts
Password:JDM AeroCatch Flush Mounting Plates
APR Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors
BASF Carizzma Orange Sherbet Pearl Paint

Asian chefs create unreal life-size F1 car from bread

Asia's Largest race car made from bread
Asia's Largest race car made from bread
Asia's Largest race car made from bread


We know what you're thinking, and we agree – if there's one thing that we just can't seem to accept in modern Formula One racing, it's the distinct lack of edible race cars. Fortunately, that minor niggle is currently being remedied by the Culinary Executive Chef from the Royal Plaza On Scotts in Singapore, who led a team of six chefs, two artists, two technicians, two culinary staff members and five young volunteers from Metta Welfare Association to create bake the machine you see in the gallery below: Asia's Largest Race Car Made From Bread. We wonder... is there some other bread-based race car vying for the world record?

According to Klik.tv, there are a thousand individual loaves and 22 different types of bread in the life-size F1 car. More numbers: it took 33 pounds of yeast, 14 liters of water, 4.4 pounds of salt and nearly three gallons of varnish to finish this delightful creation. We bet it's the best smelling race car ever.

[Source: Klik.tv]

Techart tunes the 2010 Porsche Boxster and Cayman

TechArt, specialized in tuning Porsche cars, has released a new package for both the latest 2010 Porsche Boxster and the 2010 Porsche Cayman. The package features a new bodykit, daytime running lights, stiffer springs, as well as carbon-fiber cabin enhancements.

Bodywork includes a front spoiler, body colored spoiler lip, a rear diffuser and oversized GT wing, and sporty side skirts. TechArt optimized the aerokits in a wind tunnel which is tested to helpe increase the downforce at multiple points on the car, including at the back where a rigid rear spoiler and apron help keep the car on the road at high speeds.

Both cars' exhaust systems also add a sporty touch to the rear design, with two round exhaust tailpipes in glossy or black chrome now available. Other modifications include 19 or 20 inch forged aluminum wheels that keep the brakes visible, stiffer suspension springs and a suspension lowering kit that can drop either model by up to 30mm. Automatically adjusting daytime lights also dim when a turn signal is switched on.

Inside, TechArt uses one of a pair of carbon interiors in tandem with aluminum pedals, three-spoke steering wheel, and lit entry sills. The company also offers a wide variety of customized interiors that use any number of leather materials, colors, and seams.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Nice sub in the back



Subwoofer: Rainbow Vanadium 8"
AMP: MDS GP4

2010 VW Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California Facelift revealed Ahead of Frankfurt

Volkswagen has revealed details of its facelifted 2010 T5 Van line-up that comprises of the Transporter van, Mutlivan, Caravelle people carrier and the California campervan, all of which will head to Frankfurt Motor Show and then go on sale in the middle of October. The vehicles get a new refined exterior and interior design plus significant advances in comfort, safety and refinement.

Under the hood, Volkswagen promises the engines will be quieter, more economical, and more efficient with lower emissions. A range of 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail TDI engines are available, with power outputs of 84 HP and 220 Nm of torque, 102 HP with 250 Nm, 140 HP with 340 Nm, and 180 HP with 400 Nm. All of them comply with the latest Euro Five standards.

On the outside, the T5 models have been reshaped to look like current Polo, Golf and Scirocco. A new exterior sports more aerodynamic door mirrors, revised front grille and new headlamps. In addition, the Caravelle, Multivan and California also get new rear light clusters and chrome side trims. A choice of 16-inch, 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels is included.

Inside, there are a Dynaudio sound system, touch-screen satellite navigation, a USB interface, fully automatic air conditioning, the new three-spoke design steering wheel and stylish new instrument lay out.

Other new features include a new generation ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), hill-start assistance and hazard lights warning during emergency braking, Volkswagen's Side Assist lane change system that was first seen in the Touareg and warns the driver of anything in the vehicle's blind spot, and a new tyre monitor display (TMD).

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

2010 Bmw 320d EfficientDynamics Edition headed to Frankfurt Motor Show, sales for Europe only

BMW has announced that its new 2010 Bmw 320d EfficientDynamics Edition will be debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. And then go on sale in Europe in January 2010. Pricing should also be similar to the 320d SE, which starts at 26,680 pounds sterling ($44,000).

Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine generating 120 kW/163 hp and peak torque of 360 Newton-metres/265 lb-ft all the way from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. All that power helps the car sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 8.2 seconds while the top speed is limited at 225 km/h or 140 mph.

As for the economy data, the 320d easily overcomes the 2010 Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h. With an impressive fuel consumption of just 4.1 litres diesel/100 kilometres (equal to 68.9 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 109 grams per kilometre in the EU test cycle, it’s regarded as the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission car in BMW’s current model range.

As the name ‘EfficientDynamics’ speaking, the vehicle strictly accords with BMW's EfficientDynamics program. A range of technologies serving to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions are included, such as: regenerative brakes, Auto Start/Stop for the engine, the gearshift point indicator which tells the driver in good time when to shift gears in the interest of optimum efficiency and the EPS Electronic Power Steering to obtain the maximum efficiency.

Engineers also fitted a dual-mass flywheel and Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber mounts to the engine to quell vibrations and a lowered suspension to improve performance as well as efficiency.

The car also comes with the new Aero wheel rims in turbine wheel design , shown also on the brand new 2010 Bmw X6 Hybrid, which improve the level of aerodynamics to an even higher standard.

When it goes on sale in Germany, Italy, France and Spain, the engine and the entire car will get even higher standard of efficiency, optimised aerodynamics, an extra-long final drive ratio, and an innovative two-mass flywheel incorporating a centrifugal-force pendulum will be included.